The June 10 dignity article by Curtis Johnson (“Put real dignity in choice to die”) deserves some research on the part of our medical and legal institutions in order to let “medically assisted” be put into practice. Johnson is so correct in stating that his gift will save other lives.

Now in my 90s, I have been blessed with good health, but have observed too many friends with mental or physical conditions who want to depart but are unable to do so with dignity. Quality of life is a freedom of choice for all ages. The solution lives in a real empathy for those who realize their personal situation and wish to deal with it.

“Life is not life until it lives,” Oscar Hammerstein wrote. “A bell’s not a bell ’til it rings. A song’s not a song ’til you sing it. Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love ’til it’s given away!”

Roger Cochran

Spokane