Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Give Me Liberty At My Death
I think the issue of the "Right to Suicide" is really an issue of the "right to have someone kill you." I'm saying this because, well, who cares if it's legal to kill yourself? Are you afraid that you would be prosecuted and go to jail for killing yourself? I mean, if you want to do it, go for it. I don't think it's right, but hey, the law can't stop you. What can they do to you after you're dead? So it's not really about my right to kill "myself", it must be about another person's right to kill me if I tell them I want them to. You know, if you are paralized or incapable of doing it yourself. It's interesting that in this society alot of our "issues" center around our desire to have the right to end ours or other's lives. What's up with that? I haven't really thought too deeply about this, but it just seems amazing to me that we even have this subject as a major issue.
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I think a lot of our society's issues involve being able to control everything about our lives and the denial of any other outside assistance or influence(God)having control on us.
I would agree (about the control issue). It is a complicated issue for several reasons, though (although for me almost everything can be made into a complex issue).
I think it really does come down to whether an individual has the right to decide when they (themselves) die. Of course, in this context where they would need assistance, there are other people involved, but I think that is really just a side issue.
There are various people who have to make decisions on whether or not a given person will die all the time; some are doctors who are prioritizing treatment of patients (whether or not they are "savable", organ donation recipient candidates, etc), and others are in other professions (soldiers, etc).
So if it's just an issue of whether it's *ever* OK for someone else to participate (either actively or in the decision process) of a person dying, it would seem that the clearest and most acceptable case would be when the dying person has already communicated their agreement, considering that there are already many situations in which we (society) condone it without the dyings consent.
So, in my mind, it really is just a matter of deciding whether it's OK for a person to decide that they (themselves) should die, and like you said, once they're dead, it doesn't matter if that's legal or not. It's kind of like seat belt or helmet laws (for adults); if you're dumb enough to ride without them, the consequence is your punishment, we don't need extra laws trying to tack on punishments for the people who are lucky enough not to get hurt.
I think it really does come down to whether an individual has the right to decide when they (themselves) die. Of course, in this context where they would need assistance, there are other people involved, but I think that is really just a side issue.
There are various people who have to make decisions on whether or not a given person will die all the time; some are doctors who are prioritizing treatment of patients (whether or not they are "savable", organ donation recipient candidates, etc), and others are in other professions (soldiers, etc).
So if it's just an issue of whether it's *ever* OK for someone else to participate (either actively or in the decision process) of a person dying, it would seem that the clearest and most acceptable case would be when the dying person has already communicated their agreement, considering that there are already many situations in which we (society) condone it without the dyings consent.
So, in my mind, it really is just a matter of deciding whether it's OK for a person to decide that they (themselves) should die, and like you said, once they're dead, it doesn't matter if that's legal or not. It's kind of like seat belt or helmet laws (for adults); if you're dumb enough to ride without them, the consequence is your punishment, we don't need extra laws trying to tack on punishments for the people who are lucky enough not to get hurt.
# posted by 
: 10:22 AM
: 10:22 AM
but I think that people want a law to protect the person who does the deed if the person who wants to die can't do it themselves. if they don't have the law then it would be pretty hard to find helpers, i guess. or else why would it even be an issue? i mean, suicide has always been "illegal". how dumb is that?
unfortunately, i'm stupid enough to ride my bike with out a helmet.
unfortunately, i'm stupid enough to ride my bike with out a helmet.
I was actually just talking about motorcycles on that one; I don't think bicycles are as big of a deal for helmets. I've had some pretty serious bicycle incidents in my day, and I still don't necessarily think helmets should be required by law on that kind of bike.
Of course, I wear one now, but I never did until just the last few years.
Of course, I wear one now, but I never did until just the last few years.
# posted by : 10:15 PM
: 10:15 PM
If you are under 18 you must wear a helmet. That's to protect kids from neglegent parents. If you are over 18 you can choose.
Anyway, I was just kidding about being stupid. I'm actually really smart!
No really! I am! I just don't like wearing a helmet because I doesn't "go" with my bike outfit.
Anyway, I was just kidding about being stupid. I'm actually really smart!
No really! I am! I just don't like wearing a helmet because I doesn't "go" with my bike outfit.
Do you have the leotards that you ride in and everything? Funny, MamaJ, I never thought of you to be a 90%lycra 10% spandex girl. You just surprise me more and more!
By the way, no one believed you when you said you were stupid.
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By the way, no one believed you when you said you were stupid.
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