Letters to the Editor

Second Thoughts: People with Disabilities Opposing Question 2

It’s great to see a progressive voice against Question 2 (“Vote No on Question 2,” Bay State Banner, Oct. 4, 2012)! The Banner lists some of the reasons but here are some more:

MONEY — For $100, assisted suicide will be the cheapest treatment. Cost-cutting already affects medical treatment decisions. Assisted suicide saves insurance companies money.

ABUSE — The law doesn’t care what happens to the lethal drugs. No witness is required when the overdose is taken. An heir can be a witness when you sign your request.

UNCARING — No psychological evaluation is required or recommended. People with a history of depression and suicide attempts can easily get the drugs.

BURDEN — People who need care will feel they should die to not be a burden to their family.  Some family members will consider the person a burden and want them to die.

UNNECESSARY — Each person already has the right to refuse treatment, food and water, and to get comfort care, including pain-relieving sedation.

DISCRIMINATION — Everyone with a terminal diagnosis has a disability. Disabled people deserve suicide prevention not suicide encouragement. People should be supported to live in their communities.

Second Thoughts
Via email

U.S. Sen. Brown campaign tactics strike a nerve

As always, Andrea Cabral makes all Bay Staters proud (“Really, Sen. Brown? Tomahawk chops? War yells?” Bay State Banner, Oct. 4, 2012).

Thank you for saying what needs to be said and with such grace and elegance. The behavior of Brown staffers that we all watched on YouTube made all of us who work every day on good governance sad, disappointed and finally disgusted with the rude, immature and totally offensive behavior seen in the video.

Terry Yoffi
Via email

Well said, Sheriff, and well done! And these people are still working for Senator Brown? Shame on him.

Donna O’Brien
Via email

Employees follow their employers’ lead. In my opinion, U.S. Sen. Scott Brown didn’t reprimand anyone. I believe he toasted them with champagne instead, for a job well done! The Sheriff’s comments should go national.

Janet Milici
Via email

Amen. Scott Brown and his campaign workers have so very much for which they should be ashamed. I applaud your words, Sheriff Cabral. And if only Scott Brown had the backbone to take you on… that would be a debate I would watch!

Robin
Via email