DeLay says Schiavo mulling House run in '06!

by agitprops, Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 02:04:29 PM EST

http://www.agitprops.org/schiavo06.jpg

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said today that persistently vegetative Florida resident Terri Schiavo is considering a House run in 2006 on the GOP ticket, if the Republicans succeed in reinserting her feeding tube by Congressional fiat.

Despite her persistent vegetation, Schiavo has become a national celebrity in her role as the political football of religious fundamentalists and conservative Republicans. The GOP leadership hopes to leverage her name recognition and use her medical predicament to energize the party base.

DeLay said that her failure to respond to a Congressional subpoena last week, or to doctors and relatives for a number of years, would not disqualify her from serving.

“She’s every bit as lucid and competent as any other member of the caucus,” said DeLay, who was seconded by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill) after he smacked the House Speaker in the head.

“In fact, I think Mrs. Schiavo would be just perfect to chair the Ethics Committee,” DeLay said.

Schiavo became a cause celebre of the GOP leadership after a memo was circulated on the Hill last week outlining how her plight offered the Republican party “a great political issue.”

Fundraisers said that “the pro-life base will be excited” if the Republican Senate intervened to override her doctors and indefinitely prolong her suffering. Campaign strategists also calculated that keeping Schiavo trapped in a vegetative state might give the GOP an edge against Democratic Senator Bill Nelson of Florida in 2006.

Delay said that Schiavo represents the future of the Republican party.

“Florida is already a solidly Red State,” said DeLay, “but when the GOP is done, it will be a Persistent Vegetative State.”




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Wicked funny! (none / 0)

Agitprop is giving Lenny Bruce and George Carlin competition! Damn, that is hysterical!
by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 07:17:29 AM EST

Why not Mr. Schiavo running as a Dem? (none / 0)

After all, the Reps are exploiting him and his tragedy and pay-back is the ultimate response?  Go Michael!
by David Kowalski on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 12:15:08 PM EST

Been looking at how DeLay will make her a Texan (3.00 / 0)

Considering Schiavo's current mobility-challenged state, I've been wondering how DeLay is going to do the redistricting to move that Florida nursing home into a Texas Congressional District.
by afs on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 02:12:36 PM EST

The sad thing is... (none / 0)

I would not be that surprised if it came from a real paper.  Truthfully, would any of you?
http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/ McCain Sucks!
by yitbos96bb on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 02:56:32 PM EST

Feeding Tube Loaded With Tasty Wheat (3.00 / 0)

In a new development, half of the blogosphere
has reported today a new taste in their
delicious beef steaks and wine...

One was reported saying... "I know this is just
tasty wheat.. but  I don't care".

Feeding tube maintenance is being performed
by spectacle/warner news media, who
is solely responsible for its content.

turnerBroadcasting, to avoid a 'civil suit'
over his spectacle/warner trademarked blogger
name was reportedly disconnected and dumped
into a big pool of wierd smelling warm water..

on the trip down, tBS was quoted as saying..
" AAAAARGGGH!!!! >> splash <<  "

by turnerbroadcasting on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 02:57:05 PM EST

It's a Joke, right? (3.00 / 0)

That was hilarious.  But the really scary thing is, it took me a while to realize it was a fake article.  Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction ...

"She's every bit as lucid and competent as any other member of the caucus," said DeLay

Well, yeah, I agree that House Republicans are just as lucid as someone clinging on their life with a feeding tube.  

by Paul Hogarth on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 03:25:39 PM EST

Re: It's a Joke, right? (none / 0)

She's doing about as well as ole' Strom Thurmond was before he retired.

Besides, lack of higher brain function could be seen as an asset in appealing to the base.

by wayward on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 07:43:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

this is not funny (3.00 / 1)

The reason why I am deeply offended by Congress' intervention in the Schiavo case is because I can't believe how deeply they are involved in someone's personal family decisions. I don't think we would all be laughing and yucking it up if the R's in congress were holding some young teenager girl hostage in the courts while she fought with her parents about ending her pregnancy. I feel deeply concerned for the welfare of the Schiavo family. While I agree that Congress should not decide her fate and she is clearly being taken advantage of by the Republicans, we should have more respect for her than this.
by Levana on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 03:45:31 PM EST

Your outrage is mis-directed (none / 0)

The woman has been dead for fifteen years. Maybe you should express your opinion to Sen. Frist, DeLay and President Bush. They are the ones who turned a poor dead woman into a political carnival.
by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 03:50:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your outrage is mis-directed (none / 0)

Don't worry, I express my outrage against the Right-wing hate machine everyday. In fact it is my job. However, I also have too much respect for families who face heart-wrenching decisions like this to not point out when we need need to tone it down a bit. Are we too blinded by partisanship that we can't see when we have gone too far? It's a slippery slope.
by Levana on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:02:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your outrage is mis-directed (none / 0)

I've looked into my abysss and have no problem with what I see. I also respect families who face heart-wrenching decisions like this one. I don't respect Terry Schiavo's family. They are sick disgusting creatures who are letting themselves be used by sick disgusting creatures.

