Posted on 03/27/2005 5:00:37 PM PST by MaineVoter2002
If she couldn't swallow, Terri would have drowned/choked in her spit and sinus drainage years ago! She did not have to use suction to have the mucous removed, she swallowed it like we all do!
I'm sure that the irony of them being afraid that she might choke to death is not lost on anyone.
The problem is, the husband has already received the court's blessings to have an immediate cremation.
This whole "the government shouldn't be involved in a family matter" argument is utterly bogus. The same people who argue this have no problem having the government (police) involved in "family matters" like domestic abuse, child abuse, murder of family members, etc. In those cases, you bet the government gets involved, and rightly so.
Why? Because the primary function of government is the protection of its citizens, especially those who are innocent of any wrongdoing, and especially those who are unable to fend for themselves against the abusers. The operable factor in those cases is the chance that an innocent person is being harmed. It matters not what the "intention" of the abuser was, or even that of those being abused. The primary focus is to avoid harm coming to persons.
So here we have a "family matter" where a member of a family is being harmed in the most grave, grievous manner by another family member. That the abuser has obtained the sanction of a court to carry out the abuse does not alter its nature. It is abuse of the worst kind, yet people, on FR, and among the public in general, stand by and nod their stupid heads in approval.
Brilliant and frightening really.
The legal system is in shambles. Evidence cannot be used to show abuse. Even when it is, it is ruled irrelevant. The executive branch cannot intervene. Common Law is subverted. Judges make up law as situation arise and as personal beliefs dictate.
This system is broke.
Terr's nurses testified that she could swallow.
Matthew 10:28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
If swallowing is not an autonomic function governed by her brain stem, and knowing that she does not drool, I'm sure you will agree that that must mean that there is more to her than just a brain stem. Yes?
Why? Because the primary function of government is the protection of its citizens...
Protecting? The court is government. The court sentenced her to death. Government protecting us from government? If starvation is protection...we are all in trouble
Greer was elected under the banner of the GOP. I'm under the impression that the people of Pinellas County would reelect him again if the election were held today. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
"This system is broke."
But its very lucrative for lawyers and expert witnesses.
Well seeing that the GOP today has a majority and still can't get a fair up or down vote on the President's choices. I could believe that. I'll bet the libs had no problem with Greer
bump
welcome to FR.
When the foundations of this nation, 'life liberty, etc.', are no longer worthy of being protected, there will be justice for no one.
The courts have traditionally stood for the enforcement of legal rights in protection of the citizens of the land. In this case, the court is being used as an instrument for the death of an innocent person. That indicates a fundamental breakdown in our system. No longer are inalienable rights to be safeguarded by the courts and other branches of government. Instead, the courts have taken it upon themselves to be the adjudicators of these formerly inalienable rights. Thus, we have drifted away from the intent of the Founders, wherein the inalienable rights of men are recognized and viewed as being endowed by the very nature of being human.
Gee, wonder why that would be??
>>>Pulling the feeding tube is one thing. But to deny the ability of someone (family in this case) from giving her food or liquid by mouth>>>
What you just said is what makes this case go from "right to die" to "murder" in 2.7 seconds.
As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus today our hearts go out to Terri Schiavo, to her husband, and to her family. This feast which normally is a joyous occasion, is shrouded this year by the heartache, moral confusion, media attention and individual opinions surrounding the decision made to remove Terri’s feeding tube.
If hers was a case of being “brain dead” there would be no controversy or moral dilemma over “pulling the plug” and allowing her to die. But, her case is not that simple, and both principles and agendas are at work in this case – and they challenge our personal belief systems.
The facts are: Terri is living in a vegetative state and she breathes on her own. There’s no chance of her recovering. Her mental capacity is that of a six-month old baby. And, as a 41 year old woman, she could conceivably live another 30, 40 or even 50 years with no improvement in her condition. Her parents want her kept alive – her husband wants her to die. The situation reads like a hypothetical question on an ethics exam.
Everyone would feel better if, like at the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus would show up and call Terri out of the tomb she has existed in for 14 years – perfectly restored to health and able to pick up her life where she left off. We would be more comfortable if God would take her naturally and peacefully to His home without human intervention. Either of these options would not challenge our faith and morals. Nice, easy solutions that would not require any of us to examine our personal beliefs.
The taking of human life is wrong. Scripture tells us so. The laws of our country tell us so. Scripture also tells us that God forgives; that there is no sin that is unforgivable except a sin against the Holy Spirit – and no one has ever been able to conclusively define just what that sin is. It is not for us to judge Terri’s husband or her family for their respective decisions. Our job as members of Christ’s body is to pray for them.
As much as we want it to be OK… acceptable…justifiable…and “sin-free” that Terri is being starved in order to effect her death, it is not. But, before we pass judgment, let’s remember “but for the grace of God, there go I.” One day, any of us here might be faced with a decision as serious as this one and we will depend upon those around us to show us understanding and compassion.
We know that Terri’s husband has reached the end of his emotional endurance to keep his wife alive. He has reached the end of his financial ability to maintain her medical expenses. He has reached the end of his faith and hope for her recovery. It is no longer possible for him to live between a love that can go no further and the possibility of a future for himself and his family.
We have also seen the anguish that Terri’s parents and siblings are experiencing as well. Their enduring faith and hope for her recovery as they cling to even the smallest indication that the Terri they love is still “in there” somewhere is admirable – they’ve shown tremendous courage in their commitment to fight for her life.
As spectators in this tragedy we are torn between what seems to be a merciful and reasonable solution and the morality behind the decision to effect her death.
I can’t and won’t try to make up your minds on the “right” or “wrongness” of this case. I can only say that those who are clamoring for her “right to live” are not the ones who are bearing the weight of this decision emotionally, physically, financially, or spiritually.
St. Paul tells us that if Christ is not risen our faith is in vain. He also tells us that in baptism we both die and rise with Christ. We need not fear therefore for Terri’s destination is the arms of the Beloved and her place in heaven. St. James tells us that we should not boast about the sins we haven’t committed because if we’ve broken one law, we’ve broken them all – that leaves us no room to judge Mr. Schiavo, the Schindlers, the Bushes… or anyone else.
Let us place our trust in God- His judgment, justice and mercy is always perfect…even when our faith and ability to do the right thing is imperfect.
Christ IS Risen… our faith – imperfect as it is – is not in vain.
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