Comments, pls! an LTTE I'm considering sending to local papers

[johnaries]

The Tennessean never prints my letters... but the local South Cheatham County paper prints every letter: even mine! Please critique and give me any suggestions and any FLAMES (flames only make me stronger...)

As medical science advances, medical science increasing realizes what its limitations are. Such is irony.

The case of Terri Schiavo has awakened many strong passions across the country.

Whatever your personal opinions may be, the fact is that many people are in pain because of her condition. Some people have tried to demonize one side or the other: no matter what happens all of her family members; everyone who ever knew her or loved her, will still be in pain when it is all over.

Her case has become a “Media Circus”. This may be a good thing, in the sense that it may open a dialog over “end – of – life” issues that is long overdue. On the other, it may seem disrespectful not only for Terri, but for the people who love her, miss her, and grieve for her.

However, when I see someone who is already in trouble because they have broken the laws of ethics many times, and then try to “redeem” their image by taking advantage of some other family’s pain, it makes me extremely angry and I have to speak out.

If you are not already aware, Representative Tom DeLay (“The Hammer”) has several charges against him for unethical behavior that have yet to come before the Ethics Committee, because of delaying tactics and for other various “questionable” reasons .
In DeLay’s own word’s: “one thing God has brought to us is Terri Schiavo to elevate the visibility of what's going on in America … that attacks against the conservative moment, against me... The point is, the other side has figured out how to win and to defeat the conservative movement, and that is to go after people personally, charge them with frivolous charges..”
I’ve watched a mother, a step-mother, and a father die all deteriorate and die slowly from cancer, and I was there with my step-mother and my father during their last hours. But, even admitting that, I won’t claim to know what pain the Schiavo’s or the Schindler’s are going through. Everyone’s pain is different.

However, when a politician who is “in ethical trouble” who actually “pulled the plug” on his own parent and then hypocritically makes the declarations above…

Well, my only suggestion is to pray for Terri, pray for those who love her who miss her, and pray that the hypocrites that try to use their pain for selfish personal or political purposes will find Justice.

[Nite Owl]

1. Very nice letter

The change I would make though is to leave out calling DeLay "The Hammer". He likes that title and it leaves the impression of power and fear and if anything he should be brought down.

[johnaries]

6. Good point. Thanks! eom

[Robbien]

2. It is a great letter

suggestions

They don't like to print long letters. Usually only two to four paragraphs is what they prefer.

I would take out the second paragraph about the media circus and the one near the end about your family's encounters with similar situtions. Both are interesting but detract from your main point of Delay's nastiness.

[johnaries]

5. Thanks! They felt good while writing, but you're right

they do distract from the main point.

[senseandsensibility]

3. I think it's very dignified

and doesn't come across as angry or accusing, something I always have trouble with. Good job, and I hope they print it!

[A HERETIC I AM]

4. A little redundant in parts, but very good.....

hone it down some, but i agree with the other comments.