I'll worry about the slippery slope when Tom DeLay is in prison and Bush is back on his ranch getting plastered on boilermakers. I'll worry about the slippery slope if and when Bush and the Republican party reach the end of the line.

Until that happy day I'm fighting fire with fire. No apoligies. No excuses. No surrender. If you don't like it, mind your own business and I'll mind mine.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:02:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: this is not funny (none / 0)

"I don't think we would all be laughing and yucking it up if the R's in congress were holding some young teenager girl hostage in the courts while she fought with her parents about ending her pregnancy."

Not if, Levana. . .when.

by bellarose on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:42:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Insulting (3.00 / 1)

I am truly insulted by this post.  While I believe as much as many of us who posts on this site that Terry Schiavo should be taken off the feeding tube, I find the joking about it inappropriate.  If you want to take swings at Delay, great.  I'm thrilled and will join you.  But let's not bring Terry Shiavo into it.  We keep talking about keeping the political stuff out of it.  So let's be bigger and stop playing their game.  
by Hilary on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 03:46:03 PM EST

Are you insulted by President Bush? (none / 0)

You should let President Bush, Tom DeLay, Sen. Frist and the rest of the Congressional Necrophiliacs know how you feel.

Nobody here brought Terry Schiavo into "it". If her parents had any respect for their daughter's dignity they wouldn't be playing their disgusting political game with her body.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:00:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Are you insulted by President Bush? (none / 0)

I actually do tell them how I feel all the time.  Let's not get so caught up with slamming the right that we can't be sensitive to what her husband has been dealing with for 15 years.  
by Hilary on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:13:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Huh? (2.00 / 2)

Are you kidding me? Michael Schiavo has been put through hell for fifteen years, slanderered and accused of murder.

You think one stupid flier is insensitive? Get a grip dolly. Your faux indignation would do Condi proud, but I'm not buying what you're selling.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:04:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Huh? (none / 0)

Dolly.  Wow.  
by Hilary on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:09:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Dolly (none / 0)

Please don't use language like that man. You are a well known member of the community here, but that is exactly the sort of comment thta I believe reduces the particpation of women on politcal blogs.

Just so you know why I rated you like that.

by Chris Bowers on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:14:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dolly (none / 0)

I understand completely. I was intentionally offensive, because I was offended by the santimonious tone of someone who may or may not be a woman.

Here's a compassionate approach to this issue. I also disagree with Harkin. If Harkin wants to draft legislation, he should do so. He should not be using as an example a woman who has been dead for fifteen years. This case has absolutely nothing to do with disabilities. It has absolutely nothing to do with compassion.

I'm not buying into the necessity for "sensitivity" on our side until the GOPers start paying a price.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:35:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

OK, I was out of line (none / 0)

I've given it some thought and I apologize. I'm very suspicious of Democrats who are offended by something as simple as this flier. I'm very suspicious of liberals who think we should exercise restraint. I don't even trust the DLC, let alone the identity of anonymous bloggers.

I'll try to exercise more self restraint.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:46:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sorry to all I have offended... (none / 0)

but the point of the satire is the GOP's cynical exploitation of her suffering, not yucking it up over Schiavo's condition.

Phrases like "persistently vegetative Florida resident" are flippant, I agree -- and perhaps inappropriately so -- but the piece doesn't ridicule Terri Schiavo, but rather what the Republican Ghoul Squad is doing to her and her family.

Not the subhead:
"GOP smells opportunity in family's tragedy."

I'm sorry if you're offended by satirical references to Schiavo, but if that's all you see in this item, I'm afraid you're missing the point.

by agitprops on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:09:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Sorry to all I have offended... (none / 0)

no worries, i just can't help but point out when i think things are getting out of hand. But, I realize your intentions, and I think that humor can be a good way to get your point across when the time is right.
by Levana on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:08:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Satirists Occupational Hazard (none / 0)

I've got to admit I didn't care for it either. I think the picture is what flipped my switch. I found it distasteful to use a picture of the victim in this case in that way. But I've linked to other work you've done and understand that satire can often be uncomfortable to view.

Putting DeLay and Terri Schiavo together certainly made the point that DeLay is shamelessly using Terri Schiavo. I guess my objection with this particular piece is that I think Terri has been used enough already by people with a political agenda.

The Republicans certainly deserve to be hammered for this disgusting spectacle but I'd hope we can ream them for it without insensitively using Terri or the family any further.

