Cindy Sheehan vs Terry Schiavo being "used" by radical "groups"

[CatWoman]

would they be saying the same thing if she were a man?

There has been a great deal of talk from those opposed to Cindy Sheehan’s actions about how she’s being “exploited,” how she’s being “used,” how various groups and people with suspicious (and allegedly “anti-American”) motives are manipulating her to their own ends. I discussed that (to some extent) along with other issues earlier today. Among other things, and I truly ought to have remarked upon this before, such criticisms are remarkably condescending and insulting. Can’t Cindy Sheehan speak for herself? She obviously can, very eloquently in fact—and she has been doing so repeatedly in recent weeks. Doesn’t Mrs. Sheehan have a mind of her own? She obviously does, and an inspiring and independent one.

-snip-

This also underscores how the comparison between the Schiavo fiasco and the Sheehan controversy breaks down, in terms of how the protagonists in the two tales may have been manipulated by others. One of the most offensive aspects of the Schiavo affair was the extent to which those who used that tragic case for their own agendas presumed to speak for Terri Schiavo, entirely disregarding what her own decisions were in this matter—including which people she chose as those most entitled to speak for her when she could not speak for herself. As I pointed out in this piece, it was Terri Schiavo’s own wishes that the many courts that considered her case were attempting to determine as best they could—which is precisely why those decisions should have been followed.

One of the many tragedies in the Schiavo story was the fact that Terri Schiavo no longer could speak for herself. But Cindy Sheehan can, and does. Yet, it is as if her own words and her own thoughts count for nothing. Oh, she can’t possibly really mean it, her detractors cry. She doesn’t know her own mind! (Some incredibly patronizing men have gone so far as to say that she is literally insane.) Other people are taking advantage of her!

http://coldfury.com/reason/?p=866

[dogday]

1. Difference here is that more soldiers are going to

die and are dieing even as we speak.


One event was about the quality of life, the other is about the quality of death. They are certainly two separate things altogther...

[derby378]

2. Very interesting point you've got there

Cindy Sheehan could have asked any protestors who were embarassing her to leave Camp Casey. Terri Schiavo never had the chance to do likewise with the nutjobs who claimed to stand for her.

[Just Me]

3. It's really a serious pathology, this projection obsession,...

,...the right-wing demonstrates. The exploitation of Terri still makes me sick, it disgusted a vast majority of Americans. The right-wing's opportunism of an individual with NO ABILITY TO SPEAK FOR HERSELF was repugnant especially when there were so many people who were doing everything possible for Terri to receive what SHE wanted for herself and her life.

These hateful opportunists continue to draw attention to their dysfunctional pathology. They will soon find themselves the recipients of well-earned rebuke.

[Generic Other]

4. The Puppet-in-Chief doesn't seem to mind being used!

Sure. Tery has no brain and they swear she can "understand and respond to everything."

Cindy is articulate and eloquent and she's being "exploited and used."

:shrug:

[theplutsnw]

5. Your point is very good and has everything to do with

the Strict Father model Lakoff talks about. Those that are hardline Strict Father (both men and women) can not even begin to accept that a woman could have her own voice. I am hoping that their condescending attitude is turning off those that are not hardline Strict Father which I suspect is those that disapprove of Bush's handling of the war.

[mondo joe]

6. No comparison: Cindy is SENTIENT and can express HER OWN position.

Terri Schiavo was USED because she was not present to represent herself.

[DanCa]

7. TrueDat (nt)