"The good short life"

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Thursday, July 14. 2011

Dudley Clendinen has ALS, but it might as well be cancer:

I’d rather die. I respect the wishes of people who want to live as long as they can. But I would like the same respect for those of us who decide — rationally — not to. I’ve done my homework. I have a plan. If I get pneumonia, I’ll let it snuff me out. If not, there are those other ways. I just have to act while my hands still work: the gun, narcotics, sharp blades, a plastic bag, a fast car, over-the-counter drugs, oleander tea (the polite Southern way), carbon monoxide, even helium. That would give me a really funny voice at the end.

I have found the way. Not a gun. A way that’s quiet and calm.

Knowing that comforts me. I don’t worry about fatty foods anymore. I don’t worry about having enough money to grow old. I’m not going to grow old.

I’m having a wonderful time.

Posted by Bird Dog in The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 10:56 | Comments (10) | Trackback (1)

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Never was a big Leonard Cohen fan, but
But, since Dudley Clendinen mentioned this song in his essay, I thought I'd give it a listen:

Weblog: Maggie's Farm
Tracked: Jul 15, 13:08

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I respect and admire Dudley Clendinen.

#1 Michael R. Kesti on 2011-07-14 11:51 (Reply)

Whew... Dudley has touched upon issues that are rarely talked about; and I often contemplate how I'm going to do it, too, when the time comes.

The only reason I want to live longer (on this Earth) is to avoid causing pain to my loved ones having to see me die.

(Although, now that I think about it, I've caused them enough pain while living! heh)

#2 Big___Al on 2011-07-14 11:52 (Reply)

Don't forget the rest of us.

#2.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2011-07-14 12:07 (Reply)

Very funny, wise guy. ;-)

#2.1.1 Big___Al on 2011-07-14 12:13 (Reply)

There is a big difference between doing this yourself - or doing this passively - and having others take actions that kill you.

That's the bright line - nobody can be authorized to shorten someone's life. That's where the slippery slope begins.

And there are problems with some kinds of pain relief - such as morphine - which can hasten death. There is already evidence that the elderly and infirm are being overmedicated as a way of simplifying their care and hastening their departure.

#3 Ben David on 2011-07-14 15:31 (Reply)

If I had to choose between severe pain and over medication, I'd choose pain relief every time. I'm a big boy now, and I am well capable of making a decision as to whether to take morphine or not, even if it does hasten my death.

No fan of "Doctor" Kevorkian here though, so I agree with you: I don't want anyone facilitating "actions that kill you."

I guess the above may sound like a bit of a contradiction, but it's not. The difference is "assisted suicide" vs. pain relief. The latter may be a slow death, agreed.

#3.1 Big___Al on 2011-07-14 17:38 (Reply)

My understanding is that "making them comfortable" is a euphemism for easing the way out for the terminal. It's a blessing.

#4 Bird Dog on 2011-07-14 17:52 (Reply)

When my step dad died a few years ago, I specifically asked the nurse what 'making him more comfortable meant'. It was clear that it meant 'hastening the end' though she could not/would not say so in those words. He had cancer. The cancer was horrible. The pain relief wasn't.

The line between the modern medical establishment's use of drugs to 'make them more comfortable' and Dr. Kavorkian's overt 'hasten the end' is a very very fine one. My opinion is that modern medicine has crossed it.

#4.1 weaver (Link) on 2011-07-14 19:29 (Reply)

Bin there . watched that (als), and only have my answer....

#5 dorf on 2011-07-14 21:01 (Reply)

Our son Joshua took his own life on May 10 of this year. He was terribly depressed for much of his adult life. He died at the age of 34. He used a helium tank and a bag over his head. If he had just held off one more day perhaps things may have been just a little better. The choice of suicide for people in these circumstances has become far too easy. For those near the end of their life and in pain I can understand.

#6 Bison on 2011-07-15 15:14 (Reply)

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Thursday, July 14. 2011

"The good short life"