The Dying Art of Compassion

So yesterday, I read this article about a woman who almost died because she was hemorrhaging and the ER doctor refused to do an abortion even though the baby was dying anyway. The doctor on duty never does abortions. Ever. No exceptions. Then today, I read about this mayor who refused to let people who lost their homes during tornadoes use FEMA trailers because they have a ban on singe-wide trailers in their area.  They refuse to see this situation as one where they should make exceptions.

You know, I get that it is good to be firm and strong in your principles. I understand that rules and personal commitments are made for reasons.  I know that many things in our country now suck because we have become lax in the rules and in our responsibilities

BUT COME ON!!!!!!

In both cases above, those who could have altered the rules were facing situations that are very rare and very extreme circumstances.  The woman who was in horrible pain and losing tons of blood.  There was no way the baby could survive. Had the nurse not called the other doctor, the woman would have died.  This ER doctors actions were premeditated murder.

When this doctor saw what was wrong with her, he should have, himself, called someone who could help her.  The unborn and dying baby inside her was not his patient. She was. That baby could not be saved. She could.  But instead of showing compassion, not to mention professional responsibility, he sat on his hands and just waited it out.

The mayor and the city council in the next article are just as horrible.  Because they don't want trailers uglying up their town, they are willing to let people survive in tents and other temporary shelters, even though the FEMA trailers are provided by the government.  Now, let us keep in mind that tornado season isn't over. It is quite likely that these people may face more storms.  And while we all know a trailer isn't the safest place to be in during bad weather, I'm guessing it's still better than a tent.

The mayor and the city council are risking the lives of their citizens. People they are supposed to be helping.  It seems that these people are less important than maintaining the image of their town. I have news for you, due to your lack of compassion, the image of your town now is that of one giant prick.

I'm sure in the case of the doctor from the first article and the elected officials in the second, they're cool with what they are doing.  They probably think they are good people, people of principle, who are doing the best they possibly can to make America a better place.

They're wrong though. What they are doing is putting their own values over the reality of the situations.  They are putting people at risk for a lot of harm to come their way.  They lack compassion.  And without compassion, what do you really have?