Jeb.

He needs to explain the cold, hard facts of life to his brother.

But then again, he could have used a couple of strong-arm tactics himself, couldn't he? Sure, he might have ended up impeached, but better to be accused, tried and found guilty by a gaggle of piss-ant legislators than to fail your final exam before the Judgment Seat, eh?

What I fear is at stake is the rise of the Fourth Reich. The parallels between Germany 1933 and America 2005 are startling.

Our popular culture is every bit as decadent as that of the Weimar Republic . . . probably worse. The concept of "life unworthy of life" is firmly entrenched. We are watching that philosophical orthodoxy now be proactively ordered and enforced by the state.

Concurrent with this is a "propaganda campaign" against the severely disabled on a par with that run against the disabled by the Third Reich in the mid-1930s. The Nazi campaign ripened public opinion for the systematic murder of a whole class of Germans and set the stage for worse to come in 1941.

For example, I've heard the term "gorp" used in reference to Terri Schiavo more in the last week than I've heard it period in my 44 years. That accompanies "drooling idiot," "empty rind" and "vegetard."

Even more common are the various gravitas-soaked talking heads referring to those like Terri as being totally devoid of consciousness or any mental function associated with being "human."

The most frightening this is it all seems to be organic, as opposed to centrally orchestrated. Even tyrannical judges don't appear out of thin air. They have to be grown.

So, in all likelihood -- that is, barring a legitimate miracle or an extraordinary display of domestic political spine by a Bush brother -- we will this week become Holland With Nukes.

With Fourth Reich aspirations.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.
James Freeman | 03.23.05 - 3:54 am | #

At great cost, this might serve to be the thing which ensures the use of the nuclear option in the confirmation process. You never know what you have in a judge until the decisions are rendered, but I'm guessing the GOP will gird their loins for battle to get every Bush nominee through the obstructionistas on the other side of the aisle.
Mpav | Homepage | 03.23.05 - 7:06 am | #

I read some vitriolic letters to the editor on this very subject earlier today. One writer demanded to know why Terri Schiavo and why not the millions who are starving in third world countries. The writer totally missed that this case will end up setting a precedent in which in the absence of clear wishes, the default for a disabled person unable to speak for herself is death.
Jenne | 03.23.05 - 7:21 am | #

Dawn, the temptation for a politician is always to put off any politically risky action until after the next election. (And there is always a next election.) We can pray that someone in a position to act will hear Mordecai's words loud and clear.

James, I think you're right. It's Jeb's place to step in. An attorney friend of mine (John Eagleton -- Dawn, you sat next to him at the GOP luncheon in Tulsa) suggests that a prosecutor could charge her with a crime and take her into custody, at which point the state is responsible for her well-being. Where Jeb comes in is seeing to it that the state police carry out the warrant for her arrest. You can find a few more details of the idea here.

Jenne, the sad fact is that the laws of Florida were changed a few years ago (1999, I believe) to add food and water to the list of "life-extending treatments" that could be removed even without a written advance directive. The Florida legislature passed it, and Jeb Bush signed it into law.
Michael Bates | Homepage | 03.23.05 - 9:07 am | #

The simplest most assured way to get Terri Schiavo the immediate judicial relief that she needs is to get her charged with murder. Not only does this guarantee her an additional 20 years of appeals, there could be no death penalty on conviction because she would certainly be considered mentally retarded. Even if the jurors were to impose the death penalty, Justice Kennedy would send an immediate stay on his own authority (simultaneously faxed to the New York Times) to prevent her demise. Of course, we'd have to get her convicted of an especially brutal and heinous murder so that the editors of the Times would deem mercy imperative...
WF | 03.23.05 - 10:22 am | #

Well written.
Eutychus Fell | Homepage | 03.23.05 - 11:04 am | #

Is it appropriate to ask where are the descendents of Schindler's list? Surely they are there, surrounding the delousing compound in Pinellas Park, vying with the Bible-waving fanatics to bring water to the swollen tongue of Terri. Or is there a silence gene that precludes speaking out when black-robed judicial klansmen, demonstrating their solidarity, tell us we have nothing to say? What rough beast, on this high Holy weekend, slouches toward Pinellas to be born?
Daniel Helbling | 03.23.05 - 12:50 pm | #

Daniel, as a Jewish Christian, it pains me to see that American Jews traditionally identify with liberal causes--and that those liberal causes do not include protecting unborn life or the lives of the incapacitated. Just the same, it's one thing to say, "Such-and-such Jewish organizations have not supported Terri." It's entirely another to imply that the Jews as a people are reprehensible because you perceive a lack of support for Terri among them.

