California considers doctor-assisted suicide
The California State Legislature is considering the ethics of allowing its terminally ill and aged residents to end their own lives. The State Assembly has passed the legislation, but the bill will need to make it through the State Senate to become law. Certain criteria must be met in order to qualify to die. These would include a great deal of specific, case-by-case consideration, but one of the major potential requirements is that a doctor must give a diagnosis of six months or less of life remaining. State discussion of the controversial concept of doctor-assisted suicide began after California resident Brittany Maynard left for Oregon to end her life. Maynard had brain cancer and was 29 years old when she ended her life. Increasingly frequent seizures, neck pain and a decreasing ability to speak indicated her rapidly deteriorating quality of life. If California passes this bill, it will join Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Vermont in offering Americans the “right to die.”
Former tennis star mistakenly arrested in New York City
New York Police Commissioner William Bratton has apologized to retired tennis player James Frascatore for misidentifying him as a suspect of fraud. Bratton also expressed remorse for the force used to arrest Frascatore. The officer who tackled Frascatore has been placed on desk duty until the case investigation is closed. Frascatore was waiting for his ride to see the U.S. Open when he was detained. He was held for fifteen minutes, at which time the officers realized that they had arrested the wrong man. Frascatore retired in 2013 and had won ten singles titles, making him the top U.S. player during his tennis career.
Egyptian government attempts to reduce its corruption
Salah Helal was the agriculture minister of Egypt before resigning on September 7 amidst rumors that he and other government officials had accepted bribes and gifts that would allow certain businessmen to take over government land. On the same day as his resignation, Mr. Helal was arrested and the other cabinet members collectively resigned. Prime Minister Ibrahi Mahlab issued the resignation of the entire Egyptian government to President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi. The exact reason for the reorganization of the government is still shrouded in mystery. In the meantime, Egypt’s Oil Minister, Sharif Ismail, has been instructed to put together a new government cabinet. Their induction should be finalized this week.
Crane collapses over Mecca
This past Friday morning a large crane fell over Masjid al-Haram, The Grand Mosque. Estimates indicate that about that 107 people were killed and 230 people were injured, although the BBC estimate does not include those who fled the mosque or were caught up in the panicked charge that followed. Mecca, a usually crowded city, has been filled with even more people than usual due to preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage, which is next week and continues through the month. Although inclement weather including torrential rain and strong wind have been blamed for the crane’s collapse, King Salman of Saudi Arabia has called for further investigation.
