- Comment
- From Jim Mortellaro
- Jsmortell@aol.com
- 10-17-3
-
- Some years back, I knew a man, Normy, who was the complete
opposite of me. I am Christian, he was Jewish. I was young (back then),
he was in his seventies. We were night and day.
-
- Normy was the president of our condo association. He
always wanted me to join the board. I refused. One day Rosemarie and I
were in our condo lobby when Normy cornered us both and sold Rosie on the
idea of becoming a board member. Rosie thought it was an honor. I knew
it was a terrible chore.
-
- Rosie had recently been diagnosed with MS. I was in the
process of winding down my consulting business. Normy thought it was a
good time to get me to work. A year later, Normy was again elected president,
I was elected vice president.
-
- Normy had a mind like a steel trap. He was great with
numbers. The only thing he was unable to do was get the condo's reserves
built up. I was the fall guy. Raising the common charges, making repairs
as the money grew. Meanwhile, Normy was diagnosed with advanced prostate
cancer. His wife, a brilliant librarian who read everything and spoke four
languages, developed senile dementia. Normy was a wreck.
-
- I took over as executor to his estate, shopped, managed
the shopping and the spending, all under the auspices of our attorney who
had power of attorney.
-
- Normy was not doing well. His cancer metastasized to
his bones and he needed frequent blood transfusions. Every time he had
a transfusion, he would tell me, "Jimmy, I must have gotten Arnold
Schwarzenegger's blood. I feel great!" But it never lasted long. As
Rosie became more ill and Normy and his wife as well, I hired 24/7 help
for them.
-
- One night Normy fell in the bathroom of his unit. His
head hurt but there wasn't more than a bump on his head. After retiring,
he went into a coma and never woke up. Before this happened, Normy told
me that he changed his mind. From Do Not Resuscitate to Keep on Life Support.
But it was not in writing. He told me that as long as there was a chance,
he wanted to be kept alive.
-
- The surgeon, whom I knew well, did an emergency operation
for his subdural hematoma. Blood leaking into the brain causing coma. The
surgeon called me at my client and told me he was brain dead. He wanted
me, as executor, to give permission to pull the plug. I refused. The attorney
refused. "I'm not God!" he said. Neither am I.
-
- So we kept him alive. As long as he was breathing on
his own, the breathing apparatus was removed. I would go to his bedside
and hear him snoring away. I spoke to him. He was just asleep. But there
was never a response.
-
- He passed within ten days. I did not kill him. The Lord
took him.
-
- Part II
-
- My grandmother, at age ninety-nine and a half, had a
series of mini strokes. The doctor said, "No food or water. Let her
pass in peace." But she was still there to the last. Seeing her die
of hunger and thirst at her home was to me, the final insult. Her children,
my parents, agreed to the doctor's decision because to them, the doctor
was god. He was not god.
-
- None of us are gods. If we were, this world would be
quite different.
-
- To allow a person to die when there is hope, to deny
food, water or life support, is to this writer, an evil act. I know, brain
dead is one thing, but many people diagnosed as being brain dead survived.
That spirit, that life force, is still with the body. As long as the body
is sufficiently capable of being maintained by that life force, there is
no reason to end that life.
-
- I burn every time I hear the words, "It's hopeless.
Remove support!" I become angry at the lives, the two lives I've known,
taken before their time. Perhaps I am old fashioned. Perhaps I am too sensitive.
But life is too precious to destroy. By one hand or another or by the hand
of the one dying.
-
- That's my take on it.
-
- Jim Mortellaro
-
-
-
- Comment
- From George
10-17-3
-
- As I write this I shed tears and pray not only for Terri
but for all of humanity.
- What in the name of life & love is going on !!!???
-
Comment
Alton Raines
10-17-03
We don't even treat dogs like they are treating this woman! Dogs are euthenized
in a more humane manner! This is truly a sign, a marker, a moral milestone.
We're finall crossing the line to our utter and complete doom and judgment.
