Out of State $ and Ideologues Pushing Washington Death Initiative I-1000

The International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide has studied the millions flowing into WA to legalize assisted suicide. Most of the bounty is from out of state euthanasia groups or rich ideologues like former Governor Booth Gardner. From the report:

As of 10/10/08, the “Yes on 1000” committee reported receipts of $3,274,877. This is the fourth highest all time record for money raised in support of any initiative campaign in Washington State.

Of that amount, assisted-suicide advocacy groups and spokesperson, former Governor Booth Gardner, his family and his “Legacy Committee” have given cash donations of $2,032,164. That is more than double the total receipts of $874,646 reported over the same time period by the “Coalition against Assisted Suicide.”

Make no mistake, this is not a grassroots political campaign arising out of great urgency from the people. Rather, it is a carefully planned political move originating from out-of-state assisted suicide advocates looking for a ripe plum to pick:

Initiative 1000, the proposal to legalize assisted suicide in Washington State, did not spring from any desire of Washington residents to transform the crime of assisted suicide into a “medical treatment.” Rather, it was spawned by the Oregon-based Death with Dignity National Center, shown by the following quotations from that organization’s 2007 report. “We have spent the last year actively researching and collecting data to determine the state which is most likely to adopt a Death with Dignity law. Through these efforts we have identified Washington as the state most likely.... We, at the Death with Dignity National Center, are proud to provide our political experience and expertise to these talented and committed people of Washington.”[ Death with Dignity National Center 2007 Report, p. 3]

The mantra of the assisted suicide forces is “Oregon plus One,” believing that if one more state falls, the wind will again be at their backs. If you wish to thwart their desires, contact the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide and give them a hand.