Ruby's+Response

media type="file" key="ruby-drtheodorebaehr-euthanasia.mp3" Dear Dr. Baehr, As I read through your post, a few things seemed to confuse me. So let me get this straight, because Clint Eastwood doesn’t have a wheelchair ramp leading to the restroom at his Carmel Resort, he’s out to get the handicapped citizens of society? And because he has the courage to make a film and take a stance on an exceptionally controversial topic, he is compared to a Nazi? Hmm.. I don’t know if it’s just me personally, but I think your portrayal is a little biased and is taking things out of context quite a bit. Let’s remember that just because every book in the library isn’t translated in brail doesn’t mean we hate blind citizens, and let’s also acknowledge the fact that having an opinion shouldn’t automatically classify an individual as a villain. I watched Clint Eastwood’s film, Million Dollar Baby, which you speak so poorly of, and I didn’t see the unethical murderous mess of Nazi Germany. I simply saw a man who loved Maggie as a daughter and knew it was best to honor her wishes and let her pass. Maggie was a determined woman full of life and talent. She worked exceptionally hard for her rank in the competitive world and it was taken all away from a deadly blind sided shot that ultimately left her quadriplegic. I may not be a championship ring boxer in my spare time, but I know what its like to see tragedy steal a passion for life away. In the end is it about quantity of life, or about its true quality? You say we should never allow love to trump conscious. I say, we should never consciously allow some one we love, to live in prolonged excruciating pain against their will. I also think it’s unfair to assume film with a message is strictly subliminal propaganda. I’ve always looked at it more as artistic thought provoking emotion. I believe that what we see projected onto a screen isn’t necessarily intended to be engraved into our brains, but rather induce more of a catharsis effect. Unfortunately we cant call Clint up and see what his real motives are, but I think its safe to say his motive, wasn’t to get us all riled up and go commit some mercy killings, but instead to get that emotion and feeling reflected within. I would imagine his goal was to bring the compelling lines and images to life, rather than encourage a rampage annihilation or World War III against quadriplegics as you make it out to be. Euthanasia will always be a debatable and controversial topic, and no matter how many films you may watch to sway your opinion every which way, the personal choice lies within. We must remember we have opinions and morals too. They should not be drown in a Hollywood movie script, they should be submerged in your own life and your own heart. Sincerly, Ruby