CAPTITAL TIMES, December 7, 1990 Congress ignores right-to-de with dignity Legislature surprisingly failed to get through the right-to-die measure that appeared to be a winner. This bill would have granted state residents the right to execute the "living will," which outlines in advance the types of medical service they would accept or refuse in the event of terminal illness or irreversible coma. Unfortunately, disagreements between the House and Senate led to death of the bill. People should have freedom of choice in how or if they are to be kept alive, so another bill should be reintroduced at the beginning of the new legislative session in January. When there is no longer any relief to the pain of a fatal illness and no treatment, should people be made to suffer and die slowly? Many terminally ill patients feel their lives are over when they can no longer function in society without the aid of modern medicine's technology to sustain life. When patients refuse treatment and desire escape from the imprisonment of life dependent on technology, doctors, family members, nor act of legislature should prevent them. Ironically, however, once the doctors turn on the miracle machines of modern medicine to prolong life, the laws of the land usually prevent anyone from turning them off. Life entails associating with family and friends, going to the store, eating dinner at a table... Lying in a hospital bed waiting to die is not "living." So, the decision to unplug machines and tubes does not constitute "killing". It leads to death with dignity instead. Some say taking one's own life is a sin and un-Godly. So, is being hooked up to machines the natural and holy way to die? Extending life with modern technology seems more unnatural than simply letting one die if that is one's choice. There are of course others who want to grasp every second of life on earth--which is their right. But for those who wish to depart by natural means, or even unnaturally when only nothing but science can sustain life, that should be their right too. The only solution is to let people make their own choices. Hopefully, legislature will realize this--if the right-to-die bill is reintroduced in January—and give people the right to decide about life or death. This issue of the Capital Times marks the end of my career as editor-in-chief (I graduate...finally!) The Cap Times Staff elected Jon Fleck as editor-in-chief and T.J. Brightman as news editor for the Spring of 1991. Both students have the best qualifications for the positions, and I know will pick up where I left off and continue to make the Cap Times the best it can be! Before I move on with the rest of my life, however, I would like to give my regards to several people at PSH that helped me reach my goals with the Cap Times. My thanks and appreciation to: Henry Rappold (for those of you who remember Hank's Pen Rambles) for making me realize "the ink is in my veins" and helping me through several tough times this semester--those long hours working on the first issue of the Cap Times while Hank coached on the phone from Allentown!) Peter Parisi for all the words of encouragement and always being there with his practical knowledge to get me through the tough times...and for keeping the "ink flowing through my veins" in Hank's absence...and for helping me realize I can achieve my goals with a little enthusiasm and a lot of hard work. Donald Wolff for helping me cultivate my writing skills from the EDITORIALS Victoria. Cuss no Editor -in -C flicf time I came to PSH and for providing continued support of my efforts with the Cap Times. Student Activities, Student Affairs, Community Relations staffs for all the support! Dr. Levanthal and Dr. South for acknowledging the importance of the school paper, its goals, and the sometimes unavoidable interviews on short notice! The Cap Times Staff for all the extra effort and help. Your long hours never went unnoticed. Special thanks to Caton for always providing me with his special articles that never failed to cheer me during a 3 a.m. editing session, and Paula for all the TYPING. And the Cheerleaders for understanding my absence during Cap Times Crunch Weeks and my special friends for all the personal support and encouragement! Jon and T.J.--I wish you the best of luck with the Cap Times and your future careers! Congratulations Seniors and Happy Holidays to Everyone Victoria Cuscino Editor-in-Chief ''ort‘y yet) C ?neva(' -s:Trest 'Ticket Letters to the Editor To the Editor We are apalled at the gall of the SGA regarding their recent decision to freeze all ciub funds for failure to attend the President's Council Meetings. We deplore SGA for their commitment of OUR time to feed their egos. This, to us, is just another example of liberal Democrat "government-in-your-face until-it-hurts." We are not sure of their motivation for freezing club funds if clubs do not send a representitive to this meeting. If there was something important being said or discussed at these meetings, attendance would be much better. According to the SGA constitution, the President's Council "shall assist organizations recognized by the (SGA) Senate in ExpTic;it, volaY wilGv2t2, Letters to the editor are always welcomed and encouraged. Submit your letter in Room W-341 or place it in our mailbox in Room 212. Typed submissions are preferred. Please include your name...we cannot print anonymous letters. planning and coordinating their activities." We suggest that this objective would be better served by a newsletter to which all clubs would contribute. One hour per month may not seem like much time, but it is OUR time, and we dispute their claim to it. We also suggest that the punishment for such a truly trivial infraction more closely suit the crime. We suggest a small fine paid from the club's restricted funds. We strongly suggest the SGA reconsider its action. The power which SGA has came from the students, and we might be moved to take it back. Michael E. Wynne Vice-President XGI Fraternity
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