something must have gotten a little screwy with your last post, dad. I think ming got into the wiring or something. definitely an inside job.
the only comment I have regarding the Shiavo case is as follows: yes, it is unfortunate that this woman never made out a will or talked to anyone about her wishes. side note: we should all put down some guidelines for the worse case senario, both verbally and in writing. I have already talked it over with gavin, and plan on putting it into writing soon. anyway, theoretically, yes, we do not know her wishes, hence do not know how to procede based on what she would want. it's been 10 YEARS though. let's be practical - something has to be done. again, I am not sure of the law, but I thought that when someone gets married, their spouse is the one who has the final say over anyone else, even the parents. this woman is over 18 and hence parents don't really have any say anymore. and yeah, I heard something about the guy getting some money if terry finally dies. so people are keeping her alive over MONEY???? how unethical is that?
and I am not sure about the whole "cruel and unusual punishment" thing either. that seems like awfully heady stuff to be laying down for discussion in this case. some people would consider keeping someone alive artificially because their parents don't want their husband to have some money cruel and unusual punishment, but I am only guessing. you said it would be considered cruel and unusual punishment to withdraw support WITHOUT her consent, but she can not give consent, so that argument (or p.o.v.) flies right out the window for me. additionally, it is possible to keep someone comfortable while they withdraw support. it's called morphine. Mrs. Shiavo would not need to be in any pain, she could just close her eyes for a last time and never wake up. then she would not need to be fed with a tube with bed sores while people squabble over her life, motivated not by HER best interests (in some cases) but instead their agenda (be it personal or political).
selah.
love,
H
- posted by H @ 3/17/2005 07:17:00 PM