Eeek! A mouse!!

Bill Frist's smarmy self-righteousness re: Terri Schiavo the other day was enough for me, so I skipped the weekend theatrics. I do have two more things I want to say on this subject, and then, back to our regularly scheduled observations of *ian misanthropy.

First, repugs who are exulting in their victory may not be reaping quite the PR windfall they're hoping for. This goes as well for those democrats who were hoping to score some cheap points by going along. The right wing (i.e. those who endeavor mightily to control national behavior) is surely thrilled, but according to an ABC News poll,

Americans broadly and strongly disapprove of federal intervention in the Terri Schiavo case, with sizable majorities saying Congress is overstepping its bounds for political gain.

The public, by 63 percent-28 percent, supports the removal of Schiavo's feeding tube, and by a 25-point margin opposes a law mandating federal review of her case. Congress passed such legislation and President Bush signed it early today.

That legislative action is distinctly unpopular: Not only do 60 percent oppose it, more — 70 percent — call it inappropriate for Congress to get involved in this way. And by a lopsided 67 percent-19 percent, most think the elected officials trying to keep Schiavo alive are doing so more for political advantage than out of concern for her or for the principles involved.

Second, I'd like to point out a Will Pitt post, Terry Schiavo and the Big Distraction, from a few days ago in which he warns against overattention to the loudest, flashiest portion of the * agenda at the peril of the quieter and more important issues.

Let them flog poor Ms. Schiavo, for whom my heart honestly bleeds. No one deserves to be a pawn in this kind of despicable game. But if you get geared up for that fight and let the ship sail on the filibuster issue, a lot of very bad things will happen in rapid succession.

They are yelling, "Hey, look over here! Look here! Get outraged here! Get mobilized here! Nyah nyah nyah! Here!" for a reason.

Don't take the bait.

It's tough love, and I say, he's right. Eyes on the prize, everyone.