Brian T. Carroll: CommentariesThe decision yesterday by an Orange County judge to overturn the ‘End of Life Option Act’ is likely just a speed bump in the rush to grant the option of assisted suicide to Californians. I see it more as an opportunity for the legislature to reconsider a bad idea, but the major media focused on the regrettable speed-bump aspect. I searched Google News for Stephanie Parker, which took me to the correct articles (see attached), but the articles made no mention of Parker, which is a shame, because her testimony seemed to me the most poignant. Parker's scleroderma is terminal, but her insurance company denied her the chemotherapy which she hoped could prolong her life. Instead, they offered to pay for suicide drugs, which would cost about $1.20.
The option for assisted suicide very quickly becomes a coercive duty to accept assisted suicide. Some have feared universal healthcare because it would introduce death panels. Yet our for-profit insurance industry already decides who to treat, and who to let die, with the cooperation of Congress. My opponent in the June 5 primary, Devin Nunes, helped write the healthcare bill that passed the House last year, but failed to pass in the Senate. One provision in the bill would have allowed Blue Shield considerable tax advantages on its CEO’s $14 million/year salary. The health insurance industry and Congressman Nunes have been very good to each other. Some years they have been his top contributors. You can also understand why bean-counters trying to pay high CEO salaries would like to close out an account for the price of a $1.20 injection.
What I don’t understand is how a movement that operates in the name of ‘choice’ always supports programs that end in the deaths of some who were given no choice at all. Nor do I understand how Congressmen who claim to be Pro-Life can get away voting for bills that set the value of life below the value of profits.
If readers agree with me, I ask first that you share this post, and then that you would vote for me on June 5th, for Congress from California's 22nd District.
Hello, is the CA chapter operational? If so where in CA? Where can I find contact info for the chapter? I am new and interested in learning more about the party, specifically in CA. I live in the East Bay around the city of Hayward.