Month: March 2015

Part 3 – Seven Major Reasons All New Yorkers, Including State Senator Diane Savino, Should Lobby Against the Assisted Suicide/Death with Dignity Bill

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The last days we looked at 3 reasons to oppose this bill – For parts 1 and 2 click here – https://nycshepherd.com/2015/03/03/part-2-seven-major-reasons-all-new-yorkers-including-state-senator-diane-savino-should-lobby-against-assisted-suicidedeath-with-dignity-bill/. Today we explore two more reasons to call your representative and tell them to vote no on this bill.

  • The bill places too much trust in Doctors, Psychologists and Insurance Companies.

The language of this bill holds that a mentally competent, terminally ill adult with six months or less to live would have the option to request a prescription for life-ending medication. This requires that both a doctor and psychologist/psychiatrist be involved. Doctors aren’t God. Expiration dates only come from the Original Manufacturer. Haven’t all of us met at least one person who was told they have six months or less to live who lived much longer? Why? Medicine is not an exact science. Psychologists are not God. Mental competence is a matter of opinion. How many expert witnesses are called to determine one’s competence for trial or in an insanity defense? At least two and they usually have two different opinions. Psychology is not an exact science. Beyond that, I would argue that the situation of being diagnosed with a terminal illness has to cloud one’s judgment to some extent and the concept of mental competence then is compromised.

Let me also speak to another very difficult issue here. Those involved in treating people take an oath, The Hippocratic Oath, in fact. In its original form it states the following, “I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.”  The essence of what it means to be a doctor is to facilitate healing. This bill promotes something in direct contradiction to this oath. Though a doctor is not required to provide the “death with dignity” option, capitalism will corrupt that and at some point the Law will require it. Beyond that, just like medical marijuana in California, the need for this drug will be nuanced. Physicians aren’t perfect people. They can and will be tempted to make compromises in regard to the Law’s definition of medical necessity. Many physicians in the name of patient’s right and the patient as consumer will give into the temptation and write a script that is borderline at best in regards to its necessity.  For this reason this bill should be opposed.

Added to this is the concern that comes from the role of insurance companies. I am sure that safeguards will be put into this bill to, on the surface, protect against their involvement. It is very easy though to imagine health insurance companies refusing or limiting payments for certain other drugs or services in order to encourage a terminally ill patient to pass as soon as possible. This could increase a terminally ill’s patients suffering and desire to die. This would be done in order to save money. They are going to die anyway, why waste our resources on them? Does anyone really believe this will not happen? This bill needs to be stopped in its tracks.

  • The bill puts wrongful pressure on the terminally ill and their families.

We live in a world of convenience. We live in a world where health-care is getting more and more expensive. A terminally ill person can cost a family a tremendous amount in time, money and emotional energy. Many terminally ill people, especially the elderly, don’t want to be a burden or bother to anyone. They could easily perceive that they are just that in spite of anything their loved ones may say. They may be depressed because they feel their worth is gone. They are angry with God, self, others and life. Do we want them making this decision?

The families of terminally ill patients are worn out. They are beaten and many times they just want it over. Once the holidays are over or the resources depleted both physically and financially these desires are often expressed. Do we want them advising these terminally ill individuals? They will. How can we know for sure the terminally ill are making an authentically free choice? We cannot know because many of these of the terminally ill are vulnerable and easily manipulated.  This bill should be defeated for this reason.

What’s more, if a terminally ill patient passes without using the prescription, what prevents that pill from finding its way to the black-market? I know it’s against the law but the pill is out there. It’s a commodity some people, who can’t get it legally, want to have to relieve their suffering. Others may want to use it to inflict suffering on others. Pills can be stolen, traded, lost or sold. It’s deadly. Nothing can stop this kind of abuse.

Please contact your representative to register your opposition

Andrew J. Lanza, State Senator
24th District
3845 Richmond Avenue  Island, NY 10312
Phone: 718-984-5151
Fax: 718-984-5737
http://www.nyssenate24.com/24/default.aspx

Diane Savino, State Senator
23rd District
36 Richmond Terrace, Room 112
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: 718-727-9406
Fax: 718-727- 9426
http://www.nyssenate23.com/

Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman
60th District
586B Midland Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Phone: 718-667-5891
Fax: 718-667-5879
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=060

Matthew Titone, Assemblyman
61st District
853 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: 718-442-9932
Fax 718-442-9942
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=061

Joseph Borrelli, State Assemblyman
62nd District
101 Tyrellan Avenue Suite 200
Staten Island, NY 10309
Phone: 718-967-5194
Fax: 718- 967-5282
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=062

Michael Cusick, Assemblyman
63rd District
1911 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 718-370-1384
Fax: 718-370-2543
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=063

Part 2 – Seven Major Reasons All New Yorkers Including State Senator Diane Savino Should Lobby Against Assisted Suicide/Death with Dignity Bill

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Yesterday we discussed the issues surrounding the intent of the bill. (For Part 1 click here – https://nycshepherd.com/2015/03/02/seven-major-reasons-all-new-yorkers-including-state-senator-diane-savino-should-lobby-against-assisted-suicidedeath-with-dignity-bill/) today we want to stress two more reasons the bill should be opposed.

