[Right_to_die] RE: org.opn.lists.right-to-die Digest, Vol 13, Issue 86 -- Reply to Dr Capolingua

[org.opn.lists.right-to-die at lists.opn.org]

The following letter was sent by a Sydney doctor following Dr
Capolingua's comments on the Four Corners program.
Rhonda Taylor (VES of NSW newsletter editor)

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

Rosanna Capolingua
AMA
Ethics Committee


Dear Dr Capolingua,

I want to kill myself.

Before you start worrying about me....I feel fine.  In fact I FEEL
GREAT!!
I love my life and I love my work. I have a great family.  I live in the
best country in the world.
With respect YOU HAVE MISSED THE POINT.

I watched you in dismay on 4corners last night as a group of vibrant
alert CHEERFUL old people fought for their right over their lives.
Instead of supporting them, you would condemn them to a life which made
them miserable.  This is no less than tragic.  I wonder what motivates
you? 
This morning on ABC radio you wondered what makes people "so desperate"
to kill themselves....MY GOD IT IS YOU.

I am going to kill myself because THAT IS HOW I PREFER TO DIE. I am not
desperate.  I am not depressed. I have no ill will toward anyone (except
those who would harm others).  I have watched enough people die to know
EXACTLY what I am doing, and how and why.

Now if you have your way I will have to jump in front of a train and
cause a lot of grief to a lot of people.
I would prefer if you held my hand gently and gave it a final squeeze
before injecting the barbiturate into my vein.
But that would require a level of humanity which you appear unable to
grasp.

I am sorry if this sounds personal ...but yes it is.

Your attitude affects ME PERSONALLY.  Your beliefs would condemn me to
die slowly and in distress. What cause s  ME distress is for ME to
decide, not you.  My beliefs do you no harm at all.  None of the people
on 4corners would hurt a fly, yet you would hurt them.  You can take as
long as you like to die of motor neurone disease or dementia.  What
gives you the right to insist that I do likewise?

Please rethink your position.
The AMA needs to get right out of this issue.
Surveys repeatedly show most doctors agree with voluntary (I REPEAT
VOLUNTARY) euthanasia.
You are misrepresenting your members.

I will take my life.  You cannot stop me.  You can only try to make it
more difficult.  Now what kind of evil is that?

Yours sincerely,
GEORGE QUITTNER
(Just a normal happy family doctor, no sign of desperation whatsoever)

DOCTOR GEORGE QUITTNER
PRIVATE FAMILY PHYSICIAN



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