Reply #22: I'll Disagree, But Not Flame [View All]

[iamjoy]

Terri is not considered brain dead because she needs a feeding tube, she is considered brain dead because various scans and tests have shown a lack of activity. Some people may require a feeding tube, or even assistance breathing, but if there is evidence of cerebral activity, that person is not considered brain dead. And many experts state that Terri is brain dead.

So, while I feel for you in your tough situation, Terri's case may be different than what is close to your life.

You are correct, Terri has no living will, and that is disturbing, to say the least. What is also disturbing is all the legal wrangling going on in this case. I think many Conservatives are using it as wedge issue.

I don't know these people, but I do know Terri's parents offered Michael a way to divorce her so he could move on with his life, but he refused. And yet, they are trying to paint him as a greedy monstor. If he were really a greedy monstor, and did not believe he was carrying out Terri's wishes, why wouldn't he just walk away (as they offered him the opportunity to do so)? On the other hand, he is living with and has children with another woman. He has, in a sense, moved on. To what extent does he still love and care about Terri?

As for her parents, I think they just can't let go. Maybe they see something because it is really there, and she is not brain dead. Maybe they just want to see something. In any case, they are being manipulated and exploited by the radical so called "Pro-Lifers"

And why would the courts determine she is brain dead and side with the husband? The Conservatives keep saying the courts are evil, I don't think that's fair. The courts are trying to look at this as objectively as possible. This is not to say that courts can't be wrong, but several courts in Florida have reviewed this case and determined that based on the laws on file, Terri Schaivo is brain dead and Michael Schiavo is her guardian.

Personally, I think they should pass laws that in the absence of written and properly witnessed instructions all measures must be taken. But I think that law should be effective going forward, not retro-active.