  • The effects of the bill will be damaging

I am confident the sponsors of this bill don’t want to trample on the rights of others. However, this bill will indeed do just that. Senator Savino states forcefully that a terminally ill patient has a “basic human right to die.”  By claiming this to be a right, the Senator and those in favor of this bill are elevating this to a human rights issue. If this is a “basic human right” then regardless of initial safeguards, every doctor will have to bow to it regardless of their feelings on the matter. In addition, every hospice organization will have to sign on to this viewpoint to get government funding for their services and to participate in certain hospitals and situations. When something is a “basic human right” any personal or religious objections are not allowed to stand (Compare to the current plight of bakers and florists who would prefer, based on their personal beliefs, not to lend their talents/services to gay weddings).

Furthermore, the concept of the right to die will be expanded. The wording of this bill, if it becomes law, will eventually be used to cover those who are emotionally tormented or who just want out. If they can show that they are mentally competent, as stated in the words of the bill, why shouldn’t they be allowed this option? Why should the words “six months” or “terminally ill” stop them if they have a right to die. The courts and lawyers will get involved and the bill will be expanded via judicial fiat. In light of this reason alone, this bill should be opposed.

  • The main group behind this bill has another agenda

If you think my words above are hyper exaggerations from someone who doesn’t have anything else to do but cry wolf, please consider the following. This bill is modeled after the Oregon Law which has been in effect since 1998. This law was recently spotlighted in the difficult situation of Brittany Maynard who moved to Oregon so she could make use of the law. Her situation was highlighted by a group called Compassion and Choices who boast that for 30 years they have sought to allow people to experience death with dignity. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it?  Compassion and Choices is the product of the merger of two organizations, The End of Life Federation and The Hemlock Society. That’s right, the Hemlock Society, who from its inception until the merger in 2005 lobbied in their own words “for voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide to be made legal for terminally and hopelessly ill adults.”  This is the core of who they are.  By the way, voluntary euthanasia means taking your own life without the help of a physician and even with the help of someone else. My point is that these are the people who drafted the words of the Oregon Law and thus the New York bill. Their goal is to expand it. They have written it that way.  This is just a first step. They want a world where suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia are commonplace.  The Law will be challenged in court as being too restrictive and expanded. They believe that everyone has a fundamental right to die. The acknowledgement of that right is their ultimate goal. Because of who is behind the crafting of this bill, the bill should be voted against.

Please contact your representative to register your opposition

Andrew J. Lanza, State Senator
24th District
3845 Richmond Avenue  Island, NY 10312
Phone: 718-984-5151
Fax: 718-984-5737
http://www.nyssenate24.com/24/default.aspx

Diane Savino, State Senator
23rd District
36 Richmond Terrace, Room 112
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: 718-727-9406
Fax: 718-727- 9426
http://www.nyssenate23.com/

Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman
60th District
586B Midland Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Phone: 718-667-5891
Fax: 718-667-5879
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=060

Matthew Titone, Assemblyman
61st District
853 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: 718-442-9932
Fax 718-442-9942
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=061

Joseph Borrelli, State Assemblyman
62nd District
101 Tyrellan Avenue Suite 200
Staten Island, NY 10309
Phone: 718-967-5194
Fax: 718- 967-5282
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=062

Michael Cusick, Assemblyman
63rd District
1911 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 718-370-1384
Fax: 718-370-2543
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=063

Today’s Lenten Reading – Luke 12:22-48

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22And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?  26If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. You Must Be Ready 35“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he  would not have left his house to be broken into. 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”41Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?”42And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43Blessed is that servant  whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership – Chapter 7

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The leader must be clothed “with humility”(1 Peter 5:5). The verb refers to a slave’s tying on a white apron, which gives this verse an added note of meaning. Was Peter recalling the sad night when he refused to take the towel and wash his master’s feet? Would pride keep other leaders from joyful service? Pride ever lurks at the heels of power, but God will not encourage proud men in His service. Rather, He will oppose and obstruct them. But to the undershepherd who is humble and lowly in heart, God will add power and grace to the work.

