[OriginalChristian]

Ah, but Nancy Cruzan was actually in a persistent vegetative state. That is the difference. Terri is not in the same condition.

As to the court being dysfunctional, I couldn't agree more, but so stated, we can't expect it to police itself. What recourse do we have under the rule of law to end the judicial tyranny?

[Cboldt]

Ah, but Nancy Cruzan was actually in a persistent vegetative state. That is the difference. Terri is not in the same condition.

I was just pointing out that Schiavo is not the original euthanasia case.

With regard to Terri, there are at least two problems with the conditions legally required to stop feeding her. If either one of these conditions is not met, then Greer's ultimate ruling is in error.

First, the law must find that Terri would stop eating of her own choice, if she could make that choice. Greer's court relied on testimony of three Schiavo's to reach this conclusion (Michael, his brother and his brother's wife. There was conflicting testimony). Second, that she is in fact in a PVS. Experts testified as to this, and the evidence is not unequivocal.

[Destro]

That's the crux of the matter - there are those on here that don't want to pull the tubes even on people wo are in a persistent vegetative state and those that don't want to pull the plug on Terri because they do not buy that she is in a persistent vegetative state (this group I think is in the majority).

If the court ordered one last round of in depth all out examinations to determone if she was in a PVS then I am guessing the story would die down. There woul dstill be the reactionary crowd but the moral majority would be satisfied.

No one I asked ever answers me back on this point though - if Terri is found to be ina PVS after all these new tests - would they advocate pulling the feeding tube?

[Cboldt]

Ah, but Nancy Cruzan was actually in a persistent vegetative state. That is the difference. Terri is not in the same condition.

Oh, one more point. I think it is wrong to stop feeding people, unless they have expressed specifically that they would rather starve to death.

I live in a northern climate, and my Living Will says that I am to be taken outside and frozen to death. Beats starving, just on the time factor. (just kidding, but you get my drift. Food and shelter are basic necessities. But seriously, if I had to choose? If I was in a warm place but had no food? I'd rather die by freezing.)