Two Holy People

The Nation and the world once again sits waiting and watching on the door step of death. The media attempts to paint a parallel between the removal of Terri Shiavo's feeding tube and her ultimate death and the now imminent death of Pope John Paul II. The only commonality of the two cases is the final result; death.

Ms. Shiavo's case involved involved legal and moral issues. She supposedly conveyed her life or death wishes to her husband, Michael. The case was litigated and relitigated. The U.S. Congress became involved. More litigation. Accusations of improper motives, character assassination and the right to live or die divided a family and a country unlike anything evidenced since the Civil War. The term murder was loosely thrown about. Ms. Shiavo is now dead and even as the angels led her to her new home the feud continues.

As of this time, the Pope's condition has deteriorated to the point that there is no longer hope. Death is certain and interviews with the common folk reveal that they are resigned to the fact and only hope that the ending be hastened. Although a feeding tube has been in place for a few days now, no other forms of artificial life support have been considered since the Pope quashed that idea. The Pope is man having clear faith in God and an unconditional love for Him. He doesn't fear death for he knows the rewards of his endeavors. There have been no attempts by the Italian government to circumvent the Pope's wishes.

Two deaths both widely disseminated by the media. Yet a different value has been assigned to each. It can be said that Ms. Shiavo's parents were selfish in not allowing her to pass or conversely that Michael was a control freak consumed by hegemony. The judgmental will make their own decisions. Yet, while one may mourn the passing of the Pope, the world will allow him to pass in peace.