Seven Major Reasons All New Yorkers Including State Senator Diane Savino Should Lobby Against Assisted Suicide/Death with Dignity Bill

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     NY Senate Coup

     The following five part series is written with the hope that it will inform and motivate all New Yorkers in general and Staten islanders in particular regarding the End of Life Options Act. Please take the time to call and voice your opposition to your State representatives in the Senate and in the Assembly before this bill gets any traction. Staten Island Representatives’ phone numbers are found at the end of this post. Others from New York Staten Can be found here http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/ and here http://www.nysenate.gov/

     Recently Staten Island’s State Senator Diane Savino along with State Senator Brad Hoylman introduced “The New York End-of-Life Options Act” in the New York State Senate. In the press release accompanying the bill’s introduction Senator Savino said “The option to end one’s suffering when facing the final stages of a terminal illness should be a basic human right, and not dependent upon one’s Zip code.”  In a recent op-ed published in the Staten Island Advance, Senator Savino shared that her own father’s painful death was part of her motivation for introducing the bill.

     There are presently over a dozen other states considering similar bills. Most are modeled after Oregon’s so called Death with Dignity Law. This Law was used by Brittany Maynard who moved to Oregon from California to legally take her life. Maynard took her life on November 1, 2014 to relieve her suffering from a brain tumor.

Let me begin by saying I am very empathetic to the desire of the Senator and others to relieve the suffering of others and in particular our own family members. I lost my father to the horrors of lung cancer when he was just 41 years of age. I have pastored the same local church on Staten Island for over 25 years. During that time I have been called upon to walk with many individuals and their families in and out of the church I pastor through their last days, many in the midst of great suffering. I have counseled them, prayed with them, cried with them. It has never been easy. Let me also say that I don’t always agree with the Senator but I have always respected her forthrightness. I don’t question her motives or motives of others regarding this matter. I think they are simply wrong on this issue.

  • The premise of the bill is wrong.

Please notice I said the premise and not the intent. The intent of the bill is to relieve suffering, which is noble. The assumption is that you can end your own suffering through a prescription (the drug of choice is pentobarbital which is currently in short supply). While it is true that how one dies can mitigate suffering, death itself is not without suffering. Beyond what we know about the physical there is much that we don’t know about the mental and spiritual. When the heart stops and oxygen is cut off to the brain what does the brain feel?  When the soul leaves the body what does the soul experience? We just don’t know. What must be said is that the best this bill can provide is the appearance of someone going peacefully. We can’t be sure that this is actually true and for that reason alone I oppose the bill. The appearance of them going peacefully might make us feel good but this is not about us; it is about the terminally ill isn’t it? It is also noteworthy that the pain-killing drugs presently available to the medical profession alleviate to a great degree the issue of intense suffering in the terminally ill.

Something else bothers me greatly about this particular point. This drug, pentobarbital, is used for something else. It is the drug used for the death penalty’s lethal injection.  In that case it is administered by a doctor who monitors the recipient, not just to ensure his/her death, but to do everything possible to make sure that he/she does not suffer. If this drug is so successful in allowing someone to “go peacefully” why is there a need to medically monitor those individuals who receive it to carry out their death sentence?  This bill allows for the pill to be given to the individual and for them to take it on their own with no doctor present. Why are we more concerned about the possible suffering of a death row inmate than a terminally ill person? There is something counter-intuitive about this.

Tomorrow – Reasons 2-3 –

Andrew J. Lanza, State Senator
24th District
3845 Richmond Avenue  Island, NY 10312
Phone: 718-984-5151
Fax: 718-984-5737
http://www.nyssenate24.com/24/default.aspx

Diane Savino, State Senator
23rd District
36 Richmond Terrace, Room 112
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: 718-727-9406
Fax: 718-727- 9426
http://www.nyssenate23.com/

Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblywoman
60th District
586B Midland Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Phone: 718-667-5891
Fax: 718-667-5879
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=060

Matthew Titone, Assemblyman
61st District
853 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: 718-442-9932
Fax 718-442-9942
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=061

Joseph Borrelli, State Assemblyman
62nd District
101 Tyrellan Avenue Suite 200
Staten Island, NY 10309
Phone: 718-967-5194
Fax: 718- 967-5282
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=062

Michael Cusick, Assemblyman
63rd District
1911 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 718-370-1384
Fax: 718-370-2543
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=063

From Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership -Chapter 6

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Paul was uniquely equipped for the major role to which God called him. A present-day parallel to this amazing man would be someone who could speak in Chinese in Beijing, quoting Confucius and Mencius; write cogent theology and teach it at Oxford; and defend his cause using flawless Russian before the Soviet Academy of Sciences. By whatever comparison, Paul was certainly one of the most versatile leaders the church has known.

Today’s Lenten Reading – Luke 13:13-21

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13Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”14But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?”15And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”16And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’18And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’20But
God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’21So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

This Sunday at Calvary Chapel on Staten Island

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image

Dr. Mitch Glaser, President of Chosen People Ministries presents Christ in the Passover, two services 9:00 am and 11:15 am. Streaming live at http://www.calvarychapel.org/sermons, Live on WMCA 570 AM or at http://www.wmca.com or on the  iheart radio app joined in progess at 11:30am. Calvary is located at 30 Maple
Parkway on the North West Shore of Staten Island, 5 minutes from the Goethals Bridge.