Thank you for opening an important topic in your April 19 article, “Legislator’s letter draws controversy.” And thanks to the high school senior, Mike Simpson, and his teacher in Edward Little High School, Candy Gleason, for having the courage to take on Rep. Tom Shields.

I am 83 years old and am approaching that time in life at which I will not enjoy skiiing, gardening, reading or other joys of living. I have seen others in my family pass through this stage asking God to take them, but existing for over a year with their hands strapped to wheelchairs so that they couldn’t move or get out.

I think that Dr Shields was neither Christian nor a medial server when he suggested that we could have laws so a person could be given a loaded gun and blow out his or her brains.

I don’t think a doctor should be loaded with the responsibility of deciding when I no longer enjoy my quality of life. But, I do think that the Hypocratic oath of “do no harm” requires the medical profession to assist me to pass on in dignity, comfort and peace when I and my family so decide.

I hope the Sun Journal’s courage in opening up this topic will help put Maine among progressive states.

In the meantime I will enjoy my golden years skiing, gardening, fishing, reading and writing letters to the editor, as I have taken steps to ensure my end will not be prolonged beyond my joy in life.

Bill Ellis, Rangeley