Lawmakers move to spare Schiavo

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | March 15, 2005 | Staff

[tessalu]

LIFE AND DEATH TUG OF WAR Lawmakers ready to save Schiavo Reach deal setting up vote in Florida Legislature

Key members of the Florida House and Senate reached a deal yesterday on a bill to prevent Terri Schiavo from being allowed to starve to death under a court order requested by her estranged husband.

For the second time in less than two years, the state lawmakers are prepared to intervene in the case of the brain-damaged woman, who requires a feeding tube to keep her alive

The proposed legislation would prevent caretakers of a person in a "persistent vegetative state" from withholding food and water in the absence of a written directive.

In 2003, "Terri's Law" enabled Gov. Jeb Bush to intervene the second time Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. The law later was ruled unconstitutional, however, by the Florida Supreme Court, which said it violated the legal separation between the three branches of government.

Michael Schiavo won a court order in 2000 to have his wife's feeding tube removed, claiming she was in a "persistent vegetative state" and had declared orally she wouldn't want to live in such a condition.

Parents Robert and Mary Schindler, however, insist their daughter, while severely handicapped, is responsive and demonstrates a strong will to live. They have filed a flurry of motions to prevent removal of the feeding tube, scheduled for Friday, after 1 p.m.

The Florida bill is expected to come up for a vote Friday.

Terri Schiavo is not hooked up to any machines, but she requires the small feeding tube for nourishment and hydration. She collapsed under disputed circumstances Feb. 25, 1990, suffering severe brain damage when her heart stopped momentarily. Michael Schiavo attributes the collapse to an eating disorder, but the Schindlers strongly suspect he tried to strangle her.

The Schindlers have pleaded with Michael Schiavo to divorce their daughter, pointing out he has been living with another woman for 10 years, with whom he has two children.

Lawmakers said legal counsel for Gov. Jeb Bush helped shaped the new legislation, and they expect the governor to sign it, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Mathew D. Staver, president and general counsel of Florida-based Liberty Counsel, a public-interest law firm, said he was pleased the legislature is acting with deliberate speed.

"Terri Schiavo is only a few days away from being starved and dehydrated," he said. "Death by dehydration and starvation is slow, painful, and inhumane. No parent should be forced to stand by helplessly and watch their child die of starvation."

The bill would allow a guardian, in the absence of a written directive, to deny food and water if there was "clear and convincing evidence" the incapacitated person declared his or her wishes orally.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. David Simmons, R-Orlando, emphasized "clear and convincing" is a tough standard.

He told the Sun-Sentinel a casual conversation "sitting around the dinner table, that's not going to rise to the level that will permit the denial of sustenance and hydration."

Michael Schiavo says Terri made her wishes known in casual conversations.

Sen. Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden, the bill's sponsor in the Senate, said the new legislation avoids the constitutional problems found in "Terri's Law" -- violation of separation of powers and that it was retroactive and narrowly applied to Schiavo.

But Michael Schiavo's attorney, well-known "right-to-die" lawyer George Felos, predicted the Supreme Court will strike down this law as well.

"This is purely a knee-jerk response to the growing political clout of the far right, and it's tragic, to say the least, that legislators don't have any concern about the constitutionality of the acts they pass," he told the Florida paper.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. Congress, two lawmakers from Florida are pressing for federal legislation that would save Terri Schiavo's life.

Sen. Mel Martinez and Rep. David Weldon say the Incapacitated Person's Legal Protection Act will give Schiavo, and others in similar situations, the same constitutional protection of due process as death-row inmates.

Current law leaves the rights of disabled persons at the mercy of courts instead of the Constitution, the lawmakers argue.

The new measure would not apply to cases in which an advance medical directive is in effect.

Weldon's bill, which has 110 colleagues signed on in support, will have a hearing tomorrow at the House Judiciary Committee.

Martinez is hoping for a Senate vote on similar legislation this week.

[tessalu]

Keep on praying, friends. God is merciful.

[Nike Hercules]

Something has gone terribly wrong. I am not sure how this could happen.

[Future Useless Eater]

THE TERRI SCHIAVO INFORMATION PAGE

[Future Useless Eater]

Terri's attending physician has not disappeared.

He is the current president of Florida Medical Directors Association www.fmda.org
Pictured left to right,
Morris Kutner, MD, CMD,
Past President, FMDA;

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush
...and:
Victor Gambone, MD, CMD, current President, FMDA

---

Apparently, Dr Gambone knew Terri better than ANY other doctor from 1998 thru most of 2003, and GREER threw out or ignored his testimony because Gambone did not report what Greer/Felos/Michael wanted to hear...

Gambone apparently is one of the two doctors certifying Terri was terminally ill, and had less than 6 months to live in april 2000. However, Gambone never signed the statement transcribed on his behalf for Terri's hospice certificate, making it illegal for her to be sent there.

