Posted on 03/28/2005 12:39:35 PM PST by Ebenezer
(English-language translation)
International public opinion is in consternation over the position taken by the husband of [Mrs.] Terri Schiavo who, despite efforts by the young woman's parents, is not willing to accede to what mankind considers an act of absolute charity towards a human being who cannot defend her life on her own.
What is surprising about all of this is that Schiavo's husband maintains the position of removing her feeding tube despite Pope John Paul II's statements as to the obligation we all have to protect the lives of the disabled, especially the lives of those who cannot take care of themselves.
The case of this young woman has become a symbol of the obligation we all have to preserve and protect the lives of others, to the extreme that the Congress of the United States, an institution which represents the greatest democracy, legislated in favor of Schiavo's parents' having recourse to federal court to seek aid to keep their daughter alive, legislation that President George [W.] Bush signed into law immediately.
Unfortunately, the federal courts that have intervened following approval of the bill in question have been unable to find a legal foundation to intervene in the case by recognizing that Terri Schiavo's husband has the final word regarding her life.
The case may be that Terri's husband believes that he is acting in accordance with God's law, since that is an inalienable right he has. We, however, ask how this person can make a decision which will result in ending the life of another human being who cannot express herself about her wishes, and we also ponder how this man, who maybe thinks he is acting in good faith and for the young woman's welfare, is not moved by the pleas of political and religious leaders, not only on account of their rank, but on account of the prestige they enjoy throughout the world.
During this week when Christianity celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we join in the prayers of millions that Terri Schiavo's husband will be enlightened as to see the existence of a human being with love and charity.
Thank you for this post. It is not a personal Schiavo/Schindler family issue anymore, it is not an American issue anymore...articles like these demonstrate the worldwide interest. The first time in my lifetime that I feel embarassed about my country making the news.
The whole world is watching...
The whole world is watching...
The whole world is watching...
The lesson in all this is not to trust your fate to the legal system, medical system, political system -- and certainly not the media, if one wants a rational outcome. It means a need for greater self-sufficiency and self-reliance, which begins of course, by making better discriminations and decisions.
Generally, it is not a good idea to marry the first and only person one ever dates. And then when the marriage goes bad, it's not a waste of the years put into it, to get out of it, at whatever cost, or it could cost you your life. There are no guarantees of a happy outcome -- no matter what the demagogues promise. We all take our best shot and make the best from what we know.
Let her will to live, inspire us to make the most of our own lives.
There is absolutely NO debate here, killing this woman is murder, pure and simple... guilty only of not being able to speak for herself the courts have ordered her killed.
Great post.
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. The buzz in local talk shows is that first it was abortion, and that now the U.S. has in effect legitimized euthanasia. A dark day for all Americans.
Yet, with faith in our Lord, we trust that Terri's earthly departure will teach us all a lesson.
I lost my father last year to complications from cancer. A pulmonary embolism did him in. We couldn't have him connected to a respirator because his insides were burned by the radio therapy. Even if he couldn't breathe he kicked and fought until the last moment. 6 hours of it. The will to live is incredible. This lady, Terri, has shown that will to live. 11 days without food and water after having been bedridden for 15 years. If she is not a model of life, I don't know what is. Like I told my father just before he passed, and barring any last minute miracle, Terri, I'll see you on the other side.
And Michael, God have mercy on your soul.
Well it took me long enough but I think I know why Michael will not allow Terri to go to her parents.
In caring for her, eventually her parents would do x-rays and find incriminating evidence of abuse, Terri could possibly be rehabilitated and relate events (unlikely since she has only fluid no brain cells per Michael).
The only reason Michael could be this steadfast in seeing her die is that he profits someway. All of us can determine for ourselves what we think that area of profitability will be.
thanks.
Here's one idea.
"And Michael, God have mercy on your soul."
That's exactly what I thought would be a proper response in the event Terri dies from starvation and dehydration.
You are correct, the whole world is watching.
No far enough :-). If you see any more, ping me please. There's so little coming in from other countries so far.
I don't think a lot of people understand that the husband is probably not catholic, so anything the pope says would have no effect on him.
It makes me glad I'm divorced. I had a Lutheran (there are a lot of nice, kind Lutherans) husband, and I think he would have done the exact same thing to me only sooner if he could.
Why is it not far enough?
Could eventually become a state and too much voo doo there :-).
It's too close to America and there has been a lot of trouble there over the military owning part of the place. Other than that, I don't know much about the place. Might be too hot.
Is Russia that bad? I know there are a lot of problems, but do they kill their disabled like this or do they hide things still?
I don't like their healthcare. Otherwise, I would have not a second thought.
I don't know much about their healthcare other than that they seem to "care" in some places. I suppose it might seem primitive by our standards. What specifically do you not like about it? Hard to get appointments? No anesthesia? Sanitation? Ugly clinics? Expensive? Shortage of medicine? Deficient manufacturing controls of medicine?
How many Russians are on Prozac or some other drugs so common in America today? How many may need them and are not getting them? Are they widely available, or are Russians better able to "tough it out" and take care of their own problems (leave alcohol out of it for the sake of discussion although I suppose many drug themselves with it).
It is my understanding that they were the pioneers of the laser surgery that allows so many to be free of glasses in the US today.
We have a few years to decide, imo.
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