The Value of Life
The public castigation of Duncan Gibbins while he lay dying in the Sherman Oaks Burn Center was nothing short of disgusting. Some radio hosts ridiculed and vilified Gibbons for risking his own life to save his cat and encouraged their listeners to call and join in the merriment.
As one who has on two occasions found herself in a sudden, life-threatening situation, I can say unequivocally that no one knows what he or she will do. The adrenaline pumps and the brain goes on automatic pilot. One reacts instantly without the luxury of weighing the consequences or pondering the philosophical values of human life versus feline life.
Even with a couple of harrowing experiences under my belt, I am still not arrogant enough to say that I know what I will do in the face of any future or hypothetical peril, with one exception: If those radio hosts and my cat were in a house that was on fire and I could save only one of them, I’d definitely save the cat.
FRANCES LONGMIRE
Los Angeles
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