Friday, March 18, 2005
Publicity at What Cost?
Republicans are using the full weight of the U.S. Congress to stop the court-ordered removal of a feeding tube from Terri Schiavo, a woman that doctors and judges have repeatedly declared to be in a "persistent vegetative state."
This follows legislative action in both the House and Senate.
I don't think the Republicans are particularly concerned about this issue. It's another opportunity to drive a wedge between the two parties on "moral" grounds. Consider these questions: Why aren't Republicans issuing subpoenas to every other incapacitated person in long term care? Why have Congressional Republicans waited this long to get involved in this case? Terri Schiavo has been incapacitated for nearly 15 years. Who will pay for the expense of taking this woman from her hospice in Florida to Capitol Hill, and all the equipment and personnel that requires?
Most importantly, this is further proof of Republican hypocrisy. For generations, Republicans have campaigned on the rights of the individual and limited government. As anyone can see, this clearly blows both of those planks right out of the platform.
Personally, I believe in the right to die. Terri Schiavo, according to her husband (and legal guardian) expressed a desire not to be artificially kept alive. Granted, cutting off food and water is a particularly harsh way to end a life, but these are decisions that should be made by individuals, their families, and their doctors. Congress (which seems to enjoy superficial issues lately) should have better things to do.
This follows legislative action in both the House and Senate.
I don't think the Republicans are particularly concerned about this issue. It's another opportunity to drive a wedge between the two parties on "moral" grounds. Consider these questions: Why aren't Republicans issuing subpoenas to every other incapacitated person in long term care? Why have Congressional Republicans waited this long to get involved in this case? Terri Schiavo has been incapacitated for nearly 15 years. Who will pay for the expense of taking this woman from her hospice in Florida to Capitol Hill, and all the equipment and personnel that requires?
Most importantly, this is further proof of Republican hypocrisy. For generations, Republicans have campaigned on the rights of the individual and limited government. As anyone can see, this clearly blows both of those planks right out of the platform.
Personally, I believe in the right to die. Terri Schiavo, according to her husband (and legal guardian) expressed a desire not to be artificially kept alive. Granted, cutting off food and water is a particularly harsh way to end a life, but these are decisions that should be made by individuals, their families, and their doctors. Congress (which seems to enjoy superficial issues lately) should have better things to do.
