Would Terry Schindler Schiavo's plight have gotten as much negative attention from Big Media if it had happened in a state not run by Jeb Bush?
I don't really know what the right answer is in this case. If I'm ever in that situation I hope someone will make it possible for me to die. Hell, I wouldn't have to be anywhere near that badly off before I'd want to die. I watched my grandfather fade away very slowly for five years after he had a stroke, and I'm sure he wanted to die long before he did, though we'll never know since he couldn't speak, write, feed himself, or clean himself. As the years wore on, the physical pain and attempts at rehabilitation become more and more painful for him and for those around him. His experience has had a strong influence on my thinking and feeling on these matters.
Nevertheless, I'm not willing to impose what I think is right for me on others when it comes to a decision such as this concerning someone's life or death. My inclination is to side with those who want to keep her alive, but it is based more on my feelings than my thoughts on the matter. But what sickens me are the attempts to turn this into a political issue. This is yet another of those little episodes in life that makes me wish there were a universal ombudsgod to dispense some desperately needed justice to some people who so richly deserve it.
To answer your first question, yes. The only difference is the culture of death would likely not have been opposed from the governor's seat. One of governments legitimate functions is the protection of its citizens.
Do not be so quick to assume (and yes the old addage here applies) what someone else wishes deep in their heart based solely on your own perceptions.
The old hypocratic oath of first do no harm has been replaced with the utilitarian dogma, when in doubt kill it.
Sorry Chuck, in this matter your thinking is fuddled. Follow your inclinations.
Posted by: Jon at 08:41 AMDon't know if it would have gotten the attention from Big Media with Jeb Bush.
If this was me, I would definitely want someone to pull the plug. Which is why I have my exact wishes stated in a Durable Health Care Power of Attorney, and have had one since I was 18. I've also had numerous conversations with my parents and my husband telling them that they are to consider the "quality" of life as well as "quantity".
But from what I understand, this isn't a "right-to-die" case. This is a case where a young woman collapsed under semi-suspicious circumstances. Her husband sued and received over a million dollars so she could be rehabilitated. Once he received the money, he suddenly remembered that she wanted to die, and refused to pay for rehabilitation.
In the meantime, he has fathered a child with another woman, and has been heard asking words to the effect of "When's the bitch going to die?"
I don't know about you, but this case screams conflict of interest, and when there is doubt, I would much rather come down on the side of life.
Posted by: Christi Turner at 01:32 AM