Actually, I saw it as quite the opposite, that is I saw it as the State of Florida using evidence that wouldn't meet the standards required in a criminal case, to prove the wishes of a human being. I saw them using popular opinion polls to bolster their case. And I saw them use the testimony of a priest, who didn't know Terry Schiavo, to determine if she was a practicing Catholic.
It's unfortunate that the whole debate became lost in the spin of either side because there were very troubling issues not discussed. The Democrats can talk about the government intruding but in fact they were defending the government's right to determine when they can intrude.
Problem was it wasn't a criminal case, but a civil one. Whatever the case, I didn't think the federal government should have a say in such a specific incidence.
But you are correct that a lot was lost in both sides' spin.