Our courts have become a farse of injustice and madness. Where the hell
are all those pro-life people who toss themselves in front of bulldozers
and chain themselves to abortion clinic doors now? Why aren't they making
it impossible for this to happen through civil disobedience? Where are
the PEOPLE? Sitting on their fat asses watching it on TV, that's where.
"Oh, my, how horrible," and the going on about their business.
When will someone over there SACRIFICE and take a stand?? Where's the family?
If that were my daughter, they'd have one hell of a fight on their hands
before they unplugged her feeding tube!
-
- Comment
- Major James F. Linzey, US Army
- 10-17-3
-
- Dear Jeff,
-
- I am highly disappointed with the judicial system for
allowing Terri Schindler-Schiavo to be murdered. I am also disappointed
with the facility in which Terri Schiavo has been treated. It is my understanding
that medical doctors have sworn to save human life by becoming members
of the American Medical Association. Abiding by the dictates of the court
to take Terri's life from her, in my opinion, is no different than those
who abided by Hitler's dictates to take life from Jews, gypsies, homosexuals,
and the disabled during the Holocaust.
-
- We cannot idly sit by and do nothing, for who will protect
us if the judicial system comes after us when some maniac decides our lives
are not worth tolerating and sues to kill us?
-
- Major James F. Linzey,
US Army
President, Operation Freedom
- (505) 373-9074
- The Worth Of A Human Life
-
- Comment
- From Jerry L. Gardner
- 10-17-3
-
- Dear Jeff,
-
- My cry is: "Do not murder Terri, Florida."
-
- I am so fed up with the hypocrisy we display here in
the supposedly, "land of the free," and "home of the brave,"
that I really wonder sometimes just how, or if we deserve to remain free.
It's about time to overhaul the judicial system, beginning with liberal,
socialist, anti God, anti Christ Judges. These anti God Judges are the
one's destroying America, not the laws, it is those evil souls who have
been placed into a position to interpret our laws and twist them to a pcifist/socialist
NWO, big brother agenda. We should all keep in mind Reverend Martin Niemoller's
admonishment:
-
- First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak
up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't
speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and
I didn't speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and
by that time there was no one left to speak up for me. --Rev. Martin Niemoller,
1945
-
- Maybe some would say this doesn't apply in Terri's case,
well, they had better think again, long and hard on this. It is all about
control over our lives and destinies, just as our rights are being eliminated
and even our right to freely travel where we wish. As the saying goes,
something evil this way comes. The winds of drastic subversive change for
the worst are blowing in America, yet few feel this breeze of destruction.
-
- The old axioms, "live and let live, as well as,
"where there is life, there is hope," don't seem to be politically
correct in our greedy, "me" and "I" generation today.
I have followed to some degree, the plight of Terri Schiavo and her parents
struggle to save her life. It is a foregone conclusion that Terri can display
signs of life and understanding, even though she is seriously suffering
from brain damage. Why should this girl be allowed to die (murdered) as
long as there is hope?
-
- Hope means just what it implies, that there is a chance,
however slim, that this girl might recover, at least to a degree that she
could appreciate her family, and life in general. As marvelous, and wonderful,
and complicated as the human brain is, who can really say for a certainty
just what Terri might be sensing or thinking while she lies there in her
own private world? Who knows, she may (as weird as this may sound) be on
a higher plane than the most of us. She definitely appears to be on a higher
plane than her X husband and his lawyer. Who, and at what point did anyone
give their permission for man to play God? Have we become so calloused
through murdering millions of babies that life now is meaningless? Life,
at any stage, is STILL precious! Sadly, if Terri were a dog or a cat in
America, the entire nation would be up in arms and totally revolt at this
demonic decision to kill Terri.
-
- In my personal opinion, any physician who would deliberately
"pull the plug" on a human displaying life's functions, however
small, yet obviously their own functions, is in violation of his/her Hippocratic
oath and should be charged with aiding and abetting a crime. There are
a number of people in Washington, DC more "brain dead" than Terri,
yet they not only are permitted to live, but they sit at the power helm
of the strongest nation on earth, and look what they're doing with it,
working toward peace? No! Killing their fellow man. Of course I can see
where the leaders of a nation who so willingly send our young men and women
to a decimated country to be slaughtered for "oil and "corporate
wealth" would have a problem fighting to save a "common citizen."
