MA debates 'death with dignity'

The memorial service for Michael Southerland recently drew more than 200 people to the Unitarian Society in Northampton, Mass. Friends, neighbors and co-workers offered funny and moving stories. They sang; they cried. They hugged his wife and daughters. And they circulated petitions to put a "death with dignity" law on the Massachusetts ballot in November. The forms awaited signatures at the back of the hall, next to the guest book. November in Massachusetts would be plenty interesting this year. The Bay State will attract even greater attention, though, because this question is quite likely to be on the ballot.