Are we the new Netherlands? Has America sold out and decided that human life or death is best determined by fellow humans. The Netherlands and many other European countries appear to think so.

We say we are different, but in Florida we are following the same path of those across the pond. All life is sacred. Only the Creator has the power over life and death, not His creation. Where do we draw the line. [1] The doctors in the Netherlands at Gronigen have decided where their line is or where it is for now. Who knows next week what criteria will be used?

As one who trys to help those who suffer [2] invisibly to be recognized as equal members in our society, I am outraged that we would try to play God! There are those who want to stop the killing of lobsters because they might feel pain, but they would withhold food from Teri Schiavo and have her starve to death. We sound like [3] Dr Eduard Verhagen, “Do we have them continue life in suffering or do we end the life and end the suffering?” Verhagen would kill babies that he deemed unfit for life. What will stop him and others like him from using the same set of rules on those children and adults whom are unable to care for themselves.

[4] My wife suffers greatly from multiple chronic illnesses and I will cherish every moment of her life no matter how hard it becomes to care for her. I married her for who she is as a human and not her illness. I have learned to cherish my health and my life through her suffering. [5] Suffering produces all of the great virtues we so greatly aspire to have such as love and patience and kindness. We can not play God with each other’s lives. We must stand up for those who are unable themselves. Say a prayer for Teri and for those around the world who rely on us to be there for their help and support.