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The Vicissitudes of Euthanasia: A Conversation On Applied Ethics Both at the national (the Netherlands) and the local (Oregon and Washington states) level, societies have sought to deal with the phenomenon of suffering and dying in a "human" and dignified manner. Neighbors, however, have clashed on exactly what a "good death" might look like. We are dealing with fundamental issues of life and death, and so disagreement might not be unexpected. The argument revolves around complicated worldviews and religious belief. There has been a struggle to find common ground and reach consensus. Yet more often than not, there has been more disagreement than agreement.

What do you think? After having studied the controversy for several weeks, it is time to explain how you think and feel on the topic. We have already touched on [|one aspect of euthanasia] ([|euthanasia-blog.pdf]) but now it is time to look at the bigger picture. So here we go.

This is the assignment: **Please write a letter to attorney and [|award winning author] [|Wesley J. Smith] of the [|Discovery Institute's Center on Human Exceptionalism] on the topic of "mercy" or "murder"? Make sure to examine the major arguments on the topic, quoting directly from the sources and paraphrasing the most important aspects of their argument. And also make sure to add your personal opinion to the debate either at the end of your letter, or sprinkled throughout, as you communicate your opinion to Mr. Smith.** There it is.

Use your best words and your best thinking; be respectful and insightful; keep in mind your topic and audience.


 * Roman Catholic official pronouncement ([|catholic-position.pdf] -- [|Vatican site])
 * Chris Hill and "The Note" ([|the-note.pdf])
 * Pieter Admiraal and his "Listening and Helping to Die: The Dutch Way" ([|dutch-policy.pdf])
 * "The Rights of the Disabled" by Alison Davis ([|disability-activist.pdf])


 * @Ben's Letter
 * Shane's Letter
 * Hannah's Letter
 * Isabel's Letter
 * Luke B's Letter
 * Dana's Letter
 * Eric's Letter
 * Patrick B's Letter
 * Joanna's Letter
 * Aron's Letter
 * Connor's Letter
 * Christian's Letter
 * Kieran's Letter
 * Ben's Letter
 * Mason's Letter
 * Saydie's Letter
 * Scott's Letter
 * Luke H's Letter
 * Addison's Letter
 * Averi's Letter
 * Taylor's Letter
 * Patrick L's Letter[[image:whiteboard1.jpg width="624" height="540" align="right" caption="Scope and sequence whiteboard diagram."]]
 * Sarah's Letter
 * Joe M's Letter
 * Sierra's Letter
 * Anaika's Letter
 * Eileen's Letter
 * Brianna's Letter
 * Isabelle's Letter
 * Myha's Letter
 * Greg's Letter
 * Brian's Letter
 * Emily's Letter
 * Elena's Letter
 * Anna's Letter
 * Shaena's Letter
 * Evan's Letter
 * Lauren's Letter
 * Joe S's Letter
 * Nicole's Letter
 * Matt's Letter

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//"All right. I'm gonna disconnect your air machine, then you're gonna go to sleep. Then I'll give you a shot, and you'll... stay asleep. Mo chuisle means "My darling, my blood."//