This past week, news sources in Europe and the US have been telling the story of Richard Rudd, who was left with spinal cord injuries and in an apparent coma after a motorcycle accident. As medical staff and family prepared to disconnect Mr. Rudd’s ventilator, a final examination by one of his physicians held open … Continue reading Richard Rudd – Saved by a Blink
I’m extremely ambivalent about the Hastings Center. The interactions I have had with this bioethics entity have been both cordial – and very limited. Periodically, the Center seems to take an interest in hearing something from disability advocates and activists, but after they’ve engaged in a small token effort, move on and appear to be … Continue reading Three recommended reads: Bill Peace on “Ashley and Me,” L Syd M Johnson critque of Jacob Appel on PVS and April Michelle Herndon on the “Magic Pill” Question
On June 25th, the Associated Press distributed a story about a “right to die” court decision in Germany. It ran under the headline of “Germany: Assisted suicide OK if patient consents.” The content of the headline alone should have rung some alarm bells, since the headline implies something was done to “the patient” who gave … Continue reading Associated Press Misreports German “Right to Die” Court Decision – and Issues Very Belated Correction
Last week, I happened to be watching The Ed Show on MSNBC. Thankfully, the host – who I think is trying to be a liberal imitation of Sean Hannity – was on vacation. Christopher Hayes, Washington editor of The Nation, was subbing for the regular host. I was kind of paying half-attention, getting ready for … Continue reading Using and Promoting Change of Language to Make the Objectionable Acceptable
(Note – The image above is of the Final Exit Network (FEN) billboard in San Francisco that says “My Life My Death My Choice.” Below those words the old website address has been replaced by the web address for Phillip Morris, manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco products.) Some things are just too good … Continue reading Final Exit Network Billboard “Improved” by Billboard Liberation Front
