The politics of death

Re: My Life, My Death, John Moore, Oct. 17. Like John Moore, I too watched a member of my family die a slow and undignified death. It is not only about pain management, but also about the devastating realization that one loses all control of bodily functions.

It is true that certain people selfrighteously believe their views trump everyone else’s; they think they have the absolute right to decide this very personal decision on behalf of others. However, Mr. Moore is wrong to categorize people by their electoral choices. I believe Stephen Harper, like a lot of Conservatives, would agree with his position. Unlike Justin Trudeau, whose proclamation on the pro-choice issue now denies certain Liberals the right to vote openly within the party, I think Mr. Harper is a little more mindful of his responsibilities to his party members.

This issue, like abortion, is the third rail of politics and not an easy problem with which to deal.

Carol Joseph, Burlington, Ont. As we move toward the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, it should be noted that those who oppose this legalization based on something other than religious belief are few and far between. Why? Because the only truly satisfying argument for why suffering should be endured and not run away from is that suffering has a mysterious, potent, immeasurable value ever since Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Further, without the Christian belief that God ordains our birth, the events of our life and the time and manner of our death, it is difficult to convince those in pain that we should not legalize euthanasia. Improved palliative care is a very good idea, but such a policy does not help those who suffer deeply with finding meaning and even hope in their pain.

Carolyn Fusina, Toronto.