So I think you missed the mark here. But so what. Keep up the good work.

by Curt Matlock on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:35:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Satirists Occupational Hazard (none / 0)

Lenny Bruce was very offensive. A lot of people think George Carlin is offensive.

For some reason a lot of people don't think Abu Ghraib was offensive. A lot of people don't think cutting Medicaid is offensive, which is what is paying the bills for Terry's medical care. I don't know how to navigate the shoals of sensitivity and political correctness when you are fighting scum like DeLay and Bush and Cheney.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:50:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Satirists Occupational Hazard (none / 0)

Well I sure don't know what to tell you there. About the best (platitude) I can offer is that we just need to make sure we fire at the right targets with the right weapons. We are always trying to produce a psychological effect (persuasion) and sometimes that takes a smack in the face and other times it takes something more subtle. Other times you've got to be more brutal.

In this case the maximum political advantage is probably to be found in exposing the hypocrisy of President Bush and the naked pandering of Tom DeLay and the rest of the Republicans in using Terri Schiavo for crass political purposes. To make that point we can't be seen as using her ourselves. So I think this particular bit of satire is not the best choice because many people are going to be disgusted by the image. But I think the fake article was on the right track.

I wouldn't say people are being politically correct in expressing disapproval of the picture or fake article. I think it just struck some of us as in poor taste. When I saw the picture I didn't think "Oh.. that violates rule 7 of the political correctness code which says never use satire on a vegetative patient". Instead I just had a visceral reaction that it wasn't right. I'm trying to put my finger on it but I'm having a hard time expressing it better than "it just wasn't right". So I worry about a backlash from using Terri Schiavo in a way that might provoke that same reaction in people we want to persuade.

Of course I think Agitprops heart, and yours, is in the right place but I just didn't care for this bit of satire.

by Curt Matlock on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 06:21:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Satirists Occupational Hazard (none / 0)

Excellent point about the picture, Curt.  I think you're exactly right.  I admit that it made a bit queasy before I posted it, and I knew I was pushing the limits of prudent taste.

In light of the thoughtful feedback this post has generated, I think I'll redo the piece without Schiavo's picture and repost it on my site by tomorrow morning.

I hope anyone who was offended by the original will check agitprops.org tomorrow and take a second look to see if you find the revision more effective.

Again, thanks to everybody who has offered feedback -- it has all be very useful.

(And thanks to Chris for boosting it up to the front page for a while today -- my hits on Agitprops skyrocketted!)

by agitprops on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 07:06:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It needs edge (none / 0)

Don't let folks BS you into backing off art.  An idea only works if it stays the way it comes out.

Don't let the 1 billion editors of the internet whittle you down.

This was your idea, and it provokes thought only if it rubs people the wrong way.

The GOP whores that same image around like it was on American Idol!  The next thing you know, the pricks will rig her up for marionette and have her singing.

Don't back down.  

The GOPers don't back down.

by jcjcjc on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 10:46:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It needs edge (none / 0)

At the risk of being labeled a liberal wimp, I've "reissued" the Schiavo '06 story with a picture of Delay instead of the one with her.  

That was the most viscerally offensive part, and the change doesn't reduce the overall effect.

I don't really consider it a compromise, per se, since I know most people who think it's just all in bad taste will still be unhappy with it.  

It's an edit, and I like the piece better this way.

http://www.agitprops.org/schiavo06.jpg

by agitprops on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 11:31:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Fair enough (none / 0)

But, Joe Scarborough wouldn't have let anything sit on his hard drive if he had a copy of Photoshop!
by jcjcjc on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 12:02:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Satirists Occupational Hazard (3.00 / 1)

I just saw it with the new photo. ...uh... It had more edge before (per jcjcjc). The writing in the article is definitely Onion worthy and if the article had been posted there I wouldn't have found it out of place. I think it was the context of the debate here on MyDD that sparked my reaction.  FWIW.
by Curt Matlock on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 11:41:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Why the House? (3.00 / 0)

Heck, Terri should run for president.  She couldn't do much worse than the guy we have now...

by KTinOhio on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 03:46:54 PM EST

Aren't there less sick ways to make a joke? (3.00 / 0)

This is pretty sick.  Trivialising Schiavo's predicament means we're no better than Delay and Frist et al.

Yes, laughter is great, laughter is healing, "they started it", and all that.  However, as an empathetic person, this made me sick in my stomach.

by Winger on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 03:55:38 PM EST

Re: Aren't there less sick ways to make a joke? (none / 0)

Get over it. We didn't turn a poor dead woman's body into a political football. We weren't the ones who actually passed legislation to guarantee her plight would be national headlines for at least a full news cycle.

