Peach, when it all is hashed out, you and I probably agree more than we disagree.
We all have personal stories that shape our opinions. I have a sister with spina bifada. We've loved and cared for her for 40 plus years. I think I probably look at Lisa and what she has meant to our family and then think of Terri and am so sad her family didn't have the chance to love her that way. It's incredibly emotional.
I've lashed out in anger and frustration at Jeb, George, DeLay, Frist, congress, the media and.....my cats.
I don't think you are pro death. I know you're not. And I'm sorry that this sad situation has caused such bad feelings among regular members that have been through so many ups and downs together.
I'm sorry
Thank you so much for your nice post, Jrabbit, and for sharing your story.
I don't know much about spina bifada, I'm afraid, but do know about a few other disabilities. I heard a man call on the radio the other day who was disabled and was worried that he and other disabled people would be next.
He was serious and frightened and alone. And my heart just wrenched for him.
I understand the emotions govering this, on both sides. When I first started investigating this, my husband, who knows all too well how opinionated I am, was shocked that for the first time in 25 years, I didn't have a strong opinion either way. I just didn't want to see FR become a dumping ground of conspiracy theories.
But you know, this country has such a history of valuing life. All life. Remember the little girl who fell in the well years ago? I think people lost their lives saving her. We do so much to save people in this country. More than any other country on earth.
I don't want us to develop a policy where we discard people. But I think we should have the absolute right to self determination and decide how we are going to live and how we are going to die.
And so I don't like Congress getting involved because sure as shootin', they will pass something hastily without having a full conversation with their constituents, and something will get passed that will take some right away from someone somewhere. They always muck stuff up.
I want my husband to decide this for me with the advice of doctors. Not Congress. Not anyone else.
But when I hear stories like yours and think for a moment that a family in America is truly concerned that "they" might be coming for them next like that man on the radio, my heart bleeds.
And our leaders aren't doing a good job discussing this issue. I think they are frightened. It's a big issue.
But we all need to keep talking with each other and not AT each other and name calling, etc. I'm not pro death and you're not pro government interference or endorsing anarchy or violence, I'm sure.
Well, I'm babbling. Thanks for listening and for your nice post.