- RESPONSE LETTERS FROM 'THE AGE' READERS , THE AGE 03/07/06 -

Letter No 1 (They shoot horses, don't they?)
We are an odd society in some ways. We have not the slightest compunction in publicly discussing the most intimate details of our lives, and we insist on the right to all sorts of freedoms. Yet when it comes to the most intimate act of all, we remain incomprehensibly coy. Neil Francis' article ("Your views on dying with dignity" Opinion 1/7) focuses on just this issue, and the reluctance of our politicians to tackle it.
Dying is something that concerns every human being on this planet irrespective of race, gender or political persuasion. We all have to face our own demise, and some of us will be forced to do so in ways that question our right to call ourselves civilised.
Why is it so hard for those who purport to act in our interests to tackle this problem head on? Why does death remain such a taboo topic, and why is there not wider outrage at the lack of effective mechanisms when life has run its course? Is there any valid reason why each of us should not be allowed to die with dignity an in a manner of our choosing? We enact laws to ensure that animals are treated humanely; we punish humans who allow their pets to suffer - yet we continue to deny ourselves the right to end our own suffering or to choose a more dignified and peaceful end of life.
Perhaps each of us needs to think carefully about that day in the future when we too will die, and to ask ourselves what choices we will have at that time. Sometimes a little selfishness can be a great motivator.
Bob Thomas, Blackburn South

Letter No 2 (Merciless, cruel, selfish)

In April, my father, a dignified, intellectual man died of pancreatic cancer. Though medical staff eventually managed his physical pain, the obvious anguish he suffered at losing control over his mental faculties and personal hygiene was extremely distressing to watch. His illness was thankfully relatively short. I can barely imagine what it must be like to suffer so for months or years with no prospect of any quality of life.
Those who oppose medically assisted dying for terminally ill people are merciless, cruel and selfish. Victorian politicians who oppose 76% of Victorians who want to legitimise dying with dignity are also wilfully stupid.
Dr Meredith Doig, East St Kilda

Letter No 3 (A Shameful Way to Die)

Four years ago my 93 year old mother, in full possession of her faculties but trapped in a body that had been restricted to bed for many years, cried out for release from her intolerable pain and suffering. She took the only dignified option that was available to her - refusing food and water - while her family (and doctor) looked on in a societally imposed impotence.
It was shameful to allow a grand lady to die. Our society must advance to a point where compassion for the dying takes precedence over the selfish fixations of the living.
Jim Goodin, Camberwell

Letter No 4 (Patronising)

In Medical emergencies - common at my age of 87 - I make it clear to all that "if my heart stops, leave it stopped". Oh, that I should be so lucky!. If not, then it is patronising for anyone of whatever faith or persuasion to deny me my right to die with medical assistance to ease the way.
Pauline Reilly, Aireys Inlet

Letter No 5 (Dying)

Yes, Neil Francis (Opinion 1/7) it is time for Victorian MPs to tell us where they stand on the issue of medical assistance to the dying. Death is not the enemy to many terminally ill or deeply suffering people but a welcoming friend - and the thought of being legally able to ask for help would give great peace of mind.
Marian Sargood, Prahran