Posted on 02/23/2005 5:29:08 PM PST by InHisService
First, let me say I am a Christian, and am anti-abortion. I have read quite a bit about the Terri Schiavo case and my heart goes out to her and her family, and yes, even her husband.
I'm quite sure I will take a lot of flak for this opinion, as everyone here seems determined to keep this poor woman alive.
It seems no one is sure whether or not she is in a persistive vegetative state, and doctors on both sides are firm in their convictions.
I only know that if it was me, I would, without a doubt, NOT want to be kept alive this way. Terri doesn't have the capability to state what she wants, but had she been if asked the question when she was healthy, (as her husband states) most likely, she would not want these ongoing court battles, the media circus and the heartbreak for all involved. Really, would any of us want that for our families?
I believe in letting her die with dignity. I do not believe it is murder. I have made sure to tell my family members, if this ever happens to me, do not keep me alive in this state.
May God's will be done.
Yes, and check off all the organ donation boxes on the back on your license. Be sure to do that.
I have read all the material, and hyperbolic stuff as well, and I came to the same conclusion that Michael Shiavo did.
He asked the courts after being challenged by his once friendly father in law, to decide. He provided his evidence and now has gone through the legal process twice and it has been affirmed by all the appeals courts.
Now they are trying to begin the process again. In defiance of the decisions handed down.
I find it unfortunate that so many have been duped to believe that this poor soul has even the slightest chance of recovering anything that once was.
Totally duped.
Terri's feeding tube, The cure for Polio, the cure for Small Pox, respirators are all Good. Man has created because God has given us the ability to create.
God is Good and so we must try to do good. God gives man the choice to do good or evil.
Inspiring words, simply and clearly stating an undeniable fact.
The fact, though, is that evidence wins. Preponderance of the evidence. Nothing to refute it.
It may very well be a lie, but without evidence that it's a lie, what's a judge to do?
I think maybe that's when he gave up hope. It's the ongoing life without hope that is what he'd think she doesn't want.
I try not to get too wrapped up in the personality of Michael issues, I have tried to get answers to questions about whether it's ever been investigated... but they never give any, and I can only conclude that the accusations are mostly unsubstantiated. I think the money is mostly gone. Not enough left to be any kind of motive.
The point is, if the legal system is going to kill someone, one would hope that, first of all, the civil standard of preponderance of the evidence would be superceded by that standard of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt - which, quite frankly, it hasn't. I find it extremely whacked that a potential murderer on trial is protected by a higher evidentiary standard than a helpless woman who never did anything to anyone.
pox or not they will get in the way. You may not be coherent. Put it in writing.
Uhhhhh you both know that two other stood up in court and collaborated Michael? You keep suggesting there was only Michael.
Wouldn't killing myself go against your beliefs, or is it justified in this situation?
People without hope of recovery for themselves or a loved one decide to forego feeding tubes and life support in favor of Hospice, every day in this country, from NYC to my little town. That you are hearing about this case is the only thing unusual about it.
Talk to me when you are capable of being serious.
I read your post about you and your wife and your very important decisions regarding life and death matters over your person....it sounds as if you and your wife have really communicated with each other and your wifes sister and you were wise to have papers legally drawn up to that effect....I commend you for thinking ahead, and making these decisions way ahead of the time when you may be in situations regarding these decisions...
My parents did the very same thing with me...after my brother died, unexpectedly, and only at age34, my parents realized that I, their sole surviving child, might someday be placed in a situation where I would have to make life and death decisions for them...and so they let me know what they wanted and what they did not want, ,and they expected that I would follow their wishes...which I did, so that they both died in the manner they wished...
My husband and I have also discussed 'end of life' issues, and what we each want...and we are at opposite ends of the issue...my husband wants everything possible done for him, no matter what...I am at the other end...I want to be able to decide that enough is enough, and just let me go on to my Maker...
Now, I will respect my husbands wishes, tho I may not agree with them...and I will definitely have everything done for him, as he wishes...he, however, is extremely uncomfortable with letting me go(meaning, I dont want artificial machines doing the work for me, when I have no chance of recovery)...my husband does not agree with that, and I know that he would not honor my wishes...he would believe in his heart that he would be doing the best for me, to have me prolonged artificially...so of course, this has led us to decide that we need to see a lawyer, and have our wishes drawn up and put in print...
Our son, knows both of our wishes, and has agreed to have my medical power of attorney, because he knows his dad as well as I do...and my husband has agreed to this...my husband still wishes me to act for him, as he knows that I will do what he wishes...but he concedes, that he would not be able to do as I wish for myself, and so he has agreed that my son would be the best one to act for me...
These decisions can be heart wrenching and difficult for family members...these are not easy decisions to make...
All that being said, I have to say, from what I have seen, and what I have read about this Terri Schiavo case, I am convinced that she is neither brain dead, nor in a vegetative state...I believe that there is more going on in her brain and mind, that many people believe...but that is my own personal belief...I believe she should receive nutrition and hydration, and that at least there should be some time frame in which therapy is given, to see if there is a probable chance of her improving and showing that she is indeed 'there'....she may not be 'there' in the sense of the Terri, that once was, she may be in a childlike state, or even an infant state, but still, I think her mind is working on some level, and that she deserves to have a chance to make that known...
But it just seems, that regardless of ones age, we all need to have some sort of legal paper, laying out our wishes in the event we find ourselves in situations which have a great bearing on whether we are prolonged in life or not...
No, not justified, but lots of people do things contrary to my beliefs & I don't lose any sleep over it.
I am being serriouse. How are you morally above that.
Hey, maybe we can do a partial death abortion or something. Take a tube and suck her brains out. She is so gone, she won't know.
And, once again, men on trial for murder have been protected by a higher standard of evidence than Terri has faced here. Her husband has some serious potential ulterior motives. IMO he cannot speak for her. And any witnesses he presents are suspect as well.
I'm sorry - but unless there is a clear, legally binding AND witnessed living will, the state has no business killing someone in this situation.
Now your not acting 12.... you're acting less mature.... like 14.
I'm not interested in what you think.
But the standard of proof is different, and that's not going to change.
In any event, I'm not convinced that any statement she made about future care in such a situation would have made any difference, at least not if made in Michael's favor. The Florida law is what it is.
I agree that murderers get more protection, but that's the difference between civil and criminal statutes and case law.
Then why are you conversing with me?
I'm not interested in letting a woman starve to death because she is an undesirable.
Whether or not I might agree with it, if you kill yourself, it is your clear will to do such. Terri has given no clear indication, beyond the reasonable doubt that accused murders on trial receive, that she wanted to die in this circumstance.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.