Blogcritics: Comments on Don't be the Next Terri Schiavo

Comment by gonzo marx

Fri, 1 Apr 2005 00:29:54 EST

Dave sez.. *The form is fairly short. I recommend a permanent tattoo on your chest, gonzo.* but Dave..i dislike needles..so i tattoo'd it backwards on my lawyers forehead.. hope that will do... Excelsior!

Comment by Dave Nalle

Fri, 1 Apr 2005 00:21:52 EST

The form is fairly short. I recommend a permanent tattoo on your chest, gonzo. Dave

Comment by gonzo marx

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 22:14:47 EST

DrPat sez... *Interesting how the Hunter S. Thompson method has quietly faded into the background in favor of filing a legal document...* will you have my cyberbabies?...such offspring could conquer the Multiverse... but i digress... thanx Dave , for the Info... you heard it here first, gentle Readers...Dave and gonzo in total Agreement on this one... run..don't walk...and get yerself one of these things filled out the way YOU want to, after discussing it with your loved ones...then have it Notarized...and stash it, with copies scattered everywhere...especially with your lawyer or safety deposit box, etc... just remember the number one Rule, Ladles and Jellyspoons... "prior planning prevents piss poor performance" nuff said? Excelsior!

Comment by Z.Z.B.

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 22:02:37 EST

I am dealing with some of this now in my own family. Advanced Directives, Do Not Resusitate Orders (DNR) and Designated Proxies (with Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) should be set up for anyone who may be terminally ill and has the possibility of not being able to articulate their wishes clearly for medical reasons. Living Will is one TYPE of Advanced Directive and is also recommended but as stated in the above posts need to reflect the constraints found in each State. Great post..

Comment by DrPat

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:25:23 EST

...make sure that I make a clean, quick and final exit before the vultures can gather Interesting how the Hunter S. Thompson method has quietly faded into the background in favor of filing a legal document...

Comment by Aaman

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 19:02:42 EST

Can one have an either/or/default option for a couple?

Comment by Don Charron

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 18:56:45 EST

Terry Schiavo has passed today at around 9 AM. This sad saga has been over played for sure. Mostly because of the controversial topic and rampid mis-information about Terry's condition. Who really knows what the truth of her condition was. My hope is that she is finally at peace now. I think the controversy will not end here though. This will cause division for time to come. The biggest question is , is it a good thing to end someones life in an act of mercy? This is the real question here.

Comment by Dave Nalle

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 18:55:13 EST

As far as I can tell those are both elements of a Living Will. The advanced directives specify what procedures you do and don't want, and the designated proxy says who you want to make decisions which aren't specified. Living Wills include both of those. Dave

Comment by NancyGail

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 18:19:13 EST

Suzi Orman said on Larry King that living wills are outdated nowadays, that what is needed is advanced directives and the designated proxy.

Comment by Dave Nalle

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 18:13:22 EST

Thanks, Aaman. On reflection, I ought to stress something that I didn't perhaps make enough of in the article. You don't just need a Living Willl if you want to be unplugged with dignity and avoid the Terri Schiavo outcome. You also need to fill one out if you con't want some over-zealous doctor to convince your family to write you off prematurely. These forms let you specify exactly how much work you want done to keep you alive, and what you define 'life' as. Dave

Comment by Aaman

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:16:32 EST

Much appreciated, Dave - no legalese and succinct.