RIP High-Value Indexed Person.

Kerry Packer proves euthanasia OK - for rich.

Kerry Francis Bullmore Packer, a Human Value Index (HVI) possibly in the thousands, a beloved guy who owned stuff, passed away on Boxing Day 2005 by his own free will. His will - his last will and testament - of course, would not be free, and was decided upon and ironed out well before pulling the plug.

He told his cardiologist earlier in the week that he was "running out of petrol" and wanted to "die with dignity", much like many terminally ill patients with chronic pain, paralysis, disfunctioning bowel muscles, mentally deranged sicknesses, etc.

"Euthanasia may be great, but it's not for everyone" claims one of the specialists who kept the old sack of bones chugging along. "Just because you can afford to stay alive, doesn't mean you should have to."

There's a lesson somewhere in all of this. Kerry was a person, I didn't know him, he did some good stuff, did some bad stuff, much like a person does, lived a hard life some of the time, and an easy life some of the time, cheated death many a time, he lived to a fine age, and chose somewhat to die with his family.

Should we be jealous/hope to be so lucky, or sad?