Anonymous
Post 01/24/2017 13:38     Subject: Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I usually don't like Chaffetz, but totally agree with him here. I've seen how palliative care doctors can pressure even the most schooled and confident patients and families. How many of the poor and most vulnerable will feel pressure to 'move along' and not be a burden to their families and others?


Not the point. DC should be able to pass our own laws. You may disagree with them but they're passed by the elected officials that DC residents voted for.


For all of the talk of voting rights and democracy in DC, the city isn't very democratic. There are no run-off elections. That means that in a multi-candidate Democratic primary, one candidate can effectively get elected to the Council with say 16 or 17% of the vote. Once they have the Democratic nomination, they're as good as elected. Then all it takes is 7 people, several of whom got elected in this way, to effectuate far-reaching social change. There is no two-party systems, no bicameral legislature, only a small council with members who can hold near-full time outside employment are don't care much about conflicts of interest.


...which is all still more representational of the people who live in DC than Jason Chaffetz and other members of congress who do not represent DC deciding what should and should not be the law in DC. It's not a perfect system, but these are two separate conversations.
Anonymous
Post 01/24/2017 13:29     Subject: Re:Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:Congress has jurisdiction over DC. Chaffetz is is a congressman therefore he is representing the position of his Idaho district constituents.


Chaffetz is brain dead. Someone needs to pull the plug.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2017 11:44     Subject: Re:Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:As a Hospice Minister who watches people die almost every day, I am continually amazed by the lack of understanding surrounding end-of-life care. I'm truly not trying to be rude- but you people have no idea what you are talking about. Especially when it comes to financial burden. And no. I'm not going to try to explain it.
ok, as a hospice minister, how do you feel about the bill, and what denomination are you?
My mom died in hospice care, with huge amounts of pain meds available. Not every one is so lucky


I am sorry your mom died. You only have one mother and that loss is so painful. I hope you are healing. To answer your question, I am an interfaith hospice minister. I didn't state my opinion on assisted suicide and I won't. I think it's a deeply personal issue. However, I would like to see less emotional reaction and more calm discussion on end-of-life care before a decision is made.

Also, every Hospice Center I have been a part of provides care for anyone who needs it, even those who cannot afford to pay.

Wishing you peace.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2017 10:37     Subject: Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:Suicide is a sin. Simple as that.


And, thus, we should all be legally obligated to comply with the dictates of a particular religion? Hmmm...if only there were something in the Constitution about that.

Think choosing to end your life with dignity and without pain is suicide? Easy solution - don't do it. Suffer as long and as fully as you think you god wants you to. That's your choice.

Just because you believe god wants people to suffer needlessly doesn't mean those who think differently should have to.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2017 10:11     Subject: Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:The pharma and medical and unsurance industries are behind the forces of insisting "live on at all costs", aka, "suicide is a sin".

Let's all guess what is their motivation.


Actually the health insurance industry is the one pushing advance directives and even "death with dignity" legislation. Only a fool would wonder why.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2017 01:02     Subject: Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
The pharma and medical and unsurance industries are behind the forces of insisting "live on at all costs", aka, "suicide is a sin".

Let's all guess what is their motivation.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2017 00:07     Subject: Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:Suicide is a sin. Simple as that.


I'll take my chances on the eternal damnatiin should it ever come to that. Thanks for your concern about my "soul" in the afterlife. JFC.
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2017 22:19     Subject: Re:Congressman trying to block the DC death with dignity bill
Anonymous wrote:Congress has jurisdiction over DC. Chaffetz is is a congressman therefore he is representing the position of his Idaho district constituents.


He represents Utah.