I think he (like myself) believes that if people are in pain and are just waiting and praying for death, then they should be allowed to be euthanized.  Why put your family in more debt just for you to live for a bit longer in constant excruciating pain.

This is his way of possibly changing the laws restricting euthanasia.  This only furthers my respect for him. Alot of people complain and bitch about laws that need changing, but how many of us actually have the guts to go out there and do something about it?  This man has been through alot by helping people in their time of need (jailtime, slander, loss of license) and he is still comitted to the caquse.

WE NEED POLITICIANS LIKE THIS!!!!!

Remember way back when America was founded when people stood by their convictions, whether imprisoned for them or worse?

Kervokian certainly sticks by his convictions. Though as a disabled person, I  find him (or at least his thinking) pretty frightening.

I don't oppose euthanasia per se. What I find problematic is when procedures like this are considered while the options /choices available to disabled people are extremely limited. There are just too many barriers in society (including prejudice) to ensure that disabled people can ever make an 'informed' decision around euthanasia. That is, when you confront barrier after barrier every day of your existence, then death does seem like a viable option.

Kervokian (and many of the very staunch euthanasia  advocates) see disability as a tragedy in itself. Consequently, Kervokian - contrary to popular reports - wasn't just providing his "services" for the terminally ill; it was also for people with non-terminal disabilities, including people who were depressed.

When you speak to a lot disabled people (at least the ones that I know or have researched, and this applies to myself), they will often tell you that the #1 hurdle in life isn't missing a limb, or being in pain, or suffering muscle spasms, etc - it's rather the societal BS that comes with these disabilities (that is, not being able to access a building because of a wheelchair, or not being able to afford proper medical treatment/supports because of lack of disposable income. Often times these problems are preventable (e.g., providing better medical coverage and employment/opportunities to ensure that disabled people can support themselves), and eliminating prejudice - e.g., the constant reminders that you aren't valued.

There are a lot of barriers in society that makes life as a disabled person extremely difficult. I'm not suggesting euthanasia shouldn't ever be a option, but I think we should be working towards providing more meaningful choices for disabled people first, in addition to  better palliative services and supports for the dieing.

I believe he represents my views, so I'll donate to the cause

It's hard for me to grow up on a farm and not support mercy killing.  I've had to kill animals to put them out of their misery, I see no difference doing it with humans, under very specific conditions.

Dr. Kivorkian is a man that is "Ahead Of His Time!" He understands the meaning of "Compassion!" I was "Deeply" angered when they jailed him! The laws need to "evolve" along with man's intellect, and we were given the ability to eliviate suffering! To not do so, is a sin! I hope he runs for congress, and WINS!

It can't hurt.  His biggest credential is that he is not a career politician.

Great point! *xox*

I whole heatedly agree with K10 and Saikotik.

Rageandlove, I understand that you positively agree with me as well. It is just that I posted on the 16th, and you posted on the 14th, but I give you, k10, Saik, and all of the others that can truly "Think and Feel" my highest respect!

Assisting suicides for medicinal reasons does not make you a candidate for Congress. Assisting a pharmacist (my job) does not make me a pharmacist. What other issues does Mr Kevorkian stand for or against? What would be his plans for the future of my state (Michigan)? Sounds to me like he would be using it as a platform to promote his agenda, we don't need anymore politicians like that or bad publicity for Michigan- Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is already doing enough of that.

 

I think it is a publicity stunt, he may be a true agent of change in his field (medicine) but not for Congress.

 

My father had to watch his mother slowly die as she was taken off her life support. It was hard for him to see the life drawn out of her, but he knew she was at peace and pain free. I guess I have mixed feelings on the subject. Being taken of life support is one thing and allowing death as a natural process, but giving a "cocktail" of drugs to someone to assist in their death...hmm...not too sure about that one.

 If he wants to run let him.  I'm from Michigan too, but if a good amount of people want him to go to Congress, then let him.  He wants to represent us, and if we, the people he wants to represent, agree to that, he will.  Simple as that.

Oh, and you don't need to be a lawyer or a doctor to run for Congress.  Hell, you don't even need to get  good grades to either.  You just need the people's vote.

Ahhhh, but to be a "true agent of change in his field (medicine)" we need him or men like him (forward thinking doctors) in Congress to promote change in the health care field! (Which I think we can both agree needs help)  Am I wrong here?

I can understand your hesitancy in the "cocktail of drugs to assist in death", however you have to realize, this isn't for your run of the mill emo kid, or depressed adult. It's not just suicide for suicides sake. It is for people, who have zero chance of recovery from a life threatening and most of the time painful diseases, where all else has failed, and the inflicted is dying. Period. Why shouldn't they be able to say I'm ready now? Why shouldn't they be able to go painlessly on their own terms? Why shouldn't they be able to know that today is my last day with my family, now is the time to say my goodbyes? Why shouldn't they be able to ease the pain of their family members by not making them watch as they slowly and painfully die right before their eyes?

Rageandlove,

If it were true that it was just for terminal illness (as is the case in Oregon), then I'd probably be on board in your praise of Kerkovian. Unfortunately, Kervokian's clients included people with servere pain and depression, and quite few of his clients were non terminal. Kervokian, for what I've read, has never hidden his support for killing people with disabilities.

Holy crap...the irony. Hahaha.