Keith Olbermann: A Special Comment From My Father
From Keith's diary over at Daily KOS, A Special Comment From My Father:
Last Friday night, my father asked me to kill him.
This is not the central fact around which tomorrow's health care summit at Blair House will, or should, revolve. But I'd like it on the record somewhere that I asked all those going there, including the President, to think more about people like my father - patients, in our hospitals, at this moment - and less about elections and political points and "crashing the party."
[...]
I get his attention again. I ask him: do you want me to stop all of this? And he looks at me and mouths "yes." And I ask him: you understand what happens then. And he looks at me and mouths "yes." And I ask him: you realize you are not terminally ill, and if we do stop all of this, it might not be quick. And he mouths "stop this." And I say, trying to joke him out of it -- and trust me, gallows humor is your best defense in this situation -- "what? You want me to smother you with a pillow?" And he mouths "yes - kill me"...
And as I left that night the full impact of these last six months washed over me. What I had done, conferring with the resident in ICU, the conversation about my father's panicky, not-in-complete-control-of-his-faculties demand that all treatment stop, about the options and the consequences and the compromise - the sedation -- the help for a brave man who just needed a break... that conversation, that one -- was what these ghouls who are walking into Blair House tomorrow morning decided to call "Death Panels." Continue reading...
So many times I've seen spouses who've been together a long time pass so quickly when one goes, even if one wasn't very ill. It's like the other calls from the other side; who knows how long "Till death do us part" really means.
Sounds like you've all got some peace now. Hang in there bro.
"Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
And my thoughts are with you and yours. xo
That was brutal
Goodnight, Frau Blücher
Almost two years ago now, I lost my mother to a decade long battle with breast cancer. Our experience was very close to what Mr. Olbermann described, with one exception, we couldn't afford nearly enough care. If it hadn't been for Medicare and Medicare Disability, my mother would not have received care at all, because the insurance company cancelled her coverage, claiming it was a "pre-existing condition." The fact that she had the coverage 3 years BEFORE cancer was first found meant not one goddamned thing to these parasites!
Watching Mr. Olbermann's comment tonight brought back a great deal of very painful memories, leaving me in tears. I know why there was rage in his voice. I was there. I still am. I am also dreadfully afraid that the people who need to have these truths bashed into their ignorant, corrupt skulls will not hear one fucking word of it.
My heart goes out to Mr. Olbermann, both of them. My thanks for this particular editorial is profound and deep. Anyone who still opposes really fixing the system after listening to this has no heart, no compassion, no humanity.
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
that's because republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness that has nearly destroyed america.
- project 2010
If I were a psychopath, I would join the republican party, and get in on the gravy train taking the Teabircher morons to the cleaners.
Mental illnesses are a dreadful plague that people have no choice in acquiring. Conservative ideology is a choice.
Because the forum rules and my current emotional state are in conflict at the moment, I'll simply leave it at that.
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
I disagree. Chronic stupidity is a tragic disease that has no cure. This is the true affliction conservatives suffer from; and whether environmental or hereditary in nature, it is as inescapable as a GOP politician lying.
If I were a psychopath, I would join the republican party, and get in on the gravy train taking the Teabircher morons to the cleaners.
What you are calling stupidity is truthfully willful ignorance. This can be corrected, although it often seems an impossible task. I live with someone who suffers from a genuine mental illness To insist that willful ignorance, no matter how frustrating or infuriating, is identical to an actual disease diminishes both. It mocks people who genuinely suffer and in makes a laughable caricature of what is really the problem with the Right. In most cases you can't make a genuine argument for those damned fools even being delusional. Not a valid, medical one, at least. But the ultimate difference here, and the one that proves it is not a mental illness, is that they can choose to change their beliefs, perspectives, and opinions. Someone who suffers an actual mental illness can not. This is basic, introductory psychology.
No, it isn't a mental illness that afflicts the mindless masses on the Right. It is something else entirely but what it is, beyond willful ignorance and incomplete moral development, I don't know. I'd like to lob a broad stroke of personality disorder at them, but even that isn't really the case. What can afflict so massive a group is, frankly, quite puzzling and beyond my scope of understanding.
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
I disagree too. I think a sizable portion of the sad, misguided idiots who support the Republican party are, in fact, sick. How else do you describe someone who keeps watching the 700 club after you point out Pat Robertson's business deals with Charles Taylor? Or someone who thinks that the biggest threat to our country is a marriage between two gay people? Or someone who thinks that torture is okay as long as their authority figure of devotion is the one deciding who gets tortured?
I've got family members who are convinced that Nobel prize winning economists don't know anything about economics, experienced psychiatrists don't know anything about depression, and dedicated scientists don't know anything about climatology - but Glenn Beck is a fountain of wisdom. That isn't just a difference of opinion. There is a pathology there.
Didn't you hear? Glenn Beck believes in global warming now (P3):
http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20100219/EN...
Of course that's just because USA Today reaches a different audience to Beck's TV audience. Beck has no scruples whatsoever. He'll con the right AND the left.
..included the Public Option in the current bill? Stupidity is not owned by just the republican'ts; the dimocrats often walk that same road. The president, the house and senate had the chance to make changes and due to dino's and independents like LIE-berman, not a damn thing of consequence to the American public during these tough times has been done. No health insurance reform yet, no closing gitmo, no indictments of torturers or torture enablers, bi-partisan bs, anything of substance subdued by nothing of consequence. There's plenty of stupidity out there, trust me!
Mickey: "It was an epiphany. Do you know what an epipany is?"
Keoni: "NOT NOW MICKEY!"
Because dems aren't really stupid just to chicken to govern. What they don't realize the people wanted them to go hard but they in their unwillingness to have balls for the people will go home.
The fundamental difference between it being a mental disease or not is inarguably, irrefutably, the matter of choice. Those who are mentally ill have no say in their condition. Right-wing nutters can choose to change. That option is available to them. They may not choose to make it, but they have that choice. Someone with a genuine mental illness doesn't have that option. To equate Conservative nuttery to a mental illness is insulting to those who are actually sick. This is simple, basic psychology. There is no physiological reason for their willful ignorance and therefore it is not, repeat not, a mental disease. It is, however, still a vexing blight with no simple solution to solve.
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
Sorry to inform you but not EVERY Rep listens to or agrees with Pat Robertson and not EVERY Rep is against gay marriage. And in light of the current scandals within the scientific community, I guess you mean to say that scientists know their science...they just fail in the ethics department in reporting their findings. Wow...now I know why your political party touts itself to be so "tolerant and open minded"...NOT!
Just wonderin.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
...to be allowed to HAVE an opinion. Repugnantcans, by definition, are idiots, liars, hypocrites, and nutcases. If they could think for themselves, they wouldn't BE repukes.
"We want Obama to fail! We don't care how many Americans die, so long as Obama fails!"
"Scandals within the scientific community"? Of course stupid people, who not only can't understand science, but don't want to, run around parroting their puppet-masters' propaganda. The fact that it isn't true matters nothing at all to them.
Minor technical points of disagreement over analysis of complicated data are not "scandals." Repukes, of course, don't know what "data" is, much less analysis.
Now, everyone on Faux Spews, everyone on low-band radio, lying and lying and lying, and still being allowed to pollute the public airwaves, THAT'S a scandal.
Supreme Arbitor of the Inner Planets
It was one year ago yesterday we took my father-in-law (and best buddy) off of life support.
Although we miss him tremendously; the incredible pain he was suffering through, along with the hopelessness of his situation made the decision for us.
If I were a psychopath, I would join the republican party, and get in on the gravy train taking the Teabircher morons to the cleaners.
summitclusterfuck (Boner's already said he's going to "crash the party") will result in some sort of positive anniversary for you. But I think you already expect a far different result. Sorry for your loss as well, NoGWB."Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
End of life issues are important and very hard.
How dare these creeps demand a profit from others suffering and passing. Imagine if all the money that went into the pockets of Insurance executives and shareholders was actually spend on care.
"I know that there are people who do not love their fellow
man, and I hate people like that! " ~ Tom Lehrer (1928 - )
Imagine if 90% of it went to health care.
May a higher power be with you & your Dad Keith, I know from experience how tough these times can be. Our best from me & mine.
It's not all or nothing.
I wonder what sort of "death panel" consulting our congresspeople and evil fucks like cheney and bush get on our dime. For the latter two at least, I hope none.
"Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
Even as much as I think Cheney is a walking bag of pus, I don't begrudge him his medical care. I don't mind if my tax money goes to keeping his pace-maker working - it's better than more white phosphorous or cluster bombs at least.
Besides, they've got to keep him alive for his trial and conviction.
And hopefully, his and bush's end of life discussion before the hangings will be "Marlboro or menthol".
"Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
I haven't smoked in a long time, but nothing bugged me more than bumming a cigarette and it ends up being a menthol. To me, they always reminded me of cat urine.
So, that conversation before the hangings, let it be, "Kool or Salem?"
Mr. Olbermann.
Having watched my Dad and then my Grandma go through palliative and hospice care, it makes me fucking irate that people would lie about palliative care and call it a death panel. It was the palliative care that helped us know what to do for my loved ones, it helped lessen the burden a bit on my Mom in caregiving for Dad, and later my cousin in-law in caregiving for Grandma, and it helped me at 11 and 12 years old prepare myself to say goodbye to Dad.
Just...ugh. So disgusted with the insurance companies and people who lie about our health care system.
"The greatest tyranny is censoring information in order to be better able to control people." - Cristina Saralegui
Today has been a busy day for health care reform advocacy. There is probably not a single person who cannot identify with what Keith and his father are currently undergoing. My heart goes out to them. Why can't these republicans see that we're seeing right through them? They really do seem that think that Americans are idiots and that all these repubs need to do is ensure that they and their families are adequately covered and screw everyone else.
I have experience with end of life and hospitals. In 2008 I nearly lost my wife of 30 years. Then i 2009 I lost both my mother and father in less then a month. I find myself wanting to talk to them almost everyday. When I see one of my grandkids do something I always think of mother. I hope we can get health care for all in America, but the republicans do not have the morals or the intelligence to make sound rational decisions. If you expect anything other then insanity from them you will be badly dissapointed.
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness, it has almost totally destroied our economy, our morals, and the sprituality of America!
I still see things that make me want to call my mother and tell her about , X, Y, or Z because she'd enjoy it. Two years later and that impulse hasn't lessened at all.
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
I was going to come on here and say some hilarious snarky comment and just redirect and laugh about something, but I ended up listening to the whole video. I don't have the taste for it any more.
Olbermann might be occasionally overly dramatic and even sometimes sound too florid or pompous, but if you have a problem with that in this comment, then go fuck yourself. That takes some serious strength to talk about. Even if you don't see things the same way as him, you can appreciate that.
I don't see how anyone can look at the system we have now and think that it's good enough.
Good luck, Keith.
The sad part is that most people are watching fixed news where having a heart is galactically far in between. The Reich wing shundits are so twisted that even a heartfelt and utter display of emotion would fall on deaf ears. The nature of this country has always been selfish and the healthcare debate really is showing how pathetically selfish the people really are. Sure we can give during tragedies that may occur but everyday is a tragedy for millions of Americans and the sad part there's a side of this country that don't give a damn.
All the best man, May you find strength and solice and your Father peace.
Everybody do an Advanced Health Care Directive. Do it tomorrow even young people should get one done.
I just finished doing 12 days as a hospice caregiver for my wife who died last week. She had an Advanced Health Care Directive that allowed us to go home from the hospital and for her to die with dignity at home. Easily this has been the most amazing experience of my life. She had final live disease that remarkably does not cause pain. The hospice arrangement was fantastic as they supported us. Please get and Advanced Health Care Directive done, it will alleviate a lot of pain and grief for everyone.
*
"The greatest tyranny is censoring information in order to be better able to control people." - Cristina Saralegui
Thanks for the advice.
"Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
Very brave of you to help others while still grieving.
*
"The greatest tyranny is censoring information in order to be better able to control people." - Cristina Saralegui
President Obama and his fellow lying cronies aren't serving nor protecting hurting and dying Americans as they soullessly bullshit all of us through this Health Care Reform catastrophe.
They don't give a fuck.
No words can express your sorrow or lessen it, I'm sure, but please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
This was a very moving presentation. Keith is a very wise, and deeply feeling man. Sadly, there is a segment of society that can't get past his name. The message is lost on them before it's even begun.
I live next to a country that has every resource available to provide its (supposed) loved citizens with the most basic of human needs...healthcare...and quite simply chooses not to.
Spin it how you will, but given the fact that the U.S. is not a third world country, struggling to just get by...and that every single day there are hundreds of people given a death sentence because a profit-driven corporation elects to deny them health care so they can save money...there is only one conclusion...money trumps everything. The even sadder part...the people have just accepted this. Sure there have been angry voices & wringing of hands...but given the amount of information available about what really is going on (lobbying, money, power, greed) it is unforgivable that this situation still exists. That it is being bandied about like a tennis game between two political parties is absurd.
