To Whom It May Concern:
It has come to my attention that you are currently conducting an on-line poll with regard to the Terri Schiavo case. I would like to urge you to remove it. Of course, courtesy of the First Amendment, you have the right to conduct any "poll" you choose. There are two things regarding this action that concern me.
The first... as you well know, this poll is unscientific and subject to manipulation. In such a passionate issue as this, it is understandable that proponents on both sides would hope the numbers would reflect their particular position. Some believe so passionately that they would find ways -- which are quite easy -- to skew the numbers to their particular bias. Thus, you have a race, as it were, to see who is the fastest "mouser". In this case, to the best of my recollection, when I voted there was no mention of this fact. Surely a disclaimer, at least, would be in order.
The second...is purely emotional. Human, if you will. I ask, how would you feel if you were the Schindlers? If the most important person in your life were suddenly nothing more than a poll question? Yes, people in the entertainment and political arenas are subjected to this, but it is a lifestyle they have chosen for themselves. These poor people, desperately trying to save their precious daughter's life, log on to your website could see that 60% or so of the population think their daughter should be denied food and hydration. Certainly, their emotional state must be fragile at this time. Imagine how they must feel....and in their distraught state (or simply from unfamiliarity with computer function) they see these numbers that have been skewed. What are they to think? I urge you to consider removing the unscientific, insensitive poll from your site.
Sincerely,
Kimberly