Actor/Activist Sheen Voices Opposition to Assisted Suicide in Washington State

[Guest guest]

I don’t know if other states have

initiatives like this…but just an fyi…if they are trying for it in

one state, others might follow..has troubling implications for people with

disabilities

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Actor/Activist

Sheen Voices Opposition to Assisted Suicide in Washington State

The Coalition Against Assisted

Suicide has started an advertising campaign featuring actor/activist Sheen. Sheen alerts

voters to the problems with Initiative 1000 (I-1000) in a powerful radio spot.

Known for his support and involvement in progressive causes off-camera, Sheen

explained his desire to make this statement in a press release from the

Coalition:

" I try to work when I'm not on the screen to help

improve conditions for the most vulnerable people in our country -- low wage

workers, immigrants, the disabled and the poor, " Sheen said. " We have

a health care system where the more money you have, the better medical care you

receive. Initiative 1000 is a dangerous idea -- because so many people do not

have the money necessary to get the care they need. When I heard about

Initiative 1000, I wanted to help stop it before it harms people who are at

risk. "

There's a button to play

the ad on the same page linked above. But for those unable to hear the ad

or to access the player for whatever reason, here is a transcript of Sheen's

radio ad:

Hello, this is Sheen with an urgent message about

Initiative 1000. It’s a dangerous idea that could hurt thousands of

low-income people who need medical care. It’s a step backwards and I urge

you to vote “no.”

Initiative 1000 would open

up a loophole that health care insurers could exploit to cut payments for the

disabled and the working poor, encouraging them to use assisted suicide.

This is exactly the wrong direction for real health care in America.

We have a long way to go to fix our health care system and guarantee coverage

for everyone; and we’ve fought hard for the protections and care we do

have. But Initiative 1000 is not an answer. It’s opposed by nurses,

disability groups and the 9000 doctors in the Washington State Medical

Association. People who are ill need real medical care and compassion, not

lethal drugs.

Again, I’m Sheen urging you to vote “no” on Initiative

1000 and thank you.

This isn't the first time that Sheen has lent his voice - or his signature - in

opposing the promotion of assisted suicide and/or euthanasia. In 2000, he was

one of many prominent human rights activists to sign onto a response to the

" Citizen Activist " award given to Jack Kevorkian by the Gleitsman

Foundation in 2000. The response, titled " PEOPLE WITH

DISABILITIES ARE ENTITLED TO DIGNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: A STATEMENT IN

OPPOSITION TO HONORING DR. JACK KEVORKIAN " is still viewable online.

Posted by Not Dead Yet at 11:41 AM