I've seen that picture, Scott. I deliver papers, and one like that one was the big colour spread on the front page. What offended me was the fact that even a boy was arrested for... for what? for trying to give Terri a glass of water. Is it against the law to give aid? Or do they think that it unduly endangers Terri's life? They're trying to kill her! And the police are arresting anyone, even children, that stand in the way of that process. It's not a fight over inserting a tube of any kind at all. It's about the right to deliberately kill someone, and have that process staunchly protected by police action.
Now, that was my gut feeling when I first saw the picture. I am having trouble reconciling that picture with what is supposed to be going on there.
Whether or not the boy ought to have been allowed by those in responsible positions there to try to break the police security, whether they were betting on his age being a factor, or whether they completely neglected that factor, well, that's another story. I suppose that that boy can be proud of being arrested for the attempt, and also about the impact that picture has had, even here in Canada. Its something about as impressive as that man standing in front of that tank in Tianemen (sp)Square. I suppose that the people who allowed him can be proud of the fact that this ploy had its intended effect, even though it failed in the final outcome.
But this amounts to sending children into harm's way for the sake of a cause, it seems to me. Sure, the people have every intention of keeping the peace, but an explosive situation is still an explosive situation. And what's happening there is a stepping on the very rights that the Country was founded upon, the intrinsic right to life, happiness, and peace. Now they are defining what that "life" must consist of to have that right by law. Well, in fact, they did that already back in '73, "Roe vs. Wade". But using children, for the cause, does not sit well with me.
Every stage along the way to the utter horror of the future's grim outlook is going to be paved with good intentions being the cover story for those impeachments of our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What? One is happier dead? How can that be true, in any situation? If you listen to those who want to take their own lives, its because they've given up on happiness, liberty and life, not because they are pursuing it.
We can't condemn anyone on the basis of one witness. And we are epecially mindful of those who cannot defend themselves against accusations. But this is somehow different. The husband claims that Terri wants to die, and that's good enough, and now the police will even arrest a 10 yr. old trying to bring a glass of water.
I'm sorry, I've tried to avoid this subject because its just too painful to think about. Its hard to believe its happening. This world just isn't the one I was born in, the one I spent my youth in. But it is the one that people of my age made all the same. And it goes on lilke a mighty steamroller, unstoppable.
OK, I'm done venting now.
