Thomas Sowell: Killing Terri Shiavo

Townhall.com ^ | March 24, 2005 | Thomas Sowell

[Conservative Goddess]

I can't believe this is happening in America. The thought of taking up arms has occurred to me as well. "Do not stand idly by your brothers blood" is a biblical command from the Old Testament. I'll have to find the exact citation, but we're standing idly by, while someone is being killed. This is an abomination. My God have mercy on this country.

[Fitzcarraldo]

The "human wave" approach to rescue Terri would be my choice, would result in minimal bloodshed, assuming the police have orders not to shoot unarmed civilians.

[Nowhere Man]

" Just following orders. Where have we hears that "excuse" before?

Nuremburg Trials, 1946.

[1Old Pro]

Bless you Thomas Sowell. Too bad you're not Governor of Florida.

[Nowhere Man]

The "human wave" approach to rescue Terri would be my choice, would result in minimal bloodshed, assuming the police have orders not to shoot unarmed civilians.

That seems to be the best approach.

[Tax-chick]

Thomas Sowell transcends labels. His writings make it clear that he doesn't support either a Democrat or Republican agenda, because he thinks neither party is fully rational. To the extent that he agrees with Christian conservatives, it's because of his independent analysis of their positions; he reaches the same conclusions by different means.

Dr. Sowell is a great mind. When I'm ambivalent about an issue, I check my opinions against his. If I disagree because of a faith position, then I'll "agree to disagree," but if it's a matter of reasoning, I'll defer to Sowell.

[lonestar]

Hello, Jeb? Where are you? Get off your preppy butt and be a man, Jeb!

Be specific and tell us just what you would have JEB do should he get off his preppy butt.

[Fitzcarraldo]

The "human wave" approach

It would have to be a large number of people ready to block roads and vehicles from entering and leaving. A real danger would be for some trooper to see them loosing control of the situation and hurting Terri.

[cinnathepoet]

Yes. We have heard it before. And this too:The nature of death by starvation and dehydration is also being depicted as "gentle" in the words of the New York Times.

Remember how humanely the Nazis took care of the "Jewish problem." Why, the ovens made their death painless! Death by painless gas chamber.

[juggernaut]

Please. That's silly.

[who knows what evil?]

I'll have to find the exact citation, but we're standing idly by, while someone is being killed.

Amen. I thought sure we'd see more Christians with water bottles in line at the hospice...

[politeia]

The real question is whether Greer has overstepped his authority by ordering that no one can give Terri food or water by mouth. This on the face of it cannot be legal and why George or Jeb Bush haven't blasted Greer out of that courtroom on this one I will never understand.

Food and water given by mouth are not life support or extraordinary means in any shape, form or fashion. No judge has the power to order a person be denied food and water by mouth. I defy anyone to show me a legal authority for such an abomination. Why is Jeb waiting? Has this specific facet of this case been challenged? If not, why not?

[Critter]

Well I wouldn't come in handing out party baloons...

[Badray]

If I were Terry's father it would be time to risk arrest for shooting the son of a bitch who is trying to kill my daughter.

The day my daughter and future son in law told me that the planned to get married, I congratulated them and told him that if he ever hurts my little girl, I'll kill him. He knows that I meant it.

I love him like a son, he's a great husband to my daughter and a wonderful father to my grandson. He's a great guy. I just wanted to establish a base line that couldn't be crossed.

[rdb3]

I didn't pay much attention to Terri's ordeal until the special session was called in D.C. I knew that it had been talked about for a while here at FR.

After familiarizing myself with this situation, I was appalled. Michael Shiavo is committing first-degree murder with the help and blessing of our judiciary.

Some say that this is a "States rights" issue? Bull!

Why can't I get the comparison of this situation with the Dred Scott case out of my head? The law may have been served, but justice was flushed down the toilet.

[Tax-chick]

Good post.

[facedown]

From the ever clear mind of Thomas Sowell.

[jwalsh07]

Why can't I get the comparison of this situation with the Dred Scott case out of my head?

Simple reason, rdb, you're a student of history and a smart guy.

Serendipity

[rdb3]

The day my daughter and future son in law told me that the planned to get married, I congratulated them and told him that if he ever hurts my little girl, I'll kill him. He knows that I meant it.

---

You sound exactly like my father. He's said the same to the three guys who married my three sisters. He is a jovial, peaceful man. Far and away more peaceful than I.

But when he talks in full sincerity, no one doubts him. And I don't doubt you.

[Conservative4Ever]

Makes you wonder if the family with support just stormed the police line what would happen. Would the police really open fire? Would they just let the family/people through to help Terri and look the other way? Makes ya wonder.

Red