My So-Called Culture of Life

Terri Schiavo died today, and President Bush offered his condolences after news of her death was made public.  Ms. Schiavo died after years of living in a persistent vegetative state, while her husband and parents battled each other over whether or not to keep her alive via artificial means.   "Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. ... I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected."

When asked to comment on the culture of life for the 1,500+ US soldiers who have died in Iraq, Bush blinked and stared blankly.

When asked to comment on the culture of life for the 100,000+ Iraqi civilians killed in the war, Bush pursed his lips and furrowed his brow.

When asked to comment on the culture of life for detainees in Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, Bush blinked and rolled his eyes.

When asked to comment on the culture of life in the Sudan, Bush fiddled with his earpiece.

When asked to comment on the culture of life for victims of domestic violence, gun violence, sexual violence and child abuse, Bush pursed his lips and said, “Uh…”

When asked to comment on the culture of life for senior citizens who can't afford health insurance or prescription drugs, Bush smirked and shrugged.

Finally, he spoke. “A culture of life is…just that. A culture. Of life. It’s a culture where life is valued and where culture is… lifed. And when you have a culture of life, you live. You live it. Life is important for Terri Schiavo. These other situations; there’s nothing you can do about them.  It's God's will.  It’s hard. It’s really hard.”