Spring Break
A matter of life
The state cannot sanction the killing of a defenseless, innocent citizen
By: Joshua Dwyer
Issue date: 3/9/05 Section: Opinion
Despite media reports to the contrary, there are several doctors and nurses who have signed affidavits stating that Schiavo is not in a persistent vegetative state, according to www.terrisfight.org.
For Judge George Greer to hand down a death sentence because he says he is "no longer comfortable" waiting on the appeal process is the height of arrogance. He is not ruling on contract dispute or a minor point of law. He is sitting in judgment of another person's life, and so far he has only demonstrated his inability to fulfill his responsibilities.
If she is mercilessly starved and dehydrated to death, it will be because she was deemed not to have the same rights as criminals in prison or the rest of us. The Fourteenth Amendment - which provides equal protection under the law - was adopted to prevent just such an act.
The U.S. government cannot withhold food and water from captured members of al-Qaida even though they have sworn to harm American citizens. The fact that it appears willing to condone the exact same actions against one of its own is disturbing.
Even after years of rehabilitation, Christian's physical therapy continues as he relearns how to control various muscle groups, hoping to one day to no longer need his wheelchair. He knows it won't be easy. "Daily victories are sweeter in uphill battles," he says.
Fighting for Schiavo may be a cause that fails, but given the potential ramifications, it is worth attempting.
If German citizens knew what was about to happen when the first disabled individuals were murdered, history would be very unforgiving. Let us hope that we escape a similar judgment now that we know.
For Judge George Greer to hand down a death sentence because he says he is "no longer comfortable" waiting on the appeal process is the height of arrogance. He is not ruling on contract dispute or a minor point of law. He is sitting in judgment of another person's life, and so far he has only demonstrated his inability to fulfill his responsibilities.
If she is mercilessly starved and dehydrated to death, it will be because she was deemed not to have the same rights as criminals in prison or the rest of us. The Fourteenth Amendment - which provides equal protection under the law - was adopted to prevent just such an act.
The U.S. government cannot withhold food and water from captured members of al-Qaida even though they have sworn to harm American citizens. The fact that it appears willing to condone the exact same actions against one of its own is disturbing.
Even after years of rehabilitation, Christian's physical therapy continues as he relearns how to control various muscle groups, hoping to one day to no longer need his wheelchair. He knows it won't be easy. "Daily victories are sweeter in uphill battles," he says.
Fighting for Schiavo may be a cause that fails, but given the potential ramifications, it is worth attempting.
If German citizens knew what was about to happen when the first disabled individuals were murdered, history would be very unforgiving. Let us hope that we escape a similar judgment now that we know.
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