A STRONGLY WORDED COLUMN TODAY

In today's St. Petersburg Times, columnist Howard Troxler can be credited with one of the most strongly written diatribes yet on the Congressional vote over the weekend regarding the Terri Schiavo case.

As I have written previously, I don't have a strong opinion either way on this case. That said, the votes in Washington opens up a dangerous precedent on two fronts.

It overrides the state judicial process. The vote last evening was like the supporters were telling Floridians, "We don't like the way your state judge ruled, so we're going to let the Schindlers take this to Federal court where, we hope, a district judge more to our liking will 'toe the line' the way we want." It steps all over the due process of states.

Also, it usurps the traditional "next of kin" rule. With a married couple, the spouse is considered the "next of kin", and has the responsibility of making the types of decisions Michael Schiavo has made if the other partner does not have written instructions.

While some in the Religious Right criticize Michael Schiavo for moving on into a new relationship with two children, and while others look upon him as a total jerk (he has come across as such in most of his appearances), the law --- which is all that should count here --- doesn't disqualify the spouse for adultury or being a jerk from being the legal guardian.

Terri Schiavo's case today...whose will it be tomorrow?