[Peace-discuss] Liberals and Schiavo

[C. G. Estabrook]

"I don't think blanket statements can be used in these situations and none
of us are qualified to make a judgment since none of us knew her or have
seen all the details" -- it's precisely doubts of that sort, Linda, that
would seem to me to be adequate reason to oppose the state's order for
death by dehydration. The courts not only refused her tube feeding, but
ordered that attempts to provide her water or food by mouth be prevented.
As Nader said, "The court is not merely permitting medical treatment to be
withheld, it has ordered her to be made dead."  I'm against state killing.
--CGE


On Thu, 31 Mar 2005, Linda Evans wrote:

> Just like most issues in the media, we don't have all the facts.  I
> don't know the Schiavos, but I do know my husband.  He would not want
> to be fed via feeding tube.  He has made his wishes know many times to
> me.  We talk about death and what to do in various situations.  I
> doubt that Rob's father would know his wishes or even be respectful of
> them because his father is completely disrespectful of his wishes when
> life/death issues are not involved.  I would not hand over custody
> under any circumstances (that I can dream up right now) to my
> father-in-law.
> 
> However, I have friends who want to stay "alive" no matter what.  
> They want the feeding tubes, etc.  I don't think blanket statements
> can be used in these situations and none of us are qualified to make a
> judgment since none of us knew her or have seen all the details.
> 
> What saddens me is the country seems obsessed with one (white) woman's
> life or death when scores of people are dying daily.  None of us have
> clean hands.  All of us contribute to the life and death of others.  
> I will drive my car today putting toxins into the air for all of us to
> breath.  Someone will die from these toxins.  I consume more calories
> than I need while others in my own town and around the world die from
> starvation.  I gave birth to two humans who will eventually die, yet I
> knowingly gave birth knowing that death will be the only certainty in
> their lives.  In a way, by giving life, I also take it.
> 
> Linda
> 
> It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our
> humanity.  ~Albert Einstein
>