Terry Shciavo passed away
A close friend noted that it is disturbing that we know so much at the Schiavos and the Schindlers. Truer words were never spoken.
I cannot imagine a more difficult and divisive situation than that surrounding the Schiavos. Normally I try not to pay attention to these media circuses because I find them so distasteful. However, my gut tells me that there will be serious ramifications for what has happened.
This issue was captured by special interests. I am certain that the Schindlers did not pay one dime for their legal actions. (For that matter, Mr. Schiavo also probably did not have to pay for his lawyers).
What we have witnessed is an evolution of the Republican party. Rather then being guided by political and fiscal conservatism, the Republican party is looking more and more like the political arm of a religious movement. Its scary and forebodes a dark future for the next decade of American politics. Rather than focusing of legitimate political issues, the trend from the last presidential election with continue: "Focus on our definition of morality and emphasize how the other party is 'different' from you, gentle voter."
That, frankly, scares the shit out of me.
As an aside, I think its important to note that had Terry Schiavo been in California, her feeding tube would not have been removed. Under California law, if there is any ambiguity, health-care providers are required to err on the side of life. (And, really, I can't say that I find this to be such a bad policy).
The moral? If you do not want to be kept alive by artificial means, you should complete an Advanced Health Care Directive. In California, there is a simple form that anyone can fill out without an attorney. Prudently, if you complete an AHCD, you should also execute a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care as a companion document.
Take care of yourself and prepare yourself.
I cannot imagine a more difficult and divisive situation than that surrounding the Schiavos. Normally I try not to pay attention to these media circuses because I find them so distasteful. However, my gut tells me that there will be serious ramifications for what has happened.
This issue was captured by special interests. I am certain that the Schindlers did not pay one dime for their legal actions. (For that matter, Mr. Schiavo also probably did not have to pay for his lawyers).
What we have witnessed is an evolution of the Republican party. Rather then being guided by political and fiscal conservatism, the Republican party is looking more and more like the political arm of a religious movement. Its scary and forebodes a dark future for the next decade of American politics. Rather than focusing of legitimate political issues, the trend from the last presidential election with continue: "Focus on our definition of morality and emphasize how the other party is 'different' from you, gentle voter."
That, frankly, scares the shit out of me.
As an aside, I think its important to note that had Terry Schiavo been in California, her feeding tube would not have been removed. Under California law, if there is any ambiguity, health-care providers are required to err on the side of life. (And, really, I can't say that I find this to be such a bad policy).
The moral? If you do not want to be kept alive by artificial means, you should complete an Advanced Health Care Directive. In California, there is a simple form that anyone can fill out without an attorney. Prudently, if you complete an AHCD, you should also execute a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care as a companion document.
Take care of yourself and prepare yourself.