First Person: Right-to-die Is My Reason to Live

[land9631]

Suicide would be rational if there wasn't a reason to live in fighting to prevent future births. Suicidal people really need to organize and stay alive and fight to prevent these selfish idiot breeders from dragging the peaceful nonexistent to this stupid chemistry out of control hell. Everyone learn about Antinatalism.

[KevZen2000]

Suicide is the wise choice if your life is not that good. If you like life, then live, but if you dislike life, then do the right choice, and end your life. 

[ArtisynSaffryn]

Cheryl, when all is decided by me, no matter what, I'm going to do what I feel is best for my overall health. If that means ending my suffering here by exiting, then so be it. The past week, I've barely been able to walk, after a fall I had last week, and am worried that I'm not going to recover from this, since my neurologist told me that I'm in danger of not healing well, if at all, due to my worsening neuropathy.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

The last thing I ever need to think about, is what someone else thinks about my "relationship with Jesus". I'll say this; my ending my own life, should not have any negative impact on how Jesus thinks of me. Besides, I don't believe that God would ever condemn anyone for wanting to exit this world.

[DasTuppen]

i have bad disease myself....i plan to have a natural death but it is important to me that i can refuse any medical treatments that i want to refuse. i do not want my suffering prolonged.

[whiff1962]

The right to die movement would not be necessary if the state kept out of the business of individuals, with friends and family, to end suffering and pain. Moreover, the state has made the business of suicide, in the main, a most messy prospect by its (the state's) prosecution of the war on drugs. I believe that individuals might want to have assistance in ending his life, and might fear botching the job, however, legalizing assisted suicide, as some "terminal treatment" does pose contradictions.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

@whiff1962

If certain medications which guarantee a peaceful death, were to be widely available in drug stores, then there wouldn't be a need for the right-to-die movement, in terms of existing as a promoter of the legalization of peaceful methods. However, the movement would still be useful as a resource for providing information to people about death and dying, along with supporting people, so that they don't have to die alone, if family and friends are not present (for whatever reason).

[whiff1962]

@ArtisynSaffryn As long as these organizations do not derive revenue from government. Yes, it is awful thinking of dying alone. I am very sick, and will probably not live out many more years, but I have my loving wife by my side.

[cmetube]

hope someone finds a cure for you. i don't think you should die or want to die. i believe this is a private matter and should not be made public. i wish you a cure and that you find happiness in choosing life with a cure.

[blixxex]

@cmetube agreed. I hope he chooses to live.

[beenn15]

@cmetube ohh... how touching. It's unfortunate that you want to see him suffer before he dies. He's only asking to end the pain. His death is inevitable (you need to accept this simple fact). His body is shutting down slowly and he is suffering... All he wants is to die with some dignity.

[st515041]

Anyone know what happened to him? Is he still alive?

[ArtisynSaffryn]

@st515041

I'm still alive and on the Hemlock of Illinois board. Thank you for asking.

[st515041]

@ArtisynSaffryn Has your condition been improved since if you don't mind me asking? Jack Kevorkian's death is in the headlines so I felt like searching on YT for assisted suicide.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

@st515041

Unfortunately, my condition still is worsening. My balance when standing and walking is becoming less stable, my thumbs are beginning to contract (although I am still able to type with my thumbs, unlike my fingers, which are very contracted - too much so to be able to type with them and to securely hold objects without them likely dropping), and my pain is worsening (both muscle and nerve pain). Plus, one of my doctors recently told me that I might be developing Trigeminal Neuralgia.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

I plan on continuing to defend the right-to-die and to be involved in the movement, while I'm still alive though. However, there will come a time when I won't be able to cope in dealing with my declining health condition. When that occurs, I will self-exit (that is if I haven't already died some other way).

[st515041]

@ArtisynSaffryn Sorry to hear about that. Wish you success in your chosen cause.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

@st515041

Thank you very much.

[sidneybug7]

I didn't think that just because I expressed my opinion on here about this person wanting to die,wasgoing to stir up such rude responses...All I can say is that if you are a non- believer,then nothing I say or do is going to change your minds, I wish I could,but I know that it's not....but I'll keep on believing what I do..I am a Christian and I'm not going to put anyone down for their beliefs,so don't critisize mine.So leave me alone..

