General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: We failed her. Big time. Boston Children’s was experimenting on Justina Pelletier, [View all]pnwmom
(108,978 posts)because she had extreme symptoms, especially GI symptoms. But the metabolic specialists and the GI specialist who treated her didn't decide on the surgery lightly. It was only after extensive testing showing that her colon wasn't working that they did the operation. And the tests showed she needed the operation regardless of whether she had mitochondrial disease or not -- she had an extremely dysfunctional intestine.
You insult Rep. Jim McDermott greatly when you call him "some unsuspecting representative." He is one of the House's smartest, most liberal legislators -- and he is an M.D. with a specialty in psychiatry. Of all the House members, he is probably the most able to judge what has been happening in this situation. He is anything but a Bachman pawn.
But you are proving my point, so thanks. Many progressives, including you, are taking a knee-jerk position against the Pelletiers, simply because most of the people who first reached out to help them were right-wingers. Well, this was a case where the right-wingers got it right, and much of the left wing has gotten it wrong.
And stubbornly continues to do so. We should have hand our hands out -- and our voices raised -- to help Justina too. But many of us were blinded by our feelings about her initial supporters.