against the bill here, etc. It was a hell of a fight.

If we are going to support free will, this is crucial. Most of us fear the idea of suffering in pain our last few months. When there is no hope for cure, why are we forced to prolong our lives beyond our wishes? Modern medicine can do a lot, but we will all die sometime of something, and I'm damned if I want a few extra months of pain and expense.

There are, of course, other countries that are well ahead of us.

I think it's a patient's rights issue and the options should be numerous.

If it weren't for rabid religious opposition to right-to-die legislation, there would be no need for this kind of fight. Religion, or the quaintly named "faith community" deserves no credit for any progress made on this issue, when it is and has always been the primary impediment.

That's what religion does to people that nothing else can or does-makes them absolutely determined to force other people to live (and die) according to their moral code, even though they don't share it. A code imposed (they claim) by a "god" whose existence they cannot demonstrate and whose wishes they could not possibly be sure of in any case.

Brilliant post.

Nothing. He said nothing at all about it. But he did talk much about forgiveness, and not judging.

Some Christians interpret the Sixth Commandment against murder as being applicable to suicide also. That is one way that the Old Testament can be viewed, but Jesus talked about replacing the old covenant with the new.

I personally see assisted suicide as a merciful act, and an act of kindness.

opposite positions.

As usual, I'm going to support those that use an interpretation I agree with and object to those that use an interpretation that I don't agree with.

That goes for all kinds of interpretations, be they religious or not.

-strong proponent of dying with dignity-

confirmation bias in action, but I feel that it is more a support of freedom over compulsion. I prefer to lean toward "personal freedom to act" as long as that freedom does not inhibit the freedom of others.

Or, do unto others, as someone once said.

This becomes exceedingly complicated on a case by case basis, as family members can have wildly different ideas about a persons right to die.

Living wills - very, very important.

Something religion excels at.