[TheAngryClam]

You're right, plants don't.

However, people in a persistent vegetative state like Terri do- the doctor who first came up with the term wanted to differentiate such people from those in a coma.

However, I doubt you like the word regardless of its applicability. Do you also prefer to call retarded children "special" or use other such euphemisms?

[Cultural Jihad]

Regardless, people have inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

[FITZ]

"Vegetative" refers to plant life. Plants are different than humans in many many ways. All kids are "special" so no ---- I wouldn't really like that euphemism. I'm not sure what I would call them. I don't like "retarded" either because that means slow or delayed and it's not really the right word to describe their difference.