[ArtisynSaffryn]

@sidneybug7

I wasn't trying to be rude at all by my response to you. I do however have my own beliefs, as you do yours. While I disagree with you about your views regarding people not going to heaven, if they end their own lives, I do believe in heaven, and I respect those who would rather live and die naturally, before getting there. I also respect people's right-to-die, and I believe their decision is between them and God, not for any of us to judge.

[sidneybug7]

You say that people are Idot Religious Nuts?....When they are hooked up to those machines that help them breathe,eat,and other things,may not be a permanent thing...plus...I'd rather be hooked to those things in order to live.....I don't want to commit suicide and send myself to hell..when I can wait forGod to take me when he's ready to and take me to Heaven...And yes, I am a christian..and very proud of it!!,,and not afraid to meet my maker!!! ..but i'd like to live here as long as I can.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

@sidneybug7

Many people, including Christians, do not want to be hooked up to machines, in order to live. Besides, Christianity does not limit life to being in this world alone. According to Christianity, life is eternal, being "alive" after death from this world. Surely even the best Christians, if they ended their existence here in this world, would not go to hell just because they ended their existence here. After all, doesn't Jesus forgive?

[sidneybug7]

@ArtisynSaffryn

If a Christian doesn't want to be hooked up to a machine in order to keep living is their choice, but even if they do that doesn't mean they will die,that's God's choice whether the person dies or not..and if person is a true christan,then they will know that it;s wrong to commit suicide.Yes Jesus forgives...but if a sinner commits suicide and hasn't been forgiven for their sins,then they will not enter heaven...It's in the bible.all you have to do is see for yourself....

[rebelnomo]

These idiot religious nuts say that only God can decide when someone dies, yet they are willing to hook people up to all kinds of machines that breath, eat, shit, and piss for you. They are content with keeping someone alive when they should, by all rights, be dead anyways. It is so obvious that these people are afraid to meet their makers.

[popazz1]

Since man has walked upright we have been told we must lead honest,productive lives,contribute to society & help others.Yet when one of us feels we can longer do this due to crippling,debilitating,INCURAB­LE illnesses we are told we cannot be assisted to end our lives with dignity & peace.The religious zealots crawl out of the woodwork & rant about the sanctity of life,as if just by believing in god our pain will be erased!I want to die with dignity,at a time of my choosing & with help!

[topbombing2007]

I am close to being totally paralysed by als now and have a lot of pain. My legs are useless and both my arms are very weak and my fingers are stiff and numb so I am already totally dependent on help. I can only write this using a voice recognition device. I reserve the right to die painlessly when I choose and not have to suffer.

[sherribailey75]

i watch something like this, and i think, what the FUCK do i ever have to complain about? how dare i? this sweet, brave young man, how UNFAIR it is what he's going through. why must some people suffer like this? it's so fucked up.

[2Low317]

i agree with the right to die. (i have my own moral reasons why i would never accept suicide as an option for myself) but for others they are understandably not wanting to deal with the pain should get the right to die

[ElGrabo22]

Everybody has the right to die: thus everyone will die. I think that people should be able to choose when, where and how they die when they can choose when wher and how they're born. Although suffering is terrible, valuble experiences and perspectives come out of it, which can give hope to others.

Also, I can't help noticing that no one who wants euthanasia has ever gone through it. We don't know what happens after death. It could be worse than what we experience in life.

[weseethroughu]

i belelive that god give people right to die at time that life is over. meaning when qualiyt of life is compromised or your soul that u have a choice to die when life has become to compromised to life in a painless manner. sometimes people miss their cal to die and are stuck in this world , and their souls can not rest. so they are made to look to artificial means. im in that postion now. i can say that i wishh i did not miss the oporunity to die when i was called. but wanted my kids onborn.

[raschmid86]

People are afraid of living bad. They are not afraid of dying peacefully or suddenly. Governments will not allow that so they can keep people in fear, so they can manipulate them and not give a chance for a new generation to imagine living only 50 years and ask for a social system which could allow no investment for the pension plan.THAT'S why they made it illegal in Australia.A person who would have the means to die peacefully would be ready to push life worthy standards upfront with NO FEAR!!