They named the battlefield, they chose the weapons and they turned Terry Schiavo's body into a carnival and a mockery of respect for human life. I suggest you visit the freepers and express your outrage.


by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:06:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Aren't there less sick ways to make a joke? (none / 0)

I think you need to re-direct your outrage. We may not have started it, but we are still responsible for how we respond to their attacks. I think you need to take a step back and admit that this can be offensive to some people without questioning our loyalty.

Hmmm, I wonder why more women don't read blogs?

by Levana on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 04:21:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Aren't there less sick ways to make a joke? (none / 0)

Get over it. This flier is so far in the middle of the scale of insensitivity that it's hilarious. Do you think John Kerry was sensitive enough in how he responded to the swiftboat attack?

I'm not questioning anybody's loyalty. I'm saying grow up. The problem with giving other people advice on how to run their life, is that it opens a reciprocal door the other direction.

I don't need any sanctimonious ethical instruction from you or anybody else. You want to share your ethical admonishments with someone, write a letter to the editor.

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:09:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Aren't there less sick ways to make a joke? (none / 0)

Ouch. Usually, i really like what you have to say. In fact, I admire most of your insights. I didn't know we weren't allowed to disagree.
by Levana on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 05:28:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Aren't there less sick ways to make a joke? (3.00 / 1)

You are certainly allowed to disagree, and I am allowed to disagree right back. It was the suggestion that I re-direct my outrage that ticked me off. I don't need Dear Abbey advice from anyone and I don't give it, unless it is solicited. That's a pet peeve of mine.

I also do not believe for a second we should abandon harsh tactics. Remember how the RWCM kept insisting that the American people were fed up with personal attacks and negative campaigning? I'll believe it when I see it. Until there is some evidence of a genuine backlash against the GOPers, I am very volatile about suggestions that we need to be more civilized or restrained.

If the American people want slasher politics, then that is what we better give them. I don't approve of American bloodlust, but as a matter of pragmatic politics, we can't afford to back down from the GOPer attack machine.

I am tired of getting swiftboated. I am tired of getting Falwelled. I am tired of hearing that our lying sack of ** President has resolve. I don't know what it takes to break throught the information smog that is dominating the media. If shock and slasher tactics are the only thing that works, then shock and slasher tactics it will be.

I occasionally get abrasive. I think the Democratic party needs to get a whole lot more abrasive. We keep playing by Marquis de' Salisbury rules while they play by Marquis de' Sade rules. Unfortunately, the American people and the media think GOPers are strong leaders and Democrats are weak.

I'll take Mayor Newsome, Barney Frank and Barbara Boxer over anything the GOPers have to offer in the way of political courage, principles and personal character. I have no idea why the American people prefer DeLay, Frist and Cheney. Until somebody can explain that to me, I'm going to stand hard and fast for fighting fire with fire. No surrender. No quarter. No mercy.

Peace out,
JollyBuddah

by Gary Boatwright on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 08:32:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'll get over it (none / 0)

I will get over it.  No insult to you.  I'm simply expressing my feelings, that's all: I'm just remarking that it made me feel sick in my stomach, not passing any judgement on anybody (I hope).

Different people have different tastes.  While I love a good filet mignon, I know some vegans who feel sick in the stomach at the idea of killing and eating animals.

by Winger on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 06:29:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Want sick? Try Terri's blog (none / 0)

http://www.livejournal.com/users/terri_is_risen/
by jcjcjc on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 11:02:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Want sick? Try Terri's blog (none / 0)

Dear Lord!  I can't even bring myself to click this link.  The name of it alone is freaking me out.
by bellarose on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 12:20:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Want sick? Try Terri's blog (none / 0)

It insults her personally for being an anorexic.

Which, actually, reminds me that isn't the media shirking its social responsibility to point out her anorexia caused this?

by jcjcjc on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 12:56:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Want sick? Try Terri's blog (none / 0)

Damn good point.  I wonder if anyone has contacted the relevant affiliation groups/foundations and urged them to lobby the media.  They could field experts and make the point that discussing this would help prevent future tragedies.
by agitprops on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 01:16:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

For now (none / 0)

The media is playing the the "we don't pander" card.

Once the story dies down, and they have leftover reels to work with, they'll have a friggin episode of Dateline run some anorexia story that liaises the Schiavo story to the story of "millions of teens".

It's like all the after action stuff they ran after Scott Petersen non-case.

Now that they're really tiring out on Petersen, they'll do some family stuff for about a week after she dies.  Then there'll be some friends from HS.  

Then there will be a run of after action stuff.  Why you should have a living will.  Is there a soul and where is it.  Anorexia and girls risking brain damage to be thin.  

The news cycle can be quite disgusting to watch.

by jcjcjc on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 09:14:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]


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