Write two paragraphs analysing the views, values and evidence used by each writer, p. 65
“Euthanasia: laws long overdue”
As a euthanasia activist, Mr Friberg advocates/endorses the rights of patients to choose death especially if they are doomed to vegetative states or intolerable suffering. Appealing to social justice/humanist values and the rights and dignity of patients, as espoused by the green senator, Mr Friberg makes it clear to all family members and policy makers that keeping terminally ill patients alive is cruel , undignified and expensive. He refers to the real life example of Jonathan Bury, a car crash victim, to specifically expose the pain he endures. The emotive and rhetorical reference to the fact that Jonathon “was unable to breathe” and “could not perform bodily tasks” highlights the depths of his agony and his humiliation. Such an example is likely to resonate with all family members who have a loved one in such a desperate situation. Friberg challenges all members of the public including policy makers to consider the incredible cost and the pain of “keeping people alive by using modern technology”.
Comparison with “A race for control” (The Referend John Prile)
If Mr Friberg recommends assisted death rights, the reverend adopts a spiritual perspective to suggest that euthanasia undermines divine values and “God’s purview”. In this regard, the Reverend’s biblical framework provides a stark contrast to the social justice humanist perspective of Mr Friberg. Primarily, he seeks to shame those individuals who, he believes, have the arrogance or the audacity to put a value on life contrary to the teachings of the bible. Peremptorily, (assertively) he reminds all readers, that it is for God “alone to decide on the moment” of death. Furthermore, he alarms such individuals about, colloquially speaking, reaching “a point of no return”. In this regard, he leaves members of the community in no doubt that assisted dying rights will criminalise people who commit “murder”. In contrast to the example of the 21-year-old Mr Bury which focuses on his intolerable suffering, the Reverend refers to his 85-year-old mother’s example to suggest that it is possible to “minimise her pain” and to “take joy in caring for her”. He thereby seeks to shame those who would advocate euthanasia and suggests that they fail to recognise the “joy” and make life comfortable for elderly sufferers.
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