The U.S. in these times, is no better than many of the countries they criticize. They abuse their citizens while bragging to the world how superior the U.S. is.
I have my own story about my Dad & how sad the end part of his life was...but as far as his healthcare went...I could have asked for no better care & compassion than I received here in Canada.
Keith...my every sympathy for you & your Dad...what a horrific & impossible situation it must be for you both.
Bless.
Lynda
To all thinking humans. But republicans don't really think they believe.
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness, it has almost totally destroied our economy, our morals, and the sprituality of America!
It is infuriating to be living here. This issue, more than any, is the reason I no longer want to live here. For the next few years that is something I must still do, but I want out. This is the issue that is the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. In my own family, I can cite 5 different instances where prolonged, effective care wasn't available because of the overwhelming and destructive financial burden. Instead, a lesser degree of "care" was provided and not what was actually needed. That's all in the last decade, much of it in the last 5 years. While I have no doubt I have an ill-informed perspective of Canada, I have no doubt that many things are better there than here. I want out!
Democracy is the road to socialism. ~ Karl Marx
That must have been a real challenge, holding it together to speak about something so personal. But that's how important it is to everyone, and that's what makes Keith such a great citizen.
The Republicans are like the Corp., that they serve NO SOUL, no matter how much the say they are VERY MUCH BELIVERS IN THE BIBLE. I had to go through this with my MOM and It still givees ME VERY bad NIGHT Swets.
Having a living will makes these type of decisions easier for the patient but harder for the loved ones.
My father had a DNR living will and we honored his wishes though it was tough to do. Leave these decisions to the Repugs and they would outlaw the DNR/Living Will.
BTW There should be a requirement on the Death Certificate that indicates wether a DNR/Living Will option was exercised. It seems to me that by omitting this information on a death certificate the cause of death lacks the true story of the passing of the individual. Yes the hospital has the DNR/Living Will information and if the option was exercised but for future research this information SHOULD be on the death certificate.
'Talk to the hand'
For the Wall Street fat cats , the CEO's and the politicians ... low life whores on the take , money , profit and power is all that matters , greed is the only " virtue " these people have and to them greed is a virtue . They are soulless , heartless and without conscience and we the people are just a nuisance to these pigs . I often wonder , do they think they can take "it" with then when they die ? Is it worth it making the world a shitty place when it could be a beautiful place ? Can one ever have enough ? Have they never experienced the good feeling , the pleasure of caring , helping , being generous and compassionate ? These are all questions they've never even thought of or considered I am certain , they are simply evil and rotten human beings , the garbage of mankind . God damn them .
"The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all."
This is not the time for cheap or irate political point-scoring by anyone. I don't think Keith would want that.
anybody trying to score political points here.
I have read impassioned, pissed-off comments from people who have had enough of the hatred foisted upon them and the rest of the American public by those who oppose the most basic human right of health care.
Keep it coming, all.
I was moved to tears after hearing Keith Olbermann speak about his father's situation, and the way Keith and the doctors handled it. Fortunately, they knew exactly what Mr. Olbermann wanted, and had the opportunity to discuss it with him.
How many other Americans have been faced with similar crises, and had no such opportunity or resources to deal with it? A very sobering thought indeed.
Yet, you have a bunch of shitheads out there who want to deny folks such opportunity, and the means to help their loved ones. They rather play politics with peoples' lives instead of helping them.
Shame on them!!
Keith, my prayers are with you and your father at this difficult time. Be strong, and keep up the good fight.
and am very grateful we had "the talk". Keith is right--the despair and the guilt is only moderated by the assurance you have discussed end of life issues. Keith is also right about his fathers insurance coverage. The regressives plan to introduce their HCR--privatize Medicare. For Keith and the families going through this now--
Virtual March for Health Care Reform--over one million faxes sent already..
http://pol.moveon.org/virtualmarch10/action.html?rc=p_caf#””
This was so good, I watched it twice. Many thanks to Keith.
..stay strong during this difficult not just for your family but for yourself. Many of us out here are with you in heart, mind and spirit!
Mickey: "It was an epiphany. Do you know what an epipany is?"
Keoni: "NOT NOW MICKEY!"
My heart goes out to KO and to his father who sounds like a wonderful man and a brave fighter.
I too was brought to tears as I would think anyone who has been through the loss of a parent or who has a parent who is getting on in years.
