This Schiavo post on MSNBC sums up my feelings.

[johnaries]

In the "Readers Reactions" to TS' passing on MSNBC I read this letter that says pretty much what I feel:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7346806/

Everyone is judgemental
Reading these posts I'm ashamed of some of the attitudes of judgment passed against Michael Schiavo. Lest we all forget, this would not have been a legal nightmare had her parents been able to let her go and rest in peace. More atrocious than their histrionics and abuse of the court system was the paltry and shameful attempts by the Republicans and President Bush to insert themselves in this private family matter. Equally shameful is the Religious Right's attempts to use this poor woman as the poster child of their increasingly extreme agenda. My prayers are with the family on both sides who are grieving a loss. But I also have prayers for people who sit in judgment of Michael Schiavo. None of us has the right to pass judgment! —Keith Stiles, Waynesville, N.C.

[BrainRants]

1. Bingo! (and Amen)

n/t

[Berserker]

8. Well Said

[Liberal Veteran]

2. That's the really sad thing about this.

By all rights, this is non-story and a private matter.

Only the exploition by the so-called "pro-lifers" and the pandering by the Bush's, Delay, and Frist made this case any different from the thousands of other private tragedies that go on every day in this country.

[chelsea0011]

3. MSNBC site says this issue has polarized the nation? WTF

Almost 80% say it should be a private matter. The only thing polarizing is MSM thinking this story with the tens of protesters is more worthy than thousands upon thousands dead in Iraq and a criminal administration in the WH.

[burythehatchet]

6. ita a talking point

CNN says "deeply divided the nation". Yeah, like 80% to 20%! These words imply evenly divided.

[napi21]

9. It looks like uniting the nation to me!

It's very sad that it took a story like Terri Schiavo to make 80% of the American people find common ground on something!

[beyurslf]

17. The poll I saw last night said something like 70% of the people

supported Michael Schiavo. Doesn't sound "polarizing" to me.

[CO Liberal]

4. Someone Should Contact Keith Stiles....

...and ask him to join DU. He sounds like our kind of people.

[jojo54]

5. Exactly

It is a normal human trait, to judge others and have opinions. But this has gone to the extreme.

[libnnc]

7. Wow! Great post! I went to high school with Keith Stiles by the way...

and his sister was one of my best-est friends in gradeschool. Nice family.

[johnaries]

13. If you know how to get in touch with him, let him know how much we

appreciate his letter, and maybe get him to check out DU. I agree with the previous post, he does sound like our kind of people.
:hi:

[kslib]

10. I agree!

But it extends both ways. Maybe it makes me a bad Democrat, but I feel for her parents. Yes, I believe strongly that they should have let her pass before now, but I also believe that they loved her. How sad for them and for Micheal that this was dragged into public view. How tragic that they were not even allowed to be with her in that most frightening moment of death to comfort her. No matter what my parents had done, I would want them with me. How terrible it is that Micheal and the Schindlers are not able to comfort one another because of bitterness on both sides which was probably made worse as a result of the publicity. Shame on everyone who presumes to pass judgement on either side in what should have been a most private situation. Shame on both sides for forgetting that Michael and Terri's parents and siblings are human and all will grieve. If any of you are parents, imagine how hard it would be for you to let go even though you believe strongly that someone shouldn't be allowed to exist in a vegetative state. Now think what it would be like if you didn't believe that way. We are Democrats; we are supposed to be the compassionate party. Don't let politics get in the way of your humanity.

edited for a bad apostophe

[joneschick]

11. has DU

ever issued an invitation to join? This guy sounds very thoughtful.

[dbonds]

12. Anyone see South Park last night? It was about this case.

I think they summed it up well.

[pacalo]

14. And let's not forget the big picture here...

Our Republican-led government has overstepped its bounds by interfering in a case that exhausted its legal course years ago.

The problem is not with people or churches that are politically active. It is with a party that has gone so far in adopting a sectarian agenda that it has become the political extension of a religious movement. At its best, religion can be a uniting influence, but in practice, nothing is more divisive. For politicians to advance the cause of one religious group is often to oppose the cause of another. -- John C. Danforth, a former United States senator from Missouri, resigned in January as United States ambassador to the United Nations. He is an Episcopal minister.

[Greylyn58]

15. Very well said and says exactly how I feel...n/t

[Warpy]

16. Yow! And from the buckle of the babble belt!

Kudos to Mr. Stiles. He said it beautifully.

[libnnc]

18. And if I remember correctly, Keith's dad is (or was?) a preacher in a

very small Baptist church out in the country. I haven't seen them in a very long time. It's really nice to know he's still in town. It ain't easy being anti-bush in Waynesville... he's an incredibly talented pianist too--we took lessons from the same teacher for a while.

I'll see if I can get in touch with him. I'm sure my mom sees him from time to time.

[Hobarticus]

19. Stiles '06!!!

Campaign slogan: more sense than half the country!!!

[libnnc]

20. He's a really smart cookie--way better student at Tuscola High

than I ever was! He oughta be in politics.

[Window]

21. Amen.

.