"There is no great harm to America if a large number of people like us here get the virus and die. We are due to die very shortly anyway. It's a grim fact, but it's a fact.
I've had my turn. I have no regrets about that."
Bob Warren, retired, age 92
People at highest risk of death are those over 80 years of age, and frail because of some chronic condition.
Bob Warren is retired, happy, living comfortably among other seniors. He was nearly alone in the large dining hall of an upscale senior living community. His fellow residents are observing the precaution of avoiding assembly and eating in their rooms, so the room was nearly empty. There was a hand sanitizer on every table. He says there is a panicky feeling by the facility management. "They don't want the reputation that people get the virus here."
Bob Warren says he is not depressed or eager to die. He expresses a point of view that only a very old person can express, that the coronavirus is a part of nature and maybe, all in all, useful in the big picture. It will cut the costs of Medicare. It may help solve the PERS pension problem. It will help balance the Social Security budget. Some young health care workers have died in China, a real shame, Warren said, but mostly its killing people whose time has come anyway.
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| Click: Washington Post |
"Old people who outlive their value are dead weight. We are an expense."
Warren said the "Eskimo idea is exactly right. It is humane. The people they put out on the ice understand the deal. It's part of their lives. They had their turn, now let the tribe put their energy into the people with a future, not dragging along people with nothing to offer. What we do in America is cruel. We grab people at death's door and keep them alive."
Warren contrasted this with the Spanish Flu, which killed a disproportionate number of previously young, healthy people. "That was bad. This isn't, not in the big picture."
Warren understands his view will seem cold and heartless to some people. He insists it isn't. "I will be 93 next month. People my age die. What do you expect? We are old."
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| Empty dining room |
5 comments:
Where's the cut-off, Bob Warren? I'm 66. I've collected on my union pension for fewer than five years after paying in for well over 20. Am I dead weight?
Thank you, Mr. Nanook of the North. Well, since the ice shelves are melting the coastal elites should all have plenty of ice flows to put their elderly parents on. ("See ya...wouldn't wanna be ya!")
The important thing is to know that this will never happen to you and, if it does, it will not be personal...just the Darwinian "law of life." Can soylent green wafers be made from the diseased deceased...just askin'? Just trying to make the best of the situation...
Andy Seles
I am 76, and am not ready to be collateral damage to a plague! I am still contributing to the knowledge of people around me, and don't relish the prospect of dying, - ever!
I dislike that Social Darwinist concept presented here that some people are "expendable".
Bless this man if he is ready and willing to go.
As for me, as Baron Munchhausen said at his execution, when he was asked for his last words. -- "NOT YET!"
If Bob feels like he's a drag on society, then Oregon offers euthanasia to those who want it.
The Coronavirus is killing more than just old people. Some young people and middle-aged people have also fallen victim to the virus. People with weak immune systems, or people who are already very ill are most susceptible.
If Bob feels guilt living the ritzy lifestyle, then he can always donate more to charity, and move himself into cheaper living quarters. Everybody doesn't have to live in the Rogue Valley Manor.
I'm a little bit surprised at the condemnation ringing forth in these remarks. While I still think I can contribute at 73, I'm not afraid to die, although when I do, I hope it's as quick and painless as my fathers. Anonymous is wrong about Oregon's Death with Dignity law, old age is not included in the parameters for seeking relief, and assuming the Gentleman in question is living in the lap of luxury is without foundation. I personally have no desire to go to Assisted Living, but certainly don't begrudge those who did well and saved to afford it their comforts.
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