Pat Buchanan: The Execution of Terri Schiavo

[Democratic Hawk]

I've never really discussed Terri Schiavo but I'll give you my opinion.

I think that the way Terri was allowed to die was awful - there is nothing comendable about depriving a human being of nutrition to the point that she dies

In this case, you had her husband, Michael, who argued, and won, that Terri wouldn't want to live like that and her parents, who argued that she wanted to live. Terri had not made a living will - so I suppose we'll never know her wishes for certain

The problem I have with Michael Schiavo is that he was in an extra-marital relationship and has children from this relationship and thus, the suspicion that he was acting in his own interest rather than his wife's can be levelled against him. Whatever happened to for better, for worse; in sickness and in health and 'til death do us part? - and  not to mention an open act of adultery. So morally, if not legally, Schiavo forfeited his right as spouse

This brings me to Terri's parents, who in the circumstances would have been more appropriate custodians. However, if she were my daughter  I wouldn't have wanted Terri to live the way she has for the past 15 years with minimal, if any, improvement in her condition and, if Terri's fate struck me, I wouldn't want to live like that

My father was terminally ill with cholangiocarcinoma for over two years; with some quality of life until it metastatised into his liver and spine. From then on walking was painful and difficult. Since November of last year, he became effectively paralysed with no feeling below his waist at all. This year his condition deteriorated and he died on 19th March gone and, to be honest, the last few days of his life were more harrowing than the aftermath

Whether Terri's death was an act of mercy or murder is a matter of personal conscience. There is no right or wrong about it. My thoughts are with those who loved her at this time

As far as politicians getting embroiled, I'm saddened that some, especially on the Right, have exploited Terri Schiavo. As to whether there's any fallout for the GOP, I don't know and I certainly don't want my favoured Democratic Party to gain from it either

America needs to learn from the Terri Schiavo case and ensure it never happens again. States need to examine their custody laws in cases like this because one thing this has proved is that the spouse is not always best fitted to be the legal custodian. Parents, siblings and children  deserve rights too

Dave