But I'm very pro-euthanasia and pro-assisted-suicide, as well as a lawyer by training (though not in practice), and the Florida courts' handling of this case sends chills up my spine. I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum from you, in that IMO nutrition and hydration are life necessary, and a feeding tube is not extraordinary means, and as such, can never morally and legally be withdrawn. I am also against euthanasia, and assisted suicide.
That having been said, our common ground is our assessment of the Florida courts' performance in this case. Yes, it is VERY chilling.
I respect and appreciate your objective thinking that has led you to this conclusion. It's a breath of fresh air!
BTW, Terri can swallow on her own. She does not drool. She can be rehabilitated to eat from a spoon, but Schiavo, Felos, Greer, et al, do not want to let the public-at-large know this. If the public knew, this situation would be clearly recognized as the attempted murder that it is.
I've seen her father quoted as saying she CANNOT swallow, though he believes she might be able to learn to with therapy. Way to much conflicting information floating around, and that's why the law needs to provide for an utterly objective evaluation of the medical facts.
If Terri had actually left a written living will stating she would want to have food/water withdrawn under these circumstances, then I'd be all for withdrawing them. Though I'd much prefer the euthanasia option, which isn't currently available. I wouldn't want to be kept alive in her condition, but I'd sure prefer to be sent off with one quick injection, than to starve/dehydrate slowly. I don't believe the government has the right to take over citizens lives and impose its values on them. But Terri didn't leave a will, and in other cases the patient is a child born brain damaged who obviously could never have indicated its wishes, and the methdology the law currently provides for certifying a next-of-kin's decision is hopelessly flawed.