Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear to Tread

Fools Rush in where Angels Fear to Tread
- Alexander Pope -

I have been thinking a lot about mortality lately, especially since the issue of euthanasia was brought up. Pretty soon, I am sure, this will be officially tabled at a parliament sitting.

It is obvious that the public debate is heating up. The heads of some religious organisations have firmly said no. Many doctors (thank you Hippocratic Oath!)have come forward to voice their objections against what the other camp has advocated as 'mercy killing'.

On the other side of the fence, there are also many; especially from those who are facing illnesses themselves, who are pleading that euthanasia is indeed 'merciful' for one who is so very ill.

Both camps have their reasons for their very strong views on the matter, and I can expect a lot more discussion and debate on this matter.

In one of the letters to the FP, man wrote of his father's suffering, and of his "needless pain". Much to his chagrin, he wrote "I thought the doctors were cruel and misguided by a code of OBSELETE EHICS formulated more than 2 000 years ago." He then made an impassioned plea that the goverment improve the living will to allow "patients like my father to die in comfort and in dignity if they so wish."

The second article worth mentioning is "Allowing euthanasia is no panacea". A 72-year-old woman had also made a similar plea, for she says "there comes a time when life to the elderly is meaningless...and he or she does not want it anymore."

As mortals, we know we all live on borrowed time...and we mentally can envision the sands of time slipping down the hour glass.

I have very firm views again euthanasia...I am against it.
But I want to reflect on the idea of 'choice'.
Man have come to accept that that we have absolutely no say when it comes to matters like birth....that we cannot choose not to be born, nor can we choose our parents. That's divine right.

So can we really ever choose ' to die in comfort and dignity '? If the above logic applies...we may all wish for it, ...but it is beyond our hands.

Life...is short...
No matter how long you live, there will always be things that will not be fulfilled..

All is not lost...yet.
I will pray...that should my time come, I can leave, ready to face my Creator...that I have carried out my responsibilities and obligations, and that I I have lived a meaningful life.

Dear God,
When that time comes, be merciful...Ameen