"most devastating set back in three decades" -- Sorry, just don't see that.
Reaction to this matter is far from settled.
You're right, it is what it is and it ain't a setback for the pro-life movement. Hardly.
If anything, it has heightened the public's awareness of the sanctity of life and the importance of protecting it at all costs. The fact that those few in power who have issued decisions (influencing this matter), which have run contrary to the pro-life position is not a fault of the position, but a reflection of the people who have decided the issue. All the more reason to get them out of positions of influence and power.
Protest non-votes? Protest against who? Those that have stood up for Terri in the Congress, or the President and/or the Governor? Why would anyone protest against them, where they have gone to the mat on this issue? And, if you think that they haven't gone to the mat on this issue, then there is no helping you - your dealing in fantasy then.
So who are you protesting against by not voting? The democrats? Really? With opponents like you, who needs supporters?
Again, I think you represent a microscopic minority of pro-lifers out there, who want to take their ball and go home.
Protest non-votes are sheer nonsense, antithetical to winning the battle for life. A complete waste of time and energy and, ultimately, inconsequential.
I shake my head constantly when I read diatribe like you right. Because, with all due respect, it is so, so far off base and so non-sensical, it really makes me shudder to think that you want to be in a position to influence the Republican Party.
If your pro-life, then there's only one place to be - the GOP. Staying home is fruitless.
If you'd stop shaking your head while you were reading, you might have noticed that I wasn't stating my own intentions, but offering analysis.
Sorry, but I agree with Peggy Noonan's take on this. Terri's death will damage the GOP more than most can even imagine. The party comes away looking weak and ineffective one a critical issue at a critical moment. No amount of reasoning you can do will convince me that this is anything but a devastating blow for the GOP and conservatism in America.
If I'm wrong, feel free to ping me in 2006.