News-Record.com

"This is the future of the socialized medicine that Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and the Democrats wish to impose on us."

So what's your issue with this. It's plain that the Dems want to move more and more towards a socialistic society to where the people become totally depended upon government and that way the goverment can keep the people on a short leash while they improve thier elitist lot.

Doug:

Oregon's assisted suicide law was a (heated) topic of conversation at a recent family gathering. Those supporting it pointed to the safeguards that are supposed to be in place to ensure that only the terminally ill are eligible. A recent survey that I read, however, indicates, that those safeguards are being ignored, and that folks who are not terminally ill, but who are very depressed and have other issues are being approved for the program.

I did not read Cal's article, but I know that he is a devoted Catholic and takes the churches' teachings seriously, including the sanctity of human life. I also believe, like many others, that Oregon's assisted suicide program devalues life by making it possible for one to take one's life with the help of others when one reaches point where one believes that life is no longer "worth living".

I also see this as a "slippery slope" issue, where euthenasia becomes more and more appealing either because of infirmities or the cost of medical treatment. Indeed there are some pretty radical statements out there from so-called "ethicists" who believe, for example, that infanticide within the first few months of life should be legal.

We also know that it is hugely expensive to care for the sick elderly in the last few months of life. Under a system where health care is rationed based on things like cost, quality of life, and projected life span it is not difficult to imagine that those with a dire prognosis may not be treated. We need only look to the Oregon plan for proof of this.

Since most of my family has died of cancer, at a very old age. I am sure many of them, prayed to die many times. If I had the right to make to make this decision, my mother would have left this earth days early. My father was bed ridden for 4 years with this. I heard him say many times, he wished he could die. My uncle was like a baby the last several years of his life, on a feeding tube, and helpless. I think this should be family decision. Now my question his, who would believe a word Obama says, he changes his position every day. Sometimes twice a day. Doug, you did not seem to mind when, Jessie wanted to cut Obama nuts out! It all depends on who says it. Cal is more than likely right. I notice the liberal press has not jump on Obama oil plan, tune up your car, does this guy not know, you do not tune cars anymore!

Doug:

While I am sympathetic to the plight of your family and others, I think the Shiavo fiasco demonstrated the problem with making it a "family decision" in that family members may have their own motives.

I also think that there is an important distinction to be made between one refusing treatment to keep one alive, and doctors giving you drugs to kill you. The former is consistent with human dignity; the later, if you take the Hypocratic oath seriously, or any number of other ethical perspectives, is not.

Cal kind of didn't mention what the patient's views were. He made it seem like the state was mandating the patient's death.