[ExI] Cryonics is getting weird

Jeff Davis jrd1415 at gmail.com
Mon May 17 22:33:03 UTC 2010


I have a slightly different take on this.

First, the go-no go, suspend or not suspend issue.  Someone said
legalities **DO** matter.  I agree.  If Alcor doesn't freeze the
putrefied remnant of Mr. Richardson's brain/head, then they seem to
leave themselves open to charges of fraud, breach of contract, or
perhaps something else.  So they've gotta freeze.  And of course no
refund to the surviving family.  Cannot let that precedent stand.
Cannot allow others to think they can get away with doing the same.

The other issue for me is Richardson's complicity in allowing this to
happen.  From the available information -- caveat emptor -- it appears
the family was overt in their opposition to Mr. Richardson's cryonic
suspension plans.  If that is indeed the case, then Mr. Richardson
needed to take steps to prevent/disincentivise any action on their
part to interfere with his suspension. Among these would be pre-mortem
transfer of the bulk of the estate to an independent third party, for
reliable disbursement of the estate in accordance with decedant's
wishes, plus terms of the will specifically excluding any payments to
anyone acting, or even speaking out, against fulfillment of decedent's
wishes.  I would require affidavits signed by any potential
beneficiaries, acknowledging as a condition of eligibility for any
disbursement from the estate, that they understand, agree to, and
pledge to support decedent's wishes, and in particular understand,
acknowledge, and agree to facilitate a timely suspension.  I would go
so far as to require anyone anticipating a disbursement from the
estate, to be by decedent's bedside at the time of death, prepared to-
and effectively act to facilitate decedent's suspension.

Sadly, it appears Mr. Richardson blew it.  Anyone hoping to get a good
suspension needs to learn from his tragic lapse of judgment.

Best, Jeff Davis

 "My guess is that people don't yet realize how
       "handy" an indefinite lifespan will be."
                         J Corbally



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