I believe that most Americans have a positive view of Canada, and why not? Visiting Canada is easy, the people are friendly and courteous, and they drive on the same side of the road. The cities are orderly and clean, they seem to have a good government and by and large we all share the same values. There are some differences in our outlooks, but by and large they reflect our different historical experiences.
As of late however, the Canadian government has embarked on a program which leads to a dangerous path. Their national program of assisted suicide could be viewed as a bit too easy. I can understand assisted suicide if an individual is terminally ill, in constant pain, is worried about the cost to their family, etc. The Canadian plan, however, goes further however and is much easier to access. Are you depressed? Have you lost your job and are facing financial ruin? Perhaps you are in your late teens and are not happy with your looks? Can’t afford proper medical care (in a system that claims to cover everyone)? How about you have just suffered a stroke and are depressed and angry? What if you cannot engage in your favorite activity or sport, is that enough reason to end one’s life? Are you mentally ill and not capable of making sound judgements? Do we really want to make government assisted suicide that simple?
Although it has not reached the level of Germany’s system of the 1930’s eliminating those who were guilty of having a “life unworthy of life”, it should make us wonder what guidelines are in place to ensure a policy of governmental support of assisted suicide cannot be abused. At the current time there are no requirements for psychological or medical counseling, so approval of any request is in the hands of governmental bureaucrats and doctors?
What does such a wide-open program say about the value we place on human life and how have we come to this place?
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