-
- Surely this decision to "allow" Terri to die
without every possible opportunity to live isn't based on economics. It
cost the American tax payers millions, no, billions of dollars each year
to maintain the health and welfare of countless illegal aliens, and more
pouring in every day now, people who have never contributed one iota to
this great nation, yet we kill our own.
-
- Surely, there must be a point on life support that it
is beyond any doubt that the patient has succumbed to all traces of "natural"
mobility or signs of life. ONLY then should any plug be pulled. This is
someone's loving daughter we are discussing here, not "a thing"
or an insurance liability, or just some piece of worthless meat taking
up a valuable hospital bed.
-
- Jesus said, in placing a high value on man's soul: Matthew
16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
-
- I would ask the same question a little differently; "What
would a man/woman give in exchange for their life? Is life not worth much
more than the temporal things of this world? Man will go to extraordinary
means to save the life of an animal, yet his patience grows short when
dealing with humanity. A savage bear on the loose will be tranquilized
and put to sleep and placed safely back in it's habitat, yet a man suffering
extreme anguish and displaying abnormal behavior will be shot dead on the
spot by trigger happy cops. Do tranquilizers not work on humans? Is a bears
life worth more than a life created in the image of God? Miracles happen
every day.
-
- My point is, there is nothing more precious than life,
all possible means should be used to save it. The smallest breath is worth
much more than silver or gold. Don't think so? Then watch your young baby
as it sleeps peacefully and soundly, words cannot express the joy and wonder
at watching a day old baby breath silently in it's mother's arms. that
in it's self is a miracle. This is what Mr. and Mrs. Schindler are holding
on to....HOPE! Isn't that about all most of us have in this man hate man
world....hope?
-
- Jerry L. Gardner
-
-
- Comment
- Jim Mortellaro
- 10-18-3
-
- Jeff, several things dawned on me with regard to the
only negative post in the "Comments" section of the story, several
conclusions.
-
- First, I find it interesting in the extreme, how much
more a belief in a Creator and in the spiritual element of our lives here
on earth, brings to the equation.
-
- And further, that the problem with that negative comment
is not with what the man believes, but rather, in what he does not believe.
Which proves conclusion number one.
-
- Jim
-
-
-
- Comment
- From Dean Doepke
- doepkesyd@core.com
- 10-18-3
-
- I read all the comments posted about Terri, and lo and
behold, not one dissenter is listed so put me in here...
-
- You people need to take your long stories, your feeble
excuses, your (religious) idol worshipping, and YOUR personal feelings
out of this!
-
- Every one of you people looking down their nose at this
situation have made ONE and only ONE valid point in all of your ramblings.
- (It IS cruel to give our most evil murderers and even
sick animals a clean 3-minute death while Terri will last who knows how
long.)
-
- Besides that singular point, almost all of you gave "personal"
stories or ranted about being "GOD".
-
- Not a single one of you has been motionless for more
than 10 minutes at a pop your whole life!
-
- Not a single one of you has suffered the humiliation
of having bed pans shoved under their butts.
- (In Terri's case, it is probably so bad that she does
not even have the basic control to even do that herself and she is likely
strapped in some sort of adult diaper, totally dependant on someone "smelling"
that it is time to clean her up.)
-
- This poor woman did not even get to smell, taste, or
chew the food she was being fed for years!
-
- I listen to all of you talking about acts of cruelty
and a lack of compassion, and it's funny because that's my take on your
opinions.
- (To keep this woman alive is cruel and it lacks compassion.
On top of that it is greedy and self-centered of these parents to want
to make Terri suffer who knows how many years more in this condition.)
