I testified today, at the State House, to support of L.D. 347: the “Death with Dignity” bill; an intelligent and compassionate bill sponsored by my friend, Senator Roger Katz. Not surprisingly, the hearing was well attended. I favored a similar measure in 2015 that failed by one, single vote.

Recently, I rented “Solace” – an Anthony Hopkins murder-mystery movie. The dog and I only get to enjoy grim, creepy movies (and anchovies) when the wife is out for the evening with friends.

(Spoiler alert:) Hopkins’ character, Dr. Clancy, is a retired physician with psychic powers, distraught after losing his daughter to leukemia. He’s withdrawn into a cloistered, withdrawal from the world. A former homicide detective friend entices him back into a case involving a serial killer – and the plot evolves from there.

We learn that Clancy indeed had a hand in hastening his daughter’s relentless deathbed suffering. In a final scene, reconciling with his estranged wife and his guilt, a voice-over laments: “Sometimes the greatest acts of love, are the hardest acts to commit.”

Should fate ever deal me a conclusive hand, and my demise was imminent, I’d hope to be wearing warm socks, enjoying a measure of Kentucky’s finest. Surrounded by loved ones (if any) – and perhaps assemble a small, robed choir – poised to perform “Hey Jude” as a fitting finale.

This morning’s opponents of L.D. 347 referred (repeatedly) to “a slippery slope.” Rather, I believe it to be a courageous “uphill battle”– waged by enlightened, thoughtful men and women moving toward a better place where the terminally afflicted might, at long last, find the merciful peace and eternal rest we all deserve at the end of our lives.

Respectfully, I urge the Legislature to concur.

Buddy Doyle

Gardiner


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