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I disagree on most of the points you bring up. In the case of terminally ill people, I agree, but we veer in different direction on the other issues.
I've been through times where I've been so depressed I honestly think I would've committed suicide if given the chance (almost succeeded once). I've been in that state of mind twice, in fact. But, here I am, happy as a clam. Things turned around both times, and I know my case isn't unique.
If the government allowed and facilitated suicide, many people would needlessly die, even if by their own will.
Put yourself in the shoes of a loved one of the person who commits suicide. How would you feel if you won't be able to experience that person again? I don't know if it's just me, but if a friend of mines was to kill himself, I would be tormented, because then I wouldn't be able to hang out with that person. Imagine never seeing your brother's face again, and why? Money problems? Rocky relationship? Lost his job? All things which shouldn't be reasons to end life; things which can be fixed, or otherwise resolved.
And so what if they wanted to die? It's a selfish action; you're spared of all the pain and suffering you feel you're victim to, but you deeply hurt the people who love you deeply; this weird empathy is what stopped me from ending things, and I'm sure it's a deterrent to many others as well.
And as for the elderly, I think to them every day is precious. Every day has the potential of making a person deeply grateful for life; hearing news of family, a grandson's graduation, a wedding; all these things make people appreciate life, and even the grumpiest old man in the world would probably shed a tear upon hearing that his child is expecting one of his own. But of course, what do I know? I'm not in in an old man's state of mind yet...
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I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality. ~H.A. Overstreet
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