-
- I do not have my wish to die in writing either, but my
family is fully aware that if I ever end up HALF AS BAD as Terri is (and
I'm talking JUST a quadriplegic, with FULL communication, AND my eating
ability) they are instructed to, "take me out" or face my wrath.
-
- The Japanese of the past would NEVER allow themselves
to lose "face" OR to be a burden in such a manner.
- Everything was about HONOR and DIGNITY back then.
- A Samurai would sooner die than eat the food of his own
starving child.
- (And yes, I know we are not Japan.)
-
- The point I am trying to make is this...
- There is only so much to go around in this world.
- If you consume resources, and are unable to contribute
to society, you are a net drain of resources, period. (Regardless of whether
it is lawsuit money, family money or government money paying.)
-
- I understand this, I am sure Terri understood this (at
some time), and you all can deny it, but you all know it is just the way
it is. I don't care if people believe the husband about Terri's wish to
die.
-
- This is about dignity people.
- Giving your share up for your country, your family, and
your fellow man WITH DIGNITY. (Although killing Terri like this is way
over the top, Terri will be the catalyst to usher in new, and more humane
euthanasia laws just like Rush Limbaugh is going to be the catalyst to
change the drug laws.)
-
- Besides, if all of you do believe in one of the 15,690
known "GODS", don't you want her to run with HIM, HER, or IT?
-
- Dean A. Doepke
- doepkesyd@corecom.com
- Wautoma, Wisconsin
- USA
-
-
- Comment
From Deodath J. Debideen
10-19-3
-
- What does Terri want?
-
- Is her progress from vegetative to cognitive a sign that
she wants to live? I believe the unequivocal answer is yes!
-
- I know what it feels to be dependent on others for survival.
I know what it's like to be at death's door. I fought back and survived.
I'm sure that's what Terri is trying to do: you do know even if you cannot
communicate it to others. At this point she needs food and water so the
body can do it's healing miracle. Honest doctoring too, is needed. If the
bone scan report is true then the parents should go to the police. This
along with the evidence of the malpractice award makes a good prima facie
case for attempted murder against Schiavo. His authority over her and such
engagements as he may have undertaken "for" her are then cancelled
if he is "booked". She is then free .
-
- As for Mr. Dissenter, sir, you don't know the forlorn
feeling of the weak and disabled. So, instead of doing mental gymnastics
to justify your dissent, I suggest you shut up and let the people with
empathy and compassion speak their pieces. She is not a burden to her parents.
Doctoral wizardry is still available despite the quackery which supports
this murder. God is the greatest. One taste of him and you're hooked. Of
course, the impure of heart cannot know or commune with him, and they fault
God, not their own dirtiness. I hope that she gets the help she needs to
overcome this evil. If she survives, I guess she will tell us who 'kicked'
her.
-
-
- Comment
Janes Crawford
10-18-03
-
- I want to say a big thank you to this Site for speaking
out for Terri and her family.
-
- I am mortified that she is being starved/dehydrated to
death at the request of her husband, who does not seem to have her interests
are heart; indeed, there is reason to suspect it is spousal abuse that
has caused the damage done to her.
-
- I've searched media articles on the Web, and the vast
majority report Terri as comatose and vegetative, which is more than misleading.
I believe that if the public knew the truth about how alert and responsive
to her family Terri is, there would be a huge outcry against the court-ordered
removal of her feeding tube.
-
- Her husband hasn't allowed her any rehabilatative therapy
or even medication for infections since he received the million dollar
mallpractice settlement.
-
- It seems only fair that Terri's parents should be granted
custody of their daughter. Since she doesn't drool, that means she can
swallow and there's a good chance she can relearn to eat and drink for
herself, given therapy. Who knows how much progress she might make?
-
- jane
-
-
- Comment
- From Lea MacDonald
- 10-19-3
-
- Hello Jeff - I have read all the comments regarding Terri
Schiavo and her impending death. To be sure, it is a sad commentary for
all involved.
