Personal views on euthanasia

My own perspectives on euthanasia have been molded by my experiences
and observations working in the healthcare field for roughly 25 years.
I worked as a registered nurse in psychiatry, corrections, hospice and
critical care, and have had numerous encounters with end-of-life
issues. Late last year I received a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's
disease), and the associated progressive (and ultimately terminal)
neuromuscular symptoms I'm experiencing have certainly motivated me to
consider end-of-life "death with dignity" issues more closely.
    It's my firm unwavering belief that the freedom to choose a
dignified and self-determined "final exit" from this life (if done so
rationally and for clearly defined reasons) should exist in a
civilized and enlightened society. There are those individuals who
despite significant challenges to their physical health and quality of
life choose to meet those challenges and "carry on"; more power to
their indominatable spirits! However, there are also people who daily
deal with intractable pain, significantly decreased quality of life
and/or existential issues which renders continuation of their
individual lives undesirable. I believe that those (whether from
religious, legal or other moral/ethical perspectives) who would
presume to invalidate these individuals' desires to leave this life on
their own terms in a relatively dignified manner are infringing on
what should be a basic human right.
    While I'd never attempt to impose my beliefs on others, I'd
strongly oppose any who would presume to impose their moral/ethical
beliefs on me where my own end-of-life issues are concerned. My own
enjoyment and quality of life has been largely defined by my abilities
to physically and actively engage it (outdoors enthusiast, sports,
family farm, fast-paced healthcare work environment, etc.). My illness
has made it progressively more difficult for me to simply walk and
take care of myself (not to mention the afore-mentioned activities),
and I'd challenge oppose anyone who would presume to tell me that I'm
morally and ethically obligated to cling to a severely-restricted life
if it holds no substantial promise or enjoyment for me.
    I wish that access to "civilized" means of rational, controlled
self-directed euthanasia were available such that those who rationally
seek self- determined "death with dignity" wouldn't be forced to deal
with an unhappy miserable existence (which ends in death for all of us
anyway) or pursue more traumatic and unreliable means of ending their
lives. In any case, I'd do my best to prevent John Ashcroft and his
ilk, religious fundamentalists and other moralists/ethicists from
intruding into my life and final exit; it should be my unimpeded
decision, not theirs.