[raschmid86]

People are afraid of living bad. They are not afraid of dying peacefully or suddenly. Governments will not allow that so they can keep people in fear, so they can manipulate them and not give a chance for a new generation to imagine living only 50 years and ask for a social system which could allow no investment for the pension plan.THAT'S why they made it illegal in Australia.A person who would have the means to die peacefully would be ready to push life worthy standards upfront with NO FEAR!!

[1BustedMyth]

If you keep your dog alive when it is in extreme suffering, you will be prosecuted, if a person is kept alive against their will, that apparently is the will of God and God will take them when he is ready, anybody who dares intervien is prosecuted for manslaughter.

How civilized are we really?

[truefreak131]

a merciful god would not stand by while these people suffer. we are in charge of our bodies and what we do with them is our choice not gods! let them die and end their suffering

[raschmid86]

It is a big topic guys, but the point is that people who wish to die, do not want to suffer SO WHY SHOULD THE MEANS TO DIE WITHOUT PAIN BE FORBIDEN? AND IT IS INCREDIBLE HOW MUCH ENERGY THE POLITICIANS ARE INVESTING IN THIS BUT THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT WARS. I WOULD LIKE TO DIE, PAINLESSLY LIKE MANY MORE WOULD WANT IT! THE GOVERNMENT GIVES PROMISES, THE CHURCH THE SAME, AND IN BETWEEN AFFECTED PEOPLE HAVE TO SUFFER AND LIVE MAINLY FOR THE NEEDS OF OTHER PIGS.LEAVE THE PIGS(bosses) ALONE ON EARTH.

[mando267]

It's every persons right to die when they want, it's for the individual for decide, and no other groups are allowed to decide for them, it doesn't matter if you disabled or not, it's your choice when you end your life.

Right to die 100%

[Kovayaj]

assisted suicides is a right. we have to see the point of views from those who are suffering. when u no longer can enjoy what life has to offer, death is a choice. no person, no people no government can deny this choice.

[cheryl7davis]

I would recommend a book for you to read that has just been published, it is hard to get a copy, as they seem to sell as soon as they are available. It is called 'The Attempted Murder of God' : Hidden Science You Really Need to Know ISBN 978-0956471406

John chapter 8 verse 32 'And ye shall know the truth, & the truth shall make you free. Matthew 19 v 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. I will be praying for you Kurt:)

[cheryl7davis]

People say all the time, we don't need him, after all why should we follow Him, when He does this to us and gives us nothing, after all everything I have, I have worked for what did He have to do with anything in my life? Anyway we weren't created, we evolved after the big bang and then from slime! So here we have it, we can have a our life and do what we want with it. Wrong, our lives are a gift, we were given life, life was breathed into us by God & man became a living soul. Genesis Ch 2 v 7.

[cheryl7davis]

...should not perish, but have everlasting life. I pray you live for Him and not to focus on yourself to the point that all you ask is why do I have this, if God loves me why do I have this & why do others suffer even more than I, from even more debilitating illnesses & diseases? The answer has always been here, it is just that man is & will always be far from the truth. We have refused Him & turned away from Him, & determined in our hearts to refuse any answer God has given us..

[beenn15]

@cheryl7davis I hope you're not saying that it's his fault that he's suffering... and that he should suffer a painful death (since he's not allowed to die with dignity)...

[cheryl7davis]

Dear beenn15, Perhaps you should re-read that which I wrote before...& please try to 'not' think of me, or anyone as 'judging' others.

I have not even hinted that he should suffer a painful death, now that would be indeed callous & disrespectful, & so unloving.

Perhaps you could clarify 'dying with dignity'! Since man's first death, there has never been any dignity in dieing. This is a 'saying' that has been brought & bought by the all seeking to justify euthanasia.Let's look at the meaning...

[beenn15]

@cheryl7davis I'm sorry... I couldn't read all the nonsense you wrote down but I'll guess you don't want him to decide his own fate... you think someone who agrees with you... should.

am i right?

[cheryl7davis]

Dear beenn15, 'Sorry','nonsense','decide his own fate!'You are clearly not sorry.

