December 4th 2024.
MetroTalk: A reader shares their experience as a cancer patient and criticizes opponents of the assisted dying bill for fearmongering. They invite others to share their thoughts in the comments section.
Recently, I came across an article in Metro about a man named Mike Longhurst and his daughter Kate, who tragically lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 43. As someone who is also fighting cancer for the third time, I was deeply moved by their story and the immense suffering they had to endure.
However, what upset me even more was the debate surrounding the assisted dying bill. As a patient facing an uncertain future, I find it cruel that some people are against giving me the option of a better death if I am faced with unbearable suffering. It's as if they are dictating that I have to go through it no matter what, and that my loved ones have to witness the trauma.
I have a friend who witnessed two horrific deaths and she made a valid point - if we wouldn't let an animal suffer like that, why should we let humans? It's heartbreaking to see that some opponents of the bill are using fearmongering tactics, claiming that the elderly and disabled will be pressured to end their lives early. The truth is, the bill is intended for a small group of terminally ill individuals with only six months or less to live.
My elderly mother was also distressed by these arguments, fearing that she might never come out of the hospital if she were to go in. It took me a while to reassure her that the bill would not affect her and that it was meant for people like me who are facing intolerable suffering.
In another MetroTalk topic, readers were asked to share their thoughts on Labour's plans to renationalize the railways. Personally, I was overjoyed to read about South Western Railway being the first operator to be renationalized. It's like an early Christmas present for me. The privatization of public transport has clearly not worked, and I hope that we continue to move towards nationalization, including for water.
Another topic that caught my attention was the social media ban for children under 16 in Australia. As someone who is concerned about the negative effects of social media on young minds, I applaud the Australian government for taking such a step. I hope other countries, including the UK, will follow suit.
Recently, I had to go abroad to get my dental treatment done because NHS dentistry is in such a sorry state. It's a shame that I had to travel to Portugal and get my teeth fixed within a day, for a fraction of the cost that the NHS charges for dentures. It's clear that something needs to change within our healthcare system.
Lastly, I came across a comment about violence against women being labeled as "male violence". While I understand the sentiment behind it, I also believe that it can alienate innocent men. Instead of blaming an entire gender, we need to address the issue and educate those who are causing harm with their words and actions. Only then can we truly unite and progress as a society. Let's not vilify a certain group, but rather focus on educating and bringing about positive change. What are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments section.
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