Mike Russell of Eternal
Perspectives has some interesting views regarding the plight of
Terri Schiavo. They’re sort of an examination of conscience particular
to this context. Here are some highlights:
Due to my connection to the Blogdom of God and other similar groups, I have access to more conservative blogs than I care to read. There seems to be a high degree of correlation in the orthodox Christian sector of the blogosphere to political conservatism and support for the Republican party in particular. That’s not my bag. That’s not to say I’m hard-core Democrat, either. Call me a Casey Democrat if you must label me. I prefer to call myself "extreme center", or as my new quip says, "stuck in the middle with you" (i.e. most ordinary Americans).
Can any of my readers recommend some good moderate or liberal Christian blogs? I’m part of Unright Christians, but what I’ve encountered thus far seems to be liberal across the board. That’s just as undesirable to me as uniform conservatism. I’m looking for blogs that support traditional, orthodox (heck, call it conservative if you wish) Christianity and moderate or liberal politics (within reason). Think along the lines of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, or Dorothy Day.
“And those of us who read liberal blogs also know that this grandstanding by
the congress is a purely political move designed to appease the religious right
and that the legal maneuverings being employed would be anathema to any true small
government conservative.” – Hullabaloo
Since when does someone have to be a conservative Republican to look out for the
underdog? I’m getting really sick of the Left accusing the Right of grandstanding
and manipulating people by supporting pro-life causes. Heaven forbid they accept
the idea that SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY GIVE A RAT’S BEHIND ABOUT RESPECTING THE SANCTITY
OF LIFE FROM CONCEPTION TO NATURAL DEATH!. Are some Republicans using Terri’s
condition, the fight over abortion, and the stem cell debate to get votes? Probably.
Are they all? There are probably as many of them doing that as there are Democrats
spinning gay rights and environmental issues into votes. When are Americans going
to wake up and realize both sides are corrupt and self-serving?
Anyhow, I am not a conservative. Most of my good buddies are not conservatives.
Stop labeling us as such on account of life issues! While you’re at it, stop accusing
all Republicans of being evil soul-sucking wet blankets who only care about money
and power. Sometimes watching the news and reading blogs is like watching immature kids fighting at recess. “You’re a booger head!”, says the Lefty to the Righty. “You smell like poo!”, responds the Righty to the Lefty.
Then again, abusus non tollit usus. Sometimes criticism is deserved:
“By now most people who read liberal blogs are
aware that George W. Bush signed a law in Texas that expressly gave hospitals
the right to remove life support if the patient could not pay and there was no hope
of revival, regardless of the patient’s family’s wishes. It is called the Texas
Futile Care Law. Under this law, a baby was removed from life support against
his mother’s wishes in Texas just this week. A 68 year old man was given a temporary
reprieve by the Texas courts just yesterday. ”
After this Schiavo business calms down, Dubya ought to be taken to task for his hypocrisy. However, just because Bush was wrong to sign that law in Texas doesn’t make a cruel death for Terri Schiavo right, either.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Three lefts do. And three lefts make a right. Keep that in mind the next time you hear extremists from both sides calling each other names.
"M. SCHIAVO: I won’t give it up. Terri is my life. I’m going to carry out her wishes to the very end. This is what she wanted. It’s not about the Schindlers, it’s not about me, not about Congress, it’s about Terri."
….
"KING: Do you understand how [her parents] feel?"
"M. SCHIAVO: Yes, I do. But this is not about them, it’s about Terri. And I’ve also said that in court. We didn’t know what Terri wanted, but this is what we want…"
"The evidence provided by a standard of clear and convincing evidence is that it is Mrs. Schiavo’s wish that she not be allowed to continue in a persistent vegetative state" – Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla.
The only clear thing here is that Michael Schiavo is talking out boths sides of his mouth.
(HT: Nick Queen)
Voices for Animals is presenting a film about alleged deceptions about WMDs in Iraq and participating in an anti-war march. Did we blow up a lot of wildlife over there or is this just comical mission creep? This reminds me of some of the shenanigans at the anti-war rally and march just before the war in Iraq. A war protest is not the appropriate time and place to make a fuss about GLBT rights or abortion.