-
- I'm not sure at what point, and in the name of humanity,
we have charge over those who may find themselves in such a position. Personally,
I find it morally confusing to let someone die in the name of compassion
and humanity. I find such actions to be in direct contradiction of, at
the very least, hope, or at best, the miraculous. When one precludes hope,
in the name of anything, then one is left truly hopeless.
-
- As one person wrote:
-
- "The point I am trying to make is this...There is
only so much to go around in this world. If you consume resources, and
are unable to contribute to society, you are a net drain of resources,
period."
-
- While there is truth to the fact we have finite resources
to share, I doubt there are many who'd feel "environmentally compelled"
to put mentally incapacitated children or parents to death in the name
of such a reality. It seems to me Terri's current condition is one of being
like a new born baby, totally reliant on those around her for her care.
Of course, no one would condone the death of children because of their
drain on resources. Why? Because, (if we follow the logic stream of one
person who wrote the comment above), they hold the promise of one day being
able to contribute to society, or, more aptly, pay back.
-
- As a firefighter, who has responded to medical emergencies,
I have encountered DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders - I do not like them.
I am trained to do my best and extend hope no matter how grave the circumstances.
I am trained to respond and fight no matter how difficult or hopeless it
may seem. If I did not hold in my heart a sincere belief in hope, I'd never
respond at all - there would be no need.
-
- If there is indeed such a thing called humanity, how
do we define it or give it meaning? Would that definition and meaning be
derived from how expeditiously we do away with our own when overcome with
a medical condition such as Terri? I utterly hope not.
-
- People are more than welcome to disagree with me, after
all, it is part of the human condition.
-
- As a firefighter, I would rather err on the side of hope
and the miraculous than throw in the towel.
-
- Kindest regards,
- Lea MacDonald.
-
- Comment
- From Dean Doepke
- 10-19-3
-
- Jeff,
-
- I am the sole dissenter (posted on your website) to let
Terri die.
-
- A comment (about my own letter) was posted right above
my letter that does a very good job of marginalizing my arguments in a
way that by it's insinuations gives me a decidedly negative appearance
in this debate that I hope you will allow me to rebut with these words...
-
- Dignity, honor, integrity, service, country, and caring
for others are the core foundations of my existence (as they are for many).
-
- The problem I have with that comment is that linking
these noble HUMAN traits to the smoke and mirrors of religion and THEN
insinuating they are mutually exclusive to each other displays a blatant,
and deep-seeded religious prejudice on the part of that author that implies,
"that if I do not kneel, I do not feel".
- (Touch. I took psychology courses also.)
-
- And if anyone noticed, the commenter does not say where
my argument is flawed about why Terri should be "allowed" to
die. (It just insults ME for not kneeling anymore.)
-
- (And to quash that insinuation even further, I went to
a Catholic school with all the nuns, priests, religious trimmings, uniforms,
and twice daily masses in the big old church right next door to my school
until age 8.)
- (I was an altar boy on weekends as well.)
-
- (Hah, I spent more time in church pews by age 8 than
the author probably has spent in their whole Sunday, Christmas, and Easter
church life.)
-
- See, I came to the conclusion that I did not need a "priest"
chasing me around the altar any longer ((which he was)).
- And wonder of wonders, I did NOT stop feeling or caring
for those in the world when I closed the doors to kneeling behind me.
-
- Yes, I came across as "insensitive" as I attacked
the bleeding hearts and idol worshippers, I admit it.
- I was upset about Terri and let loose a few cheap shots
myself.
- I am sorry for that, and it was beneath me, (however,
I did not think that I would be psycho-analyzed by another poster since
the Jeff Rense site typically does not operate a chat room service)
-
- I SHOULD have scrounged around the web posted a picture
of a 7 year old boy named Jack we'll say who will likely die without medical
treatment but is expected to recover with medical treatment.
- I SHOULD have asked you to assume that you are a Senator
or local legislator and said CHOOSE WHO LIVES then since one of the two
WILL die without medical help.
-
- To save Terri, Jack dies.
- That is the point you all miss here.
- 1 in 5 Americans has NO health insurance!
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