Graduation congratulations
Annica Mott (pictured) graduated from the University of Canberra on Thursday, April 7 with a Bachelor of Writing, majoring in creative writing, media arts and literary studies. The ceremony took place in the Great Hall at Parliament House.
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Annica is the daughter of Andrew and Marrie Mott and sister of Callan. She is the granddaughter of Alan Mott (deceased) and Pamela-Rose Bicego and Warren and Benita Salvestro (both deceased).
Annica attended St Patrick’s Primary School and Marian Catholic college before going to university. In her second year she attended a summer writing school at Oxford University and is currently working as an assistant editor for film production company Wild Bear Entertainment in Canberra.
The Mott family
Concerning euthanasia
When we consider the millions of lives lost fighting in world wars (out of necessity) in the service of one’s country and for many their God, to save people, we also consider the holy wars. Yet Biblically we are commanded “thou shalt not kill” yet lives were lost for this cause also. No one had any qualms about the need to participate because it became a sense of loyalty.
Keeping this in mind and the reasoning behind this, is not the right to die under extenuating circumstances (like terminal illness) a choice to be allowed to go to participate in the decision and then run with it?
It seems somewhat strange to note that it is okay to go and kill others in wars yet euthanasia is considered a no-no because it is classified as killing someone even though that someone has been to hell and back and wants to end it all; their reasoning, justifiable.
All they want is for their prolonged agony to cease when they can't be saved and don't want to be saved because they are terminally ill and want to call it quits.
Palliative care is a valuable place to be and works for many, but for others at the end of their tether for whom enough is enough wouldn't it be kinder to allow them their God-given free will to choose their own passage to let go and let God.
It ought be possible to draw up a legal document similar to a will so that everyone who wants to has the choice to pre-arrange their wishes by a statement to either their lawyer, family or both what they wanted should they be faced with a terminal illness.
It ought to be arranged in their early life whilst they are coherent with an added clause that enables them, down the track, the option if they so desire, to change their mind.
Looking at euthanasia from a legal point of view there is a tendency to lean heavily on the side of caution, it needs to be, especially as it is required to measure its decisions between right and wrong in the eyes of the law of the land.
This requirement is not an open and shut case, far from it, for the pros and cons have to be weighed up as they navigate their way through the tonnage of legal jargon just to arrive at a decision.
They can't afford to get this wrong otherwise it sets a precedent. When we give an inch it’s only logical that the expectation for further progression expects, demands and oft times tries to force the mile.
We see this regularly every time the next new cause presents itself.
The government powers-that-be shy away from issues alien to them and the Crown (in its legal wisdom and rightly so) sees fit not to take lightly any new introductions that are contrary in themselves as this one is playing out to be.
Yet all that is required is to allow such people to die with dignity when their time comes and they can no longer endure any more agony.
It may well finish up as being a case of leaving well enough alone or in this case whatever will be will be, our future is not ours to decide, just everyone elses' view.