Schiavo case smoke screen for nuclear option on judicial nominees?

[Democrat 4 Ever]

Did the repug Congress insert itself into the Schiavo case as a means to color the debate for support to do away with the filibuster rule?

I realize that they grossly "misunderestimated" the backlash from both liberals and conservatives on their involvement in trying to "save" Terri but do you think initially they thought this could be a triggering issue against "liberal" courts (they HAD to know the legal history of this case) that would not replace the feeding tube - and quite frankly did not care whether the tube was replace or not and, if not, could use it to their advantage? They then could pick up and run with the talking points that judges are bad, very bad and we need to get rid of them and the only way to do this is to nix the filibuster and get "reasonable" and "sane" (read that as extreme rightwing, unconstitutional loving nutcases) into the courts? Packing the courts is vital to continuing their overall plan of removing all social programs, building the military for world dominance and ensuring that corporations and the rich keep getting richer.

I know they made some missteps but I, quite frankly, think there is a method to their madness and they are willing to use an unfortunate woman to advance any and all agendas possible. That is the only reason they stepped in for one woman (use her, live or die - mission accomplished) while ignoring the thousands of other Americans suffering through situations similar to Terri's. Shouldn't the Dems be raising this issue on every talk show, newspaper column and Internet blog?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. It is not a smokescreen

that is the reason they inserted themvelves. This was about the judges from word go. This is why the case suddently went from the distraction category to the constitutional matters category.

[x_y_no]

2. Yes

I'm sure this is why they deliberately left it up to the circuit court whether to reinsert the feeding tube while considering the case. They expected the courts to do exacly what they did - and they planned to use this to fire up support for their judicial nomination efforts.

[me b zola]

3. Agreed

And the fact that Judge Greer is/was a Southern Baptist Republican will mean little to them. Like everything else, facts & truth gets layed by the wayside as they herd their sheeple.

[DearAbby]

4. But the fact remains that most public opinion is against this situation

they only ones this would motivate are the extreme radical religious right...and really what are their percentages.

This is a private issue, they had purposely trampled on the constitution to legislate a law for one single citizen. And most Americans disagree with this action.

Their plan, if it was for this, backfired...it clearly shows the American people that checks and balances are sorely needed. The filibuster is essential for checks and balances now.

[me b zola]

6. "public opinion is against this situation"

This is true, and the public's opinion is overwhelming & strong. That fact, however, does not stop them, just look at SS. They continue beating the drum of 'the people must submitt to the gop's will', of course with very clever usage of the media.

Their plan, so far, has backfired into their faces. But we must not be complacent & comfortable with the fact that they have left a bad taste in the mouths of the American people. KKKarl & co will counter, and the DNC must be prepared to smash it back in their face.

[Nikki Stone 1]

5. The petition against Greer was horrible

I would hate to be a judge right now.

[me b zola]

7. Yes, along with the death threats against him

He was also thrown out of his church because of this debacle.