As I surfed some blogs recently, I came across one that was addressing the so called "right to die by assisted suicide" controversy. This was written by a young college student who proclaimed himself as "a conservative, white, Christian male . . .".
Addressing the physical and mental condition of people living with an extremely high level of pain, and even those terminally ill and unable to care for themselves in any fashion, he says "It's morally repugnant to me and a sign of cowardice simply giving up because they're uncomfortable and therefore undignified." He groups these wretched people that need help finalizing their paradoxical existence with "a girl wishing to better her life by murdering her child" Of course, he is speaking of abortion and I won't get into that right now.
I truly hope this fellow is speaking from youthful ignorance. I would hate to think that it's his arrogant conservatism or his preferable whiteness or his religious ethics or his male superiority that is making him think in such a misguided and selfish way.
He is positioning himself as judge for those that he cannot remotely relate to. It seems to me that one's youth should be spent living, loving and learning instead of criticizing that which one knows nothing of. Life isn't found in Cliff's Notes or on any written page; only by living (hopefully long and well) and sharing will any meaning in life be found.
All I can say is: Young man, walk in the shoes of these uncomfortable and undignified folk, then you may be able to pass just a smidgen of judgment, if not on them, at least on yourself.
2 comments:
This issue is so much about the young and healthy coming up with the policy that really only affects the old and ill. And I think it is mostly a projection of their fear of death. But those close to death, often those with far less fear (not to say there isnt any), should decide.
We treat our animals with enough respect to let them die when they are suffering and have no hope of recovery... Should we not at least give people the choice to do this?
I think there is something to be said for dictating when and how you die. Not that bad if you ask me.
Bathroom Review
Amen.
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