notes on the Terri circus

The flippant flopping that I’ve been witnessing has been astonishing. After working so hard to save the institution of marriage from the gays who would destroy it, Republicans now seem to be working to destroy it themselves. Listening to Tony Snow this morning, he asserted that Terri was not Michael’s wife because he’d taken up with another woman, with whom he had lived, had kids, found comfort, and if that’s not marriage then what is. Well, Tony, you just described the nice couple across the street from me, who happen to be women. The convenience with which the current Republican representatives and pundits change their definitions and arguments to suit their latest need is appalling.

Why are they doing this? While I believe that the majority of ‘civilians’ who want to ‘Save Terri’ truly to mean well and are compassionate individuals, I do not believe that is why those leading the charge are beating their drums. They are making an attack on the judicial branch of government—those activist judges. What right do they have to interpret the constitution and make a judgement? The judicial branch is the piece of government that does not have party ties, no constituency, no lobbyists (or not as much). Local and federal courts (look, I’m no specialist here…please correct me if I make mistakes) and judges interpret the law, and determine how it relates to the constitution. They can overrule measures voted on by the majority of the people. And yes, that’s a good thing. There are checks and balances built into the system everywhere. Save our judges.

It is sad that Terri’s life has come to this, but we have to believe that Michael has done what he can to save her. He is her husband, despite what the definition du jour is, and we have to believe that he is acting on what he believes are her wishes. I cannot imagine that this decision has not been hard on him. If he believes that he is doing the right thing, we are in no position to question him. Really, it’s that simple. He is the husband. Loss of life is tragic, but it’s inevitable, and my heart goes out to the entire family.