The American Spectator

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Mr. Baker presents an interesting post-Terri Schiavo future. It could happen that way, or it may happen like this:

The American people, presented with the contradictory evidence presented to the court in this case, but discounted by Judge Greer, become disquieted by the single-minded drive of the judiciary to force an end to this woman’s life. There is a groundswell of popular support for judicial reform. The Congress, responding to popular sentiment, passes laws strictly limiting the circumstances under which a person may be allowed to die. The courts, having their own agenda, contest these laws. There is a popular push to confirm more conservative, less activist judges. The Congress, faced with judicial mutiny, institutes impeachment proceedings against the more recalcitrant jurists. Congress and the President move to restrict the funding of the federal judiciary. Many states follow suit in the state court systems.

The resultant furor serves to strengthen the Right to Life movement. Serious challenges arise against legalized abortion. The Euthanasia movement suffers severe setbacks as strict legal limits are placed upon suicide. Doctors, faced with legal repercussions for failure to provide life support, will return to helping people survive, rather than assisting in their deaths.

The medical profession, faced with the need to assist people with living, requires new technology. This results in the rise of more efficient medical treatments. More diseases are cured. More physical deficiencies become correctable. The universal quality of life improves. People, except medical history professors, forget what a Downs Syndrome child looks like.

p>A culture that reveres death or one that celebrates life? Which will it be? Only the future will tell. But the strength and quality of a culture is directly proportional to amount of compassion, kindness, and generosity exhibited by its members. br> — Michael Tobias br> Ft. Lauderdale, Florida /p> p> Bravo on your article! I have been trying to find the words to express my view on this issue — especially regarding federalism, and you have said it eloquently and succinctly. You are 100% correct! br> — Tim Birdnow /p>