# Governor Jerry Brown signs assisted suicide bill. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 6, 2015, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669 "2015-10-06T00:29:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/21 "2015-10-06T21:33:40Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And yet, in Germany, it took less than a decade. Germany never took this path. What the fuck are you talking about? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/22 "2015-10-06T21:36:31Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Germany never took this path. What the fuck are you talking about? [Germany never permitted euthanasia of the seriously ill?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerhard_Kretschmar) ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/23 "2015-10-06T21:45:22Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > And yet, in Germany, it took less than a decade. Again, this is a stupid argument, and by promulgating it, you show how utterly unable to defend your position you are. Allowing death and forcing death aren’t close to the same thing. Any more than sex and rape are synonymous. It’s a vapid argument. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/24 "2015-10-06T21:55:25Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > Again, this is a stupid argument, and by promulgating it, you show how utterly unable to defend your position you are. My position is that all life has value, even those lives which are difficult or painful, and that all means necessary should be extended to preserve every innocent life, and furthermore that allowing those who are in pain to end their lives diminishes the value of all human life by promoting the idea that a painful life is not worth living. > [@](#): > > Allowing death and forcing death aren’t close to the same thing. Did Terri Schiavo consent to her being allowed to die? What is the difference between her and Gerhard Kretschmar? ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/25 "2015-10-06T21:56:38Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > allowing those who are in pain to end their lives diminishes the value of all human life? No it doesn’t. This is a good thing and I’m happy it happened. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/26 "2015-10-06T22:02:21Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > No it doesn’t. Except that it_does_. This is the message that we’re sending to future generations - if your life isn’t exactly what you hoped it would be, then go ahead and kill yourself, it’s OK, we won’t judge you, your personal satisfaction is more important than anything or anyone else. If you’re in pain, then kill yourself instead of enduring it. If you’re sad, then kill yourself instead of finding a way to be happy. If you’re unsuccessful, then kill yourself instead of succeeding. > [@](#): > > This is a good thing and I’m happy it happened. Noone should ever be happy that innocent people are dying. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/27 "2015-10-06T22:06:23Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Except that it_does_. No it doesn’t. > [@](#): > > Noone should ever be happy that innocent people are dying. You’re wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/28 "2015-10-06T22:10:54Z")
_types a lot of things_ _is frustrated_ _deletes, types more things_ _notes that we are not in the Pit_ _deletes it all_ ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/29 "2015-10-06T22:16:01Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > My position is that all life has value, even those lives which are difficult or painful, and that all means necessary should be extended to preserve every innocent life, and furthermore that allowing those who are in pain to end their lives diminishes the value of all human life by promoting the idea that a painful life is not worth living. No it doesn’t. That’s goofy. Life isn’t inherently valuable. It’s the quality of that life that has value. A person being burned alive doesn’t have his existence enriched by every second before he dies. > [@](#): > > Did Terri Schiavo consent to her being allowed to die? What is the difference between her and Gerhard Kretschmar? Terri Schiavo was brain dead. Keeping her on support did nothing to improve her existence, because it ended when her brain died. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/30 "2015-10-06T22:16:27Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Except that it_does_. This is the message that we’re sending to future generations - if your life isn’t exactly what you hoped it would be, then go ahead and kill yourself, it’s OK, we won’t judge you, your personal satisfaction is more important than anything or anyone else. If you’re in pain, then kill yourself instead of enduring it. If you’re sad, then kill yourself instead of finding a way to be happy. If you’re unsuccessful, then kill yourself instead of succeeding. > > Noone should ever be happy that innocent people are dying. I’m convinced that you didn’t read the limitations that the law places on individuals who choose to legally end their lives. Otherwise, your statements sound irrational. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/31 "2015-10-06T22:24:40Z")
It’s may be too late to salvage any meaningful discussion here, but just so y’all know-- [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=17871619#post17871619) is what happens when **Smapti** weighs in on assisted suicide for terminally ill people in great pain. (See also [related](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=17871703#post17871703) Pit thread.) ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/32 "2015-10-06T22:38:09Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > I’m convinced that you didn’t read the limitations that the law places on individuals who choose to legally end their lives. The only acceptable limitation the law can place on individuals who choose to legally end their own lives is “individuals may not legally end their own lives”. > [@Lobohan](#): > > No it doesn’t. That’s goofy. Life isn’t inherently valuable. It’s the quality of that life that has value. No, _that’s_ goofy. The worst conceivable state of existence is preferable to not existing at all. > [@](#): > > Terri Schiavo was brain dead. Keeping her on support did nothing to improve her existence, because it ended when her brain died. So you agree that it’s OK for a person to be euthanized without their consent, then. ---
**Author:** ![Foggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foggy/32/1082_2.png) [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/33 "2015-10-06T22:39:04Z")
To no ones surprise, I’m glad this will be law, to give people a **choice**. Unfortunately it gives people like me, with life long mental illness, no relief. Maybe some day. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/34 "2015-10-06T22:51:18Z")
I’m moving this thread to the Pit and here’s why: It just doesn’t fit well in this forum. Some may say or think that it doesn’t have to be moved, but the reality of it is: This subject is a very, very hot button type of issue that is going to cause some rather hostile replies or strongly worded debates. Because of that, I had two choices: Move it to GD or the Pit. I am choosing the Pit since it seems that the OP is more upset at the action rather than wanting to debate any issue regarding it. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/35 "2015-10-06T22:55:08Z")
By the way, Smapti is a rancid piece of shit, isn’t he? ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/36 "2015-10-06T22:55:48Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > I absolutely disagree with this. Those who are in pain for whatever reason need _help_. Enabling them to kill themselves is the exact opposite. You totally missed what the law is about. It’s about a choice. It’s not mandatory. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/37 "2015-10-06T22:58:20Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > I can not tell you how happy I am about this. > [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > I am choosing the Pit since it seems that the OP is more upset at the action rather than wanting to debate any issue regarding it. 😕 Whatever, it was going to end up here anyway… now **Maggie the Ocelet** can have her say! ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/38 "2015-10-06T22:58:35Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Noone should ever be happy that innocent people are dying. This bill does nothing to change the number of innocent people dying. It does however give the possibility to reduce the amount of time people live in pain. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/39 "2015-10-06T23:02:03Z")
> [@gazpacho](#): > > It does however give the possibility to reduce the amount of time people live in pain. The fact that you consider death preferable to pain is telling. > [@Morgenstern](#): > > You totally missed what the law is about. It’s about a choice. It’s not mandatory. For now. We’ve already established above that posters here are perfectly OK with someone using their power of attorney to order the death of a family member. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669/40 "2015-10-06T23:03:39Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > [Germany never permitted euthanasia of the seriously ill?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerhard_Kretschmar) [Hitler ate sugar.](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HitlerAteSugar) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-jerry-brown-signs-assisted-suicide-bill/733669.md?page=3)