The dialogue continues because the critic continues to raise interesting and worthwhile objections. And I thought I'd use this public space again to address them (his comments in italics): … [Read more...]
Still Speaking Up for Terri
I have nothing more directly to say to the critic. Every credible source that challenges his sweeping assertions is, according to him, a "quack" or a liar or showboating. But the hallowed judge in black robes can do no wrong. But I will continue to shine some light on testimonies like this one, from the general counsel for the Counsel on Bioethics O. Carter Snead, thanks to K-Lo at The Corner. Or the sworn affidavit of nurse Carla Iyer, who worked with Terri for 16 months and swore under oath that she was not at all in a vegetative state and that her husband's consistent demeanor and actions did not reflect those of a concerned caregiver. Questions to consider: Just maybe is this woman telling the truth? If this woman has … [Read more...]
Response to a Critic
I've had a brief e-mail conversation regarding the Terri Schiavo case with a fellow Colorado blogger - who happens to hail from a different part of the country and have a different worldview than I. That's fine. On one of his latest e-mails he invited me to share my public comment. To do so, I am reprinting his words in italics and my response in normal font. One note to share... the "other cases" he refers to can be found here and here. Judge for yourself if they are comparable to Terri's case - the problem hinges on my critic's suggestion that Terri's nourishment constitutes life support in the same way a ventilator keeps a terminally ill patient alive. I'm sure I won't be able to answer all his objections to his satisfaction, for … [Read more...]
Congress Gives Terri and Her Family Hope
A hearty congratulations must be made to the leadership of the United States Congress for hearkening to their constituents' pleas for life and justice: the House and Senate have both delayed their scheduled recesses to pass compromise legislation that will stop the starvation of Terri Schiavo and give her recourse to her constitutional rights. Congressman Bob Beauprez announced the development this during his brief speech at today's State Central Committee Meeting, evoking a grand expression of support from most of the audience members. Only moments before, Congressman Tom Tancredo spoke eloquently in defense of Terri, making some important points: At the least, the assertion that Terri is in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) is … [Read more...]
Blogfest Recap
I've just returned from the first-ever Blogfest, too frugal to bring my computer and pay the wireless fee - too forgetful to come up with my blogging password (it's preprogrammed into my laptop). What kind of future is there for a 28-year-old amnesiac? But I digress. First things first. The focus of Hugh's show was on Terri Schiavo. Are you frustrated as I am about this? I will continue to blog on the subject... trust me. But one way you can make your voice heard is at Citizen Link, hosted by Focus on the Family. Tell the Republican Florida state senators who turned their backs on evil to reverse their course of action. Tell the United States Congress to put aside procedural and partisan bickering and do something important: like … [Read more...]
The Madness of “King” George
Note to readers: This is satire. You can find the real story here. From "King" George's Fantastic Megalomaniacal Adventures: Chapter 15 ..."King" George did not take the news too well. He nearly tripped over his long black robes as he rose from his office chair and pounded his desk with his fist. "Where is my royal signet?" he shouted, the veins popping on his forehead. "Y-y-your what, your honor?" the young judicial aide replied nervously. "It's not 'your honor'! It's 'your Majesty'!" He stood erect, his shoulders thrown back and his nose elevated in pompous self-absorption. "Your Majesty... I'm sorry... I-I I must have lost the signet somewhere." "Never mind, then. Prepare a royal decree." "You mean a court … [Read more...]
Overturning Judicial Tyranny
Yesterday the US House unanimously passed The Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005 - also known as "Terri's Law II" - that will effectively save Terri Schiavo's life before tomorrow's deadline. Today the bill, S.539, comes before the US Senate for debate and passage. Please contact your Senators and urge them to vote for "Terri's Law II". We're proud of the way the House acted, responding to the overwhelming voices of its constituents, to move the bill through so quickly. It's exciting not only because it portends the hope of saving Terri's life and getting her the therapy and treatment she has been denied for so many years. It also has the potential to energize America's mainstream voters to see they don't have to … [Read more...]
A Different Perspective on Terri
This morning I read with care a column in the Dallas Morning News by radio talk show host Mark Davis: "Zeal for 'life' in Schiavo case blinds us to unknown." His basic point - without quoting from the column at length - is that we just don't know what Terri's wishes are, and since we don't know with certainty we should be careful about making any judgments in this case. He asks several questions as well, including: Is it right for us to "err on the side of life"? Could the motives of many fighting for her cause be tainted by a zealous political agenda? Regarding the last question, I find it dangerous to assess the motives of others, but I can honestly say that his description does not fit me. But truly that's beside the point. … [Read more...]
Union Priorities not Kids’ Priorities
Would you be shocked to learn a major teachers' union is more interested in punishing Wal-Mart than helping kids? The Evergreen Freedom Foundation (EFF) in Washington state originally broke this story last week in a revealing opinion piece. The Washington Education Association (WEA) to their credit has sponsored a Children's Fund to provide "$50,000 a year for such things as warm coats, new shoes and basic school supplies to thousands of students who otherwise would go without." But recently, WEA decided to stop reimbursing teachers for some of their expenses because they were buying goods from Wal-Mart. The EFF editorial highlights the fact that ALL Washington state teachers' dues fund the program - just like they ALL fund vast … [Read more...]
Campaign Finance Hypocrisy?
Mr. Clean Government himself, Republican Senator John McCain, is under investigation for taking big money from a corporation whose interests he was advocating. The point isn't to launch a "gotcha" at McCain but to take a closer look at the folly of his anti-free political speech so-called "reform". I've got an answer for McCain-Feingold: "Nix it, don't fix it!" … [Read more...]