Life Thoughts

There are many facets to the circumstances, events, and situations surrounding Terri Schiavo and her family. I do not have all the data, I do not posses all the facts, but neither does the evening news, or the morning paper. So I will simply submit to you some of my observations. Perhaps they are simplistic, but I hope they will be thought provoking.

Culture of Death
This has been called the most public 'right to die' case ever. Is it really a 'right to die' case? Terri isn't fighting for the right to end her life – her husband is. Shouldn't we call this a 'right to kill' case? It does seem like there's a subculture in our nation that is more interested it protecting Death, Dying, and the Pursuit of Lifelessness than protecting Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Balance of Power
I wonder what type of government an observer would assume we had, if they only looked at this situation. Would they think we were something of a Judicial Monarchy? When one or two judges can and have repeatedly stopped the express wishes of both the legislative and executive branches, it is painfully obvious that our three branches of government are no longer equal. Today the Judicial branch is not simply a check and balance, but it is the check and balance. Who is able to challenge a ruling of the Judicial Branch? Apparently no one.

Rightful Jurisdiction
Some have opposed the involvement of Congress in this case. They claim it is not in the scope of congress' power. They say it is outside of their jurisdiction. As far as I can tell, it's the Federal constitution that protects Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. In this nation of Liberty, Terri's right to Life is as protected as Michael's Pursuit of Happiness. And it is protected at the Federal level. At least it was, and should be.

Fight for Life
After facing starvation for over 10 days, Terri is still alive. Maybe she doesn't want to die. Could that be it? But she is silent, because she is voiceless. As voiceless as every baby who's life has been ruled non-viable, expendable, and non-existent by a judge. The voiceless need someone to stand for them. Terri has not given up easily. Neither should we.

'Till Death Do Us Part
I really wouldn't want to live the way Micheal Schiavo is living. Maybe we should just be compassionate, lock him in a room someplace and let him starve to death. It's not that I believe that starvation is a dignified, respectful, and peaceful way to die. It's not that I think life isn't a great gift from God. It's not that I think life is something we posses, not something we are entrusted with. It's not that I think one human can or should decided whether another is worthy of life. It's not that I think I'm equal with God.

I don't, but Micheal does.

A Great Fall
What will be next? Legalized euthanasia? Post-birth abortions? Where does it stop when life doesn't matter? What may be unthinkable today may very well be common tomorrow. Because what was unthinkable yesterday is happening now.