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I have worked with the developmentally disabled for more than 6 years. More than 50% of the individuals I've worked with have been or currently use feeding devices. A feeding tube is very different than LIFE SUPPORT. Someone on a respirator will die the minute you turn off their air flow, this girl is not on life support. She maintains life without aids, with the exception of a feeding tube. Its no different than after someone has had several cases of aspiration phemonia, if feeding them orally causes them to suffer (choking, gagging, food getting lodged, etc) then a dietician & dysphagia (swallowing disorders) specialist will rec a feeding tube or mashed/blended/liquid diet. You don't starve someone to death because they can't use a fork or spoon anymore... thats just insane. Sure her quality of life isn't what it used to be, but if you watched the videos on CNN every 45 seconds, you'd see that she clearly responds to her mothers voice, presence and she's smiling. She's very content & happy in those videos and does not appear to be someone who wants to die. The husband clearly has an agenda to getting rid of her. I do not support Bush 99% of the time, but in this instance, granted its not his place, but for once his super religious, high & mighty role came in useful. The government funds millions of disabled people, whats one more??
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