Second, will the state now be empowered to veto the decisions that I make about the health of my children, or their education and point to this legislation as a precedent? Admittedly the state has intervened in a tough situation but there's an old saying "Tough cases make bad law."
I can appreciate your concerns. As to your first question, I can't answer for anyone else, but I think many would answer similarly. Absolutely Terri and her family will be upheld in my prayers, and by any means available to me, for as long as they choose to make their journey together known to us. I was a late arrival to Terri's plight when compared to many. I'm aware of some of Terri's advocates who have been at this for 3 years, most of it far from the public eye. I don't know of any reason why they would suddenly stop their efforts on Terri's behalf. And if they did? Terri and her family would still have the gift of this miracle, another chance at life for Terri. That can't be taken away from them.
I have little concern of this bill setting precedent for the types of things about which you speak. This bill was very deliberately crafted with an extremely narrow focus. It's nearly custom tailored around Terri Schiavo's situation.
This certainly isn't the first time a state law has been written, amended, or repealed, and it won't be the last. This event does speak strongly to not only the need for Living Wills, but the need to know what legislators represent what's most important to you and to lend those lawmakers material support.
Meanshile, if I left any false impression, perhaps I can state here that while my convictions have not changed on the sanctity of life, the only solution to the culture of death we live in is the gospel. Not Free Republic. Not politicians. Not republicans. Not conservatives. The only reason why Terri Schiavo is being rehydrated tonight is because of the operation of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of so many in authority in Florida. The only thing that will ultimately save the lives of babies is the influence of God on the minds of young women.