Silent until now...
But no longer. As we enter day 6 of Terry Schiavo feeding tube mania, I see on the news that Governor Bush may file for custody of Terry Schiavo so that he can restore her feeding tube according to the wishes of her parents. This event, in the midst of the war in Iraq, nuclear threats throughout the world, terrorism, homelessness, unemployment, the biggest defecit ever, seems to be the only one that is polarizing the nation. I have yet to weigh in, but since Congress seems to think it's important enough to fly back for, I might as well take a stab at it.
I would like to preface my conversation by stating that I'm neither a huge proponent of taking someone's life, nor a utilitarian. That said...
Terry Schiavo suffered a tragic injury long ago that has left her devoid of any quality of life, and almost completely braindead for over a decade. Her loving husband has never run from the burden of caring for her, but rather tried to get her the best medical care possible, and stuck by her side, and refused to divorce her despite the relative hopelessness of her situation. After many long years, and what I'm sure was an inexplicably agonizing period, he has decided that in her current condition she would not want to be kept alive and that she would rather end the suffering for both herself and her family. He has gone through the numerous hula-hoops that the courts provide to insure that this privilege and right does not get abused. And yet at every step of the way he has been thwarted by people arguing that they know Terry's wishes better. Some, like her family, may indeed. Others, like Congress, have more than two cents even though they probably didn't even know who Terry Schiavo was before a week or two ago.
So you want to know my opinion?
1. Her husband is best suited to make this decision. He has stuck by her through thick and thin, and well beyond what he could have expected from the bonds of their marriage. There is no reason that he would want to take her life other than to fulfill her wishes and end her suffering - there is no money, there is no benefit that he will receive.
2. Congress has no business getting involved in this, nor does the public. Mr. Schiavo went to not one, not two, but three (or more?) courts of law and was able to convince independent third parties that what he wanted was in Terry's best interests. Congress may make the laws, but the judicial system interprets them. Enough is enough.
3. This is as ripe a case for euthanasia as I have ever seen. Terry has been dead for all practical purposes for over a decade, with no possibility for recovery in sight. My only problem with this is that I wouldn't pull her feeding tube out. Starvation seems an even further extension of her suffering. If you ask me, we should alleviate her suffering by administering a lethal dose of morphine and letting her drift peacefully off.
4. This whole situation - the treatment, the court cases, the controversey - is costing a fortune. Terry's parents want to assume responsibility for the costs of her care, but they don't have the resources. The settlement from the hospital is almost gone. Terry is beyond help. If everyone who wanted to support this cause donated $10 to medical research perhaps doctors could find insights that would mean one day the next "Terry" wouldn't have to live and die like this.
5. To all the people standing outside protesting - you are allowed to have opinions, and your caution is warranted. This could easily be abused as a precedent. However, let the Schiavos grieve in peace. Their daughter hasn't lived for years, but now they must say goodbye forever. Go home and mind your own business.
I would like to preface my conversation by stating that I'm neither a huge proponent of taking someone's life, nor a utilitarian. That said...
Terry Schiavo suffered a tragic injury long ago that has left her devoid of any quality of life, and almost completely braindead for over a decade. Her loving husband has never run from the burden of caring for her, but rather tried to get her the best medical care possible, and stuck by her side, and refused to divorce her despite the relative hopelessness of her situation. After many long years, and what I'm sure was an inexplicably agonizing period, he has decided that in her current condition she would not want to be kept alive and that she would rather end the suffering for both herself and her family. He has gone through the numerous hula-hoops that the courts provide to insure that this privilege and right does not get abused. And yet at every step of the way he has been thwarted by people arguing that they know Terry's wishes better. Some, like her family, may indeed. Others, like Congress, have more than two cents even though they probably didn't even know who Terry Schiavo was before a week or two ago.
So you want to know my opinion?
1. Her husband is best suited to make this decision. He has stuck by her through thick and thin, and well beyond what he could have expected from the bonds of their marriage. There is no reason that he would want to take her life other than to fulfill her wishes and end her suffering - there is no money, there is no benefit that he will receive.
2. Congress has no business getting involved in this, nor does the public. Mr. Schiavo went to not one, not two, but three (or more?) courts of law and was able to convince independent third parties that what he wanted was in Terry's best interests. Congress may make the laws, but the judicial system interprets them. Enough is enough.
3. This is as ripe a case for euthanasia as I have ever seen. Terry has been dead for all practical purposes for over a decade, with no possibility for recovery in sight. My only problem with this is that I wouldn't pull her feeding tube out. Starvation seems an even further extension of her suffering. If you ask me, we should alleviate her suffering by administering a lethal dose of morphine and letting her drift peacefully off.
4. This whole situation - the treatment, the court cases, the controversey - is costing a fortune. Terry's parents want to assume responsibility for the costs of her care, but they don't have the resources. The settlement from the hospital is almost gone. Terry is beyond help. If everyone who wanted to support this cause donated $10 to medical research perhaps doctors could find insights that would mean one day the next "Terry" wouldn't have to live and die like this.
5. To all the people standing outside protesting - you are allowed to have opinions, and your caution is warranted. This could easily be abused as a precedent. However, let the Schiavos grieve in peace. Their daughter hasn't lived for years, but now they must say goodbye forever. Go home and mind your own business.
Labels: Political Statements
posted by littledevilworks at 11:06 PM
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