I have more than one e-mail from readers objecting to my characterization of the earlier Schiavo news (pre court stay). The gist of the e-mails: What about her quality of life? Why should everyone (family, etc.) have to suffer when she’s clearly not getting any better?

Because her parents and siblings are willing to take all responsibility for her, this woman who has shown signs of response to nurses, her family, and others (and there are doctors willing to try to help her). Because with stories like this, one cannot help but have hope for her. Because if we cannot manage to protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us, how civilized can we consider ourselves?

(If you’re new to the case, here’s some background.)