How important it is to have "the talk". I have prepared many health care proxies and living wills for clients...not nearly enough as I should. These are documents every family should have or at least contemplate having. Mr. Olbermann (the elder) has the comfort of knowing he discussed his end of life wishes with his family and the younger Mr. Olbermann can be coforted in the knowledge that he is doing right by his father.
May God bless both men and the rest of their family at this tough time.
Thank you Keith.
It takes guts to put that on the eitherband for all to see and either are affected by it or are laughing at it.
I lost my father just 40 years ago when I was 17. He had gone to the hospital for some tests and died that night.
The weird thing was since I was 7, he had a malay of problems with two disks on L3 & L4 that took 3 years and $20,000 for a hospital trip to San Fran to fix (1958). Also problems with spleen, gallbladder, etc. When he was in his teens in the 20's he did a lot of breaking in wild horses for the farm.
No one expected him to die during the last hospital visit. I know now that sleep apnea was a huge cause of his death at age 60.
There were no CPAP machines then in 1970.
I have been on CPAP since 1994 when it was still early in the treatment.
I have a living will with a DNR included. Do one today for your self and your loved ones.
"Let's talk dirty to the animals"
I'm onna CPAP.
If it tweren't for the VA I'd probably be dead now.
Of course now days whenever I turn on broadcast TV I swear I CPAP.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
When I finally recieved treatment in 1994 for sleep apnea and was put on a CPAP, I was told that I would have died within a month without the machine. My breathing was stopped over 100 times per hour. I was so far gone that I would pass out standing up talking to someone. I was put on a pressure of 18 and in 1998 it was reduced to 15. Just last week I received a new machine and am still at 15.
For those of you who do not know about CPAP, it is simply a computer controlled machine that pushes air down your nose to keep your airway in the throat open. You can wear different masks and nose inserts for the air dilevery.
The part of my story that just burns me up now was I knew that I needed help. However, my old GP and new GP said to lose some weight, problem solved. Assholes.
My foot doctor, after the 4th surgery out of 14 on my left ankle and foot, gave me script to see the doctors and sleep center at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA. They saved my life and so did Dr. Vance, my foot doctor.
"Let's talk dirty to the animals"
I remember when my mother was on life support (resperator, etc.) and my father and I had to write letters to the hospital explaining my mother did not want to be on machines with no hope of recovery.
Wow, it's almost has hard to write this as it was to listen to Keith's piece. There is nothing tougher then seeing a parent in pain, helpless and asking you for help. There is no torture to compaire with something like that.
And what Keith said at the end if you couldn't afford the health coverage then you would be screwed with a large side order of fucked. And that is the kind of horror what all of the Republicans and some Democrats are willing to allow in order for their corporate buddies to just get a little more. Don't matter how much they have...they always need a little more.
I always say that if you support the republicans than you a clearly anit-American. The sad part is, the people who support republicans are too ignorant to know it.
I watched this very moving Special Comment last night in stunned silence. I've always been a fan of KO, but last night's oratory was definitely special.
My family's thoughts and best wishes go out to you and yours, Keith. May you all find peace and solace in this tough time.
I want to hear a clear, concise, RATIONAL explanation from some pol opposed to REAL healthcare legislation his/her reasoning. There's no G.D. reason that this country "the richest in the world" is the ONLY industrialized nation in the world to NOT HAVE UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE! Perhaps the reason the healthcare industry comprises 1/7 of our economy is precisely because it's FOR PROFIT?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRmHHeD5T3s&fe...
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
The problem is everybody's got to die some day, and most people want to prolong it. How long do we do so?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
I would like you to know that I appreciate you bringing this up.
I know it must be a painful time for you. So, try to take it easy Keith. Your father and your family are in our thoughts.
Having just gone through this with both of my parents in a 12 week period of time. I know how it feels. Both of my parents had explained to my brother and I what they wanted at the end of life. My brother was with them both when they passed. He honored their wishes.
It doesn't make it any easier. But there is some solace in it.
They get to keep their dignity. And that is very important. I'm sure you know your father is very proud of you.
Take it easy Keith. You're in our thoughts. We'll be here when you get back.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
Didn't know your mom passed too. When was this? Had she been ill long? I'm really sorry man. Hang in there.
"Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
Mudshark, no words that I can type will alleviate your sense of loss, but you have my condolences.
If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you're gonna get selfish, ignorant leaders.
