Public execution

The Spectator ^ | 2 April 2005 | Mark Steyn

[mal]

Do you remember a fellow called Robert Wendland? No reason why you should. I wrote about him in this space in 1998, and had intended to return to the subject but something else always intervened — usually Bill Clinton’s penis, which loomed large, at least metaphorically, over the entire era. Mr Wendland lived in Stockton, California. He was injured in an automobile accident in 1993 and went into a coma. Under state law, he could have been starved to death at any time had his wife requested the removal of his feeding tube. But Rose Wendland was busy with this and that, as one is, and assumed there was no particular urgency.

[Sam's Army]

What are the faulty equivalencies that the first group is demonstrating? Not trying to be difficult, it's just that I have no idea what their stated positions are.

[Cboldt]

Then demonstrate it. Post an example that illustrates so clearly and easily. Not from a troll but long time respected freepers (plural, don't forget).

No. But I stand by my assertion.

[cyncooper]

I heard that tape on Greta last night and Fox and Friends this morning.

[cyncooper]

BTW, others say she makes those noises no matter if someone is talking to her or not.

[beaversmom]

Yes and others say starvation and dehydration is a great way to go.

[EmilyGeiger]

One of my favorite books to read is written by Coach Gene Stallings and it is about his son Mark who was born with Down's Syndrome. He talks about the emotions involved with the birth of his son but that his life was filled with complete joy in raising him. Stallings left his job at Alabama University at it's peak because the health of his son was diminishing and he wanted him to be able to live longer and more comfortably. A friend of mine several years ago gave birth to a daughter who the doctors believed had down's. some of the tests pointed in that direction. The parents were sorrowful and worried. My friend said that that night the phone rang in the hospital room and it was Gene Stallings! He comforted her and told her how wonderful life was with his son and that everything would be alright for them. He said a prayer for them and then said good bye. Stallings did not know this couple but took time out to comfort them and does it with many families. It turned out that my friend's baby did not have down's the tests were wrong. But imagine if society decided that all babies tested with down's could be euthanized with in 24 hrs. of birth? Her beautiful girl would not be here. Nor would the families that have children they love with Down's get their beautiful little ones.

[cyncooper]

I do not think it is right to compare removing a feeding tube from a patient that is in a medical facility to locking a cognizant human being in a room and not feeding them food they are able to chew and swallow.

That is my opinion and I am very pro-life.

[cyncooper]

Meant to add, that does not mean I am for removing the feeding tube but I don't see it as the same.

[betty boop]

Fortunately, if you want to execute someone who hasn’t committed a crime, you don’t need to worry with any of this ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ stuff. If an al-Qa’eda guy got shot up resisting capture in Afghanistan and required a feeding tube and the guards at Guantanamo yanked it out, you’d never hear the end of it from the American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International and all the rest.

Seems like Felos is some kind of New-Age flake, of the type who will be pleased to inform you, "I am God."

You are not misreading the statement about the Jews and the Holocaust, xzins, and it is simply sickening. In making the Holocaust a voluntary self-sacrifice "in the Jewish collective consciousness," Hitler and the Nazis are relieved of all guilt for trying to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth.

What a twisted fellow this Felos is! He should be in restraints, in a rubber room....

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

If he were to continue it it would show a complete lack of respect for the law. Since the legislature (the people) have refused to act, it would also show a complete lack of respect for the will of the people.

The legislature (the people) DID act and the court showed a complete lack of respect for the will of the people.
If the legislature had acted AGAIN, the courts would have dissed them AGAIN.

For the 111th time, the court is NOT the law.
The court does not make law.

And there is NOTHING in the Florida constitution that prevents the governor from acting.
There are powers he cannot be prevented from using.
And there are laws which compel him to act notwithstanding illegal court orders.
And if he did act, he can make a compelling case to the legislature (an impeachment-proof number of them) justifying his actions.

[cyncooper]

Brother Paul is saying Terri Schiavo has passed away.

Prayers for her

[cyncooper]

Cite please.

I don't know of anyone saying it is a "great" way to go.

[NYer]

Feeding tube ping!

[TheDon]

‘Why are you fundamentalists so clueless? It’s the law, dickbrain.

LOL! Lots of that on FR.

[secret garden]

Wow. He does it again. Another brilliant review of the facts at hand and why we should be terrified. Thanks for the ping.

[B Knotts]

Have you checked out Europe lately?

Compulsory euthanasia follows "voluntary" euthanasia rather quickly.

[TheDon]

‘Why are you fundamentalists so clueless? It’s the law, dickbrain.

Hmmmmm...dickbrain is not name calling?

[PGalt]

Thanks for your post. Outstanding Steyn!

[Miss Marple]

No, that is name-calling, and people who disagree with me aren't getting me to reconsider my position with their rhetoric, either.

You cannot persuade people by insulting them, and that goes for either side. People who do this insutling stuff come across as arrogant, rude, and a bit off-kilter, if you ask me. It certainly isn't productive.

[TheDon]

To justify the killing to their consciences, they must first dehumanize the victim.