Appointing ‘executioners’

Re: In Wake Of Ruling, Who Does The Killing?, Feb. 11. The justices of the Supreme Court of Canada, the only Canadians allowed to vote on assisted suicide, have left operational details to medical associations and governments. You cite Dr. John Turnbull, who asks, “Who’s actually going to do it — is there some sort of executioner class of people?”

Given the court’s assumption of democratic authority, it should also appoint the people for this role. More Supreme Court rulings like this and we can do away with the burden of electing governments — and just do as we’re told.

Peter Kaldas, Toronto. Re: Ending The Dignity Lottery, Jonathan Kay, Feb. 10. Jonathan Kay points out those questioning the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision to allow assisted suicide may do so because of a religious belief that the spark of life is a gift of God, and we have a duty to do our utmost to protect and preserve it.

But is this, as he claims, an “outdated, existential superstition” we should happily abandon? It was religious belief in the dignity of all God-given life that impelled William Wilberforce in the drive to abolish slavery, inspired Rev. Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement and motivated Mother Teresa to work with the destitute of Calcutta.

It is unnecessary and foolish to pour scorn on Christian faith that continues to be the driving conviction for amazing humanitarian endeavours around the globe.

Edward Field, Langley, B.C. Jonathan Kay’s proud words against religiously motivated respect for life reminded me of the simple words of my aged aunt. I asked what had motivated her parents in the wartime Netherlands to hide several young men from the German occupiers. In particular, I asked, on the basis of his surname, whether one of them might have been Jewish. ?

She replied, “My boy, I don’t know. If they were human and they were in danger, we took them in.”

What moved my grandparents was a simple Christian faith. On the basis of that “existential superstition,” they risked their lives and those of their children to save a few young men from slave labour camps and the ovens of Auschwitz.

Those of us who fear the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling lack Mr. Kay’s sanguine trust the spark of life in old and disabled people will be as safe in the brave new world he champions as they are in a world that continues to respect my grandparents’ faith.

Jacob P. Ellens, Camden East, Ont.