Letter to the Editor
by John Powers

A LOOK AT SUICIDE

To many, the word euthanasia is merely a polite way of saying suicide. Not so. The dictionary tells us euthanasia is from the Greek eu’ or "well" and thanatos "death". Suicide is from the Latin sui’ "of oneself" and caedere’ "kill".

Suicide denotes the ridiculous notion of criminal conduct, which to this writer should cover only those serious suicides who fail. (Nothing in our Constitution forbids one from being a fool or an idiot – in fact, it encourages it). But euthanasia today in America connotes, depending upon circumstances and intentions, murder, manslaughter, or at least criminal negligence – perhaps leaving a bottle of pills within reach of one who wishes to die.

‘Red’ China had the right idea with the "one child only" without penalty. But with the U.S. and China refusing to sign the Kyoto Protocols, the same greedy, theocratic dictates will also keep "suicide" a very dirty word. Population explosion effects currently in those place least able to cope due to government oppression or absence, and land destruction. Viruses we can’t imagine will inherit our ever perfected humanity-toxic world. How about an ebola which keeps the person alive to spread itself directly, or untreatable AIDS (already here).

Now, what about the personal effects of suicide? Those who have people (usually family) to care about, and/or an occupation and hobbies to fill their life rarely think of suicide, unless depression is involved. But, if one is ill, or looking forward to a life of decreasing abilities, burdensome relations with friends, family, and strangers, suicide in this writers opinion becomes a clear option.

Medicare saves billions through legalized abortion, though it does not pay for abortion, in fact, does everything it can to make abortion unthinkable. Suicide laws should be repealed for those who attempt suicide in a sincere, rational, way. Suicide saves millions and could save billions, if legal, in Medicare bills.

Because suicide can be "messy", there should be suicide "hotels", or "resorts", farms, whatever the name. It should be legal. For Medicare to pay for a "last wish" or vacation for suicides would still save the government billions.

Fortunately, there is little a government can do to prevent suicide, any more than it can prevent drug traffic. Of course, the treatment of depression should be an official outreach program, but labeling all those who think of a suicidal person as automatically depressed (an AMA position) must be changed.

Free, rational people, taking into consideration the affects of old age which can mask informed consent, or those smart enough to put suicide language into a ‘living will’, should have their choice respected. It is a birthright option for all free people.