Religion Doesn't

Govern the Law

Once again, the folks who believe that their own religion or personal beliefs should govern everybody else are in high dudgeon as regards the "death with dignity" legislation currently pending in the state segislature.

I am strongly in favor of this legislation, and all available polling suggests that a large majority of Vermonters feel that this is an option that should be available to those who request it.

I have watched family members and friends slowly lose ability to act for themselves, to reason, to be alive in any sense except a purely biological one. The prolonging of this kind of existence holds no meaning for me.

I've made my decision. Faced with such a fate, I intend to die at a time of my own choosing. This legislation would allow me to prolong that decision, knowing that I would not have to take action while I was physically able to do so myself. This would be a great comfort to me. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way.

I have every hope that our legislature and governor will pass this legislation and ensure that individual Vermonters, not the church or the state, have the final say in this critically important matter.

Robert C. Moyer

Braintree