Euphemism for murder

First they came for the communists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me 
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Martin Neimoller.

Yesterday I was at the Zion Arts Centre Manchester to attend an all day event. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about sitting all day at a symposium, but then Manchester never fails to surprise. The day was brilliant to say the least.

Before I tell you about the event I have to share this video. It’s disturbing and will make you think, and it should. 

The idea that life can be taken away if it isn’t deemed right is a normalized idea. Mercy killing is thought of as a humane way of ‘ending suffering’ but it’s an idea that is imposed onto a disabled person by non disabled person who believes a normal body is required to live a ‘fulfilling life’. 

We looked at various ideas yesterday but this idea struck me the most. We decide for other people all too easily and believe it is the right thing to do.

The movie/ documentary by Liz Crow (Resistance Which way the future?) looks at an a little known aspect of the Nazi killing apparatus- killing the disabled individual. The Nazi regime was influenced by the ‘Science of Eugenics’, which isn’t very different from genetics of our time or social policy. It wasn’t just the far right that supported this idea but the left and non-fascist countries as well.

Some of the arguments made by the Nazis for the extermination of the disabled people was the resources taken up by the disabled individual and how the money for keeping a disabled individual alive was borne by tax payers. The other argument was benign but just as dangerous- putting an end to suffering. These are arguments that are still used by governments all over the world to discriminate against the disabled.

The documentary is worth watching and I recommend it strongly. 

Link to a BBC interview with Liz Crow. interview 

Link to Roaring Girl Production. Liz Crow's production company.

About the Resistance film/documentary. link to the website