You’re talking about the activist judge who stretched powers to make abortion illegal, right?
And I’m embarrassed to share a profession with him.
Terri Schiavo only ever clearly made one decision about this situation–she decided who should be the one to make this decision for her. She decided this by marrying him. The very people in the Florida legislature and now Congress who just months ago couldn’t shut up about how marriage was such a sacred and holy and did I mention sacred bond that we can’t possibly extend it to the queers are now doing everything they can to undermine that bond.
TroubleAgain nailed it–I just can’t even express my disgust with this situation.
And he does know better! He is selling his soul for a shot at the Presidency. I have lost any respect that I ever had for him.
The OP said it well.
This is a perfect opportunity for advocates of less government to get the hell out of the way of decisions that should be between a patient and his/her physician - and where this is not possible, between the next of kin and physician(s).
Kind of consistent with what advocates of abortion rights have long been saying.
Assuming that anyone would want to be in a vegetative state for so many years and to have it continue indefinitely, so that one can be a permanent symbol of helpless brain death in the mass media seems completely bizarre, whatever logic it possesses for Bricker.
Get those living wills signed and validated, boys and girls. You don’t want someone making a cause out of your helpless near-corpse.
OK, a couple of thoughts on this issue (as I am sure that all of you scan each thread with baited breath to see my take on any given issue).
First, as far as I can tell everyone involved in this whole mess is being stupid and letting their emotions rule their judgment.
From the parent’s point of view, it really is time to let go. I am sorry that this has happened, but your daughter is gone.
From the husbands perspective, the same it true. I do get that there is probably a strong wish to honor what she wanted, and I also get the element of respect and the need for closure. However, at this point, if he really believes that she is brain dead it is time to sign over custody to the parents and let them take on the financial burden.
Don’t even get me started on the grandstanding politicians.
If we really believe that at this point she is animated meat, with no human consciousness than it would follow that she is beyond suffering and therefore it really doesn’t matter what happens. Let the parents have her. Get on with your life.
If, on the other hand, we somehow believe that her soul is trapped in the animated meat then that becomes a whole other conversation (although, given that souls are presumably timeless then I don’t see how even 1000 years kept alive on a machine would matter in the face of eternity).
Re: States rights. I have to confess that I am fighting a somewhat elitist reaction here.
On the one hand, I do see the value in allowing the people who are in the best positions to understand their needs and to interpret their local values and the like the power to make the decisions and laws at that level.
On the other hand, I must confess to a profound contempt for the intelligence of the average American (to clarify, this is equal opportunity contempt. I assume that the average Liberal is a raving dumbass just as I assume that the average Conservative is) , and so can also see value in having some big deal issues decided at a level above that of the states and, in some cases, imposed on the states so that we can all join the 21st century.
So, generally I am still thinking this one through because I can see pros and cons on either side.
One final thought: I would pay money to have the term activist judge banned. It seems to be one of those terms that is pretty devoid of content, overused by the Right, and generally intended to inject emotion into a debate and get people whipped into a frenzy.
Well, it looks like it won’t be needed-apparently the Florida legislature just made it illegal to remove a feeding tube, unless the patient has left a clear and concise DNR order stating such.
Am I the only one that finds this ironic?
Ironic how?
No, the FL House passed the bill, but it ain’t law:
Ooops, my mistake. Sorry, andros. Still, politicians are really making a mess over this whole thing. Whether or not she wanted to remain on life support is one thing, but I think we can safely say she wouldn’t want to be turned into a political pawn. This is disgusting.
From: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/health/11011204.htm
Okay, here’s a woman who struggled with an eating disorder. She tried to lose weight by drinking iced tea instead of eating food. Although her parents deny it, her husband and friends report she would throw up after eating.
Left to her own devices, Terri chose to starve herself. She can no longer make that decision, so politicians have decided she would want to live forever being fed through a feeding tube.
Yeah, poor guy. It’s a shame he only “remembered” her desire to “not live that way” after $2 million in court awards.
And he’s only managed to father two children with his girlfriend.
And he’s refused any therapy treatment for Terri.
And he claims that starving to death is a peaceful way to go.
Wait–he’s a scumbag bastard, not a poor guy. I get those confused.
Except there is no money left-all of it went to taking care of her. And there is no “therapy” for her, from I understand. No therapy can rebuild her brain.
Cite that he intended Terri’s body to remain in a vegetative state prior to any malpractice settlements, please.
What does this have to do with anything? Was he with her before Terri’s heart attack? Was he with her before it was obvious there was no hope of recovery? You prove either of those and I’ll agree that he’s a philanderer.
Cite, please.
In Terri’s case, it is. Especially considering Florida isn’t Oregon.
ISTM you decided he’s a scumbag bastard first, and are trying to spin the situation to fit your assessment.
If you’re incapable of experiencing pain, a wood chipper is a peaceful way to go.
Most of which has been spent on her care, IIRC.
He is trying his damnedest to move on, since his wife is dead. If I were in the same position, I would want my wife to do the same thing–do everything she could to see my wishes honored, but try her best to go on with her life.
Please show me the evidence-based treatments that Michael has refused. From what I can tell, the only “therapies” he has refused are things with no evidence to support their benefit (hyperbaric O2, Namenda) and therapies with no practical benefit (retraining her swallowing reflex–she would still require a feeding tube).
All indications are that she does not have the capacity to suffer.
He’s the man she married, which gave him the responsibility (and the right) to make this decision for her.
but really messy 
Won’t anybody think of the cleaning crew :eek:
I’m sure others will add to this, but it’s not so simple.
First, what money there was has gone to Terri’s care. There’s no money left. He did care for her–he became a respiratory therapist so he could help care for her. He took her out to California(?) for some experimental treatments.
But she’s gone. How long is he supposed to wait. He’s married to a vegetable. Should he not have tried to rebuild his life. The only reason he hasn’t divorced her is because then care would be determined by her parents, who would be denying Terri’s wishes.
Finally, she has no cerebral cortex. Therapy will do nothing to bring it back. She cannot feel pain. Starving to death would be peaceful for her.
What a great site. Thanks, TYM.