Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Alan Hinnrichs twists every subject into an excuse for some Christianity-bashing. His letter: ”Why should these people have the right to prolong a person’s suffering?” (August 18) follows the same inevitable pattern.
I am sure we all feel heart sorry for Tony Nicklinson and wish we could do something to alleviate his suffering, but the decision not to allow doctors to end his life was the court’s, not that of Christian campaigners.
One does not have to be a Christian to see the other side to the argument on euthanasia. Judges are wary of creating a precedent which might be used by the unscrupulous as an excuse for ridding themselves of a burdensome relative.
Whether severely disabled people suffering either mentally or physically or both and with no quality of life should be helped to end their lives is a very complex and vexed question.
Alan Hinnrichs does nobody any favours, least of all people like Tony Nicklinson, by using this case as another excuse for some Christian-bashing.
In Nazi Germany, there would have been no problem, but, then, the Nazis’ answer to the perceived problems of Jews, the disabled, gypsies and homosexuals was to exterminate them. They would not have given Tony Nicklinson the choice.
Is that a better example to follow than the Christian and democratic approach? I think not.
Homosexuals, for instance, are safer in a Christian democratic state such as ours than they were in Nazi Germany despite the constant griping of the homosexual lobby in this country.
George McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
(NOTE: The above letter was submitted before news of Mr Nicklinson’s death on August 22 was announced.)
Decisions are illogical and unfair
Sir, – I really feel this country is incredibly unjust and the people making decisions affecting people’s lives are illogical and unfair.
Once again we see the rights of criminals being far more important than those of law-abiding citizens.
Keith Bennet’s mother died without ever knowing where her son was buried. Ian Brady has spent years manipulating the system and been given a soap box for his twisted, evil views.
At the same time this country wastes taxpayers’ money keeping him alive by force-feeding him yet law-abiding victims of severe terminal conditions, such as Tony Nicklinson, are refused the right to die with dignity in their own country.
I seriously despair. Britain’s judges appear to be lacking any common sense.
Gordon Kennedy.117 Simpson Square,Perth.
Tradition worth upholding
Sir, – I refer to the Rev Cameron’s letter , ”A tradition of tolerance” (August 20). I note that he made no appeal to scripture. Surely the Bible should be the reference for the church on matters of morality?
In speaking of marriage Jesus said: ”From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife; and they two shall be one flesh”.
Paul the apostle quotes this and says that marriage is a picture of the union between Christ and the church.
This is a tradition worth upholding.
Paul Read.Wester Lumbennie,Newburgh.
Ultimately a personal issue
Sir, – With polls showing great disfavour from Christians towards David Cameron’s and Alex Salmond’s support of gay marriage, let us not forget that all the main parties, both unionist and SNP alike, are in favour of this.
In terms of the referendum on independence voting ”yes” or ”no” will not make one iota of difference either way and neither will voting on a party basis in future Holyrood or Westminster elections.
This is an issue of personal conviction and conscience.
Ron Greer.Armoury House,Blair Atholl.
Clever piece of propaganda
Sir, – It is nearly safe now to go back out on the street and admit you are a Scot of independent thought? Having been bombarded from all sides by a Jubilee and London games show for what seemed like an eternity, I was misled into thinking the Aliens Act had been reintroduced.
It has certainly been a clever piece of propaganda, hijacked by the unionist establishment to put Scots back into line. How dare we think we are a nation when we are no more than a province ruled by an elite in London?
All ideas of a modern, independent Scotland must be swept away, the saltire hidden and replaced by the flag of ”union” to make us feel ”British”.
At least while countless millions have been spent on these events based in London it has helped us to forget the other countless millions being spent on a war in Afghanistan.
Bill Dryden.22 Carlogie Road,Carnoustie.
Reduced bills?
Sir, – Alex Salmond frequently claims that at present 35% of Scotland’s electricity is generated by ”free and green” wind.
If this is the case, can we expect an immediate reduction in our electricity bills and the closure of at least one coal-fired power station?
Iain Richmond.Guildy House,Monikie.