All posts by Stephen Drake

Biden Introduces “Crime Victims with Disabilities Act” – but isn’t putting the word out at his Senate Website

Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, politics

At first, I was really excited when I received email announcing Senator Joe Biden’s introduction of the Crime Victims with Disabilities Act – which reportedly occured yesterday, October 1st. Unfortunately, except for the attached word document I received, and an email copy of a press release from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), … Continue reading Biden Introduces “Crime Victims with Disabilities Act” – but isn’t putting the word out at his Senate Website →

Update: Haleigh Poutre and the Strange Priorities of Massachusetts Legislators

"end of life", haleigh poutre, life-ending decisions, medical killings, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, Surrogate Decisions & Guardianship, update

Wesley Smith has an update on Haleigh Poutre, who apparently – and hopefully – will be spared having to testify in the trial of her stepfather, Jason Strickland. Haleigh Poutre narrowly escaped the death planned for her by medical professionals at Baystate Medical Center and publicly-appointed guardians from Massachussets DSS. These professionals all signed off … Continue reading Update: Haleigh Poutre and the Strange Priorities of Massachusetts Legislators →

Best Laid Plans Going Astray Again… Slight Delay on an Item or Two

Our News & Commentary Blog

No one’s ever accused me of being being organized even under ideal circumstances. Having recently completed a move of home and work, circumstances (organization-wise) are far from ideal right now. As I sat down to try to compose a promised comparison of UK and US coverage of consciousness research, I realized that some of the … Continue reading Best Laid Plans Going Astray Again… Slight Delay on an Item or Two →

U.K. Article on Consciousness Research Contains Bombshell “Accusation”

bioethics, blog recommendations, futile care, life-ending decisions, media coverage, Our News & Commentary Blog, research, vegetative state

Last week, my email and blog alerts let me know about a “new” article on research into consciousness. Wesley Smith posted his entry on an article describing the activity of researchers in the UK seeking to reduce the 40% error rate in diagnosis of persistent vegetative state. Alex Schandenberg also featured the article and commented … Continue reading U.K. Article on Consciousness Research Contains Bombshell “Accusation” →

Actor/Activist Martin Sheen Voices Opposition to Assisted Suicide in Washington State

advocacy, assisted suicide, Kevorkian, Our News & Commentary Blog, Washington state

The Coalition Against Assisted Suicide has started an advertising campaign featuring actor/activist Martin Sheen. Sheen alerts voters to the problems with Initiative 1000 (I-1000) in a powerful radio spot. Known for his support and involvement in progressive causes off-camera, Sheen explained his desire to make this statement in a press release from the Coalition: “I … Continue reading Actor/Activist Martin Sheen Voices Opposition to Assisted Suicide in Washington State →