A Closing Thought (January 8, 1997)

This is the last in a series of 5 letters I have written to my local newspaper since reading of the two college students who were arrested for the murder of their newborn child. I have heard nothing from the paper. I need to be heard. I am in pain. I don't think I'm crazy … but something or someone is.

I would like to get this to Nightline. Ted Koppel is the most thoughtful journalist I could think of. Thanks.

Brian J. McMahon

607-797-5016


A Closing Thought

I have been churning my stomach, my mind, my very being over the issues of human life and human death and the rights of the individual to their personal freedoms and philosophies. Personally, I believe that human life is sacred and begins at conception (the thought and promise of new life) and ends when that promise is fulfilled in the thoughtless void of brain death. I believe that the medical doctor is a most noble professional who attests to the dignity and sanctity of human life. There are many who vehemently disagree with me.

In weighing their views, one phrase keeps coming to mind and gnawing at me with a certain credibility: "They shoot horses, don't they?" Yes, they do. And they spay and neuter pets … they put them to sleep … they perform all sorts of humanitarian deeds. The veterinarian is another noble professional.

Perhaps, within these two most noble professions there is an answer to the wrenching issues of life and death which can allow both sides to have their way. If we simply required veterinarians to be schooled in the art of abortion and allowed them to prescribe today's abortion inducing drugs we would have two professions which could support both sides of the philosophical debate. Think about it. Vets already know how to put an animal to sleep.

So when it came to the issues of life and death, if you felt like a dog you could go to the vet. I'd still try to convince you that you were more than a dog, but I'd let you pick your poison.

I may have condemned myself to an excruciatingly painful, slow death for saying this. Perhaps that is what I am experiencing now.

<Previous> <Next> <Table Of Contents>