In the pocket of government

Under National, funding to hospices will be significantly increased. John Key promised this yesterday.

Pause. Remember that just recently the government foisted on an unwilling (understatement) public the anti smacking law. They were aided and abetted in this by organisations who work with children like Barnardos, Plunket, Save the Children - all of whom receive government funding and constantly lobby for more. Their advocacy machines worked overtime trying to convince the public of the necessity and desirability of this most unpopular legislation. The issue should have been a conscience vote but the ruling government forbade its MPs from exercising that option.

Fast forward to a time when institutions working with the terminally ill are largely government funded. The Death With Dignity bill is back in the house. The government of the day wants it passed. You can see where I am going with this.

I am in favour of voluntary euthanasia but legislation must never be subjected to the kind of in-the-government's-pocket lobbying the anti-smacking law saw.

My advice to hospices is to retain their independence by relying on private fund-raising as much as possible. My conjecture is an ugly, and some will say unthinkable scenario, but I am less sure.