AFS Cinema
Pull the Plug
RECEIVED Thu., Dec. 19, 2019
Dear Editor,
Most every health care provider and family attorney will encourage people to sign a [do-not-resuscitate order] as a part of planning for their future. The decision to not resuscitate is then made from a thoughtful and rational perspective after careful consideration of all other options, rather than this decision being made in an emotional state or in haste, or by some detached family member.
The DNR also takes the guesswork out of the decision, giving clear instructions to professionals and family members whose judgment might otherwise be clouded and irrational if the decision were left for them closer to the end of life. This also prevents a less-involved family member from rushing in at the last minute and demanding that everything be done and no expense be spared to save Aunt Metz or Uncle Pease.
The Austin ISD and its board of trustees should be commended for following the directive of those who have worked on budget solutions and enrollment issues for years. Like all endings, people will be sad. But emotion and endless pandering should not dictate sound public policy.
AISD has made many attempts to increase student enrollment, even taking the extreme step of recruiting students from outside Austin's property tax boundaries. These measures have failed to fill enough seats in these schools to justify keeping their doors open. The decision to close these four schools (and hopefully at least four more in the near future) also means freeing up resources for other schools, primarily the schools where former students from these schools will come. This is clearly a WIN-WIN for everyone, except those who have no concern with budget constraints or might have some unrealistic belief that if we keep Uncle Pease on a ventilator long enough, his condition will improve.
Pulling the plug is the best decision for all concerned.
Most every health care provider and family attorney will encourage people to sign a [do-not-resuscitate order] as a part of planning for their future. The decision to not resuscitate is then made from a thoughtful and rational perspective after careful consideration of all other options, rather than this decision being made in an emotional state or in haste, or by some detached family member.
The DNR also takes the guesswork out of the decision, giving clear instructions to professionals and family members whose judgment might otherwise be clouded and irrational if the decision were left for them closer to the end of life. This also prevents a less-involved family member from rushing in at the last minute and demanding that everything be done and no expense be spared to save Aunt Metz or Uncle Pease.
The Austin ISD and its board of trustees should be commended for following the directive of those who have worked on budget solutions and enrollment issues for years. Like all endings, people will be sad. But emotion and endless pandering should not dictate sound public policy.
AISD has made many attempts to increase student enrollment, even taking the extreme step of recruiting students from outside Austin's property tax boundaries. These measures have failed to fill enough seats in these schools to justify keeping their doors open. The decision to close these four schools (and hopefully at least four more in the near future) also means freeing up resources for other schools, primarily the schools where former students from these schools will come. This is clearly a WIN-WIN for everyone, except those who have no concern with budget constraints or might have some unrealistic belief that if we keep Uncle Pease on a ventilator long enough, his condition will improve.
Pulling the plug is the best decision for all concerned.
Billy Newberry
