Terry Pratchett's Dignitas documentary

[Josie]

Did anyone see it?  I switched on the TV to watch something lightweight and entertaining while eating my late dinner last night and before starting on some urgent office work.  I ended up watching a man killing himself with poison.  I'm glad I saw it.  Worth a look on iPlayer if you can bear it.  Interesting views on the Today Programme this morning.  I took an immediate dislike to the religious guy who said that the decision shouldn't just be of the sick person and that the relatives should have a say.

[Karen13]

Didn't watch it but caught them discussing on BBC breakfast - I think that its down to the individuals concerned - and no one else should get involved

[✈ Elle ☀]

My kind of viewing... but not seeing it on my usual websites. Will keep an eye out though.

[Ted]

I agree totally with the concept of choosing when to die. Its no one else's business but the person involved.
Last nights programme was a window into how things should be. Mr Smedley was terminally Ill but of a sound mind.His wife also supported his decision. We are all on the same conveyor belt of life. Why prolong the journey and condemn someone's final years to suffering and misery.     

[Flash]

As an aside, now that he's ill is it politically incorrect to say that Terry Pratchet is a bit of a prat really.

Agree with what you say Ted,  I'd want to see safeguards though, to make sure peer pressure didn't have any effect.

[Josie]

The Dignitas people seemed to offer lots of chances to say no actually I've changed my mind.

What like all those people who commit copycat suicides watching webcams Flash?

[John B]

I don't know why you think he's a prat, he seems eminently sensible to me, and has a fantastic narrative style and story telling ability.  He's also polite, he apologized when bumping into me on the way to the gents in the Salisbury Playhouse.

[Flash]

I realise mine won't be a popular view, just have never taken to the guy.  Not that I'd wish him other than well of course, just wouldn't choose him as a dinner guest.

I'm sure he'd feel the same about me if he knew me !

[John B]

Have you read any of his books?  I thought at first he was a Douglas Adams wanabee, but he has a wonderful way of pointing out the idiocies of modern life. 

[Clanky]

He is certainly a strange character, and I am not entirely sure that I would find him easy company, but I absolutely love his books and I really do admire the fact that he has used his fame to draw attention to some of the things that are important to him in a dignified way that draws attention rather than a whingy celebrity way that demands it.

I have unforunately now read all of the discworld novels and as it is unlikely that there will be any more I am always a little sad when I go into a bookshop that I will never be able to read another one for the first time, but I will certainly be reading them all again.

[Flash]

Have you read any of his books?  I thought at first he was a Douglas Adams wanabee, but he has a wonderful way of pointing out the idiocies of modern life. 

No, tried but can't get away with it, sounds daft but when I started trying to read the disk world stuff all I can hear in my head is Terry Pratchett talking and I'm not sure I can get past the fedora either.  Which is a shame, because while I 'don't do' fantasy I think I'd enjoy them as 'easy' fantasy.  A bit like Ben Elton, can't read his stuff either for the sound of Ben in my head.  When he was knighted he hewed iron ore and smelted his own sword, for that you either think, massive respect or a bit of a prat.  I fall on the prat in the hat side.  Sorry.

[✈ Elle ☀]

Got a copy of this now - so will watch it later or tomorrow

[Madstock]

As someone who is currently watching a loved one suffer more and more as each day passes I fully agree with everything Ted has said. 
 

[Josie]

Sorry to hear that you/they are having a bad time Keith. x