The despicable grandstanding of Congress and the president in the Terri Schiavo case clearly, finally illustrates the great difference between moderates and liberals and the arch-conservatives who claim to speak for all Americans.

Moderates and liberals believe that, as long as they harm no one and are within the law, people should have the maximum freedom to live (and die) as they see fit. We’re pro-freedom. The archconservatives, however, believe they have the right (indeed, the holy mission) to dictate that others live according to their set of religious principles. Freedom terrifies these people; they will do everything they can to stamp it out.

Where was all this congressional concern when thousands upon thousands were being butchered in Rwanda or starving in Darfur, Sudan? Oh, I forgot, there were no cheap political points to be scored with those crises. What a disgrace.

— Tim Vandehey, Ventura