Flip-Flop

I have to believe that the true conservatives–the ones who believe in limited government intrusion into citizens’ private lives–are shaking their heads over the recent actions of Congress and the President regarding the Schiavo case. Every day, spouses make health care decisions for their incapacitated partners, many of whom do not leave clear instructions. It’s one of the fundamental rights connected with marriage. But this Administration apparently looked at their calendars and decided it was time to throw a bone to the religious right. In doing so, it has perhaps permanently undermined the GOP’s historical commitment to states’ rights and limited government. What we are witnessing is the transformation of the GOP into a party that rivals Democrats in their willingness to expand the reach of government. The only difference is that Democrats have typically seen government as a guarantor of some modicum of economic justice. Republicans see government as the guarantor of security and a “moral” society, with the morals being defined by a highly vocal and philosophically rigid segment of the party.
If any good comes of this mess, perhaps more people will be motivated to complete their own health care directives. I wonder if Bush has a health care directive.