Useless eaters: disability as genocidal marker in Nazi Germany

Journal of Special Education ^ | Fall, 2002 | Mark P. Mostert

[muawiyah]

Then that means rasblue is a clear and present public danger.

[Yanni.Znaio]

But where did you hear the term "useless eaters"?

I hadn't heard it in years and I think it was in the context of the extreme environmentalists that want 90% of humanity to die in order for humans to "get back in harmony with what the planet will bear".

[zot]

Ah yes, now all of Europe is accepting the concepts of euthnasia that were considered crimes against humanity at the end of WW2. Holland seems to be the leader, such a turn after its revulsion of Hitler during the 40s. And here in the USA, the spiritual descendants of Hitler's theories, the socialists and abortion backers are furthering his cause. How soon will we hear a call for the rehabilation of Hitler, because he lead the way in controlling health care costs and saving social security?

Good post. Yes, that is the "slippery slope" to Hell that will solve the financial problems of Social Security and Medicare.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

I took this to bed with me and read it. Excellent article; well worth the time. It was interesting to see how one of the first methods used in Nazi Germany for "euthanizing" so-called "defective" children was starvation, and how the rationale given was that they were somehow dying a natural death.

[rasblue]

Living wills, etc. It has to be authorized by you only. That I accept. Euthanesia is a slippery slope agreed but if it you authorizing it for yourself, personal choice is more important.

[Dr. Frank fan]

Living wills, etc. It has to be authorized by you only. That I accept. Euthanesia is a slippery slope agreed but if it you authorizing it for yourself, personal choice is more important.

I am, oh, 63% in agreement with you here. But what disturbs me is how many people seem to think that they should be able to write down "I want to be killed if X Y Z happens to me" and, no matter what, that should be respected.

Even if X = blindness?

Y = amputation?

Z = half-facial paralysis from stroke?

There are certainly terminal, painful, suffering, horrible conditions in which I'd want to be mercifully helped as I shuffle off this mortal coil, just as much as the next guy. But why do people seem to be assuming, or speaking as if, there is some sort of universal right to suicide, no matter what, for any condition of your choosing?

There is not.

That is why I get a little nervous, and am slightly resistant, when people say stuff like "Euthanesia where you specifically have authorized a professional to end your life humanely" is always, no matter what, A-OK.

If that's what you think then you would be saying that you approve of the following situation: A teenager is depressed about a breakup, specifically authorizes a professional to end his life humanely, and so he does.

"authorizing it for yourself" is not and cannot be the only requirement here.