I sympathize with Norman Morse, who would like to end his life because of declining health but is prevented from receiving a physician’s assistance because of the law in Maine (“Choosing when to go,” July 10).

Laws against physician-assisted suicide are just one example of government intrusion into our private lives. Other examples include drug use (I can legally drink alcohol, but cannot legally smoke marijuana), whom and how many others one can marry (same-sex marriage has been derided by M.D. Harmon as counterfeit, and practically no one defends polygamy) and prostitution.

We may talk about “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” but in reality there are too many nosy parkers in our midst.

William Vaughan Jr.
Chebeague Island  

I agree with Norman Morse’s decision and right to leave this life for the next one on his own terms. I also agree with his interpretation of what “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” implies, as cited in our nation’s Declaration of Independence. Having enjoyed all three, he, at 91 years of age, should be able to enjoy a peaceful, painless death as an American entitlement.

I also wholeheartedly concur with Mr. Morse that an entire industry — not just physicians — is making “a lot of money keeping seriously ill and elderly people alive.” For instance, since the age of 49 (I’m now 65), I have been inundated with sales pitches of all types from entities such as AARP, prescription drug plans, medical plans and services, senior and assisted-living facilities, etc. The list of these forced-life franchises goes on and on. Besides reminding me of my own advancing years, I view the whole thing as damned intrusive in general.

Advertisement

What happened to the right to die in one’s own bed with your boots on?

I hope that, as my stay here nears its end, I will have the courage to refuse ridiculous life-prolonging medical treatment and to die with some dignity. I don’t know if I would be as courageous as Mr. Morse, however, but I am thankful that he is bringing this subject to the forefront.

Beverly Fox Martin
Harpswell  

I am a doctor in Oregon, where physician-assisted suicide is legal. This letter is in response to Kelley Bouchard’s article, “Choosing when to go.”

In my practice, I have discussed assisted suicide with more than a dozen patients. One of the first was a man in a wheelchair with a progressive form of multiple sclerosis. He told me that if it got too much worse, he might want to “just end it.” I answered that he seemed to be asking for assistance with his suicide. He nodded affirmatively.

I told him that I could understand his fear and his frustration, and even his belief that assisted suicide might be a good path for him. At the same time, I told him that should he become sicker or weaker, I would work to give him the best care and support available. I told him that no matter how debilitated he might become, that, at least to me, his life was, and would always be, inherently valuable. As such, I would not recommend, nor could I participate in his assisted suicide. “Thank you,” he said.

Advertisement

When a person says “I want to die,” it may simply mean “I feel useless.” When a person says “I don’t want to be a burden,” it may really be a question: “Am I a burden?” When someone says “I might as well be dead,” they may really be saying “No one cares about me.”

In essence, we are not islands. How we respond can either reflect the inherent worth of the person requesting suicide or cause the person even deeper desperation. Patients can even feel pressured to proceed.

As such, in Oregon, legal assisted suicide has undermined trust in the motives of both physicians and family. Under our law, there is no assurance that the deaths are voluntary. Don’t make our mistake.

Dr. William L. Toffler
Portland, Ore.  

At age 73 and having a wish to be able to have a say in my end of life, I read with interest your article on Norman Morse. After 11 years, is it time to bring the end-of-life question back to the ballot?

Giving people the choice at the end of their lives is not something to fear. Look at Oregon’s record — there have been only a small number of assisted suicides performed. I would like to have that option.

Advertisement

The opposition of health agencies is expected. They make a lot of money keeping us alive.

Arline O’Reilly
South Portland  

The article about Norman Morse in the Maine Sunday Telegram highlights the concern of many individuals as they age.

While I agree with Mr. Morse’s assertion that “It’s none of the government’s business to interfere with medically assisted suicide,” your writers should check facts before going to print.

While Mr. Morse may feel that he is entitled to certain rights, the statement concerning “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” appears in the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution, and is not a right granted therein.

Does anyone edit this paper?

Advertisement

Anthony Rerrick
South Portland 

Compass Project on target, but safety comes up short

I certainly applaud the goals of the Compass Project (“Teams build boats, more,” July 9). But why aren’t those children with the power drills wearing safety glasses? One stray wood chip and a child could lose an eye.

“Safety first” would be a valuable part of their boat-building experience — the safety glasses should be on before they touch the tools.

I used to work for a company that made industrial safety equipment, so maybe I’m more sensitive about this than other people. But wouldn’t it be better to take no chances and to make the children wear the safety glasses?

Janice Lindsay
Damariscotta

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.