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The Right To Die
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The Right To Die |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
The right to die is more fundamental than the right to live. It is the logical conclusion to a life that was thrust upon us. It is more basic than life itself. Death is the logical end to life and should not be disputed. There are, however, those that would contest this. Chiefly, they say that the right to life is more important than the right to die, indeed that it eclipses it. How then is aging to be explained or mankind's lack of regenerative abilities or even the fragility of the human form? Death is desirable as the natural end and beginning to every living thing's part in the cycle of life. Man's end at present seems to be as fertilizer, since there are no natural predators of humanity, discounting parasites and microbes. What is more natural than finishing what one started? Would you stop your meal half way through or end a speech in mid thought? I think not. Death is with us every minute of our lives. Sleep itself has been described as mankind's natural state of inactivity interrupted by periods of activity; the Circadean Cycle. Death, being a state of eternal inactivity, what could be more natural? Death is democratic as no other force, except sleep (a slice of death) affects everyone. Disease, famine, racism, happiness, love, anxiety all affect only a random sampling of humanity. Death, though, comes to pay court to us all. Everyone will die, but does everyone live or have a chance to? You are surrounded by warmth, and darkness and the soothing resonance of sounds familiar and foreign to you. Love flows through and food flows in to you. Your world is destroyed by a crushing weight, and pressure as the confines of your world burst into discomfort. You are forced out of your world through an opening about 1/5 of your diameter causing pain, likely the first you have ever known, and thrust into a cold, unfeeling world. This is birth. You have now lived your life and are tired. You close your eyes and sleep forevermore. This is death. Even the most violent, long, and pain filled demise, still carries the promise of eternal peace. This is death. All men and women are alive, the right to end die when one chooses is the only true choice we can make for ourselves in life. Circumstance dictates the rest. We have no choice of whether to live or not, we are conceived, we are born, and we live. There is no choice so there is no right to life. Life is forced upon us, not given by right. Death we can choose. We can choose our time and the manner of our death. We can decide when life and it's suffering have become too much to bear and choose to end that suffering. A man lies in a hospital dying of colon cancer that has spread to his liver. He is in an agony without end. His pain medication no longer even takes the edge off. Wanting to have some dignity left to his life and his death, he asks his daughter to help him die. Seeing his pain, she does. Is that patricide, suicide, or an act of compassion and love? All presented above is logical and shows the natural progression towards death that begins with birth. It does show that the right to die is the final and ultimate choice that we are given. Just as no one has the right to tell me how to live my life, no one has the right to tell me whether or not I can end it. No one has the right to make me suffer or require me to suffer for their own values and ideals. Why think that a suicide can become a healthy and productive member of the same society that caused them to long for suicide to begin with? Again, it is logical and valid. But… Death is only a natural thing when it occurs due to natural causes and part of the natural evolution of events. Slitting your wrists or using a gun is not part of the natural course of events. You could argue that some suicides are normal within a given population and I agree as there is no such thing as a suicide attempt. Those that are meant to die, do not advertise it nor try to do it. They succeed. Death is only desirable when there are no other alternatives. Those suffering from clinical depression are not able to see any alternatives. They need to see the options and experience them, at least try to, before making any decision to commit suicide. While death is the natural conclusion to life, there are ways of beating it with medical science. If recombinant DNA is used to alter the gene structure, then once the helix has become stable is the modification then natural? Does any tinkering man does become part of the natural world? I cannot argue against the choice of ending one's life. Only the individual can make the decision of whether or not life is that bad. The trouble lies in that only a lucid and sane individual could make such a decision and those that suffer from depression while lucid, are not sane and therefore are incapable of making a rational decision. Conversely, society says that an individual that wishes to die is not sane. I will argue that life is never as bad as it seems and though everything you have known in life is bad or painful, at least part of the problem is in the perspective or actions of the individual. There is some happiness and beauty in the world, though it is small and hard to find at times. The amount of pain you receive may also reflect the intensity with which you expect it. In short, killing one's self is a coward's way out and some are comfortable with that because after death, they don't have to see the suffering that those that love them will go through, out of sight is out of mind you know. For myself, life will not win. It will not beat me, I