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Furthermore, what is artificial life support? Terri breathes on her own, and maintains her own heartbeat. No machine is doing that for her. She is being fed and hydrated by a tube. It is true if you remove tube she will starve to death in about 14 days. It is also true that if you didn't eat or drink for 14 days same would probably happen to you. What is artificial about that? Food and water are essential to life, so all they are doing is feeding Terri to keep her alive through a different means than you and I receive sustenance. If Terri Schiavo would have received a pace maker to keep her heart beating and did not have brain damage, would they disconnect pace maker because it is artificial life support? I don't think so. If we disconnect feeding tube does Terri die ? No she lives until she starves to death, something that would happen to you or me if we were denied food and water.
There are those who are saying Govenor Bush and Florida State Legislature are playing god here. I submit to you that I think it is Mr. Schiavo and Florida courts who are playing god here.
I see no evidence that Terri ever stated that she would want her life ended under these circumstances. I see no evidence that Terri is in a continuing vegatative state. As a matter of fact is see evidence via video clips and pictures that contradict that theory.
In my opinion, Schindlers are not responsible for Terri's condition, and as caring, loving parents, their motives are clear, I am not so sure that Mr. Schiavo is not responsible for Terri's condition or what his motives are for ending her life.
Terri Schiavo's parents should be awarded guardianship of their own daughter, a daughter they conceived, bore, and raised. If Mr. Schiavo wants to go on with his life with his live in girlfriend, their child and one soon to come, so be it. If it is public criticism that he fears I suggest to you that it already exists, and will be far worse if Terri's feeding tube is diconnected and she is allowed to starve to death.
A death that we wouldn't wish on a dog never mind another human being.
J.R. is the host of Talk Show America, a conservative talk show that can be heard Mon-Fri 4-6 PM EST Live on the IBC Radio Network or 24/7 on The TALK SHOW AMERICA Show or go to Political News & Views.com