23 Mar 2005 - Terri Schiavo: A Victim of Due Process

Dear Editor,

The majority of our society sympathizes with those who suffer.  We pray
that we never experience the situation that Terri Schiavo suddenly found
herself in.  She has suddenly found herself the victim of "due process"
through legislation and the court system.

What a paradox to learn that our President cut his weekend short so he
could be on hand to sign a law that would give Terri Schiavo one more
chance at life.  Republicans suddenly have become champions of those
whose lives hang in the balance.  Perhaps this is what "Compassionate
Conservatism" consists of.  Sadly, I have never heard, nor seen a
example of "Compassionate Liberalism."

The 14th Amendment to the Constitution says, in part, that "...  No
State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges
or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State
deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
law; "

Over the years, the Progressive/Democrat Party fought for those in
distress:  the laborers and blue collar workers, the gender and ethnic
minorities.  On the other hand, the Republican party has been portrayed
as a party of smaller government, states rights and less personal
intrusion.  Suddenly, the most liberal members of Congress are AWOL and
choose not to be interviewed on the life or death issue of Terri
Schiavo.  The Republicans have once again demonstrated what lengths they
will go to try and preserve life.

Due process is fundamental to our form of government.  Due process
always involves a human decision.  Due process is also what will
ultimately spell death for Teri Schiavo.

Two thousand-years ago, Pontius Pilate held the fate of our Lord Jesus
Christ in his hands.  In 2005, the same ilk of politicians and judges
toss the decision back and forth, just like Pilate and Herod.

By the time this letter is printed, we will probably have celebrated the
holiest week in Christendom.  Regardless of its secular trappings,
Easter was designed to remind us that Christ gave His life for us.

I pray that we will think of God's greatest gift while we think of Terri
Schiavo, her innocent life and her due process and her tragic death.

Derick S. Hartshorn
Conover, NC