This is something that I have been thinking about on and off all day. I have as of yet to post about the plight of Terry Schiavo. Like some, such as Instapundit, I really do not have strong feelings one way or another. That is not to say that I do not have the feelings, but I am caught betwixt and between over this issue. Something this personal and private is hard for me to get involved in, since I do not know the parties. And, the only position I will take at this time is that I think it is tragic that she has been removed from the feeding tube, so that she can, in reality, die of dehydration, which is what will probably occur prior to starving to death. Me, I have a Living Will and a DNR, both very carefully worded, to avoid ever being in this situation.
But, that is not what I really want to talk about. I want to talk about Jordan Golson. I will admit that, when there was that previous flap, which I shall not regurgitate, I was right there condemning him on a personal basis, both on his comments, a post on my blog, and through email. Right now, Jordan is being roasted by several websites on a personal basis for his thoughts (go here). Now, whether or not I agree with his assertion or not is not the issue. The issue is that he is being lambasted, particularly on a personal basis, for writing his beliefs. If people disagree with him, fine. But to lambaste him in such a personal manner for espousing what he sees his Conservative beliefs is not ok. For instance, HundredPercenter News, who I enjoy, has written
Cheese-N-Crackers Commits Blog Suicide: He has jumped to the other side. Get ready for a Kos link JG.
Now, HPN is obviously entitled to their opinion. What we have here is two competing Conservative values: the Right to Life and the Right to government staying the hell out of our private lives. In an edit clarification Jordan writes
Look, I’m not saying she should or shouldn’t be kept alive. It really
doesn’t affect me and I want to leave it to the families to decide.
Government involvement in personal business is WRONG.
We are not lemmings. We all have our opinions and beliefs. At my core, as a "Classical Liberal," I agree with Jordan. However, as part of those same core values, I believe that government should only get involved when necessary. This, to me, is one of those times. But, again, that is neither here nor there, since this is about Jordan Golson. I do not know how many blogs I peruse that have something similar to "attack ideas, not people" in their comments section. There are certainly times when we attack people. Sometimes they deserve it, sometimes not. I will admit I do it. I just do not feel or think that attacking Jordan personally for his core beliefs, which are not moonbat, is the correct or proper thing to do. Yes, this issue is a very personal and one that provokes strong feelings. Let’s cut him some slack, at least on a personal basis, though.
Me, I understand that this post may get me attacked and ripped. But, I just cannot in good conscience sit back and see someone attacked personally for legitimate, adult, core beliefs, whether I agree with them or not.
Not impressed? Understatement…
Hmmm… Thanks.
Teach,
I agree with you. I have strong feelings about the issue, but I understand that it is complicated, too. To me, there are two key issues percolating here: 1) the value and dignity of each individual; and 2) the runaway arrogance of the judiciary.
These are the conservative values that are driving me on this issue.
I completely understand, DC. I do not want to see her die like this. I also do not want to see Jordan Golson ripped personally for espousing a COnservative value. Shouldn’t be what we are about.