The Hemlock Society

[Billy Optimist]

I was wondering what everybody thought taking ones own life. I don't mean suicide because of depression, but like, the belief that you have the right to decide for yourself when its time to go. I don't want to get alzheimers, and unless there is a signifigant breakthrough, it is a pointless fight. If I can't fight, then I think I'm justified in drinking hemlock. What about everyone else?? I am not suicidal, just thinking about my old age. Please don't worry.

[SuperXO]

I agree with Billy. It is so sad to think that people might have to live in pain when they oculd be easily cured of that pain if that is what they choose. I am liberal, so I never believe that anyone should tell you what you should do for your own life or health, if it doesn't affect their well-being. In the case of euthanasia, it might make others sad, but really your choice doesn't hurt anyone else. I would definitely do it.

Now, here's a twist that I discussed in a class on euthanasia: what if your sister hade debilitating multiple sclerosis for many years, wanted to die, always depressed and unable to do anything for herslef, etc. , etc. She is unable even to cause her own death, which she really, really has thought long and hard about and would like to do. She needs your help because her hands are too twisted and painful to even turn the cap on a bottle of pills. Do you help her do what would make her happy?

[dc1]

I am all for the choice to take one's own life... who am I (or anyone) to tell someone that they HAVE TO LIVE... come on!

As far as helping... that's a question I couldn't answer until the time came to.

By the way, what's up with all the "jumpers" that hang from overpasses on the freeways? Here (Phoenix) that happens alot.. I would just think that if they were gonna do it, they would do it.. maybe a cry for help? What are your thoughts on that?

[Billy Optimist]

I think you should help here. Death comes to all things, theres no escaping that. If death could be her libarator to the prison of pain that is her life, you should help set her free. If you cannot bring yourself to actively take a part, you could sort of let a situation take place, maybe take a limtied part in setting up a situation with poetentional (not the same thing as doing it) and just look the way and let her die.