Runner,

I'm with you on abortion because the victim of abortion has no say in the matter, and I am not convinced that the abortee is a 'thing'; I do, however, believe that adult individuals should have control over their own lives and deaths.

Referring to you comments about Nitschke, I won't remark on your opinions of him but,as someone who has been a member of his organisation, I can say that there is no CONVENIENT, NON-FRIGHTENING, PLEASANT way to kill yourself LEGALLY in Australia. The only sure-fire way of ILLEGALLY doing away with your self easily is with with a drug used by vets to put down animals. All Exit International will do is tell you where to get it from overseas. If you import it, you commit a criminal act, and if caught, you may be prosecuted. To give them their due EI, does tell people this; they also tell you that you might get a bottle of water instead of the drug (same price of course), but it can be tested so you don't have a dud way out in the cupboard down the track if you decide to see yourself off. There is nothing bad or evil about Nitschke or his organisation, but people thinking that joining up will help them without fuss into the arms of the Angels will be disappointed.

Even if God-impersonating politicians listened to the people, as they are supposed to, there would be so much beaurocracy involved, people wanting euthanasia would die naturally while waiting for the green light.

continued

She hadn't worn glasses for so long that the little dents on the sides of the bridge had disappeared. She used to rub her nose so the dents would go away when she took off her glasses. He saw the lashes. They were whiter than the chalky skin. The fine hair was neatly brushed. White sheets, white blanket, chalky skin, silky white hair, pale lips around a black hole, black nostril openings. He saw them as he would those of a dentist. He saw the long white hairs on the chin (if she had been aware of them, she would have been horrified), the slight bulge under the blanket and the arthritic hand clutching a roll of cloth. White and black. For years he had thought of his Mother as already dead.”

My wife’s mother became a widow and then had had a stroke which affected one side. She managed to get onto the roof and jumped. It was winter in Norway, and she landed in a heap of snow. Although injured she survived. She also should have been helped to die.
I am now 91 with no medical condition except hay fever. When I start to lose it I think I would like to have something available to peacefully end my existence at a time of my choice.

My wife and I belong to the voluntary euthanasia society which works to make that possible.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/people/538537?c=people

I think runner and Nitschke both have a strong sense of ethics. One problem is that people with a strong sense of ethics sometimes are unwilling to admit that those whose ethics differ from theirs are also ethical.

I do actually have some sympathy for your position David f. Having seen the dishonest butchers who in America have sold unborn babies body parts I don't have faith in humanity like you.

Dear runner,

Thanks for your opinions. Much appreciated.

Dear ttbn,

Thank You for your concerns and suggestions. Unfortunately,
my mum does have dementia. She's had brain scans and its
been confirmed. I was referring to her improvement as
a result of her falls - not her dementia. I realise that
there's no improvement for that. However, I try to keep
her active (as does the nursing home) with being involved
in the various programs they have there. She loves music
therapy. I bought the nursing home several Andre Rieu
dvds - one especially was very popular amongst the
residents - including mum - entitled - "Home for Christmas."

Dear David F.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us.
Your writing is very moving and powerful. It has given me
a great deal to think about. I don't know what lies ahead.
I guess I shall have to deal with that situation as it arises.
For now, my mum seems to be doing all right - she does react to my visits. And is always happy to see me.
We'll see how she does in the future. I love her very much, and I
do want to do what is best for her. I would hate to make the
wrong decision though as to what she really wants. She's never
mentioned wanting to die though.

Dear David F.,

I've met Philip Nitschke and heard him speak on
several occasions. He scares me. And I'm not sure
whether I'd want his help to end my life. Or that
of anyone else. He struck me as being a bit too
passionate about his work.

Dear runner,

I feel there is a spark of decency and compassion in every human being. It may be hard to bring it out, but I think it’s there.

In war time every country makes propaganda to make the enemy sound so bad that people feel it’s right to destroy them. That sort of propaganda exists in peacetime, too. I am sceptical when I hear that kind of story, but apparently the sale of body parts of foetuses is something that happened and is happening.

http://www.snopes.com/fetal-tissue-sales/

Dear Foxy,

I have also met Philip Nitschke, and his intensity frightens me. I doubt that I would have reached 91 if I contained that much passion.

One of my heroes is the passionate John Brown who fought against slavery. He was hanged for treason. He was so devoted to his cause that he would not put butter on his bread. He regarded that as an indulgence that would divert funds that might be used in the fight against slavery.

Presiding over his hanging was Robert E. Lee who turned out to be a much bigger traitor leading an army against his country fighting for slavery. He died laden with honours. Like a corporation too big to fail he was not punished in any way for his great crimes.