George Carlin
You are right in all aspects of this fight Mr. Olbermann, and I thank you for giving a voice to those of us who cannot speak loudly enough for anyone to notice. It takes a lot of strength to cry out against a hurricane of shameful greed but you do it well, don't stop Sir, we need you to keep up the fight.
I know there is often solace in one’s convictions, so your must bring you some at this time. I pray for peace for your family at what must be a heart wrenching time.
Thanks Keith Olbermann. And sorry your dad has had to suffer. Very very sorry.
Bear with me, I know it's inappropriate to compare a human being to a dog, but I had to euthanize my Maltese Louie yesterday and Keith's words gave me such great comfort knowing I did the right thing feeling hysteria and guilt in having had to make such a decision. I cannot even imagine the horror in having to make that decision for a parent.
I just downloaded health care proxies for the various members of my family to sign so that their respective wishes may be followed whenever the need arises.
My little Louie is no longer suffering from his painful cancer and for this I'm grateful . .
I wish Keith Olbermann's father relief from his pain and anguish and eternal peace!!
the ghouls that Olbermann accurately labeled them as being, this whole conversation would never have been necessary. They are indifferent to suffering. they will almost certainly prove immune to the appeals to a functioning conscience. If they cared at all about anything other than their own ambitions or financial ease, universal single payer healthcare, which excluded the parasitical middle men, would already have been passed. These are twisted and diseased personalities who have had no compunction about betraying the trusts of their office in order to serve only themselves. They are irredeemably corrupt and almost certainly beyond any hope of rehabilitation.
I hold zero hope that these people will do anything approaching the right thing. I have every expectation that they will do whatever wrongs they can get away with doing while describing those wrongs as the most altruistic and virtuous of acts....it's the kind of thing that malignant sociopaths do. They have bartered away all that may once have been worthy in themselves for mere baubles: money, privileges and status, and they have repeatedly betrayed every principle they espouse or profess. None of them will change.
Sooner or later, we are going to have to stop putting the most unworthy and the most untrustworthy among us into positions of trust, influence and power.
Excellent job on the editorial Keith....Best of luck to you and your dad...
Stupidly we allowed a heart specialist to talk us into doing heart surgery last year on our 92 year old mother over her objections. We were vulnerable and believed him when he said it would buy her 5 more healthy years. Sadly, she would never come home from the hospital. After some months she begged us to let her die so that she could be with our deceased father. The doctor got his thousands but we lost our mom. Please Keith listen to your father.
My mother developed renal failure in her early 80s. Her doctor recommended dialysis. She sought the advice of a health care specialist friend-of-the-family (in the dialysis field). Aforementioned friend advised, given the small body frame and aged fraility of Mom, the treatment would be brutal. She decided against treatment. At the time, I *believed* that was the right decision. After hearing Keith's comment, I *know* it was. Until her last 4 days, she was mobile and ambulatory. I could not have handled those last 4 days extended to 6 months. God watch over you and your father, Mr. Olbermann (it was Mom's religion that overcame her fear of death). As much as I despise Ms Palin, Ms McCaughey, and all others who exploit the current state of affairs, I can not bring myself to hope they get faced with these same decisions because I would not wish that on anybody.
Hey Bonehead...that's NOT what a "death panel" is. Complete misrepresentation. No wonder your ratings are so low. I not only feel sorry for your dad because of his illness and suffering...but because he has such a DUNCE for a son.
Please bestow upon us your definition .
What is your conceptual, continuity?
And since when has popularity equated with right and wrong in this ignorant Nation?
Remember, 60 million of you stupid mother fuckers voted for the "popular" George Bush...twice!
I have had friends who were terminally ill, but who refused to quit fighting until they just didn't wake up.
I have known people who were just in really bad shape, from drinking and smoking and eating too much of the wrong things and not exercising, who wailed "just let me die!"
I have known doctors that tell people who are still perfectly mobile (including me) that we're terminal. I have known doctors who will keep bodies alive when there is obviously nothing left.
So, I'm not sure people should be allowed to make those decisions.
When my vet tells me my cat can be saved, I go for it, and screw the electric bill. When she says the tumors have invaded the spine -- cats don't show pain much, and can't tell you what they want -- that's when the decision is taken out of our hands.
Humans, though, can choose to kill ourselves at any time.
But the only time another person should have to bear that weight is if there is nothing left of the human to have to decide.
Supreme Arbitor of the Inner Planets
Comments are closed on this entry