How do you know what is written is nonsense if you haven't even read it!!! Oh, but you have read it (if you are intelligent!) You just don't want to admit that you have, otherwise you would have to give an intelligent reply!

Perhaps you are not being honest with yourself about your beliefs.

Perhaps you are just one of those many many sheep, following everyone else.

Perhaps you need to look at your life beenn15.

[beenn15]

@cheryl7davis You didn't answer my question. Do you think he should have the right to decide whether to suffer before he dies or just skip the suffering part?

why can't he exercise his "free will"?

... and no, i'm not a sheep. Jesus describes his followers as sheep... he's a cool cat but i'm no fan of his.

[cheryl7davis]

...of 'Dignity':

1.The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.

2. a Inherent nobility & worth: b. the dignity of honest labour.

3.a. Poise & self-respect. b. Stateliness & formality in manner & appearance.

4. The respect & honour associated with an important position.

5. A high office or rank.

No 1 "The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect." -So like all the monarchy or presidents across the world,they have esteem or respect,ah you say,but shouldn't...

[cheryl7davis]

..everyone? No because respect is earned through estimation of that persons character & moral stance in the community.

No 2 " (a)Inherent nobility & worth: (b)the dignity of honest labour." Again, the reference in (a) 'nobility', who is noble or indeed 'worth'? Aren't ALL people?Well, to people's all over the world we still have a class system (sadly) but that is a fact. The common man is no different to those of nobility breathing the same air, but here 'dignity' has discretion. But.....

[cheryl7davis]

...(b)the dignity of honest labour. Well, there are many who try to work honestly in their position of employment & life, but I dare say that there is not one person on this earth that has not knowingly lied, cheated, stolen or even hurt another. From the smallest offence to the largest. So I would say no, no one has "the dignity of 'honest' labour.Even if they 'mean' well.

No 3a. Poise & self-respect. Well now, Just walking down the street today, these folk are in the minority....

[cheryl7davis]

......having poise & 'self respect'; These two words are invariably misused in gangs & cults across the world. But we must make it clear that respect is earned, not manufactured or taught.

(b) Stateliness & formality in manner & appearance. Who today holds themselves in any form of 'stateliness in manner & appearance? Again, monarchs across the world may or those in office of import, such as ambassadors or presidents, but this is for outward show & does not allow us to see their....

[cheryl7davis]

...private informal life, nor indeed their hearts!

4."The respect & honour associated with an important position." How does this fit with dignity in relation to dying, clearly not. For is dying an important position? Yes, there can be man centred honour in dying, as we look at soldiers who have fought for their freedom with regard their country & fellow Conrad's. But personal respect & honour associated with an important position." No, this has no association with dying....

[cheryl7davis]

...5. A high office or rank: So again we come to the 'import' or the important high office or rank which is earned or bestowed & so given the title of 'dignity' through that persons station in authority by men. Mans station/position with regard mans reward to men! Does this afford any credence with regard to dignity in dying? Of course not.

So with these definitions we see that dignity has no common worth with dying! Perhaps the man on the battle fields of past (& present) ....

[cheryl7davis]

...wars died with dignity! Or those in history who have been '& still are being' tortured' across the world! Because they are seen as earning or having respect (earned) for their own moral worth. Those in authority been given the 'dignity to which they earn because of their title or rank in society amongst the many.

We come into this world with nothing & we leave with nothing 'materially'. Yet our hearts & minds are poisoned through our own perception of self until the truth is no....

[cheryl7davis]

...longer required or needed, yet is revealed to us by & through Gods word. But most reject truth because they would rather live for self, being only accountable to other men through mans laws & never acknowledging that their lives have been given but for a short time. Some abuse their lives with the wide range of drugs available,whether inhaled or injected, alcohol, etc. Some do this by 'willingly' depriving their bodies of much needed nutrients needed to sustain life, such as iron...

[cheryl7davis]

...calcium etc. Other's say I didn't ask for this illness (of course not) but they deny accountability. At some time in our lives we have ALL done something or not in some cases that affects our bodies long term. Some are carriers of certain illnesses that can be easily passed onto others (without the carrier knowingly doing so) Does that make them responsible? Some pass on illnesses knowing they are doing so, yet denying they are doing so! Many of them say or think, well I am dying....

