End-of-life irony
The Aug. 24 BDN editorial discussed an “ironic reality”: 74 percent of Americans support a terminally ill patient’s right to die, but only 28 percent have formally expressed their wishes. Could there be a cause-and-effect relationship here?
Let’s assume three out of four people would want a doctor’s help to “take early retirement” if they were terminally ill and aware treatment was not prolonging life but merely delaying death. The Maine Legislature just refused to pass Sen. Roger Katz’s courageous and compassionate bill that would have permitted physician aid in dying. Therefore, if the goal that the majority of Mainers want is not available, why bother to create a document outlining one’s dying wishes?
Aid in dying is gaining popularity. The next time it is submitted in Augusta it will pass. Once the option becomes attainable, it is reasonable to expect more people will complete a formal directive. The “ironic reality” is that the Maine Legislature is so out of touch with majority sentiment on this issue.
Gerald Metz, M.D.
Addison
Air show boycott
As a retired Korean War veteran, I was disgusted and disappointed that the air show in Brunswick was charging veterans full price to observe this classic event. How soon we forget these fine soldiers, sailors, Marines and Air Force who so often gave their lives and future for this country. There is a fine memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor dedicated to the Korean War veterans and other warriors of all wars; 245 gave their all, including five Medal of Honor winners.
It is said that you could get a ticket if you could not pay and show your inability to afford a ticket. What an insult to the veterans.
I personally will boycott this event, as should all vets and persons who honor our sacrifice. Shame on the event sponsors.
Edward Davis
East Orland
GOP, RIP
I am old enough to remember when the Republican party included decent people. Margaret Chase Smith, Nelson Rockefeller and Bob Dole are good examples.
Now, the party is dead.
It its place are craven billionaires, angry white men, science deniers and, worst of all, presidential candidates who think the abortion ban should be absolute. No exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother.
How sad, scary and sickening is this political climate, not only for women and real conservatives but for everyone who cares about America?
Peg Cruikshank
Corea
Pot, the gateway drug
To halt the heroin problem, we must stop marijuana. Unlike alcohol, pot is highly potent but appears to be mild because it is extremely slow acting. Pot can be stored in the body for months.
If marijuana is always present, the body builds a tolerance to it, so pot smokers do not feel a steady high. Marijuana can be the gateway to heroin and cocaine. Yet today, while we legalize it, we strangely are surprised by our heroin problem.
Pot is addictive. It is extremely difficult to get a regular pot smoker to quit.
George Bjornson
Addison