We're having a pretty good discussion on euthanasia here...
By the way, Happy (belated) St. Nicholas' Day to everyone on December 6th. I had explained to Siobhan that our version of Santa Claus would come on 12/6 and bring us gifts, and then we would exchange family gifts on 12/24. On 12/6, she pointed out I should wish you all Happy St. Nicholas Day!
I'm flexible as to dates for Xmas. I can leave very early morning 12/24 and meet you in Philly, H. In fact, I'd prefer that set-up.
Here's a new topic that might be of interest and might spark discussion - the reporters in the Plame/Novak affair are being compelled to give up their sources to the Justice Department, who is investigating the leak. If they don't give up the information, they might be held in contempt of court, which could mean jail time, etc.
Their lawyers are arguing that there is a privilege between journalists and their sources which protects them from this - they don't have to reveal their sources and can't be found to be in contempt. (We attorneys have an obligation to not reveal any communications with our clients and these communications are considered "privileged," the good ol' "attorney-client privilege.")
However, if the court does decide that journalists have this privilege which protects them, the next question is: who is a journalist? Is it only someone with a journalism degree, who works for a major publication? Or is anyone who starts a blog, and reports on current events (100th anniversary of the NYC subway - me), policy matters (euthanasia, especially regarding children - H), "life on the family farm" (Dad) or semi-random ravings (JP - that was a joke, by the way!)?
So that means everyone has this privilege, and maybe no one has the privilege (and you couldn't deny it just because someone doesn't have a blog - it would be discrimination against poor people who don't own a computer, for example).
So the question remains: is there a privilege? and who is protected by it?
Interesting questions...

C

- posted by Christoph Roggenkamp @ 12/09/2004 01:32:00 PM