Vegetable Distinction

I am sure you have heard of this story by now, but it is worth considering the case of the Belgian Rom Houben’s incredible recovery.  Actually, if you know the case, then you know that he has been aware of his surroundings all along.  For 23 years, he has been called a vegetable by the experts; yet, he has been aware of conversations about him, aware that his father passed away.  His body simply would not allow him to respond in any way.  Now, an expert has devised a way for him to respond.  For 23 years, the doctors were wrong about calling him a vegetable (PVS).  How many others were misdiagnosed?  Terri Schiavo?  Could we please decide from this point forward to call (and treat) humans, humans.  Call vegetables, vegetables.