Monday, May 5, 2008

Pandemic+Compassion=Oxymoron?

Wow...just...wow.

San Francisco Chronicle

And here is the rest of it.

7 comments:

Diane J Standiford said...

Well, there goes my mom and aunt, and probably me. I guess these people felt the deaths in New Orleans by those nurses were A-OK. Never knew we had a think tank of Gods. So... death with dignity is against the law because...?

Oregonian37 said...

Yeah that would wipe out a good chunk of my family and friends. Given the slippery slope, I have no idea about myself.

It's funny, death with dignity is legal in Oregon, but I'd bet money some of these folks would give a limb (or their own lives)before allowing someone else more vulnerable than they to simply be left out to die.

Trouble said...

Another sign of our failing economy? I'm sure I would be at the end of that line. But there are a few people I would gladly give up my seat for that one. I just wonder how much worse it will get. (Heartbreaking).

Trouble said...

I shpuld rephrase that, if I were at the front of the line there are a few people I would give up me seat for. yeah, that sounds better. lol

Phil said...

It's just basic triage. During epidemics, pandemics, and widespread disasters resources are often stretched too thin. That means that the most vulnerable--those who have the least potential to survive--are kicked to the curb so that available resources can be concentrated on those who have the most potential to survive. A harsh reality, yes, but I'll be happy to listen if someone has a better idea.

Diane J Standiford said...

Phil, my idea is treating each other as civilized human beings. Many blame the lack of action/help in New Orleans to the high density of African Americans...right or wrong? Rich whites just drove away or jetted away...right or wrong?
Those who are healthy and wealthy should help those who are sick and poor. We should triage our useful citizens to aid our weakest ones. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett alone could handle many of our pandemic issues. I DO NOT pass by an elderly person or a feeble drunk, to save the young bodybuilder---WHO has the better chance of survival WITHOUT my help? I will die a person with a pure soul and NEVER play God. Your response and this article, makes me wonder what has happened to people of caring spirits. A LIST? Set RULES? I suppose it will allow doctors to throw out their oath with no concern.

Phil said...

Put aside your emotions for a moment, Diane, and tell me how you would allocate scarce resources among a needful population--especially when medicine and medical personnel are in such short supply that trying to serve everyone serves no one. Just wonderin'!