Times
When life goes wrong it's interesting to see which of the troops rally round to help. That thought formed part of an ethical discussion I had recently with friends. We seemed to agree that we will get back what we give to this world, but that idea is full of holes. Dictators and rich businessmen tend to suggest that self-aggrandisement and greed are more likely to bring success.
That's the problem with ethics, tehre's never a proper answer.
Following a complaint that my photo must have been taken 35 years ago (it was about 15 or 16) I've taken the opportunity to change to one of a little yellow duck. It once travelled everywhere with me, but is now cared for by a lovely lady who lives in Salzburg.
It's good to know that someone looks after me and mine.
One woman's life may seem irrelevant in the shadow of earthquakes and tsunami devastating whole communities but there is an important principle that requires an explanation.
This poor woman has a very poor quality of life, she may be in a vegetative state, even though the television images of her do show she has some spark of recognition. Who knows? My concern is very basic. I can understand those wishing to end a life that no longer has any value, but only if the person holding on to that thread of life agrees to be terminated. Suicide is no longer a crime in England, however euthanasia has yet to find common consensus.
The taking of the life of another is value-laden. As a society, civilised or not, we tend to discourage such actions. I can understand how the plugs can be pulled from life-support machines, allowing the unfortunate to pass away - shall we say 'naturally'? In such cases it is mankind who is maintaining that life-force, not life itself. There is an artificial mechanism in place without which death will occur.
For Terry Schiavo such solace is not there. Provided she is given food, kept warm, not unduly exposed to the elements or danger, then she will survive. We'd hope that all of us are entitled to such basic rights.
Starving her until she dies takes us into a different realm. Many would die if not given food by another; the young, the elderly, the sick. If this principle gains wider acceptance we shall all be in danger. No one will be safe.
If you can't feed yourself then be prepared to die. That's not civilisation. It's barbarism.
