Two stories about medicine that trouble me.

[Cataholic]

Guys, don't act like someone has to pop out a kid in order to have intelligent opinions about how other people take care of their kids. I may disagree with Richard's opinion in this case, but I hate the argument that anyone who hasn't conformed to society's expectations to reproduce at a certain age can't have opinions on such matters.

No one is saying anything about conforming to society's expectations to reproduce....it isn't always the topic of conversation.

One can know how hot a fire burns intellectually, but, it is quite a different experience to feel the flame. Like it or not, there is a difference. No one is better or worse, because of a child, but, in this situation, with a child born of such significant limitations, a parent's "hurt" (such a weak word for this situation) is difficult to convey.

That you recognize the parents situation says much about you.

[RICHARD]

Yeah, I don't think you could have handled having kids. There is just too much of the unknown for your comfort level. These parents **could** have opted out, be it abortion, instutionalizing, or in home around the clock care. But, they didn't.

It is your insensitivity to this situation (and others) that is shocking.

I asked you politely to stop reading my posts.

I recognized very early that I wasn't the kind of person to father, parent and care for children (Or baby goats for the matter...).

You do not know me so I find your mention of my "comfort level" to very amusing. Are you trying the old "back off with humor: trick?

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Have you ever tried to clean the rear end of an 80 year old man?
Or pick him up to get him to the shower?
Have you ever watched anyone waste away froms AIDS?
have you lost your father and six months later lost your fiance?


MG,

I worked in healthcare for 30 years. Altho I didn't have close patient contact I saw more pain just walking the halls of the buildings.

CB,

Thank you for recognizing my right to speak my twisted mind.


Liz,
Perverted...You forgot selfish.

Isn't my proposal tantamount to what those parents are asking for their loved one?

You see that what I wrote is extreme - I think the child's parents requests are in the same vein.

The annoyance that you feel towards my scenario could be the same that I feel towards the topic.

And altho my feelings lean towards the paternal, I never felt the desire to sire offspring and I have no kids (NOT EVEN GONNA USE THAT STUPID JOKE, "That I know of.....") I find that having an opinion disqualified because I never have had fill-in-the-blank to be the highest form of intolerance.

[Cataholic]

I asked you politely to stop reading my posts.

I recognized very early that I wasn't the kind of person to father, parent and care for children (Or baby goats for the matter...).

You do not know me so I find your mention of my "comfort level" to very amusing. Are you trying the old "back off with humor: trick?

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Wait a minute, back up, and stop the presses. We now have to KNOW someone to have an opinion? LOL. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. I know you at least as well as you know the parents of this child.

You haven't a clue what these parents are going through. Your posts indicate that clearly. Nothing about this situation is funny. I am not using humor, I was quite serious with what I posted concerning your posts. When I am wrong, I admit it, retract the statement, and let it go. I don't dig in deeper.