Re: “,” June 12 Ellen Goodman column
Ellen Goodman’s column about the new California physician-assisted suicide law and the release of the movie “Me Before You” bring to the forefront so-called “death with dignity.”
It troubles me to think that because someone is handicapped or suffering a serious illness, itap somehow OK to end one’s life, whether self-inflicted or assisted by a physician (isn’t it their job to heal and do no harm?). Why has it become acceptable for a life to become disposable just because itap difficult? Our limitations and handicaps don’t define us, nor should we allow our infirmities to overshadow our inherent value (all lives matter).
God made us to share our gifts and care for each other, which does not include terminating life prematurely. True compassion comes in caring for loved ones, especially when they’re suffering (part of the human condition). Time to put you before me.
Kitty Nierling, Centennial
Ellen Goodman’s column misses the point about aid in dying. Itap not the “one in 500,” itap the “one.” Itap the “one” whose existential or physical pain is unbearable — the “one” person who doesn’t share Goodman’s faith that an induced coma is an adequate end-of-life choice. That “one” terminal, competent person could be you, or me or a loved one.
And though an end-of-life choice law was passed in California, in Colorado our legislature has not had the kind of courage or compassion that would protect choices for a small minority of their citizens. So here, Yes on Colorado End-of-Life Options is mounting a ballot initiative. Petition circulators are out seeking support to give Coloradans a choice — a choice many in medicine and religion would not want us to have. But they, too, would have a choice to participate or not. Letap give that choice to everyone in the state.
More than 65 percent of Colorado voters support end-of-life options and believe that every “one” can make his or her own choice.
Sign the petition. Then vote “yes” on on the initiative this fall.
Ken Williams, Bellvue
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