Code Blue Productions

What do we value as a society? If someone came here not knowing anything of our culture, what would they think as they settled in for a visit?

Where we stand on events that occur and how it is resolved among those who disagree within society gives a transparency to what it is we believe and how it is we resolve ourselves amicably among our peers. As disputes are resolved values are more clearly defined for some and moderated for others. There is a depth to value that often requires considerable discussion to clarify all aspects of the spectrum. Some of my "values" only five to ten years ago were, admittedly, very rigid and unwavering - what I would now label as redneck values. My values have not changed but I have learned to be more charitable in reconciling them with those in my community whose views are polar to mine. With a daughter to whom I have a torch to pass, consideration of values and where we draw the line must be done deliberately with a careful balance. The line must be drawn, nonetheless. Being "red in a blue state" has given me pause to consider how and when I express values amongst a diverse population. I expect anyone who does not understand this culture to be wide-eyed with curiosity.

Charity is really the key word in dealing with others. To be charitable is to love God above all things for His own sake and love our neighbor as ourselves out of a love of God; we sacrifice ourselves for God and mankind. To love others as ourselves requires us to look outside ourselves, removing any impulse toward egoism. In a class on ethics in publishing, the instructor made a habit of asking a question that would spark a very spirited debate among the few of us there. In one of these sessions, a young lady, with an undergraduate degree in journalism, firmly held the belief that all truth must be told. I spoke up and noted "My thighs are fat. Who are you going to tell?" This was a bit of an exaggeration at the time but the young lady had no answer. Not from the mindset she was holding - a lack of regard for the effect "truth-telling" has on others. Telling the truth should not be done exclusive of the virtue of charity. Truthful speech is as necessary in some difficult situations as it needs to be silent in others. Then how is it possible to be charitable in the midst of 'brutal' truth?

Before we say anything, even when the situation is not difficult, we must consider first how our words and response will uplift or help this person? Remember, we are here to pursue heaven but we are obligated in the corporal works of mercy to help others attain the same. Would our words hurt or offend the person we are conversing with, thereby leaving this person dispirited? Or does it uplift and encourage? Words must be carefully chosen and deliberately spoken. These very words have meaning and, once off the tongue, they are left to the interpretation of those for whom they were intended. Often when we are pressed for a truth that may hurt, the best response may be an immediate, brief and contemplative silence. Why does this person seek this information? What do they expect in the answer we give?

In our society we have become complacent; conversely we have great expectation in society. We have come to believe our right to free speech has become a need or obligation. As we live and breathe at this moment, there are a greater number of people who do not have such rights and they continue to exist living a life that God would still find pleasing. It is a great privilege to speak while others elsewhere are executed at the hint of doing the same. We must be mindful of what we have and the obligation to be thankful for it.

A necessary part of speech is to use it for the benefit of others; I mentioned our goal is to help others to achieve heaven. This includes speaking for the weak and vulnerable - all those who are unable to do this for themselves. Speaking out for those that cannot speak is admirable and necessary. When activists speak out, it is their firm belief they are living their conviction.

Animal Rights organizations have raised consciousness to the abuse of animals for the benefit of humanity. Tested for scientific purposes, animals have been put through all sorts of maladies to benefit humanity and are left to suffer or recover with the use of a variety of different drugs in an effort to "save" them. Yet, we would have had or lost more victims to polio, chicken pox and other diseases had scientist not done something. Yet, in our society, a dichotomy exists. I recently heard about the abhorrent condition that seals were fair game and over-hunted in Canada. The outcry rippled through our news here in the USA. This is, admittedly, bad stewardship of God's gifts and should not persist.

This same activism is not evenly applied to humanity. Also in recent events, a 41 year old woman named Terri Schiavo was allowed to starve when her feeding tube was removed. Her husband claimed exclusive right to care for her in a hospice with the specific exception of her family to "provide" for her care at home away from the healthcare system. After collecting insurance money for hospice care, he remembered an unverifiable wish Terri had to die if she were ever in this situation. In medical records before and after the autopsy, there was concern over the possibility of broken bones stemming from physical abuse. Because of Mr. Schiavo's medical "right to privacy", documentation proving any accusation, such as x-rays, is sealed against any examination to prove or disprove these charges. With a cremation, an autopsy is automatically required to eliminate unanswered questions such as those raised in Ms. Schiavo's case. The results are pending. Mr. Schiavo did not contest the autopsy - he is hoping to justify his position on Terri's termination based on the autopsy.

Many have spoken out on behalf of Terri Schiavo. Her best friend gave testimony in court that Terri commented that she disagreed with the disconnect of the life support to Karen Ann Quinlan, a young woman in a vegetative state.

The judge initially ruled that this statement was made when Terri Schiavo was 14, of minor consent. Later, when the judge was corrected in his misinformation, he indicated it made no difference in his decision to allow the withdrawal of Terri Schiavo's source of food and water.

Caregivers and family have commented in testimony about her responsiveness. This had little effect - Terri was unable to feed herself. She should not have to live this way because, compared to someone who can feed themselves, it is not a preferable way of life.

So what of any of the disabled? These are people who, in some cases, have severe limitations in their ability to function. Compared to those who can function, severe dysfunction is a less desirable situation. For those who have never had the choice or are not capable of knowing any other way of life, greater limitation on what little freedom they have - or even death - is not a desirable situation. In fact, there is legislation to protect their right to free access. By allowing Terri Schiavo to die because of Michael Schiavo's hearsay testimony of her wishes, we are opening a floodgate for those caregivers and family members who can no longer care for the disabled who are on much more than just a feeding tube. The reasons for wanting to terminate care may range from a lack of financial resources to the family's mental health that can no longer be buoyed during the burden of extended care. The reasons may no longer be necessary for consideration - if we can extinguish a life 'not worth living' just because it is not the way we would wish to live.

How sad. In his column in our weekly bulletin at St. John the Baptist Church in Excelsior, MN, our pastor, Fr. Dosh, cited Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen that he was saddened by all the wasted suffering in passing a hospital. Fr. Dosh wrote: "To believing Christians, suffering can be of benefit in uniting us with Christ and in helping other members of the Body of Christ in this earth." This is our mission: to aid our brothers and sisters to attain heaven with us. It is not a contest to see who can be more holy or outperform in the attempt to get there. The true test of our ability to attain heaven can be found in the witness of the most weak among us.