There is no such thing as death with dignity. The body is always corrupted. "Death with dignity" is a silly loaded catchphrase designed to put opponents off balance, and is offensive to those who have chosen to die another way - some might say, with courage.
I find it particularly galling that "Death with dignity" is "a silly loaded catchphrase designed to put opponents off balance" and yet "Death with courage" is something you throw in to support that belief. You need to take a moment to listen to your own rhetoric and think about the people your opinions effect.
Let me make it clear: I am not in the least bit interested in your moral judgement of my beliefs, nor am I interested in your advice regarding my rhetoric.
You've said "those who have chosen to die another way," but people don't have that choice and are forbidden from making it. While you're opposed to euthanasia, would you be okay with giving people the option for euthanasia if they so chose?
But what of the mind? It's the aspect of choice that lends anything its dignity. Being at peace with your decision. Some people find a measure of dignity in dying naturally, it's in accord with their wishes in that respect. Others don't.
To deny those who are not at peace with it that choice robs them of some of their dignity.
I remember my grandfather dying when I was a teenager, in the hospital he was pleading with everyone around him to kill him. I feel guilty for not doing it whenever I think about him. The one thing the poor bastard wanted, the only thing left anyone could give him.
I can't hold it against him, it's not his fault. When people are suffering that much, they're not really thinking about whether they're asking a child to kill them. But he could have gone weeks earlier, could have been in a position to make the decision for himself rather than being reduced to begging.
He could have been spared that, there'd have been more dignity in it.
> There is no such thing as death with dignity. The body is always corrupted.
Okay! If my inevitable death is going to be corrupt and undignified no matter what I do, then it's a no-brainer to make it quick and painless rather than drawn-out and agonizing.
Oh dear. I've really offended the Silicon Valley Suicide Gods. Be it known that merely having certain unpopular opinions about life issues is an instant 30+ karma hit.