[cheryl7davis]

..anyway, so what if I take a few with me? There are a lot of people all over the world who are in pain every single day & some a great deal more than others. I myself am in physical pain every day, but I do not ask that my life be taken by another. Yes it is hard some times, but I take the pain & try to focus on the positive in my life. Placing others before myself.

People are being killed all over the world by disasters,'earthquakes, tsunami's, land slides, floods,tornado's, thunder storms...

[cheryl7davis]

...armed men going on the rampage. Killing for the sake of their self. These will happen more & more in the coming years, & they will get worse.

WE ARE ALL DYING...Knowing that you are dying gives time for the one who is to make right the wrongs in ones life, to set our lives in order so as not to leave any burdens on those we love, who will need comforting. But most important to sincerely ask Gods forgiveness for all our wrongs & ask Him to come into your heart & save you.Save you....

[cheryl7davis]

...from self destruction & the miracle of new birth through salvation. Oh.. I can hear you now... this is a religious nut...what a load of....'bleep'. You may think as you wish, but nothing, & I mean nothing compares to the Love of God. He gave us all life, He breathed life into men & He also gave us free will, to choose Him through Jesus Christ for eternal life, or to choose our own 'sin' through eternal hell. I chose eternal life with Jesus Christ, in 'dignity'. For He see's the heart of...

[cheryl7davis]

...Helping them to stay alive! People who are abused, raped or starving. Those who have no homes, those who truly have nothing. We are all given free will when we are born, but man as a innate problem with accountability. We see ourselves only to be accountable to the law, but we should and are accountable to God. He gives us the choice to either live for him or not to. John ch 3 v:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him...

[cheryl7davis]

Dear Kurt, I feel very sorry for you.What you are saying really, is that you have no quality of life in comparison to what you used to have & through seeing others lives 'as normal', but yet here you are striving to carry on for some thing you believe to be your right to fight for. So surely can you not see your determination to live is far greater than your determination to want to die! Imagine then, what you could accomplish if you placed this determination and fight to live into others lives.

[motogp69]

We abort hundreds of thousands of unborn babies each year for convenience , we euthanize animals to prevent suffering, but when a human being is suffering and does not want to live anymore, we do our best to keep that person alive to the bitter end; no matter how much pain suffering and mental anguish we put them though. Why? It is our life right? When someone decides to end their life for whatever reason, we should have a celebration of their life and say good-bye.

[12lbq]

When you come into this world, your life is your own. You can do with it whatever you want as long as it doesn't directly hurt someone. Your suicide might indirectly hurt your family through sadness of losing you, but it isn't directly hurting someone because your intention is to rid yourself of your shit life, not to hurt your family and friends.

[kharlitox1]

Stop fighting people....this is supposed to be a space to share our ideas not for fighting and by the way, I think both of you guys are right, life is a gift, a wonderful one and of course we are not supposed to throw it away but according to juanking point of view, if you're in your bed and you can't do anything by yourself...that's like to be dead, I mean you're alive but you can't enjoy it....there is not even a cure for that, so you have no hopes, you can't say I'm gonna get over this...

[sintesidave]

It is sad to see he's so young. It is equaly as sad to see he does find forfillment in life, if he did he would not hold these views.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

sintesidave,

I am Kurt, in this video. I have alot of pro-choice social viewpoints, which are not reflected from my not finding "fulfillment" in my life. Even if I was living in a better situation, I'd still be pro-choice about the right-to-die. Anyways, if you want to discuss with me further about the topic, you can message to me, and I'll respond.

[CutegirlSL]

The right to die when you're are chronically ill should be allowed. At the same time, as with any human, the desire to live is innate. People can see things differently when they get to that point of wanting to die. Hold out for the "just maybe" you'll improve somehow. Also because you don't want to hurt those you love. But you can't suffer trying not to hurt others. Life is wonderful; a gift. You want to keep it but if you can't physically live life, you make peace with what you need to do to.

[nzmarc]

What a brilliant comment...so true. well put.

