Time is Running Out

Unless there is a miracle here in the next few days Terri Schiavo will die. This issue has unlocked an emotional firestorm all across the country that has not been seen in decades. Both sides have poured their hearts and souls into this fight as we near the end. I for one will be glad when Terri finally is at rest. While I think starving her to death is wrong and the circumstances surrounding the husband, his lawyer, and that "judge" Greer in Florida are suspicious, I will find peace in the thought that Terri's soul will finally be free. This whole matter has been cruel to the family and everyone involved. I would have rather seen this matter separated from the emotions and investigated fully. We know that Terri did not receive sufficient medical care or testing to truly understand what her condition is. We also know that the events that led to her incapacitation are in question as it is clear the husband who wanted her to die has a serious conflict of interest. We will never know for sure what happened or what Terri's true condition was. To get some perspective on the issue and to ease some emotions I recommend reading Neal Boortz's column on Townhall.com located here: http://www.townhall.com/columnists/nealboortz/nb20050324.shtml

Lessons learned from this should be that everyone should have a living will. I had mine done just before my deployment to Iraq. Every soldier sent into combat is required to have a Last Will and Testament made as part of the Pre-deployment process. A living will, however, is not enough. You should also get a Medical Power of Attorney that can make decisions on your healthcare if you are unconscious. In my opinion there needs to be legislation passed that prohibits disabled people from being killed if there is no living will and if there is a disagreement among family members as to what the persons wishes would be.

In other news... I have read from a message board post on Yahoo by a Florida resident that there is a petition circulating in Florida calling for the impeachment of Judge Greer, the judge who had the feeding tube removed and ruled against the parents every time they appealed. I hope it works. Judges need to be held accountable for their actions because right now they can do whatever they want, whether it is right or wrong.