We are a paradoxical society. We value life, but only "perfect" life. So we get nose jobs and boob jobs and we try every diet there is because our lives just aren't worth living if there are flaws to them. We are in the business now of judging the value of life based on pleasure and convenience. We chase life and death simultaneously. And God forbid our child or parent should struggle physically and need some extra care. That would interfere with my tee time.
The problem is this: Where do we draw the line? Who is next? Premature babies? Ahlzheimers patients? Don't try to tell me that could never happen. Its happening in Europe now.
There is a huge difference between allowing something to happen and causing something to happen. Removing a feeding tube will cause this patient to starve to death over a period of days. Terri Schiavo's feeding tube is no more extraordinary a measure than a baby bottle.
I intend to leave this world scratching and clawing for every minute, mentally if not physically. So if anything happens to me and I am incapacitated, don't be in any hurry to pull the plug. And if anyone tells you that I said way back when that "I wouldn't want to live that way," they're lying. God will take me when he is good and ready and how dare any of us put ourselves in God's place.
The world is full of people living imperfect lives. How do you know another person's perception of the quality of their own life? It is pure arrogance to think that you do know.
The President is right and Congress is right to butt in to the Terri Schiavo situation. Someone needs to stand up for life.
Richard Miller
richardmillernc@aol.com
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