Another Stilted Poll
I was reading this opinion piece by Eleanor Clift, in which she spends her space making the argument that the various political factions in our country "have misread the Schiavo case," when I encountered this silly poll which must have been provided in order to butress Ms. Clift's case.

"Should Terri Schiavo have the right to die" reads the poll. The answers are "Yes", "No", "I don't know".

Of course, Terri should have the "right to die" if she so chooses. Any of us should. MSNBC will no doubt use the results of a 3D world version of this poll (presuming one exists) to make the claim that Americans side with Michael Schiavo. The extremism of the "Religious Right" will likely be invoked, as MSNBC attempts to convey just how out-of-step with society-at-large those who support Terri Schiavo's parents are... but I'm on a tangent now.

Obviously, to anyone who has been following Terri's plight, this isn't at all about Terri's right to die, and answering "yes" in no way indicates that you support Michael Schiavo. This case is primarily about whether or not Terri would have wished to die given her situation. A more legitimate question for the poll would be "Should Michael Schiavo be the sole arbiter of Terri's will?"

Other questions that would more accurately delve to the issues of this case might be:

--Is food and water delivered through a tube extraordinry medical intervention, or is it basic care?

--Is allowing a person to die through dehydration an acceptable practice?

--Should one person be given sole say in determining whether or not a patient should be allowed to die, where other family members are available, and in disagreement?

--Should appelate courts review evidenciary matters?

Schiavo Discussion Thread
- served up by Nomad @ 4:37 PM