Medical Care and Democracy
Health care providers who touch or treat patients without their personal consent, or from their next of kin, or Power of Attorney can be charged with battery. The Patient Bill of Rights clearly states that patients have the right to accept or deny medical care. It has become readily apparent that elected legislators can, and will, attempt to circumvent patient rights. Also, so will the DEA (please read the post by Ian about the Betrayal of Chronic pain). Furthermore, decisions and diagnostic procedures ascertaining what kinds of medical care are appropriate for patients require a medical degree (which excludes the DEA).
In Terri Schiavos sorrowful circumstance it has been clearly demonstrated that many officials are allowed to commit battery, violate civil rights, and practice medicine without a license (the DEA, for example). Anyway, in Mrs. Schiavos case many courts of law and the Florida legislature were drawn into a battle over a persons medical care – completely disregarding the wishes of her next of kin, her husband. The legislature has shown us how quickly and conveniently they can intrude on patient rights and attempt to enact new law so they can produce their desired outcomes without impunity. Those same actions would result in malpractice or criminal charges if a doctor or nurse applied treatment without consent.
I will never vote for, or fiscally assist, politicians who would try to decide for me, or my family member, that a longer life span is more important than my own perception of quality of life issues and dignity.
Some of the ways I define dignity include modesty, bladder and bowel control, and the ability to keep myself clean and other things such as permanent loss of consciousness. Any politician, court of law, or regulating agency who would deny anyone of their personal liberties do not share my morals, values, and ethical standards. Legislators or agencies that will intrude on someones personal liberties do not deserve the position they hold.
Right now this country cannot even agree on how to define democracy. I do not want political agendas in my personal health care. Do you?
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Catzoned: You are so right.
Catzoned: You are so right.
Politics interferred with Terri's right to die. What happened in Terri Schiavos case was reprehensible. Trent Lott who allowed his father to die, under similar circumstances, was the biggest hypocrit of all. He set up as many roadblocks as possible to thwart her wishes.
__________________________Keeping Terri alive after her husband had requested that she be taken off life support, betrayed both Terri's right to die and her husband's right to carry out her wishes.
Ten years ago, my youngest brother was in a "vegetative" state and was being kept alive by artificial means. It was his wish that he be immediately taken off any such machinery, should this happen. My remaining brother, and sister were informed. We all agreed that his wish be granted right away.
Our "democracy" is so adulterated since George W. Bush took office that only a super effort by the next president and the American people will begin to reverse the wrongs of his terrible "reign".
Healthcare is a right. Our Governor is pushing hard to instate Universal Healthcare in New Mexico. I for one support this effort.
M. King
Sloopman, You are so
Sloopman, You are so right!
I'm sorry to hear about your brother. It has to be difficult. Thank God for Governor Bill Richardson and his push for statewide healthcare. Actually the free care that I receive here has saved my life. I first got sick with the thyroid mess in the wealthy State of Florida. They were going to let me die because I had no insurance or income. When I left there I was in kidney failure. I made it here in time. Here we are the 47th poorest state of the Union and they have saved me and taken care of me. Why can't the Country pull this off I wonder.
I'm sure the other sick people in this Country are wondering the same.