[xxxruzzelxxx]

Killing doesn't help at all

Doctors are to heal, not to kill

[silentfades]

death is not always the enemy

[xxxruzzelxxx]

Okay, but I dont wanna die

I wanna pursue my dreams

I wanna live longer

With my family and friends

Life is a gift

We don't have the right to throw it away

[xjuankingx]

What? Are you fucking serious. Listen to yourself you narcissistic fuck. You're not dying with some terminal illness. You get to enjoy the time you have with family and friends with limitations. Ever think it's not so easy to pursue dreams when you're lying on your death bed?

[xxxruzzelxxx]

Yes I am serious, if you wanna die then go die

I don't care about your fucking miserable life juanking

as for me, I don't wanna die yet

so i wanna give you a suggestion

if you wanna die, go ahead

to lessent the ignorant, stupid people in this world

Thanks

[xjuankingx]

you fail in life

[xxxruzzelxxx]

you fail even more

you can try mercy killing yourself

then i would be so happy

[xjuankingx]

Why would I do that? I love my life. I just don't see how you could be so inane to someone else suffering. Dumb ass

[xxxruzzelxxx]

Well I love my life too, and I don't wanna die

If you're pro mercy killing, then start mercy killing yourself

Excuse me

You're dumber, you got it from your dumb parents, so disgusting to have you as their son

[knitezpage]

why thats my question even if you dont believe in hell why do you want to take your life.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

The question doesn't make any sense. There are many people who want to die, regardless of their religious and philosophical beliefs. My reason for wanting to die, is because of the incurable neuropathy which afflicts me. I'll do it when I'm ready and when I feel that I've done enough in supporting the right-to-die movement here in the world.

[awepro]

awesome title

[Perrine234]

Are you going to oppose refusal of treatment as well? You'd have to be for consistency.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

Some of the media interviews in which I did a few months ago, were very heavily edited. I am quite frustrated by it, and by some of the recent developments regarding the right-to-die, as well as by some of the anti-suicide videos posted on youtube. So, I've decided to start posting comments around here, as well as my own videos, in order to state my beliefs and opinions. Regarding opposing refusal of treatment, I believe that people have the right to.refuse treatment...

[Perrine234]

Yeah, and the only reason pro-lifers support the right to refuse treatment is that it allows for a suicide that is painful and slow. Violence is preferable, hence their membership in the NRA.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

Pro-lifers are a very complex and frustrating people. I admire their claims of caring, yet I totally despise their fight against a person's right to abort, a person's right-to-die, and a person's right to have treatment from embryonic stem cell research. While my personal beliefs regarding the merit of life, are in complete recognition of death, I still believe that a person has the right to the best treatment available, as well as refusal of it.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

Although, I'd hope that the reason for refusing treatment was based on personal suffrage/coping ability, rather than based from family/financial burden. Consider that my hope, does not mean that I'd try to take away the right of refusal based from family/financial burden, they still have that right and deserve that right nonetheless. I do oppose doctors who force people into death, against a person's free will, just as I oppose people who fight against the right-to-die.

[Perrine234]

And my apologies - I first thought you were a pro-lifer when I saw the title of the video.

[ArtisynSaffryn]

Ahh! It's me!!! Interesting dramatic editing by the AP with the birds at the end, but at least the point came across that the right-to-die is a very important right that we must preserve against the anti-choice. I'm going to continue posting on my YouTube page. Anyways, thank you to those who posted nice comments here.

[maor885]

Yeah i wish you every think dude ... :( good luck!

[kaufmann6988]

It is scary to see, that some states and countries are SO obsessed about preventing people to die, even though they want it so badly, while they have no problem killing people on death row in the name of the law. Principle number one: Governments should never have the right to decide about life or death !

I wish you all the best with your fight against the system, Kurt !

[tmhalls]

@kaufmann6988 beautifully said 

[whiff1962]

@kaufmann6988 The state doesn't prevent people from dying; most states just haven't legally sanctioned the medical community as executioner.

[darkmalina]

:D Kurt!

i'm so proud of you for saying what you think to the world ;)

you're looking great my dear friend

maybe i'm being greedy but i'd prefer you didnt die, i'd miss you and maybe there's so much to live for you still don't know

[dungeonmaster88]

i agree everyone deseves the right to die if the pain is to great,if only it was legal.