The Philosophy, Science & Religion forum has been created as an unmoderated forum. The issues discussed here can and will get very intense. Please show respect and appreciation to alternative views posted here. We appreciate your consideration.
This is a question I've been asking myself for years.
I would have to say yes.
--------------------
Mike F.
May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
Group: Celtic Nation
Posts: 938
Joined: 15-Dec-2003 Zodiac: Oak
Realm: Maryland
That's a very weighted question for this early in the morning. I think that it would depend on the situation and who I'd be trying to save. Equally important for my decision is to consider if it's worth my children growing up without a mother. Maybe that sounds selfish, but that would definitely factor in.
It is the one question that most ask and hope their answer is never put to the test. Some jobs give one more of a chance to test this. Lets hope that you never get a chance to put your answer to the test and find yourself lacking.
Yes, I would. When I was in the Army for 5 years I would have taken a bullet for any American out there. I would not limit this now to just Americans. I also believe it would be situational and depending on the circumstances. My answer is still yes.
--------------------
What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant. --Robert Louis Stevenson
Realm: Beaches of North Carolina & Mountains of Kentucky
O'siyo, ~ Wow! What a 'heavy' question I have asked this question as well as been asked this very question, and without hesitation, I would say YES! If the situation ever arose, there must be a 'reason' for it, and I would be honoured to give my life so that another may live..life sure can be 'crazy' eh? ~~Sty-U
--------------------
I always knew one day I would travel this road;I just did not know that today would be the day....
'Each man is good in his sight. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows' --Sitting Bull
'Why do you take by force what you could obtain by love?' --Powhatan
'HeartAches mend, HeartBreaks are everlasting'-- my own quote, seeker
I sais yes. I think most of us would answer that question as yes especially if you have children or a very close loved one. There are a lot of Christains who would die for their God...I'm not at that point yet, but I do know that if I had to save Ryan's life I would gladly die. If I had children, there is no way my life would get in the way of them staying alive to become great people. I'm rambling. Obviously I've never been in the situation, but I like to think that if I had to I would be able to. Freekenny put it perfectly.
--------------------
There's a dear little plant that grows in our Isle Twas St . Patrick himself, sure, that set it; And the sun of his labour with pleasure did smile, And with dew from his eye often wet it. It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the Mireland, and they call it the dear little shamrock of Ireland.
Yes, though I can't say that for just anyone. I'd risk my life for anybody, but I'll only give my life for a few.
--------------------
Caw
"I am a Canadian by birth, but I am a Highlander by blood and feel under an obligation to do all I can for the sake of the Highlanders and their literature.... I have never yet spoken a word of English to any of my children. They can speak as much English as they like to others, but when they talk to me they have to talk in Gaelic."
-Alexander Maclean Sinclair of Goshen (protector of Gaelic Culture)
I'd risk my life for anybody, but I'll only give my life for a few.
This is an interesting and important distinction you made, oldraven and I can follow it. I answered this question with "YES" because I truely believe that if I ever came into the situation that giving my life would save another one or more this would be the path which was meant for me and I would see it as an honor to do so.
I know I echoed Freekenny's answer...because I feel and believe exactly the same way.
--------------------
"Now here's my secret", said the fox, "it is very simple. It is only with ones heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye."
("The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
"The soul would have no rainbow, if the eye had no tears." (Native American Proverb)
I cast a "null vote" in this poll due to the wording of the poll. Over the course of my career (I am a paramedic cross-trained in both fire service and law enforcement) I have RISKED my life for others several times, but obviously have not "sacrificed" it. My feeling is that self respect demands that I respect my own life as much as I do the lives of others and years of training and experience allow me to assess the risks of a situation, accept the risks of a situation, and take action when the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks.
Swanny
--------------------
"You can't run with the big dogs if you still pee like a puppy".
If you think you can hold me down I beg to differ If you think you can twist my words I'll sing forever
Tha gach uile dhuine air a bhreth saor agus co-ionnan ann an urram 's ann an còirichean. Tha iad air am breth le reusan is le cogais agus mar sin bu chòir dhaibh a bhith beò nam measg fhein ann an spiorad bràthaireil
If you think you can hold me down I beg to differ If you think you can twist my words I'll sing forever
I would give my life for another... my children come to mind first. I had no idea the love for a child could be so strong until my son was born. This willingness to do anything to protect him just bubbled to the surface, it was such an intense feeling too.
SB (a mama tiger at heart!)
This post has been edited by Siobhan Blues on 13-Jun-2005, 12:05 PM
--------------------
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king..."
I cast a "null vote" in this poll due to the wording of the poll. Over the course of my career (I am a paramedic cross-trained in both fire service and law enforcement) I have RISKED my life for others several times, but obviously have not "sacrificed" it. My feeling is that self respect demands that I respect my own life as much as I do the lives of others and years of training and experience allow me to assess the risks of a situation, accept the risks of a situation, and take action when the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks.
Dear Lord, lest I continue in my complacent ways, help me to remember that someone died for me today. And if there be war, help me to remember to ask and to answer "am I worth dying for?" - Eleanor Roosevelt
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. -- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
DETAILS: On December 16, 2003, at approximately 7 p.m., Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling was reported missing after responding to sensor activity along the Colorado River near Andrade, California. Agent Epling had apprehended two Chinese illegal immigrants and had rescued a Chinese illegal immigrant from drowning in the Colorado River. Agent Epling was attempting to apprehend other illegal immigrants along the river when he suddenly disappeared.
A massive rescue operation by Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue teams, as well as multiple local, state, Federal, tribal, and foreign agencies, was immediately initiated. This response and coordinated rescue effort continued for 3 days. On December 19, 2003, at approximately 7:15 p.m., with the aid of an underwater camera, Agent Epling's body was located 29 feet deep in the Colorado River. He was approximately 200 yards from where it was believed he initially disappeared. An investigation revealed that Agent Epling had died as a result of accidental drowning.
Agent Epling was 24 years old and was a graduate of the 537th session of the Border Patrol Academy. On January 28, 2004, James Paul Epling II was born.
--------------------
If you don't come back muddy and bloody, you didn't have a good time.