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Actually, the pertinent passage was "...whatsoever you do for the least of My brethren, that you do unto Me."

While important in other circumstances, it is not "pertinent" here because it offers no guidance as to whether to assist Terri in dying. We must assist her because "it is how we would want to be treated". That's why Matt 7:12 is dispositive.

Moreover, in the obverse, we cannot morally manipulate her bodily shell with slurry pumping and diapers to 'keep her alive' because we would clearly not want to be treated that way ourselves.

given that we are not talking about a clearly terminal condition and/or one which clearly COUNTER-indicates nutrition and hydration) ... That would be "doing" evil to the "least."

A very interesting premise. It is clear that you have carved out a two-pronged exception from your general rule of forced prolongation of physical life for (i) "terminal" conditions and (ii) one which "clearly contraindicates nutrition and hydration."

First, what does 'terminal' mean in this context? Obviously, we are 'terminal' in the sense we have a finite physical life. So, terminal can mean (i) irreversible and/or (ii) a shorter than 'natural' life span due to the condition. We would both agree that cancer can be and usually is 'terminal' in one or both senses. But many other conditions are as well. Almost all of the aging process of life is a ratcheting down of abilities and expectations due to increasing limitations. It is a continuum. Moreover, different people have differing degrees of attachment to this physical life. And it changes over time. [I had much more attachment to my physical life when I was 21 than I do now.] The whole concept of the degree of 'acceptable shortening' of life to be recognized as 'terminal' differs person to person. There simply is no 'bright line' test for 'terminal'. That is why each individual must make that decision for themselves.

You second prong is even more interesting. I, for one, would say that Terri's condition (for myself) was one "which clearly contraindicated nutrition and hydration." I gather from the context of your remarks that you would not. But that shows the difference a different perspective on life can make.

I enjoy my life, but I am not unduly attached to it. When I leave this life, I am going home. My wife is already there. I will leave behind my favorite toys, and, of course, my children and grandchildren, but I am ready to go today. No undue attachment on my part. Others (perhaps you) feel much differently. They want to cling to every last possible moment of physical life -- perhaps out of nagging doubt that there is no more.

That's why I feel each person has to make the right decision for themselves -- and write it down and make sure it is respected.