[syriacus]

The ACLU has no sympathy for the disabled unless they are strong enough to organize politically.

I think you are on to something!

Groups that "matter" somehow (or potentially have some "clout") are the groups that get ACLU representation.

Maybe some other people are not getting involved in Terri's case because they are afraid Terri's parents are going to "lose."

• Some (only some) folks won't risk standing up for a cause that might be lost, because they don't want to be associated with a losing cause. They want nothing but "wins" on their resumes. (They'll wait to jump on the anti-euthanasia bandwagon after it gains steam.)
• Then again some people may hesitate to get involved because they are afraid they will be too depressed if they expend a lot of energy and Terri loses.

[Theodore R.]

Right you are, so many just can't bear to invest their energies in a "losing proposition." That's why many conservatives will vote for liberal Republicans if they think such candidates can WIN, regardless of the principles sacrificed.