will not give up, roll over, and die just to satisfy some perverse goal of life. ©1999 DreamEvil ------------------ Now and forever my heart hears ~one voice~. DreamEvil© |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Very well done Dream. Though I fought to find a way to argue throughout your arguement, because I believe no one should take their own life, I could find no holes in it. I still believe in my heart that there must always be a better choice, though I tend to agree with the peaceful release death provides to those in constant terminal pain. I also see your point. We do not have the choice to be born. We have the choice to die by our own hand. I still "feel" that it is wrong, yet can "understand" how others might disagree. Well spoken friend, and I find comfort in knowing that you choose to fight the battle. [This message has been edited by Christopher (edited 10-06-1999).] |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
I too looked for a way to disagree with your thoughts. I found that you have looked at all sides of this issue and agrued them well. I also believe that the one that chooses death doesn't consider anyone but themselves. Only the truely selfish could put their loved ones through such pain. Well done DreamEvil. |
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Systematic Decay Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1301That place with padded walls and funny people in white......... |
I really loved this, one....it is my favorite I have yet read of yours. I hvae always believe that if you don't want to die, you should have never been born......but your essay shed a new light on this....we don't have the choice whether we are born are not....Great reading, my friend.  ------------------ "Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage." -Billy Corgan- |
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Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
Excellent. You've stirred up some very fresh emotions in me with this one, but not in regards to suicide. You've portrayed both sides with strong arguments, and that is admirable. The ending paragraphs are *very* well stated and the last paragraph rocks. |
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Beki Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1569Newport Beach, CA, USA |
Excellent essay my friend...I have to say I agree with just about all of it :-) Thanks for leading me to read it. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Well Dream, being a first hand witness to some very sad cancer deaths among some other physcial tragedies...and living with the depressions and emotional swings I do believe in all my heart that someone should have the right to die if it is their choice. As, Christopher says, though I ultimately wish, hope, and pray for better or happier endings for all, though. ------------------ Michael Anderson When God puts a tear in your eye, He puts a rainbow in your heart. |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
I agree with all that you said DE, but I think of those children I saw with terminal cancer in the hospital where I volunteered. I wasn't allowed in the cancer ward for a year, I was told I had to toughen up emotionally. And what did I see? It took my breath away. Criticially ill children and their families all sitting there so sadly waiting for the inevitable. The children were to sick to have lives and wanna live. The families wanted them always, but wanted their suffering to be over too. As a parent I now understand. I'd hope if it happened a long and painful death to any of my family, I'd say, 'Stop fighting and go to Jesus know hon.' If they are so ill or worse yet, completely brain dead, there is no joy for them or any family members. I'd much rather remember my parents as wholes, not vegetables. If we are talking just suicide then I am so strongly against it, for I have lost a neighbour to suicide, and know how it affected his family, and just how bewildered and lost we felt as neighbours. But thanks for the thought provoking read. ------------------ What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny, compared to what lies within us. ~Isis~ (Daughter of Mystery) |
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JennyLee Senior Member
since 1999-09-01
Posts 1461Northwestern, NJ. |
You have a mind like a steal trap. You have taken apart and re-assembled the arguement of death very profoundly. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Wow...you maybe better not get me started on this subject. First off, let me say, as a nurse I have seen people die deaths that we would not subject an animal to all out of "Love"...to me, this is not love. Love is not wanting to see someone you care about suffer. There is such a fear, such a distance of (from) death in todays society. As you stated, death is natural...it and birth are the only two constants in this world. I have watched cancer patients suffer for months while a machine breathes for them, while they lay alone on a stark white, cold bed while they are subject to inhumanaties all in the name of science and medicine. Why do we fear death...is it the actual process itself or the mystery of what lies beyond that keep us holding on or even better yet is it the selfishness that todays world has that they refuse to let go. We choose how we live our lives, we should be able to choose how we end them also (in the aspect of having a terminal illness that is). Wow...maybe I should step down off my soap box now. (sorry it took so long to post dream...but as you can see, it inspired me to write this) Choosing to Die I gave you love for many years Gave you everything I had It was through choosing to start a family That I became you dad I choose to love you for all it's worth As you grew to be a man I made sure you had every advantange son That any body can Now here I lay, my mind is gone My body racked with pain I've lived a life that most would envy But I can not live again I understand how hard it is For you to let me go But I'm hurting son, can't you see I want for you to know This big machine that breathes for me Won't let me say a word And even if I said them now I'm not sure that they'd be heard I choose to die a graceful death Like I lived my life With my children here beside me Until I meet my wife Your mothers waiting there for me Oh son, why can't you see This isn't really just an ending But a fresh new start for me Son, please won't you look at me Let me see your face Then pull this bitter plug of life And let me die in grace |
