To the Editor

Justice Scalia wrote in his dissent regarding the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, "If the term 'legitimate medical purpose' has any meaning, it surely excludes the prescription of drugs to produce death." And if, as White House press secretary Scott McClellan said, "The president remains fully committed to building a culture of life, a culture of life that is built on valuing life at all stages." Then I would question the exceptions they make in blessing capital punishment, and wonder if they consider "death by lethal injection" a legitimate medical purpose committed to building a culture valuing life at all stages.

Words mean something. When lips move on the faces of hypocrites, expect double standards and narrowly focused spin geared towards emotionally charged fundamentalist issues. They are not about ethics. They are about who votes. Most of what these clowns say is hooey and the rest is couched in disingenuous terms.

You must admit they are masters at keeping straight faces while the true believers remain slaves to the deceptions. Consider recent illusions; healthy forests, clear skies, no child left behind, WMDs, "major combat operations are over," compassionate conservatives. At least "death with dignity" is what it is.

-- Tim Greer, Salem

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