Blankfrack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Apparently he wouldn't. If he had wanted to die all he has to do is turn down food for a short time. You cannot assume that because a person has been disabled for a long time that they are sick of living. My disability has enriched my life rather than hinder it. Pity is a form of prejudice. People with disabilities are PEOPLE. We live because we want to live. You would do the same thing.

KyBabe44 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Yes there is a difference, but her parents still loved her and wanted to take care of her. You can never know what will happen. After all, with God ALL things are possible. Personally, I would not want to live like that. And I only meant that that since Hawking's disability is so severe, and he has lived that way for so long, I can't help but wonder if he would end it if he could. However, from now on I will keep those thoughts to myself.

Blankfrack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

There was plenty of evidence to the contrary. And when there is a shredof doubt, can anyone conscionably make that call?

anamoebacorn (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Schiavo was brain-dead. There is a difference.

KyBabe44 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

I would never say that because anyone is a paraplegic or a quadriplegic, that his/her was not worth living. I was 1 of hundreds who wrote to Gov. Jeb Bush re Terri Schiavo, that he NOT let die, but live. Quadriplegics such as Jill Kenmont, Joni Erickson, John Clanahan have had great lives and have contributed much to society. I live in pain every day of my life and I have thought of putting an end to it. BUT, I'm glad everyone doesn't think like me.

Blankfrack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

P.S. I am a nurse practitioner with double master's degrees in physical science and nursing. I obtained both degrees after my accident. I work as a clinical nursing supervisor and diabetes educator. My life has never been as rich and full as it has been since my accident.

Blankfrack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

No. I just want you to understand that there is NOTHING appropriate in asking a handicapped person if they've entertained the idea of suicide. That's the same thing as saying: "So...since you can't use your legs, why would you want to live?" I doubt that poultroon would have said that if his legs wouldn't move. How crippled do I have to be (remember Terri Lynne Schiavo) before some bastard decides that my life isn't worth living?

KyBabe44 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

If I offended ANY handicapped person,I am sorry. I know that very few handicapped people take their own lives, but millions do suffer from depression and they believe that suicide is the only way out. Depression is generally heritary and runs in both sides of my family. Dr. Kavorkian believed that he was helping people, so he enabled them to go peacefully. Was it wrong? I don't know. The debate goes on. If you would like to correspond, I will send you my email address.

Blankfrack (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

My brother took his own life three years ago AND I am a paraplegic. I am offended by the commentator's remarks to Stephen Hawking. Why would any handicapped person want to end his life? It was an ignorant, terrible thing to say to him.

KyBabe44 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

I know exactly how it feels. I have thought of suicide. Lots of people kill themselves. I only wish I had the courage to do it.I don't understand why you referred to me as Brittney, but according to my email, the comment is for me. I'm sorry you consider me ignorant, but I feel that when life is too rough, you have the right to end it. A great uncle of mine killed himself when he was only26 years old. You might 1 day think about it too.