According to Wikipedia,"in 1985 Hawking contracted pneumonia, which in his condition was life-threatening; he was so ill that Jane (his wife at that time) was asked if life support should be terminated. She refused, but the consequence was a tracheotomy, which would require round-the-clock nursing care and remove what remained of his speech.
The National Health Service was ready to pay for a nursing home, but Jane was determined that he would live at home.
The cost of the care was funded by an American foundation. Nurses were hired for the three shifts required to provide the round-the-clock support he required."*
Meanwhile, another English citizen, Charlie Gard, an 11-month-old infant who has been diagnosed with a disease called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, awaits a decision on whether he will also be given his chance at life--maybe not the same, but really not much different than a decision extended to Stephen Hawking.
United Kingdom courts have "ruled that little Charlie should have his life support machine switched off"--but his defiant parents are challenging the courts and have refused to acknowledge the death sentence handed down by the so-called legal system.
Offers have poured in from worldwide sources, hoping to intervene and save the little boy's life. Pope Francis has offered Vatican medical resources, as well as an extended helping hand from US President Donald Trump, and numerous others.
But apparently the United Kingdom legal system is standing steadfast. A 'judge' will supposedly make the ultimate decision on whether little Charlie Gard will live or die. We ask WHY? Why is it that in the 21st Century, life and death decisions have been handed over to another human who should have final say on, again...who lives and who dies.
This is usually where writers will preface what they are about to say with the words..."With all due respect." You will not hear those words here. What gives one human being the right to make this decision, declaring Sorry Charlie....I say you die. Who exactly is this almighty person, this little zealot? At the end of the day, he/she is nothing more than an overly paid lawyer prancing around playing dress-up in, what he/she thinks in a fancy black robe. No doubt, sporting one of those silly wigs--a throw back to the days of torture and misery for the commoners. Nothing has really changed, has it?
One final thought
If someone pulled the plug on Stephen Hawking's 'voice toy,' would he not be just as helpless, also unable to beg for his life--SAME as little Charlie Gard?
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking
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