That's how it is, Yuyutsu - the State is obligated to protect everybody in it, even from themselves, and regardless of any little Napoleons who want to opt out of it.

OnjaBullfrog, and Ayatimtam,

My wife died six years ago next Thursday, of liver cancer, so I'm counting down and re-living the horror of each day. Yes, she was dehydrating and I knew that the custard I fed her would not really do much to keep her fluids up, the liver couldn't process food any more and any fluid would go straight into her tissues. She bore it all with incredible courage, as dying people so often do; she was more worried about the kids. As she told the doc, on a scale of 1-10, her pain was only about 4.

I think she went when she meant to go, thanks to the palliative care nurses. Every day I go through the algorithm: am I dreaming ? no. Can I do a deal with God if she exists ? Can she come back for just one day every year ? No., not going to happen. Okay, one hour ? No. Okay, one minute ? No. Never again.

I'm very proud of her, I was so lucky: she was one of only two Aboriginal people referred to by Noel Pearson in his article "Radical Hope", and always had high hopes for Indigenous success in higher education. She would be so happy to know of 36,000 graduates across the country now. 50,000 by 2020 is likely, as she always asserted it would be, even back in 2002.

We can all make a difference. But only while we're alive. It depends how we make use of our one-and-only life.

Joe

Dear Joe,

The state as it stands, perhaps all states - but that makes no difference, is an illegitimate organisation whose existence is based on violence. It might obligate itself to many things, none of which is moral: that's as if you told me that you are "obligated" to 'know' (in the biblical sense) every beautiful woman on earth: while you could consider yourself a knight in shining armour on some holy crusade, in reality you would just be a serial rapist. In any case, your grandiose ideas would obligate none of those ladies whom you feel generously obliged to deflower.

Joe it must be understood that I do not want to be kept alive in a vegative state, this should be my right and mine alone, I have already indicated life support must not be used when death is imminent, it would be useless, if you were happy with the care your wife received, that should be how it should be with yourself, I do not begrudge you the way you handled the situation, that was your decision, likewise I must be my decision at my ending.

Hi Yuyutsu,

I hadn't thought about deflowering every beautiful woman on earth, but if that's what floats your boat, go for it :)

I'm simply stating the obvious, that any modern 'State', good or bad, has the obligation for the safety and security of everybody within it, and that most certainly includes the protection of their right to life.

Hence the delegitimation of even suicide, let alone murder. I don't make the rules :(

Joe

Joe the right to life by the State, tell me where is it? killing ordinary people in any war is not any country or state protecting life , it is exterminating them, surely you agree with that? you also must agree that a person must have the right to end their own life when they feel they have had enough of severe pain and dignity loss and no hope of recovery, don't deny that right to them, it does not concern me what you do, that is your right, so have compassion for the people who wish to die by Voluntary Euthanasia to end their suffering, that is there right.

Onjab,

Yes, I've written many times that suicide should be decriminalised. I'm not sure how a person who has suicided, as you are keen to do, can be further punished - perhaps by a fine or locking their body up for a time, like three months ? If you want to do it, after support and counselling, then give it a go.

But the real issue here isn't just suicide, but 'assisted' killing, isn't it ? The involvement of other people ? Don't blur the two issues, please.

Joe