The media death watch
It seems that this Easter the world media was in “death-watch mode” chasing stories about people who are close too, if not yet experiencing, the final stages of life. Strangely, these are all recent events when usually its a time that a death 2005 years ago (or thereabouts) is the focus of the Christian world. Aspects of each story seem to expose failings in the way people and institutions cope, or don’t cope, with one thing thats certain for us all – death.
I feel this decision can only be made by Terri and, if not capable, her spouse and family.What should be a private decision, maybe a private battle, has become a political and media circus. I doubt there is a “right or wrong” outcome in this case. Unless you’ve been in that position, someone close to you on life support facing death, I don’t see how you can even comment. You can have an opinion but the reality of being forced to make a decision, in those circumstances, can mean previous strongly held opinions have little weight. Whatever the result its tragic when the end of a persons life becomes a political and media event.
The Hospital and Palace are reduced to statements like “The prognosis of the sovereign's health is uncertain” when its plain that Prince Rainier is very ill and likely has little time left. Is this Politically Correct or Protocol madness? Does it do anyone any good to pretend the likely outcome isn't known?
I’m not a Catholic (I’m not anything religion wise) but seeing the news video of Pope John Paul II propped up at the window trying, and failing, to speak was a tragic sight. Seems a bizarre situation when the entire church (1.1 billion Roman Catholics was the figure I found) is reduced to waiting for him to die when he appears unfit for any “duty”. The edicts relating to this date back 15 centuries but death was usually a swifter event back then. Perhaps its time to change the rules to match todays medical reality?
Gossip rules at the Vatican ~ BBC Rome
“…the man usually described as Pope's number two, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, an Italian, can never pretend to exercise the same powers as those enjoyed by the Pope himself.
So if John Paul were to lapse into a coma, or were to become impaired to the extent that he is unable effectively to exercise his powers, the implications for Church governance are grave.
Modern medical progress can create administrative, as well as ethical problems.”
