Letters: Thanks, but I'll do death my way

I DON'T know about you, but I am fed up to the back teeth with Maggie Barry, Ken Orr and other right-to-lifers telling me how I must end my life.

Fine if they want to be drugged into a vegetative state before someone has the balls to surreptitiously alter the palliative care regimen that they are on, but they have absolutely no right to dictate that I follow their chosen path to death. Did Maggie allow all plants in her garden to wither, die and rot gracefully? No, she pulled them out when the time was right, so that life could begin again.

These people seem to think thousands of elderly, infirm or disabled people are going to be slaughtered by avaricious beneficiaries. What crap. In fact, those that want to exit this mortal coil in a dignified manner are those that have the intelligence to ensure that their assets are appropriately assigned before they seek a dignified end to their life.

Laws are enacted for the benefit of the majority, not the minority. I seem to find a link to democracy there. WWII is a prime example of accepting a few "innocent" casualties in order that the majority of the global population gain benefit. Allied bombing of Dresden and the US atomic slaughter at Nagasaki and Hiroshima achieved that aim.

Regardless of the theatrics of a few morally questionable do-gooders, the right to choose how and when to depart for the next world is that of the individual concerned.

Please let's give this subject a break and all agree to disagree, and leave it to a binding referendum to decide.

D PARTNER
Eastown

Credit where it's due

My grandfather, Bill Bell, was a leader in the treatment of poliomyelitis from the 1940s through until his passing in 2005.

After a period in Minneapolis in the United States, he emigrated to New Zealand, and later established the Duncan Hospital on Durie Hill.

I recall numerous conversations with my grandfather about those times, about the patients — many of whom I grew up around — and the "wonderful people" he worked with.

One such time, in 1996, the topic of conversation swung to having his work recognised via one of the honours lists. It was a short conversation because he was adamant the answer to that was "No". His reasoning was he did the work to help people, and such recognition would add nothing to the work he had done. I agreed in part. However, I still believe his work should be recognised more widely than the physiotherapy sector and polio.

My late grandfather's view comes to mind every time there is a new year or Queen's Birthday honours list. It is a curious blend of people who selflessly sacrifice for the better of the community and others who are merely famous or rich.

In my view, services to "cooking" pale in comparison to the contribution of a woman who taught my children and thousands of others to be safe in the water — congratulations, Marie Baker.

Regularly absent from such honours lists are thousands who, in their work or spare time, give more to their communities than they take; who have a gift for helping people, particularly when times are tough.

On a personal note, the staff and caregivers at Summerset rest home deserve recognition. Unfortunately, there is no national fanfare, but national recognition is appropriate.

They, like all health care professionals, operate in a field full of stress and emotion, yet provide the highest quality of care and support. Our family is emerging from the slow passing of a much-loved family member in their care. Over the course of more than a month a bedside vigil was spent by my mother and her brother and sister, which was agonising for those closest to it.

Such an experience requires special strength which ran strong throughout for my mother and her siblings but the presence and care of Summerset staff ensured that not only Nana was cared for but my extended family also.

While caregivers of Summerset (and other health professionals) are not rewarded like captains of industry, land barons and celebrities, they provide something far more valuable — human spirit and care.
To close, we farewelled my 99-year-old grandmother, and I want to thank all the drivers who pulled over out of respect as we drove to Aramoho Cemetery. My relatives, some who travelled long distance, were touched and moved by this — and I was made prouder of this place I am glad to call home.

RUSSELL BELL
Whanganui

ABs better watch out

Great jump, Beauden Barrett, in the ABs v France game on Saturday night — sorry about the crash landing, mate, and trust you are okay.

With no intent, France's Benjamin Fall should never have got a red card.

France played very well with 14 men and were unlucky at times and scored a great try on full-time, fully deserved by their display of courage.

Bring on the third test ... and to our All Blacks: Pull up your socks, or the result will be reversed.

GARY STEWART
Foxton Beach