Ray Ciervo Ministries

For the most part I'm a spectator when it comes to politics. Oh, I vote and admittedly I'm a "one issue" voter. However, when politics make some forays into the world of ethics and does so blatantly, it does tend to get my attention. 

Recently, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal where the author quoted Ezekiel Emmanuel, a health policy advisor to President Obama. I have to admit, he's scary. With statements like,

"This civic republican or deliberative democratic conception of the good provides both procedural and substantive insights for developing a just alloca- tion of health care resources. Procedurally, it suggests the need for public forums to deliberate about which health services should be considered basic and should be socially guaranteed. Substantively, it suggests services that promote the continuation of the polity-those that ensure healthy future genera- tions, ensure development of practical reasoning skills, and ensure full and active participation by citizens in public deliberations-are to be socially guaranteed as basic. Conversely, services provided to individuals who are irreversibly prevented from being or becoming participating citizens are not basic and should not be guaranteed. An obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia. A less obvious example Is is guaranteeing neuropsychological services to ensure children with learning disabilities can read and learn to reason." (http://www.ncpa.org/pdfs/Where_Civic_Republicanism_and_Deliberative_Democracy_Meet.pf)

So what Dr. Emmanuel is saying is that the elderly with dementia or a child with a neurological disorder, say like down-syndrome ought not receive medical care. At least, he wants discussion on it, but we know where it is going. The long and the short of it is that Emmanuel would not provide health benefits to any human being who was not able to contribute to society. Where have I heard this before? 

This is Dr. Peter Singer's utilitarian ethics where a person is validated by his or her contribution to society, not by their intrinsic value as a human being. This is exactly what Emmanuel believes.

How are we suppose to act? What's our responsibility to Christ in this? Do we know what we believe. Christians are generally competent to share the gospel message but don't know where or how to respond to ethical questions. Neither do we know how to respond to political questions. However, we must learn what and how real soon. The opportunities are upon us.

Here's the link in the WSJ:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203706604574374463280098676.html?mod=wsj