Netherlands launches mobile Euthanasia
The Netherlands was the first country to legalise euthanasia in 2002 but doctors cannot be forced to comply with the wishes of patients who request the right to die. The scheme has been slammed by critics.
Turkish Blast kills 15 officers
A remote-controlled bomb mounted on a motorcycle exploded in Turkey's largest city Thursday, wounding 15 police officers and one civilian, the prime minister said. The blast occurred in an area of Istanbul close to the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party. In a televised news conference, Edorgan said, “We will never bow to such attacks. We will continue our struggle against terrorism and the culprits will be captured as soon as possible.” There was no claim of responsibility, but Kurdish rebels and Islamic militants are active in Istanbul.
N.Korea agrees to suspend nuclear programme
North Korea has agreed to suspend its nuclear programme in exchange for food assistance from the United States. It will also let the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency monitor the suspension. A US delegation met North Korean officials in Beijing last week, making the first contact since the death of former leader Kim Jong II. The US government has said it is a modest step in the right direction. According to reports, The U.S will supply 20,000 tonnes of food every month for a year.
In the Netherlands, a mobile euthanasia scheme has been launched that will allow sick people who wish to take their lives to do so at home. Under the scheme, teams of specially trained doctors and nurses will visit the homes of people around the country whose own doctors have refused their requests to end their lives. The "Life End" house-call units – whose services are being offered to Dutch citizens free of charge - is the initiative of the Dutch Association for a voluntary end to life.
The Netherlands was the first country to legalise euthanasia in 2002 but doctors cannot be forced to comply with the wishes of patients who request the right to die. The scheme has been slammed by critics.
Turkish Blast kills 15 officers
A remote-controlled bomb mounted on a motorcycle exploded in Turkey's largest city Thursday, wounding 15 police officers and one civilian, the prime minister said. The blast occurred in an area of Istanbul close to the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party. In a televised news conference, Edorgan said, “We will never bow to such attacks. We will continue our struggle against terrorism and the culprits will be captured as soon as possible.” There was no claim of responsibility, but Kurdish rebels and Islamic militants are active in Istanbul.
N.Korea agrees to suspend nuclear programme
North Korea has agreed to suspend its nuclear programme in exchange for food assistance from the United States. It will also let the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency monitor the suspension. A US delegation met North Korean officials in Beijing last week, making the first contact since the death of former leader Kim Jong II. The US government has said it is a modest step in the right direction. According to reports, The U.S will supply 20,000 tonnes of food every month for a year.
Date set for Taylor Verdict
The verdict in the war crimes trial of Liberia's ex-President Charles Taylor will be delivered on 26 April, the UN-backed court trying him has said. Mr Taylor is accused of fuelling Sierra Leone's civil war in the 1990s by arming rebels. He denies 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is the first international trial of an African former head of state, and Mr Taylor could face a maximum life sentence if found guilty.
Africa: millions could benefit from renewables
A report has urged African governments to conduct more research into renewable energy, saying it has the potential to transform millions of lives. The report from the European Commission Joint Research Centre says that tapping into Africa’s renewable energy could transform the standards of living across the continent, particularly in remote rural areas where approximately 600 million people live without electricity and renewables could be cheaper.
The authors used geographical data to map out regions that could generate electricity from the sun, wind, biomass and water. It found that North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahara belt had good potential for wind energy. In Equatorial Africa, where many people live closer to the river, small hydroelectric power plants would be more suitable than existing electricity grids.
A report has urged African governments to conduct more research into renewable energy, saying it has the potential to transform millions of lives. The report from the European Commission Joint Research Centre says that tapping into Africa’s renewable energy could transform the standards of living across the continent, particularly in remote rural areas where approximately 600 million people live without electricity and renewables could be cheaper.
The authors used geographical data to map out regions that could generate electricity from the sun, wind, biomass and water. It found that North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahara belt had good potential for wind energy. In Equatorial Africa, where many people live closer to the river, small hydroelectric power plants would be more suitable than existing electricity grids.
Tell the Dutch that there are other ways of attaining the population control they seek!While the right to suicide might be made 'legal' the question still remains whether it is justifiable to place such a destructive tool in the hands of emotion prone humans? The problem with humans is that they are easily influenced by CHANGING EMOTIONS. Hence apart from scripture I don't trust human beings, that can act based on the circumstances at the time, are sensible enough to be trusted with such medical instrumentation.
ReplyDeleteAh the power of hunger, even the North Koreans are ready to bow/give away nuclear power in exchange for food.
ReplyDeleteIrony of life-that's what comes to my mind as I see Charles Taylor. Wasn't it the other day that he was the alpha and omega in a country and over millions of peoples lives. What verdict do I expect from the UN? Not as harsh a verdict as some will hope. Previously the need not to offend Ghadaffi prevented the UN and other international agencies from placing certain sentences. Now that Africa lacks any strong men for protection,likely the UN will have more room to cast a decision. But they are always careful in such cases 'cos international law is seen more as an instrument for politics rather than a harbinger of justice.
Yes, I have been interested a lot in solar energy also. Any engineers out there? Please could you let us know what the problem is with the development of solar in Africa? I think all of us should begin research into the issue on a daily basis. Because the truth is that if the west find out the solution, it will simply form another international monopoly bussiness. Those interested should feel free to discuss solar R&D regulary on FresherAngle.
ReplyDeleteDlaw, a million thanks for your comments. Your point about Euthanasia in the NL packs a punch. Sick people are not in the best emotional state to make rational decisions. Besides, sometimes people given a death sentence by medics go on to live long, healthy lives.
ReplyDeleteAs for N.Korea, they are not doing anything new. The late president did the same. That is why U.S described their decision as a modest step.
@DLaw, you are so right!! There are definitely better ways to control population growth than by sending "hired assassins" to people's homes! Africa+Renewable Energy (Yes please!). Thanks Oluchi for the information, *thumbs up*
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for your comment, Uzoma. I too would love to see Africa exploit its renewable energy resources. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteHey FresherAngle you seem to be always one step ahead! With the High Court in London today ruling that Tony Nickilson (who is paralysed from the knwck down) can continue his legal fight to be allowed the right to be killed by a doctor when he wants without the doctor facing murder charges; I began to wonder if the EU countries are not putting euthanasia in place deliberatly for commercial purposes?
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of the 'Assisted Suicide Clinics', popularly known as 'Dignitas'? The countries that are putting in place legislation and regulation to permit euthanisia or assisted suicide are those with large number of dignitas and that sell such medication. Yes, the pain of the patient must be taken first and foremost into consideration, but at the same time check if the patient is the primary consideration of those pushing for change of legislation?
ReplyDeleteFor example while euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Britain, "Britain has more members of Dignitas, the Swiss assisted dying organisation, than any other country except Germany, according to figures released by the group in January". Subsequently more than 180 British lives have been ended in Dignitas clinics since they were set up initially in 1998. Does that not portray a reason to want to change the law?
Dlaw, thank you for the fresh update. When people are in pain they are not in the best frame of mind to make decisions about life and death. They are in a very vulnerable state. The best that can be done is offer them emotional support, counselling & show them that no matter the circumstance life is always worth living. Thanks again for your insightful comments.
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