The Politicization of Terri Shiavo

Both sides would say that the case of Terri Shiavo has been exploited for political purposes. Radical voices from each side give the impression that the other side is unenlightened, intellectually inferior, or evil. From the perspective of the majority of the public, I really believe that the answer to the polarization can be summed up in one word - TRUST.

If you believe Michael Shiavo has done everything possible for his wife, and in an act of love is carrying out her desires, then you support her death.

On the other side, if you do not trust Mr. Shiavo, probably because of his "getting on with his life" by establishing a new family, then you are adamant that Terri should be given over to the care of her parents.

Those who affirm that Terri should be allowed to die, trust those doctors who say that she is in no pain. The other group trusts those doctors who describe the very painful death because of dehydration and that there is a possibility that she is in great pain.

Trust is the core reason of our nations polarization. When you really listen to both sides of the debates, it boils down to each side believing the other side is full of lies. They believe that each side has an agenda, and "come hell or high water," they are going to do whatever it takes to get that agenda implemented.

I believe it is time to come to the middle and find common ground. Move away from the radicals of each group and move toward the center. I get a sense that the center right and left is moving toward the radical right and left. If this continues, some type of "culture war" will eventually happen.

What I find sad is that this is dividing Christians. It may be that each side really believes that the answers to our cultural woes can be addressed by the government. One group's issue is poverty and injustice and how the government is the most obvious solution to this problem. The other group rallies around abortion and the fear of homosexual marriage, which they believe will ultimately destroy the family.

The problems of our culture are not going to be solved by government. That is not a new revelation, but as Christians we need to understand this. Government is limited, God is not.

Yes, bioethics need to be studied and addressed. Living wills or power of attorney needs to be executed. However, after all is said and done, it still comes down to trust. Who do you trust?