I don't appreciate seeing vague generalizations criticizing particular ethnic or religious groups--and yes, I am particularly sensitive about the one you made. I would ask that you and other commenters please be careful about not crossing the line. Conservative Christians get enough flak from liberals about being supposedly racist, anti-Semitic, etc.--I don't want my blog, even the comments section, to provide any fuel to such accusations.

Edited By Siteowner
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 03.23.05 - 1:29 pm | #

Just wondering where we are, all of us who didn't get a chance to act or speak out earlier in history, but have an opportunity now. Thanks for the link to Meira's blog.
Daniel Helbling | 03.23.05 - 1:30 pm | #

Is it appropriate to ask where are the descendents of Schindler's list?

here.

And here.

That's on this case specifically. You may find this interesting.
Mary | 03.23.05 - 9:12 pm | #

What is with Bushes and signing everything that comes near them?
Dave Munger | Homepage | 03.23.05 - 10:10 pm | #

Thank you for the links sharing about other pro-life sources, including those for Jewish people.

It is important to remember, and is a point that strikes more keenly in these Holy times on the calendar, the truth about our responsibilities as human beings, particularly for Christians and Jewish people of faith.

You raise an important point, though perhaps it was said in a manner which may have offended, I think I may understand that confusion.

Last year, I had come across some information on the Internet about political activities and thought that maybe there was a connection between a lot of bad things happening and the secular Jews.

I consistently saw that many of the Liberal causes, as well as the political leaders, who were championing such activities or legislation, were often fueled, in the majority, by those who were Jewish in name or background.

The more I prayed and studied about this though, the more I drew on God's peace and clarity.

As Christians, we owe the Jews a special debt of gratitude, as they are the people through whom our Lord Jesus came.

In addtion, our Godly patriarchs, and holy men of old, as well as the major prophets, all came through the Jewish line.

Though I do not think that makes them more faith-filled, this does show us the importance of respect for a people God choose.

Indeed, as born again Christians, God choose us as well to be grafted into David through Christ.

My point is, though we should respect people of all faiths and backgrounds, we should not exclude the Jew in that.

For every Jewish person who is sadly blinded by liberal causes, there are many others who are very good people seeking to help God-glorifying and conservative causes, for the family.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Michael Medved and Dennis Prager
are just three stellar examples, but I am sure there are more.

Dawn is right in her hurt at seeing what is being promoted at the hands of some liberal Jewish people, but we are to pray for them, not hold them up as a thing to have contempt for.

I am not sure you were expressing contempt, I just know that such feelings are not God's will for us towards any group or faith.

I think if you also read Dawn's Mom's insights about the Jews from a few months back, you will find very good information which may help your understanding.

Pam
the_inn_crowd | 03.24.05 - 8:57 am | #

I thought I'd add these few links for your further reading, and information.

They are Dennis Prager, Michael Meved and Dr. Laura respectively.

http://www.dennisprager.com
http://www.michaelmedved.com
http://www.drlaura.com/main

I am heartened every time I hear them.

Pray for salvation in Christ (Yeshua) for our Jewish friends.

And pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Pam
the_inn_crowd | 03.24.05 - 9:16 am | #

As for Terri Schiavo, how can we deny Christ's truth:

"Whatsoever you do to the least of these, that you do unto me".

Indeed what we do or don't do to or for that young woman, we do or don't do for Christ Himself.

No need to argue, nor with the Master.

Simple fact, friends.


Pam
the_inn_crowd | 03.24.05 - 9:19 am | #

I came to your site accidentially, but found it very good to read. Thanks.
will | Homepage | 03.27.05 - 5:13 pm | #