More evidence that the US Republican party is selling its soul to keep their hands in the till
Once upon a time the Republican party believed in small government, personal responsibility and a hands off attitude to people’s lives. Now they are actually writing legislation to interfere the the private life of one specific person. I’m writing of Terri Schiavo who has been in a persistent vegetive state for 15 years. The clash has been between Terri’s husband and her parents.
There are rules and regulations as to who is a person’s next of kin and who has the right to make life and death decisions on their behalf. Clearly in this case the Republicans have trashed their avowed respect for the marriage relationship and decided there are more votes in championing Terri Schiavo’s parents. (Note:- issues involving under age children touch on a slightly different set of questions.)
One thing this case makes abundantly clear is that we should discuss these issues with our nearest and dearest. That those opinions should be put in writing so they could be presented in a court if some one wants to go against them. Plus we should contact our elected officials and tell them to stay out of our private lives.
Framing the agenda is one thing but using the full force of government power to force medical treatment on a grown adult against their will is not appropriate.
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