by Sam Bridges (VociferousSam)
Few events have gripped the nation in recent history as the life-and-death fight
surrounding Terri Schiavo. The 41-year old woman has unwittingly become the
lightning rod for expressions of both compassion and indifference...for
accusations of political opportunism, partisan chicanery, and judicial
activism...for the causes either leading to a culture of death or leading to a
culture of protection of the most innocent and vulnerable.
In my commentaries, I have been silent on the Terri Schiavo case primarily
because I feared this could set a dangerous precedent concerning government
intrusion into spousal rights and life-and-death issues. But as I have analyzed
the situation more completely and tried to evaluate it in the light of Gods
Word, my silence shames me.
Michael Schiavo has been attempting to assert his rights and responsibilities as
her husband to hasten her death by removing her feeding tube, which is the
outcome he claims she discussed with him long before her accident 15 years ago.
I find it interesting that he fervently has increasingly claimed these
husbandly rights and responsibilities when his actions and activities through
the years have been totally contrary to those very rights and responsibilities.
According to some reports, suspicious circumstances surround Terris initial
injury as well as her ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. He has chosen to
live in an adulterous relationship which has produced two children. Am I
suggesting that he should not have gotten on with his life? Of course not.
Few would have faulted him if he had quietly divorced her many years ago and
allowed her family to assume the responsibility for her care and therapy. Apart
from that, he should have made the more honorable choice by remaining fully
married and fully committed to Terri. And yet our society is expected to
believe that he is only acting in his wifes best interests. Furthermore, even
if he does have legal rights as her husband (and yes, even husbands of little
or no character still have those rights), they still do not usurp a spouses
right to life. Furthermore, I suspect that there would be virtually no issue
now if Michael Schiavo had acted in ways which were consistently honorable and
through which it had been clear that he had his wifes best interests at heart.
The aspect of this case I find most perplexing has received no coverage in any
media outlet or news analysis that I have seen or heard. So-called and
self-proclaimed womens advocates groups are unusually and eerily silent on
this issue. I visited the website for the National Organization For Women,
expecting to see coverage of the case or at least a statement of their
position. To my surprise, there wasnt one word about Terri Schiavo on the
entire site. Not one word. Similarly, I made the same assumption about the
Center for Women Policy Studies, but was shocked to find the exact same
coverage...none. Another attempt took me to the Feminist Majority Foundations
website. Nothing. When I was perusing the website for the People for the
American Way, I was hopeful when my search produced two results. I was hopeful,
that is, until I realized those two hits were nothing more than alarmist
references to articles and action alerts from the Center for Reclaiming America
and the American Center for Law and Justice, both on PFAW’s "Right Wing Watch"
page.
Based on the alleged purposes of these organizations to speak for women and to
champion the cause of women (with the possible exception of PFAW which is
ultra-liberal in all issues, not just womens issues), I am perplexed that they
wouldnt even breathe a word about the Schiavo case. If there were ever a woman
who needed a champion, I believe that woman would be Terri Schiavo. If there
were ever a woman who could be interpreted as being mistreated by a man and a
system which may not have her best interests at heart, that woman could be
Terri Schiavo.
What could possibly cause these organizations to miss a perfect chance to speak
out on womens issues, or at least seize an opportunity to attack Republicans
and conservatives? Could it be that they believe so strongly in the sanctity of
marriage between a man and a woman that they are silent on this issue? To say
the least, thats not likely considering their views on men and marriage. Could
it be that they do not believe Ms. Schiavo is in need of their assistance?
Again, thats unlikely when the case is viewed in the context of the
circumstances surrounding Ms. Schiavos initial injury and her long-term
condition. I believe a more likely reason...perhaps the only reason...that
these organizations cant bear to even whisper Terris name is that this case
contradicts their extremist views and agendas which are zealously attempting to
reduce our culture to one of self-righteousness and death at any cost and in the
guise of personal rights.
When there are so many questions about her choices, the circumstances
surrounding her injury and condition, and the intentions of those responsible
for her, we must err on the side of life and be silent no longer. Anything less
may well be culture-endorsed and state-sponsored murder of our most innocent and
most vulnerable. But, then again, our culture and state have become much more
comfortable with that position and business thanks to the abortion industry.
© Sam Bridges and VociferousSam.com
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sam Bridges is the founder and chief editor of VociferousSam.com, a website
dedicated to providing insightful commentary on today’s world and culture from
a God-centered worldview and Biblical perspective. He is happily married to a
beautiful Christian woman and is the father of five magnificent children. He
is a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and webmaster at his church.
In addition to the VociferousSam.com website, Sam is a regular columnist for
RenewAmerica.us and TheConservativeVoice.com. His commentaries have also been
published on BushCountry.org, and OpinionEditorials.com. For more information
and commentary, visit http://www.VociferousSam.com.
