Death and Dying is indeed a controversial topic with opinions than span both sides of the spectrum. So, let us look at both sides of the spectrum here, and try to determine what the answer is when it comes to how we handle death.
Highlighting Christopher Reeve mentioned in our discussion thread was in real life a Superman, which is ironic considering he played the role of superman in more than one Hollywood movie. Having suffered complete paralysis from his fall from a horse he was not daunted but rather with incredible determination became the champion for further research in healing paralysis. I recall one amazing thing he said that changed my life, “ Even though I am paralyzed from the neck down, I see others in this world that are more paralyzed from fear then I am concerning my own paralysis.” Truly, this statement has empowered me to address my own fears even the fear of death, which is really, what this discussion is addressing.
In contrast, let us look at Dr. Death or more respectfully Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Having the unique experience of living only two blocks from his practice in Pontiac Michigan, I know his case intimately; in fact, I was present at his trial. His core belief is that a person should have freedom of choice, even concerning death a belief he was prosecuted for. I ask why is it in life we have free choice throughout life, but then taken from us when we decide that death is better than living? Some say we are playing God I say there are times when the value of life has crossed the line that death is preferable. If I am left with no value, having being reduced to diapers or no mind left and science is the only thing keeping me going I would rather cross to the other side. Who are you the Government or Church to say otherwise?
Many may disagree so let us look at another case that happened in Florida. Does anyone remember Terri Schiavo who was on life support for 15 years after she had suffered from a cardiac arrest? I will not go into full detail but provide a link to this story. In the end after fifteen years her husband and family won the case and the state allowed her feeding tube to be removed resulting in her death by starvation. I ask which is more humane Dr. Kevorkian with the consent of the patient and family to be put to death by injection that causes the patient to go into a deep sleep and then die, or the state’s decision to allow someone to starve to death, which took days.
Shame on Government laws and church indoctrinations that take away freedom of choice when it means the most concerning death. We must understand that death is part of life and to put someone on life support for years when there is no value of life left is a waste of money and furthers the grief for the surviving family. Simply it cost major amount of moneys to keep people on life support when no hope of value of life can be achieved, better use of this money should go towards say, homeless families who have the potential to providing a better future. When I no longer can contribute to society and the greater good, when I become a burden to such means I want the decision to be able to say I am ready to meet my maker.
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