The Issue: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to make assisted suicide legal in New York State.

The most basic human entitlement, the right to life, encompasses the freedom to take necessary measures to maintain one’s existence (“Hochul Chooses Death,” Editorial, Dec. 18).

An inherent extension of this right is the autonomy to choose to end one’s life if one so desires.

Consequently, a legitimate government, which exists to safeguard individual rights, should not have the authority to intervene in a person’s decision regarding life or death, whether independently or with assistance from others.

Chuck Braman

Manhattan

I am deeply saddened and troubled by Gov. Hochul’s recent decision to sign legislation legalizing medically assisted suicide for the terminally ill.

As a follower of Christ and a pastor, I cannot accept the idea that it is merciful or compassionate to hasten death.

True compassion is shown not by administering lethal drugs, but by offering loving care, sound medicine and both material and spiritual support. Our state government should be expanding hospice services, not legalizing and thereby normalizing suicide.

If New York enshrines medically assisted suicide into state law, it will further entrench a culture of death.

J. Heinrich Arnold

Rifton

As predicted, our “finger in the wind” governor, Kathy Hochul, will sign this barbaric legislation into law.

I ask anyone of any faith, is this the proper treatment of our God-given gift of life? I hope not.

Demetrius Kalamaras

Staten Island

The Hippocratic Oath stipulates that doctors do no harm. We must understand that prolonging a life wracked by the pain of an incurable disease — which has failed all therapy — is doing harm if the patient, being of right mind, wishes an end.

Paul Bloustein

Cincinnati, Ohio

Should we really be surprised that Gov. Hochul will sign the assisted suicide bill into law? She is ardently pro-abortion.

She champions the “right” to kill babies in the womb, and now she’s extended that heinous right to the old, sick and enfeebled.

With her twisted rationales to wipe out innocent human life, Kathy Hochul is surely the death-dealing governor.

Jennifer Berenbaum

Englewood, NJ

The Issue: A mass shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine students injured.

What happened last weekend was another American tragedy fueled by hate or illness, or both (“Bloodbath at Brown University,” Dec. 14).

Once again, I urge the president to convene a Camp David gun summit with representatives from the NRA, 2nd Amendment proponents, law enforcement and families of victims in attendance.

How many more times do we need to experience this madness before true gun-reform legislation is enacted?

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach, Calif

It was shocking to learn of the murder of two Brown University students, and the wounding of nine others. If we continue to call this “gun violence,” it will continue.

This was murder and a shooting — plain and simple. Specifically, it was murder committed by another human being with hate and violence embedded in his soul. My sorrows go out to all the families.

Michael O’Brien

Manhattan

Following the Brown shooting, it’s time to “enclave” our schools, “fortress” university campuses and require all students and staff to wear computer-chip ID badges.

Universities should arrest and prosecute trespassers and use force on them if necessary. I’m sick of seeing these beautiful college students and brilliant faculty slaughtered by some 10-cent screw up.

Jacques Porche

Las Vegas, Nev.

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