Thursday, March 31, 2005

Terri Schiavo

Yes, it's extremely sad that Terri Schiavo is in a vegetative state, and that she is dying. What bothers me is the concern over ONE life that will never return to a normal, productive state, in light of other people that we can actually DO something about.
The United Nations has released figures recently that indicate that 3.4 million people die each year from water-related illness (such as Typhoid fever). Four thousand children die each DAY die from diseases related to filthy water. See the Voice of America write up at http://www.voanews.com/English/2005-03-17-voa34.cfm . We could have used the resources used to invade and "democratize" Iraq to help these people. Instead of dead children, we could have living, productive, fully functional people. Each month 150,000 children die of malaria in Africa alone. This is unconscionable in the 21st century. See the related article at Global politician: http://globalpolitician.com/articles.asp?ID=513 . Let's concentrate our efforts and funds toward what we can actually DO something about. Let's focus on lives that can be saved, restored, and enhanced. What would happen if the media gave the hours of air time it has used to focus on Terri Schiavo to issues worldwide that can save lives?
Bill and Melinda Gates have made a huge, significant effort towards worldwide immunization of children, and we commend them. See http://www.gatesfoundation.org/default.htm .