Congress - hurting the hurt

Well, as has happened so often of late, I am appalled by the actions of Congress.

Tonight, at 12:42, Congress voted to interfer with Terri Schiavo case.

People in Congress normally rail against government interferrence. Unless of course, it involves political grandstanding and making points with the religious right.

Unless it involves your privacy, health, or who you love. But if it is for big business, then Congress needs to be hands-off! Doesn't anyone notice this dichotomy?

I am one who does not normally talk about my faith with others. But I have a deeply religious life, attend church regularly, and pray daily.

As a Christian, I continue to be amazed at how many people use their faith to push their point of view on others. I hope they never have to walk a mile (or spend a day) in the shoes of someone like Michael Schiavo, who had to make a difficult decision, one based on what he believes Terri wanted. This is not a decision he made lightly.

What is more, these Christians are using the fact that this is (for many Christians) the start of Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday (today) and Easter (next Sunday) to booster their cause. How sad.

Instead, I propose that all people of faith who are concerned about this case, to pray for (as it if frequently said) "best outcome." Pray for Terri, her husband, parents, her family and friends. But don't interfer. Don't let your faith rule other's lives.

There are two bible passages I wish to share:
from Ecclesiastes 7 - "A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart."

and from Luke 6:37 (much from Luke 6 is relevant)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Below is the email I sent to my representatives in Congress.

If any good can come out of the Terri Schiavo case, it is this: every adult should make a living will. One that tells their families exactly what measures should be done and when (if ever) to stop medical care. The email I sent has several links concerning living wills.



Dear Congressman ______

I am very concerned about the emergency session of congress concerning the Terri Schiavo case.

It is not proper for Congress to interfere with the laws of Florida and the rights of Terri Schiavo's husband Michael. Mr. Schiavo had to make a difficult decision based on what he believes his wife would wish. As her husband, it is his decision to make, not anyone else's.

In a perfect world, Terri Schiavo's injuries could be healed. Sadly, our medicine has not reached that point yet. All of the doctors who have actually physically examined Ms. Schiavo themselves (and not only watched a short video of her) report that she has no chance of recovery and that she is in a persistent vegetative state.

Many other cases similar to this one have come and gone. Each time the family has had to make this difficult decision, based on prayer and personal beliefs of what they feel is best for their family member. Yet the Schiavo case has received national prominence, based on, what I believe, is political opportunism by a few who are using this tragedy.

I know you will consider all aspects of the proposed legislation. Please respect the privacy and dignity of this family. I am a Christian. Yet I am concerned by all the people who claim that they are representing the Christian point of view and that they want the government to intervene.

I know that I do not want the government interfering with my family's decisions. Especially with decisions that are as difficult as the ones that Michael Schiavo has made. If you want to bring Congress into this issue, please use your influence to encourage people to make living wills in writing that specify what a person wants medically in case they can not talk for themselves.

There are two useful, non-commercial websites, which have information on living wills. They are the University of Michigan's Heath System and a good a set of links compiled about the topic by Scott Roberts .

Again, please respect the privacy and dignity of Michael and Terri Schiavo. Please tell Congress to leave this family alone at this difficult time.

Thank you.