We’ve all been around Free Republic for a long time and we’ve seen instances where a single issue and a single politician becomes a “straw that breaks the camel’s back” in the mind of a poster or a group of posters. Many of these are disingenuous as you say, but I believe something else is involved when the issue is “pro life”.
In sum, I perceive many “pro life” political activists as truly single issue voters. It is a matter of life and death because it is a matter of life and death. And among these, many are religious and thus the life and death also has an eternal element making them utterly inflexible.
We ought to try to understand that while at the same time making it very clear that politics – particularly faith-based politics such as trying to return to the founder’s moral code – only makes progress in baby steps. We remember Ronald Reagan for sweeping changes – but the truth is that he accomplished most everything one step at a time.
Sure, I’m disappointed that Jeb Bush didn’t send in the national guard to yank Terri out of the hospice like Janet Reno did to yank Elian to be sent back to Cuba. But, OTOH, he didn’t stand idly by during this whole saga either. If he hadn’t acted a few years back, Terri would already be gone and without all the national awareness of the pro life v pro death debate.
Because of Jeb Bush, George W. Bush, the legislators, the judiciary and the media – and especially the activists – people who were on auto-pilot concerning the issues (or didn’t know, didn’t care) are now awake!
To the religious pro lifers I strongly assert that we must all remember that there is something more important than life or death, even eternal life or death – and that is God’s will. We must put His will above everything – including our support for/against particular politicians and parties.
Personally, I can see God’s will being accomplished in the way Terri’s story has played out on our national stage because it puts the onus on each of us, in the spirit where it truly counts. Everyone who has even heard of Terri’s plight – much less the ones who were involved on either side – will be faced with spiritual conviction for the rest of their lives: were we seeking God’s will or our own?
I can also see God’s will being accomplished by making it personal with the Supreme Court who did nothing for life and will this year be hearing the Oregon euthanasia law – the myriad baby boomers at risk of Alzheimer’s awash in a funding gap with Social Security and young workers anticipating the burden without relief (if the Democrats have their way) – the legislators in every state and at the Federal level having to face up to all sides - and so much more.
To the single issue pro-life voters, I ask all of you to “hang in there” – this is only the beginning, not the end of the work to be done. We are on God's clock, not our own. Terri’s sacrifice will help the pro life cause, but not if the single issue pro life activists withdraw from the political scene.
I agree with your statement. But we must do everything we can to save our sister Terri. She is now suffering and dying becuase of willful decisions by those deigned to uphold the law and protect life. God's Will be done, indeed.
Well said. For believers, I wish we could remember that our battle isn't with flesh and blood (Michael Shiavo and/or Jeb Bush). This is a spiritual battle. First we must concern ourselves with the soul of Terri. His arm is not too short to reach her for Himself. He may still intervene in her affairs in this life, but He may intend to heal her completely by bringing her into His presence. Secondly, we must pray against the powers that come to kill and destroy. Lastly, we must prayerfully contend for our nation, teaching them all that He has commanded.
Amen, and AMEN! THANK you, Alamo-Girl!