Dr. Gambone reportedly worked for George Felos at that hospice before Felos resigned.

HERE IS WHAT UCANSEE2 posted on the NIGHTLINE thread (emphasis added by me)...

---

First I want to apologize, to other posters and to Dr. Gambone.

He is not thebad guy, the key, nor a paid crime doc.

Dr. Gambone stated Terri was aware, was not PVS. Gambone was her personal doctor.

Michael and FELOS got a document with an evaluation that Terri was PVS, with GAMBONE's name typed on it, but he never signed it.

The Judge stated he was ignoring Dr. Gambone's testimony and opinion's, even though he was Terri's personal doctor, and even though the Judge asked Dr. Gambone to do the evaluation.

The document is PHONY without a signature.

The JUDGE did pay attention to, and was MOST IMPRESSED with, and FOLLOWED THE EVALUATION of Dr. BabaDakis (spelling ???) [Bambakidis]

Dr. Gambone resigned as Terri's doctor shortly thereafter. He may be in the FLA swamps in an alligator's belly for all I know. No one seems to have heard from him.

---

TerrisFight.org mentioned Gambone in this clip...

MYTH: Many doctors have said that there is no hope for her. FACT: Dr. Victor Gambone testified that he visits Terri 3 times a year. His visits last for approximately 10 minutes. He also testified, after viewing the court videotapes at Terri’s recent trial, that he was surprised to see Terri’s level of awareness. This doctor is part of a team hand-picked by her husband, Michael Schiavo, shortly before he filed to have Terri’s feeding removed. Contrary to Schiavo’s team, 14 independent medical professionals (6 of them neurologists) have given either statements or testimony that Terri is NOT in a Persistent Vegetative State. Additionally, there has never been any medical dispute of Terri’s ability to swallow. Even with this compelling evidence, Terri’s husband, Michael Schiavo, has denied any form of therapy for her for over 10 years.
Dr. Melvin Greer, appointed by Schiavo, testified that a doctor need not examine a patient to know the appropriate medical treatment. He spent approximately 45 minutes with Terri. Dr. Peter Bambakidis, appointed by Judge Greer, spent approximately 30 minutes with Terri. Dr. Ronald Cranford, also appointed by Schiavo and who has publicly labeled himself “Dr. Death”, spent less than 45 minutes examining and interacting with Terri.

Dr. Melvin Greer [HMMM, ANY RELATION?]

---

During a 2002 medical evidentiary hearing, Dr. Victor Gambone testified that he certified Terri as terminally ill so that she could be placed in Hospice Woodside. When questioned under oath why, he said it was because Michael told him to do so.
journals.aol.com/justice1949/JUSTICEFORTERRISCHIAVO/entries/333

---

and here are 4 articles at TEJ mentioning Dr. Gambone...

Medicaid, Medicare Fraud Evident In Schiavo Hospice Certification

MICHAEL SCHIAVO’S ATTORNEY STATEMENT GIVES FURTHER CAUSE FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Schiavo Attorney Felos No Stranger To Medicare Fraud

SCHIAVO JUDGE LEGALLY BOUND TO GRANT DEATH ORDER STAY

[Future Useless Eater]

one more time, summarized more, and hopefully with better formatting...

---

Terri's attending physician

He is the current president of Florida Medical Directors Association www.fmda.org
Pictured left to right,
Morris Kutner, MD, CMD,
Past President, FMDA;

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush
...and:
Victor Gambone, MD, CMD, current President, FMDA

---

Apparently, Dr Gambone knew Terri better than ANY other doctor from 1998 thru 2002(?), and GREER ignored his testimony !!!

---

Dr. Gambone stated Terri was aware, was not PVS. Gambone was her personal doctor.

The Judge stated he was ignoring Dr. Gambone's testimony and opinion's, even though he was Terri's personal doctor, and even though the Judge asked Dr. Gambone to do the evaluation.

The JUDGE did pay attention to, and was MOST IMPRESSED with, and FOLLOWED THE EVALUATION of Dr. Bambakidis

Dr. Gambone resigned as Terri's doctor shortly thereafter.

[pc93]

Then why is his name on the admittance form for Terri to hospice certifying her as terminal?

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/16/State/_Who_there_would_take.shtml

Michael Schiavo invites Florida Governor to visit Terri in person.

Please ask the Governor to do that.

