Sam's L33t Journal

One quick thing to share.

Recently, there's been some talk in the news about the possibility of a draft. On that note, I found this article that claims a draft is unconstitutional (which makes sense, as the Thirteenth Amendment outlaws "involuntary servitude"). Apparently, the government has gotten around this by using a loophole, getting draftees to "volunteer" without telling them that they cannot legally be forced to do so.

The article states that there is a precedent for people avoiding the draft by refusing to step forward and swear allegiance (and thus "volunteering"). I don't know if that precedent would be upheld under the current administration, but I think the article is worth reading anyways.

Because I was reminded by the recent fuss in the news, I got a living will. To summarize: If I am in a terminal or permanently unconscious state and unable to communicate, don't try to keep me alive.

So that's all signed and official, which is kind of a relief. It's the sort of thing that you hope you'll never need, but once you need it it's rather too late.

Regardless of whether Terri Schiavo is suffering or not, I am even more certain of something else: Both Mr. Schiavo and Terri's parents are suffering more than they would be if Terri had any kind of advanced directive (be it a Living Will, a Will to Live, or some other sort of Durable Power of Attourney for Healthcare document regarding this sort of situation). It's the sort of situation where the people who are left making decisions are under tremendous duress, which will complicate their attempts to act in their loved ones best interests. It makes the situation better for all involved to spell out what one's wishes are in advance.

Look. I am lost for words.