It’s almost two years now since Terri’s case and my life were front page news around the world.
It seems like just yesterday that right-wing radio shows and internet "news" sites were challenging the President and Congress to illegally inject themselves into my most private and personal decisions.
Everyone remembers what happened: they did.
And but for the courage of a few judges we all would have been witnesses to perhaps the most political and outrageous abuse of power. And if you’re reading this you know the political fall-out from their self-righteous decisions.
I saw on CNN just the other day that when George Bush signed "Terri’s Law" it was the last day he enjoyed a positive public image. Not that "Terri’s Law" by itself made President Bush as widely unpopular as he is today. Katrina, Harriet Miers, repeated and dangerous incompetence in Iraq and scandals were all bricks in the wall.
But I think flying back from his Texas ranch to sign "Terri’s Law" in the middle of the night, calling Congress into emergency Sunday session and ignoring hundreds of years of legal and social standing was an important turning point.
I think Americans saw, for the first time in the light of day, a leadership co-opted by the far right-wing. And they saw how politicians bogged down by incompetence and inaction in New Orleans and Baghdad could do cart-wheels to cater to the "pro-life" crowd.
Based on the thousands of cards, emails and letters I’ve received from all over the world, it made most Americans ill.
That’s why, even though I never asked to be a public figure, I decided to step into the public arena by publishing a book and founding a political committee to remind voters how dangerous and out of control government can be.
Last election I logged more than 50,000 miles and spent tens of thousands of PAC dollars to be able to say this: more than 20 members of Congress who supported "Terri’s Law" are not coming back.
Our efforts were a small part of the tidal wave that swept so many right-wingers from office. At the same time we helped more than a dozen other candidates – ones who understand the rights of privacy and rule of law – win their elections.
I couldn’t be prouder of the role we played in 2006. It was important to me and to so many families that we did everything we could to be very clear about this type of zealous political over-reaching. One time was already too much.
As we’ve closed the book on 2006, the 2008 races are already springing to action with the most important contest in the land to be decided.
Which brings me here. What should we do now?
To me, it’s clear that we’ve sent the message we intended to send. Maybe it’s time to move on.
On the other hand, I see the right-wing and the politicians who listen to them have not heard this lesson. Instead they see Terri’s case and my actions as a reason to push harder.
It will surprise no one that right-wingers have turned Terri’s "family" into celebrities – rallying voters in New Hampshire and speaking at pro-life rallies and standing with right-wing Presidential candidates. And I am sure their use of Terri to raise money and rally voters will continue no matter how many elections they lose.
To counter their efforts, we can continue. We can remain in this fight and be a voice in the contest to select our next President and keep some sanity in Congress. But it is an effort that – like our successful 2006 efforts – I can not do alone. I’ve been told that just getting ready for 2008 we’ll need to raise about $50,000 this year alone.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be asking activists, bloggers and PAC donors what they think we should do – celebrate a hard-fought victory and leave the stage or keep fighting.
Since the KOS community has been so great to me and our efforts – speaking at YearlyKOS was one of the highlights of my political efforts – I wanted to get your take.
It’s a tough call, honestly. And this is not some contrived debate to raise money. (Although, if you feel generous – we do have bills to pay) I really do want your opinion.
Below is a quick poll. Please vote. Or to give more detailed input or suggestions, you can always email me at director@TerriPAC.com
Thanks again for all your support and help. It's been great.
PS – don’t be upset if I post this again in a day or two. I want to make sure as many people see it as possible.