Gov. Jeb Bush
850-488-4441
850-487-0801 (fax)
jeb.bush@myflorida.com, fl_governor@myflorida.com, jeb@jeb.org, jeb@myflorida.com

Executive Office of Governor, Legal Team to Jeb (ask to speak to the following individuals):

Robert H. Fernandez (Deputy General Counsel to Governor) -> fernanr@eog.state.fl.us

Raquel A. Rodriguez (General Counsel to Governor) -> raquel.rodriguez@myflorida.com

Christa Calamas (Assistant General Counsel to Governor) -> calamac@eog.state.fl.us
850 / 488-3494 (voice)
850 / 488-9810 (fax)

+++

Please call those FL House Reps / Senators, US Congressmen and Senators:

Contact info, etc.:

http://tekgnosis.typepad.com

[Future Useless Eater]

>>Then why is his name on the admittance form for Terri to hospice certifying her as terminal?

I dunno. His contact info is listed online, just google for victor +gambone +verizon ...Does someone want to get the firsthand Scoop and report back?

A LINK to the actual certification is shown in the 1st of the 4 TEJ articles above. It says that Gambone's cert is a 'verbal certification', and it does not have his signature. And I believe he worked for Felos at that time.

Sounds like it may have been a reluctant certification on his part.

[pc93]

Must be why the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, Inc. is one of the biggest hospices in the world and is connected to the Florida Office of Elder Affairs and the Department of Health and the Veterans Administration. Is this why Terri is about to be murdered by these people?

[Scoop 1]

certification has to be in WRITING by two physicians.

[pc93]

See Jeb, Begging you to visit Terri pic and link at:

http://tekgnosis.typepad.com

[Dante3]

BUMP

[syriacus]

Michael Schiavo says Terri made her wishes known in casual conversations.

Hearsay from serial philanderers
should not
be acceptable in life and death matters involving their wives.

[Future Useless Eater]

And he invites Gov. Jeb Bush to have a look himself.

"If he had any care at all," Schiavo said, "he would take us up on the offer and visit Terri and examine the record. He hasn't. He could come and sit in that chair and talk."

Schiavo said Tuesday in a rare interview that he would gladly allow Bush to visit his wife, Terri Schiavo, at the Pinellas Park hospice where she lives to see her condition.

wow! I thought he NEVER let anyone visit Terri except for a tightly controlled list!
Terri must be heavily sedated for him to allow THAT.

I wonder if Jeb could take persons along whom Terri knows and responds to favorably (T.Brodersen and Fr.Pavone for example) and a swallowing therapy rehabilitation expert?

---

Electrical stimulation therapy restores swallowing ability. So why KILL her? Get her therapy Get her OFF 'the tube' Send her home with the Schindlers Let Michael marry his fiance.

[Future Useless Eater]

Father Frank ping

another Terri visit?

[floriduh voter]

THE QUESTION SHOULD BE: Why doesn't Michael invite George Greer to meet Terri. Judge Greer is the hanging judge. GREER REFUSES TO MEET TERRI. To put it on Jeb is disingenuous on Michael's part.

mr. unclear and unconvincing greer should be forced to meet Terri with other witnesses along. Terri should be wheeled into Greer's courtroom.

Michael pretty much has made an ADMISSION THAT TERRI IS BEING HELD AT HOSPICE UNABLE TO LEAVE by inviting Jeb to go there.

Held against her will -Michael keeps her there like she's an exhibit at Busch Gardens or the Fla Aquarium.

[pc93]

Please spread the word:

Terri is in danger and Michael is inviting Jeb to visit Terri and blasting him at the same time. Terri needs protective custody and the Governor needs to assign a special prosecutor. It's time that the Governor stand up to Michael Schiavo.

From another:

Re: Niteline

Michael teased us with almost tears on Nightline tonight? I mean... it was difficult not to roll on the floor laughing one's rear off, don't you agree??? Did you watch his eyes? Did you look at him???? He looks like a pale pasty plastered on the wall of conversation and he doesn't even know anymore that lots of people don't care what he has to say. He has become a joke.

From another:

Re: Good Morning America

I just watch a tape message from Terri's husband and now more then ever I believe he is just getting rid of his excess baggage. He says he loves her and will always love her. Then blasted the governor and made remarks against people who are fighting for Terri to live. He says he will receive no money after her death. He has bags under
his eyes and tears in his eyes ...

[Pepper777]

Looks like you all have uncovered more hornets in the nest.

What a hedious bunch of slime ball crooks.

The web of lies wraps all around Clearwater and back.

[floriduh voter]

REPUBLICAN PARTY TOSS GEORGE GREER OVERBOARD. HE'S NOT WORTH RUINING THE ENTIRE GOP PARTY!

NATIONAL GOP PARTY: 1-202-863-8614

FLORIDA GOP PARTY: 1-850-222-7920

PINELLAS COUNTY GOP HQ: 727-539-6009.

[ohioWfan]

Continued prayers for Terri, that the powers of darkness and the desire to murder her would not prevail, and that her life would be spared.

It is my prayer that this case would wake up the complacent in America to the horrors of the culture of death, and the direction we are heading.

I am also praying for the health and strength of the Schindlers as they engage in this battle for their precious daughter's life.