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March 31, 2005
Meantime to First Response for President Bush
While it took five days for President Bush to respond to the killings in Wyoming, it took him less than half a day to issue his first remarks on Terri Schaivo's death. Of course, guns where used in Wyoming and it was considered a political liability to mention it. On the other hand, Terri Schaivo' sorrowful situation was (I think incorrectly) viewed as a political asset. Now, I admit there is a little "damned if you do and damned if you don't" in this but there also a pattern. In the Presidents defense, if there is one, today's remarks were added at the beginning of a long ramble on the report from the Independent Commission on Intelligence. I supposed he had to say something about Schaivo's death. Here is what he said:
Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schaivo. Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schaivo's families. I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time. I urge all those who honor Terri Schaivo to continue to work to build a culture of life, where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others. The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak. In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life.
Then he transitioned to the intelligence report with,
The most solemn duty of the American President is to protect the American people. . .
Was this intended to imply that the attempts to prevent Schaivo's wishes and legal rights from being carried out were somehow part of protecting the American people from "enemy threats"? I have no idea, but it is hard not to think this thought.
Again, we hear the code words "culture of life." I have never understood what a person in a permanent vegetative state has to do with abortion. And among the reasons that "millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schaivo" is that the President's brother, the President himself and a group consisting of anti-abortion activists and voyeurs made a painful private issue into a mayor public sideshow.
I plan no further posts that mention Terri Schaivo. To some extent, we have all joined with the voyeurs.
Posted by Duane Smith at March 31, 2005 10:07 AM | Read more on Current Events |
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