Validation,

Perhaps I should be cautious in what I say.

I normally try to do that.

However, this morning while reading today’s NYT a sliver of ice slid down my spine. I became almost rigid as I read about the thoughts of Yusuke Narita, an assistant professor of economics at Yale, on the virtues of mass suicide:

“ I feel like the only solution is pretty clear,” he said during a news program in late 2021.

“In the end, isn’t it mass suicide and mass ‘seppuku’ of the elderly’? Seppuku is an act of ritual disembowelment that was a code among dishonored samurai in the 19th century.”

Of course, (at least I hope) the esteemed professor’s beliefs and/or suggestions, would become reality decades after my demise. Yet, who knows?

And what about my beloved Fabulous Four? AsI have aged, haven’t they?

Some of the highly respected “elders” in my current residence often speak of their “kids.” Obviously, when you are 103 or 104, the “kids” are no longer the youth of our amazing country.

So I must go on the record.

Professor N’s theories, suggestions, or published thoughts frighten me. It is the first ripple that he will have a following (if not already).

For those of us who once firmly believed humanity had moved forward, a massive moment of doubt arises.

A respected newspaper (NYT) has given a coat of credence a “suggestion, opinion, or thought,”to a theory that is the equivalent of making euthanasia mandatory in time to come

Having tried frequently (and still do) to find printed recognition in the grand lady of journalism, I believe the seemingly shocking suggestion has also been given a sliver (or perhaps even more) of validation.

And how soon, and for who?

Will the good Professor be first on line?

Or will it be one of my beloved Fabulous Four?

Or perhaps you, a reader?

I need another cup of hot coffee to wash the cold fear away as I retreat momentarily from a rapidly changing world.

And remember tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and the world still celebrates love!