October 25, 2003

In a New York Times article that acknowledges the broad, heart-felt public support that led Florida legislators and Gov. Jeb Bush to spare Terri Schiavo's life on Tuesday, Mary Parker Lewis--Alan Keyes' Chief of Staff--attributes the outcome to the fact that citizens and their representatives believe the courts "wield too much power."

Said Lewis, "All these so-called culture wars reflect this incredible disconnect between an out-of-control, despotic, high-handed elite in the courts and the two other branches, which still seem to have some responsiveness and some accountability to the electorate."

Anti-abortion leader Randall Terry said emboldened conservatives intend to carry their success in the Schiavo case to other arenas, to force executive and legislative challenges to the courts, whom conservatives consider out of balance.

Mr. Terry said, "Finally, a governor and legislature had the courage to stand up to judicial despots because of an overwhelming call by the public."

Added the veteran pro-life activist, "It's a crack in the wall, and it shows that we can return to self-government, where it is three separate and equal branches of government."

The article examines the remarkable public outcry in support of Terri--outrage that crossed party lines and ideologies. Click here to see the entire article.