American Election results. Where to from here?

By Gordon Friesen
President, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Many people have been very surprised --some elated, and some disappointed-- by recent political events in America. 

As President of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition I think it is appropriate to underline the fact that all of our active members, regardless of their personal places on the political spectrum, will continue to carry on "business as usual" under the new American administration. For our concerns transcend Party politics.

I have lost many elections in the last fifty years or so since I first cast a ballot. On each occasion I was told the sky would fall. But the sky is still there. I have voted for candidates who won a number of elections in the same period. In each case I was told we would soon be led into the Promised Land. But nothing of the sort has occurred.

I am not saying elections do not matter. They do. But if we truly believe that the future of humanity depends upon our chosen party winning at the polls, and they lose. What then?

I would like to say without qualification: that I believe our basic civilization has always depended most upon people who tirelessly and deliberately determine to treat one another with love, respect and kindness, regardless of the varied regimes in which they have lived.

My own personal adaptation, however, is neither of the "burn it down" or "infinite submission" variety. I believe that our current environment of comparative political freedom offers opportunities of action which are not limited to partisan contests. In short: personal experience and study in specific areas enables us to learn more than our fellows, and demands of us the effort to share that knowledge.

Ironically enough, it is virtually impossible for me to offer any general examples, however truthful, for it is the nature of partisan conflict to disagree on everything.

And yet I have deep experience, and extremely strong personal views, on this one question of euthanasia. In fact, the strength of those views is such that I do not care which party defends or opposes them. In particular, I will not be bullied to modify those views in order to be accepted within any political grouping.

Simply stated: I intend to pass the next four years under President Trump in exactly the same way that I have passed the last four years under President Biden (and the previous Trump administration, and the years of Bush Jr. and B. Obama, and others before that).

I believe that euthanasia (and indeed any sort of "assisted death") is categorically bad for civilization (which for thousands of years has patiently evolved principles diametrically opposed to any such practice); specifically bad for those people who are considered (or even perceived) as eligible for euthanasia (since their lives are devalued and physically threatened --almost always against their will); specifically bad for our human relationships because of the constant distrust caused by throwing former loved-ones under the bus (and the fear of being thrown there oneself); specifically bad, also, for the primary mission of medicine which has been illegitimately permitted to carry out this anti-human program.

I believe that I can demonstrate these facts without running afoul of the litmus tests of either political party. I believe this is possible, because these are indeed facts (which can be demonstrated through observation), not mere ideological constructs (which can only be affirmed).

In short, as far as it is in my power as EPC President, and knowing the minds of my fellow Board Members (and witnessing the unwavering activity of our co-Founder): there will be no change at all in the activities of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, which will continue to advocate for euthanasia-free society in exactly the same way we have done (together and apart) for the last 30 years.

Gordon Friesen, Montreal, November 11, 2024