The Aha Moment

In every controversial issue, things start out somewhat normal — and then one little fact comes out and makes you suddenly suspicious. Then another, then another, until you start to realize that there’s much more to the story than anyone wants you to know.
In the Terri Schiavo case, I twigged when it was disclosed that she had an eating disorder; a syndrome that is generally accompanied by parental mental abuse and control issues.
Then yesterday, without comment, I heard on NPR the following phrase: “Schindler family spokesperson Randall Terry…” Bing bing bing! The bells started ringing in earnest. Randall Terry? The founder of “Operation Rescue,” an anti-abortion group that advocates murdering doctors? (Oh, he’s also one of those ultra right-wing fundamentalists who has a gay child that he hates.)
As in all of these “aha” situations, each new revelation about the Schindlers diminishes their position. And the fact that they have made such ridiculous claims despite all evidence — that their daughter is conscious, laughs at their jokes, and can eat; that Michael Schiavo is a monster — and now they have enlisted the services of a man who says things like:

“Our goal is a Christian nation. … We have a biblical duty, we are called by God to conquer this country. We don’t want equal time. We don’t want pluralism. … Theocracy means God rules. I’ve got a hot flash. God rules.”
“If a Christian voted for [former President Bill] Clinton, he sinned against God. It’s that simple.”

Yup, that’s the way to change the minds of the 70% of Americans who disagree with you.
Strangely, I think that I have more of a Christian belief than the “religious” zealots in this case. My view? Terri Schiavo is already dead. Her soul is gone. People are fighting over her body. Her parents don’t seem to understand or want to accept that their daughter is gone, and they are giving far too much of their own souls to protecting a body. Doesn’t Christianity teach us the difference between our soul, our selves; and our body?
This will be my last Schiavo post. I swear.