I just got this release from Feinstein's office:

"I offer my deepest condolences to all members of Terri Schiavo's family. The past 15 years have been very difficult for all of them. I wish them the very best and hope that they find peace.

The lesson that is to be drawn from this for the rest of us is the importance of talking about these issues with your family and drafting a living will that includes as much specificity as possible, along with a durable power of attorney and a clear medical directive.

This situation should not lead us to choose sides, but rather it highlights the importance of clear communication so that loved ones may understand the wishes of their family members should a similar situation arise. The absence of clarity can all too often lead to irreparable breaches within the family.

I also believe very strongly that the federal government should not be imposing its will in situations better left to individuals, families and the states."


Now let's see what our good friend Tom DeLay has to say on the subject:

"Mrs. Schiavo's death is a moral poverty and a legal tragedy. This loss happened because our legal system did not protect the people who need protection most, and that will change. The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior, but not today. Today we grieve, we pray, and we hope to God this fate never befalls another. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schindlers and with Terri Schiavo's friends in this time of deep sorrow." (emphasis added)

Yes, that's the Majority Leader in the House. These are the people in charge of our country right now.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.