tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post8264058136846753246..comments2023-06-07T09:13:41.693-05:00Comments on Episcopal Chaplain On the High Ground: Thoughts on VegetablesMarshall Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02807749717320495495noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post-5613455999678960102008-07-03T09:28:00.000-05:002008-07-03T09:28:00.000-05:00Well, thanks, Tobias. I really did recognize the ...Well, thanks, Tobias. I really did recognize the respect.<BR/><BR/>It's not really about offense, although I started there. I think you do highlight the paradox in our appreciation of human dignity: that often we will attribute to others dignity we will not allow ourselves.Marshall Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02807749717320495495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post-6027191960047691552008-07-03T08:57:00.000-05:002008-07-03T08:57:00.000-05:00Thanks, Marshall, for the response. You are clearl...Thanks, Marshall, for the response. You are clearly seeing the "vegetable" expression from another angle -- I suppose part of the problem with language with manifold meaning. My intent was aimed at those who use the term dismissively -- as if consciousness were the only quality of human life worth acknowledging. I realize not all feel that way, and God bless those who respect and work with and among the dying -- hence my prayers.<BR/><BR/>But I was also thinking of the phenomenon of the family members who never bother to darken the door of the hospital, but wouldn't miss the funeral -- which becomes a kind of substitute token for the care that might have been given.<BR/><BR/>No offense was intended for those who actually do care, and you have my great admiration for that work.Tobias Stanislas Haller BSGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08047429477181560685noreply@blogger.com