Terry Pratchett begins formal process to end his life

Blastr ^ | June 13, 2011 | Carol Pinchefsky

[Abin Sur]

Three and a half years ago, Terry Pratchett, the beloved author of the Discworld series, announced that he has early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Now he's made an even more startling announcement.

Pratchett, who has campaigned in his native United Kingdom for the right of assisted suicide, has begun the formal process of assisted suicide in Switzerland, one of the few countries in the world to legalize euthanasia. Specifically, this would take place at Dignitas, a clinic that provides qualified doctors and nurses to assist with the patients' suicides.

Dignitas has sent Pratchett the paperwork he needs to sign to begin the assisted suicide process—but he has yet to sign it.

[BykrBayb]

Not true. A lot of people like life. You should stop hanging out at places like darwin central. It gives you a negative view of the world, and makes you think the whole world shares your negativity.

[BykrBayb]

Why are you asking others to do the dirty work for you? Don’t be such coward. If you want to leave, leave. You don’t need any FReepers to assist you in getting yourself zotted.

[MHGinTN]

Butterflies you say? ... Have you met the viking kittahs? Bwahahahahaha

[Melas]

Well, Abin Sur has been zotted, so I'll start calling him ZOTTEE if you want.

I see, and you've been crowned grand inquisitor. I'm literally bursting with happiness. /s

[Melas]

He'd certainly need transport to a suitable site, maybe someone to set up a ramp, but from what I saw on that one program he is still capable of controlling the device, so the ultimate act could be initiated by himself.

Which is in a nutshell every problem I have with this assisted suicide thing. Someone has to help. Oregon and Washington's assisted suicide laws mirror the philosophy that you've laid out. A physician may build the ramp (write the prescription) but the victim has to take the overdose of phenobarbital orally, and unassisted, ultimately initiating the act themselves. However, there are far too many people complicit in this allegedly solo act of suicide. It's wrong on so many levels.

[wagglebee]

That's better, but does it shoot lightning bolts or flames or anything like that?

[wagglebee]

I see, and you've been crowned grand inquisitor. I'm literally bursting with happiness.

Actually, a Darwinist troll came up with that four years ago.

[trisham]

Unnecessary, given your steel trap of a mind and fearless commitment to truth, justice and the American way. :)

[Melas]

Let's see, Free Republic is a pro-life, pro-God, conservative forum.

As is posted in multiple locations. In all honesty I expect that one day I'll be banned for my lack of faith myself. I was an atheist for most of my life, and to be perfectly frank, outside of that little window of newfound faith, it's been a daily struggle. The only thing that separates me from a full-on atheist like Abin Sur is that I truly and genuinely want to believe, but every day my faith in reason grows anew and my faith in the existence of God wanes. Hell, given the current climate, this very post might well be my opus.

[Grizzled Bear]

That's all I need for you guys. No one likes you.

You sound like one of those whiney "emo" kids.

[trisham]

That's all I need for you guys. No one likes you.

*****************************************

Goodness, what a compelling argument. Holy cow. I'm overwhelmed. Are you certain that you belong here? Shouldn't you be posting at "I'm a Genius.com"?

[wagglebee]

As is posted in multiple locations. In all honesty I expect that one day I'll be banned for my lack of faith myself. I was an atheist for most of my life, and to be perfectly frank, outside of that little window of newfound faith, it's been a daily struggle. The only thing that separates me from a full-on atheist like Abin Sur is that I truly and genuinely want to believe, but every day my faith in reason grows anew and my faith in the existence of God wanes. Hell, given the current climate, this very post might well be my opus.

I have never known you to mock basic Christian beliefs like the Passion of Christ, that's the difference.

[wagglebee]

How is it that I wound up with three ping lists containing over four hundred separate FReepers if nobody likes me?

[Grizzled Bear]

...but every day my faith in reason grows anew and my faith in the existence of God wanes.

Try "The Case for Christ," by Lee Strobel.

The author was a talented investigative reporter and a hard core atheist whose wife became a Christian. He performed an honest study of all the evidence, Biblical and otherwise, for Jesus' existance and devinity with the goal of discrediting Christianity. Instead, using reason and rationality, he found "The Case for Christ" was irrefutable.

May the Lord bless you and keep you from the zot. ;-)

[Grizzled Bear]

Goodness, what a compelling argument.

Next he'll say "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny."

[TheOldLady]

Just what you see, pal. ;-p

[stephenjohnbanker]

Why an opus? Because you are more candid and honest than others? I can tell you from personal experience. Everyone has a good chance to find God. Just don’t turn away when He calls. I PROMISE you that He will.

[TheOldLady]

Now he’s Superman and Darth Vader?

Cooool!!

[Melas]

I have never known you to mock basic Christian beliefs like the Passion of Christ, that's the difference.

Nor will you. I'm a respecter of persons. I'm not comfortable with every faith, but you won't catch me mocking anyone's faith. Not even a Muslim's.

[Melas]

I have it. Mere Christianity as well. Thanks for the encouragement.