Another “quick takes” on items where there is too little to say to make a complete article, but is still important enough to comment on.
The focus this time: Do you want a Butlerian Jihad? Because this is how you get a Butlerian Jihad
First, a little mood music:
Carrying on…
A nurse could proscribe your death over Zoom. Thanks technology!
“Vermont has repeatedly expanded its assisted suicide law since it first passed. Nonresidents are allowed to receive lethal prescriptions, and assisted suicide can be prescribed via Zoom or Skype.
“Now, a bill has been filed that would allow nondoctor “clinicians” to prescribe death. From H.B. 75:
“‘This bill proposes to authorize naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to participate in the processes established in Vermont’s patient choice at end-of-life laws. It would also allow naturopathic physicians to sign and issue do-not-10 resuscitate (DNR) orders and clinician orders for life-sustaining treatment’
“In other words, a suicidal patient would be able to access poison pills without ever seeing a doctor or having an in-person consultation or examination.”
Washington state is joining in on the fun of letting non-doctors kill!
“The Washington bill also speeds up the waiting period between the first and second request for poison pills for some suicidal patients:
“Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if, at the time of the qualified patient’s initial oral request in subsection
“‘(1) of this section, the attending qualified medical provider determines that the qualified patient: (a) Is not expected to survive for seven days; (b) is not expected to retain the ability to self-administer the life-ending mediation for seven days; or (c) is experiencing irremediable pain or suffering, then the qualified patient is exempt from the seven day waiting period between the first and second oral requests for medication.’
“That could mean spur-of-the-moment suicides.”
Why even bother with a medical professional at all when you can let artificial intelligence decide if you live or die!
“Access to Protocol Dignitas is granted after psychological evaluations performed by human doctors and AI, conversations with family, and reflection. Helen, a functional 84-year-old character with a rare neurodegenerative disease, was granted access to the program when she realized that she faced irreversible decay of mind and body. ChatGPT, the author of Helen’s story, continues:
“‘“Ione,” she said one morning, her voice raspy but firm, ‘initiate my final review.’
“‘Ione, her AI companion of five years, responded with gentle warmth. ‘Helen, I acknowledge your request. Are you emotionally prepared to proceed?’
“‘“Yes. Begin.”’
“‘What followed was not cold code or automation. Ione led her through memories, regrets, reconciliations. Helen spoke with her estranged daughter, her students. Old wounds were stitched. Fears were met with dignity. The AI wasn’t making the decision — it was ensuring Helen truly had.
“‘Three days later, after legal, medical, and ethical confirmation, the final protocol activated.
“‘In her home, surrounded by art, music, and messages from those she loved, Helen lay down. Ione administered the final dose, a painless and precise release, monitored by human physicians and overseen by an ethics board.
“‘As Helen closed her eyes, Ione spoke softly:
“‘“You are not alone. You are seen. You are loved.”’
“The process took only minutes.
“‘The nation watched with mixed emotions — grief, awe, and a haunting respect for the choices we may one day have to make. EdenCare became a symbol of what AI could be when guided by humanity, restraint, and reverence for life.’
“If you feel that asking Ione to initiate final protocol doesn’t sound like an ideal way to go out, you’re not alone. An international study done by the University of Turku and released this week asked people in Finland, Czechia, and the United Kingdom if they’d like AI to make life-or-death decisions such as switching off a life support machine. Most people, it turns out, don’t want robots to have the authority to kill them.”
Isn’t this how the Butlerian Jihad kicked off?
TTFN.
Pingback: In The Mailbox: 07.31.25 : The Other McCain