Re: Euthanasia

Apr 08, 2015

On the back page of the March 19th issue of the Frontenac News was a Letter to the editor. This is unusual I thought, and I noticed it was written by my neighbour, Jule Koch, so I read it. I am very glad that I did even though it left me feeling unsettled and uncertain as I head into my “golden years”. The fact that the letter appeared on the back page, in fact, speaks volumes. Jule’s question was: “Why have there been no protests or marches in response to the Supreme Court's decision on Feb.6th this year to legalize doctor-assisted suicide?”

This is what I believe. When we opened the Pandora’s Box and allowed legalized abortion at the beginning of life, would it not be reasonable to assume that before long legally killing a person at the end of their life would soon follow? The implications and possible applications of this new law are numerous and frightening as the letter suggested. Are you a lonely voice crying out in the wilderness Jule? No, I think what we are seeing here is another example of apathy. There are others who would agree with you but remain silent rather than stir things up. Every night on the evening news we are confronted with the culture of “death” at work everywhere in the world. Have we become desensitized by the constant bombarding of gruesome images? I think the answer is yes. As I contemplate my “ golden years” I have to wonder, “What kind of world am I leaving for my grandchildren?”

Pamela Giroux