Politics or Platforms
It seems to be an issue for some when a person afflicted with a disease, a war veteran or family speaks out for a cause in the name of a families members death or to advance a cause or generate political support.
I do not have a problem with this. It is people in the throes of passion or grief that institute change. Terry Schiavo became center stage. she was comatose secondary to cardiac arresting from anorexia nervosa. Her appearance was very sensitve to her. Those final pictures of her probably would have embarrassed her.
Yet her family chose to make a political statement by releasing pictures and taking a legal battle public.Agree or disagree they felt it was right. Famous people inflicted with disease often inspire others to get screeening or raise money for the disease. often making a "stink" with a huge ruckus is effective. think Martin Luther king or Womens rights, or MADD. They made political changes. It was just regular folks to be heard had to make quite a ruckus. Stem cell is huge right now because we need tthe governments blessing to go further. This probably will not be much of a political issue after this election because more than half of republicans and almost all dems support it.Sheehan or the woman in the tape took a platform for and against and they have that right. I think both sons would know and love their mothers passion.
Fox and CNN both use actual stories of soldiers families and triumps ,deaths, family sacrifice sometimes as human interests stories but often the people profiled have a poltical agenda.We learn from their stories and agenda.
I think it is those afflicted that will have the drive to change a political view,fund disease, air their side. I think both sides have a right to see Americans saying when a person does this ,it is not right. Well that is how change happens. someone not afflicted with a disease is not not going to devote their life to raising money or influencing political change. that is america and all politica lparties , individuals and people have a right to use their experiences to bring their agenda to the platform. True they can then be critisised but it is a right and many of you would not have the rights you have if not for pioneers like this.
The womens movement that gave women the right to vote were condemned more than sheehan. Money for mental health was a famous person writing a book for some healthcare dollars to be spent for severe depression.
Veterans are featured by left and right media all the time and their story. Yes to show an agenda but it helps to see how each side feels and to understand different experiences and views. Why are some on this forum so tense with this American right. Is it only when it is for your agenda it is okay or should anyone with a disease,political view be told they can never tell their story write a book or protest.
I am glad the people on this forum who think that the likes of Sheehan,fox,Schiavo,Tillman,Butterfield,hollaway,M ADD should not bring their experince to for promotion of change. All had a right to use whatever platform that can to make what they think are the right changes. They are open to critisism but some here have said thsi should not be allowed. Maybe they need to live in a country without freedom of speech. Or is it they only want people to express that freedom when it agrees with their position.
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