Sir, In light of the recent developments in euthanasia, I cannot help but think we are witnessing a "culture of death" as opposed to one of life. Not only have actions against life ceased to be a crime, but they are now actually being claimed as "rights" to be supported by state law. It seems that freedom, as understood in Western consumer societies, tramples upon fundamental human rights and specifically the right to life of the weakest and most vulnerable, such as the unborn, the handicapped, the terminally ill, and the elderly.
A state which fails to guarantee equality of rights to all groups cannot be called democratic, even if laws such as those passed on abortion and embryo research are passed and favoured by a majority of its citizens. But no majority vote can justify a law which contradicts the eternal laws and the basic rights of some of its members.
The fact that some citizens may request euthanasia, for example, lends no justification to it. They are stewards of a life that belongs in its fullness to God who alone therefore, has ultimate authority over it. Were the state to give it legal recognition it would be lending its authority to a situation of suicide murder.
The underlying reason for these developments is the ethical relativism which permeates Western culture. Where absolute principals and values are lacking, the rights and laws of society become bargaining points between different parties, based largely on self interest. In such a situation, it is obvious that the interest of the strong and powerful will prevail against the weak and innocent.
Surely it is our moral duty to insure that this "death culture" never comes to fruition. Yours, etc., North Avenue, Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin.