Defibrillators

Millions in 2005 viewed the video footage of Terri Schiavo appearing to smile at her mother.

Not surprisingly, Americans had varied and visceral reactions to that video.

In part, that's the Brave New World into which medical technology has dropped us.

I've watched the video, read the court records, and reviewed the CT scans and autopsy report, which provide compelling evidence of the tragic, complete destruction of Terri Schiavo's thinking brain.

I believe the conclusion of the court system that Terri Schiavo was permanently unconscious without hope for recovery.

Remembering back to that day 20 years ago when I first walked into Nancy Cruzan's hospital room, I likewise understand people who don't agree.It doesn't matter how we understand Terri Schiavo's or Nancy Cruzan's brain injuries as long as we share their stories and learn.

That is why reporters should follow up with Mr.

Giuliani using the question I've posed.

In fact, reporters should ask all of the candidates this question at some point.Last year, I traveled to 28 states, and talked with thousands of people about the right to die.

My sense is that while in any particular family the discussion may be hard to get started, peo...