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Dragoness Senior Member
since 1999-08-07
Posts 513 |
Dear Brother... You alone now where my mind has be at these past few weeks.Coward I'm not,although at times I don't feel strong enough to deal with life.I always seem to get through it somehow. Sleeplessness,depression have all played their head games with me. I have to agree with Michael and Hoot.It's only for the selfishness of families that those who should be able to chose their own death are not able. Death should be a sweet release,not the torture society has made it to be.Yes a natural progression of life but also a natural continuance of life.I don't believe life ends at death.I believe it's the first step in the formation of a new life. Once again you have written a piece that made me think!Love You brother....Thank-You. *HUGS* ------------------ Set you heart free and your mind will follow. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Scott, this was excellent, I agree totally with it all. Wel lDone Soul-Brother ------------------ What comes from the heart goes to the heart. Samuel Coleridge |
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caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
This essay should be published, DE. It is a valuable work and I'm sure many could benefit from the wisdom of your words. Death is a subject so many find difficult to think about, and they push it from their minds. This piece of prose could answer some of their questions. Think about it. It is brilliantly done, Friend. ------------------ "Tread softly, for I have spread my dreams under your feet"~~William Butler Yeats |
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Tara Simms Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 1244Honea Path, SC USA |
Heavy reading, Dream. Thought provoking, as usual, with your work. Well done. ------------------ It matters not how strait the gate; How charged with punishments the scroll; I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. --W.E. Henley Visit my poetry website: www.geocities.com/Paris/Musee/9954/ |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I believe someone has the right to say they are ready to go - if they have had a long and serious illness from which there is no escape. Therefore, I should believe it's ok to take your own life in other circumstances. I do not. I abhor suicide! My brother-in-law led a tortured life, beaten by his father, never feeling he fit in, he sideswiped a car one night while drunk. He decided to pass judgement on himself. He went home, put the barrel of a shotgun in his mouth and blew his head off! My sister and her three children have all been in and out of therapy because of this. My nieces and nephew were at an impressionable age and this act of self-violence affected them greatly. I do not believe anyone has the 'right' to take their life when it causes more suffering! There...you got my two cents on this. Your essay is magnificently written..you definitely should be published - in fact I expect to hear that you've sent this to a magazine! [This message has been edited by Poet deVine (edited 10-07-1999).] |
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Skyfyre Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906Sitting in Michael's Lap |
First, I shall say from a technical aspect that this was very well written. Your assertions are clear, concise, and consistent (forgive the lapse into alliteration). I think suicide is a choice: a bit more final than many others we make, but a choice nonetheless. It must and will be made by the individual -- unfortunately, by the time a person has begun contemplating suicide, they have lost sight of anything good in their lives, which is why such things as the effect on their families are seldom taken into consideration. These people see themsleves as worthless, or worse, as burdens; as such, it often does not occur to them that someone might truly miss them when they are gone. Suicide is an acute symptom of our diseased society. Only when the ills of the system are purged will the symptoms ease. Thank you for recommending this piece, DreamEvil. --Kesslynne ------------------ You cannot choose the way of your death, but the path you choose will determine its own end. |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
God, I come back 8 years later, having (along with Dad) chosen to turn off the machines for my brain dead from stroke mother in December 2005. Reading this reminded me again that we did the right thing for all involved... I'm glad this was still here to remind us all.. Isis |
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Twilight Warrior Member
since 2007-02-22
Posts 106The World That Never Was |
I agree with you completly. Suicide is a coward's way out. You're gonna carry that weight. |
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