Republican efforts to force-feed brain-damaged Terry Schiavo over the objection of her husband and legal guardian represent a new low in partisan politics. The party of states’ rights sees no limit to the role of government in a family matter, the bedroom, back seat of a car or voting booth. The GOP’s "grotesque" pandering to its so-called right-to-life base again raises the question: What the hell is wrong with the religious right?
Rep. Barney Frank told the Washington Post the legislative brinkmanship was “the manifestation of a constitutional crisis. . . . We have people in power today in both houses and in the White House who simply reject what has always been the fundamental precept of American government -- namely that it’s a limited government.”
Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer said in a statement:
The assault by ideologues and intolerant people who would impose government on these most personal decisions continues. We have seen it in Florida, where politicians have repeatedly intervened in the decision of Terry Schiavo’s husband. The courts in Florida have seen fit to render judgment, but that is not good enough for folks. They want to supersede the objection of the parties involved, and move this case to the Federal courts.
You may not be from Oregon or Florida, but make no mistake, the action being considered is a drumbeat to take away the authority of citizens to deal with these most personal of matters. These underhanded tactics leave families, local courts, and voters vulnerable to legislators in their zeal to tell others how to lead their lives.
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