Death is most important civil right

The statement to be responded to went something like: "For several years a movement has been afoot to alter how we, as a state, allow people to die. One side calls the issue death with dignity. The other side calls it physician-assisted suicide. I lean toward calling it: patient/individual directed care." ("Set the public agenda," Jan.1)

My response is simple. It is simply my individual right to determine how I live out my remaining days in the face of an incurable illness or condition. The Oregon statutes have proven to be an appropriate and effective means of safeguarding individual rights in this matter. As with the civil union legislation, let mighty little Vermont lead the way towards a universal acceptance of this most important civil right -- the right to die with dignity.

CORWIN SHARP
Woodstock