Euthanasia is addressed in “The Bag Lady War,” with varying responses from my readers. Today, November 30, 2008, in the Medford, Oregon, Mail Tribune appeared the following Letter to the Editor.
I wrote this letter three months after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, with instructions to my personal representative (named in my will) to forward it to you upon my death.
I enrolled under Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act in order to have assisted suicide as an option in the event that my situation warrants it. I am (mostly) asymptomatic, in good spirits, active and enjoying each day to the fullest. I am not depressed, confused, or afraid of dying.
While I have made peace with death, there are end-of-life possibilities related to my condition that would be, to me, unimaginable horrors that I want to avoid at all costs. Even though I may not end up exercising the option of assisted suicide, knowing that it is an option is supremely comforting.
I am thankful that I have a way to arrange a peaceful, painless, dignified exit at the time of my own choosing, if the need arises, with the absolute option to opt out.
Whether I chose to implement the act or not, I applaud the voters of Oregon for having the wisdom to support this unique law. You recognized that we can be trusted to make these final decisions clearly, freely, and in con- cert with our loved ones and our medical providers. Thank you for that priceless gift.
Rich Cole, Talent, OREDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Cole used the Death with Dignity Act and died on Nov. 18, 2008.
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61.4%
34.1%
4.5%
0.0%
Results of previous survey: What sentence should be given to robber who kills the man of the house during a burglary, leaving the man’s widow and young children destitute?
4.5% responded that the burglar will pay his debt to society with his time in prison. Life isn’t fair.
0% responded that if he pays restitution to the widow while he is in prison, he should get a reduced sentence.
27% responded that he should pay restitution until the victim’s last child reaches the age of 18 to get a reduced sentence. Default of payment sends him back to prison.
68% agreed with the terms in the above choice, adding his purchase of a term life insurance policy on the widow to benefit her children if she dies before the last child reaches the age of 18.