I have deep respect for those who stand up for what they believe in. I have deep respect for those who are willing to sacrifice their family's privacy to stand up for one of their own (even if I disagree with their position). What I cannot stand is the way those simple folks are used for profit and fame by those who wield a lot of power.
It was bad enough that the Schiavo case has shown up on "Entertainment Tonight." It's bad enough that everyone involved in the case has been hounded by a press corps that is more interested in selling advertising than facilitating actual debate or informing the public. They've turned this issue into a freak show and that destroys any hope for Terri Schiavo to have any dignity in life or death.
But it gets worse. Last night a friend sent me a link that caused a cold shiver to run down my spine. The direct marketing firm that raised money for the Schindlers is going to sell the names of people who gave to this cause to other organizations. I find this sickening. It's one thing for non-profits to share names but selling them should only be allowed if the donors give permission. I'm willing to bet that the people making these contributions felt that they were making a donation to a family--much like when you make a donation for someone in your neighborhood that needs an expensive operation. I'm willing to bet that they didn't expect their name to be attached to a political cause for years to come. I cannot believe that they are doing this to Terri Schiavo. Her soul must be hurting now.
"List of Schiavo Donors Will Be Sold by Direct-Marketing Firm" from The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/29/politics/29donate.html?ex=1269752400&en=f1312f1b5ae170ad&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland