[PreludeSH]

Originally Posted by am1m

I'd disagree. And I'm saying that as someone who watched almost every single race of his Ferrari years. When movie stars complain about invasion of privacy, I have no sympathy, since they do everything to seek fan attention and don't know where to draw the line themselves. But for sports persons, they are doing their job, they have a complete right to privacy off the field/grid, and after they retire. Especially someone like Schumi who didn't go out of his way to pander to the press or fans. In fact at one point of time he was probably the most hated man on the grid.

Just the fact that the press has had so little to work with over the past decade, spinning stories out of a couple of lines each time, indicates the stellar job his family has done protecting him. Personally, I don't want to know any more.

I agree that press would have made a circus reporting/discussing the condition. They would also have asked for more and more of information regularly which would not be desirable.

But not sure F1 works without fans. Its not like any other sports and does not also represent countries to keep it going. Everything is private and govts support it for the economic benefits.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by PreludeSH

But not sure F1 works without fans.

Agreed, any sport or celebrity-run endeavor needs to respect the fans. But where to draw the line? That's why I tried to make a distinction between movie stars and sports persons. I think (and this is just my opinion) that a sports fan is entitled to information regarding the sport, what the sports celeb does on the field, perhaps in training. Nothing more. Going by that, what Schumi does after he retires, especially his medical condition, I don't think any fan has a right to know.

Most movie stars on the other hand, are quite happy to provide fans with glimpses of their personal lives. It's a part of who they are. (And most of them never seem to retire anyway.)

Someone like Schumi, to my knowledge, never pandered to that section of the press or fan segment. No hi-profile celeb girlfriend, no fashion brand launched in his name, no cameo appearances in movies. He was there to race and to fulfill F1 sponsor obligations. So to me, as a fan, I'm ok with no updates on his status post-retirement, whatever they might be.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

But the fact that he's still alive should count for something.

That’s exactly my point - being alive is not living and counts for nothing except pain, misery and heartache for everyone. Exponentially so for the person who’s in this state. It’s more than 10 years, practically nothing is going to change.

It's very easy for everyone to say things like keep fighting etc it’s when you have to face it that brutal realities reveal themselves day by day which is heartbreaking.

I have experienced firsthand how it is to see a family member suffering everyday because she was bedridden for six years and absolutely nothing could be done about it. Eventually internal organs begin to fail before darkness and peace takes over. Being mentally there for the patient even if somewhat and in phases is far worse. Pray no one has to go through such times.

[krrisdrive]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

After the life he lived, is this life? What quality? Close to a vegetable,

A bunch of staff nurses at KEM thought otherwise and kept Aruna Shanbhag at their side, as long as 'she' wanted. Heck, she was not even their family. Life has different meaning to different people, particularly who are in the verge of loosing it. As Andy puts eloquently 'Get busy living or get busy dying'.

As much as we 'fans' have right to cheer/criticize/hate Schumi for his performance at circuit, he/his family has right to keep his life in 'their' terms.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

That’s exactly my point - being alive is not living and counts for nothing except pain, misery and heartache for everyone.

Originally Posted by krrisdrive

A bunch of staff nurses at KEM thought otherwise and kept...

So much to say on this subject and so much to hear what others have to say too. But wondering if it is too explosive a topic for the forum? I'm guessing it'll go the usual 'pro-life' vs. 'patient's choice', 'slippery slope' way like all these arguments do.

Personally, I know what I would want if in such a situation and have already spelled it out in my will. The stories of celebrities fighting on are inspiring for sure and they are certainly exceptional individuals, but their families also have the money to ease the path.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by krrisdrive

As much as we 'fans' have right to cheer/criticize/hate him for Schumi's performance at circuit, he/his family has right to keep his life in 'their' terms.

Absolutely krrisdrive, it’s his family’s choice and we cannot in anyway influence that choice or have any say on the matter - not that the family would care one way or the other. We on our forum are discussing things and sharing viewpoints as we do on everything else.

Originally Posted by am1m

So much to say on this subject and so much to hear what others have to say too. But wondering if it is too explosive a topic for the forum? I'm guessing it'll go the usual 'pro-life' vs. 'patient's choice', 'slippery slope' way like all these arguments do

This discussion will eventually run its course and end or else our moderators will shut it down if it gets too explosive or needs to end. So far, so good since we are seeing so many different points of view and an exchange of thoughts which is the backbone of our forum.

[Thalla]

One of the best drivers in F1 history. Life is fragile, one day you can have it all and the next it can be taken away. Take care of yourself and others around you.

[jeevan007]

Finally some good news about the racing legend.

Some how this reminded me of the Most iconic F1 X Cricket crossover!

This was one major news story in the sporting world. Sachin Tendulkar & Michael Schumacher coming together during British Grand Prix (2002). After their meeting Sachin gifted Schumacher with a Signed cricket bat and Schumacher presented Sachin with a Ferrari car.

[jomyboy]

From what I understand, public appearance might mean they have just brought him out, but he is still in partial vegetative state of sorts. Recent reports suggest his only mode of communication is by blinking his eyes. There is also speculation about how the family wants to keep "the image" of Schumacher intact and the family has gone in hyperdrive mode to protect that. Yea okay he was thought of superhuman in his hey days, but all that money and fame and whatever he has achieved is due to the adulation of his fans.

[Thalla]

Originally Posted by jeevan007

Finally some good news about the racing legend.

Some how this reminded me of the Most iconic F1 X Cricket crossover!

This was one major news story in the sporting world. Sachin Tendulkar & Michael Schumacher coming together during British Grand Prix (2002). After their meeting Sachin gifted Schumacher with a Signed cricket bat and Schumacher presented Sachin with a Ferrari car.

The GOAT of Cricket with the GOAT of Formula 1.