The essence of the Terri Schiavo case is simple, all ink and hot air to the contrary. We, as a society, the government and people of the United States of

America, have not managed, for whatever reasons, to permit a mother, deluded or not, to put water onto the lips of her dying child, brain dead or not.

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Everything else, every legal, moral, theological, constitutional, or philosophical argument, is a sideshow, diverting attention from the essential issue of this case.

We have woundedаour national character. Byаour actions, or inactions, we have placed ourselves one notch less, above the Nazis.

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We, as a people, have so shamed ourselves, that we cannot look Mary Schindler, Terri Schiavo's mother, in the eye, and give her one good reason why WE did not allow her to give water to her dying child.

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Howаwe came to this shameful point in our national existence is a question that demands examination, and rectification. Forаour sake.

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For Mary Schindler, and her severely impaired child, Terri Schiavo, it is too late. We did not find it in our collective hearts and souls, in our actions, to have mercy on them.

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May We, and G_d, forgive us.

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Martin Katz