Posted on 03/28/2005 8:02:29 AM PST by FR_addict
Florida governor says he doesn't have power from Constitution to intervene
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the man said to be the last hope for Terri Schiavo, says he's powerless to help the brain-injured woman who has been without nourishment for more than nine full days.
"I cannot violate a court order," Bush told CNN following Easter church services. "I don't have powers from the United States Constitution or – for that matter from the Florida Constitution – that would allow me to intervene after a decision has been made."
To Terri's parents, Bush said, "I can't. I'd love to, but I can't."
Speaking to the media for the first time in three days, the governor added, "I'm sad that she's in the situation that she's in. I feel bad for her family. My heart goes out to the Schindlers and, for that matter, to [her husband] Michael," Bush said. "This has not been an easy thing for any, any member of the family. But most particularly for Terri Schiavo."
Meanwhile, protests have continued outside the hospice where Terri is being cared for. With security having been doubled, five people were taken into custody as pastors tried to bring Schiavo Easter communion.
A handful of people in wheelchairs got out of them and shouted, "We're not dead yet!" as they lay in the driveway.
Larry Klayman, founder of the legal watchdog group Judicial Watch, said Bush has the power to grant her clemency, just as he would in a death-row case.
"We're asking the governor for a stay of execution on Easter Sunday, a day of mercy,'' Klayman said. "For Jeb Bush not to act would be a dereliction of his duty to the people of the state of Florida.''
Terri has been the subject of worldwide attention since Florida Judge George Greer ordered her feeding tube removed March 18, and courts have upheld his decision not to have the tube reinserted.
An attorney for Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, painted a grim picture of the situation on CBS' "Face the Nation."
"Terri is declining rapidly," Schindler attorney David Gibbs said. "We believe at this point she has passed where physically she would be able to recover."
But Randall Terry, a pro-life activist speaking for Terri's parents, called Gibbs' description "absolutely untrue."
George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo says Terri's breathing has been regular, and her death does not appear imminent. He told reporters her remains would be cremated and buried in a family plot in Pennsylvania.
Another real conservative.
Kudos to you for defending the innocent!!!
I will not vote Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, or Communist. If a true Pro-Life party emerges I will consider it - but I will be very skeptical since the Republican party is supposed to be "Pro-Life". I don't want to support another political party that just "tickles my ears".
"Are you stupid.
If it was Jeb's daughter he would send in the troops."
No, but you are for your silly name calling.
We are a rule of law nation. If the Shindlers had good representation this would not be happening. To use Jeb as their scapegoat is wrong and lowers my opinion of them considering ALL that was legally done for them from George Bush, Congress and Jeb Bush. You should be ashamed of your remarks but your emotions are over ruling your thinking.
For starters he signed Terri's law about two years ago. That caused the second trial. Lawyers can't sign laws.
J.Bush is not a johnny come lately to this situation.
Tell you what, put a nice big steak in front of her and let her eat all she wants. Sheesh
"Is that not grounds for divorce in Florida?"
Yes if htat's what both parties want.
I think you ought to blame the Shindlers for not seeking it earlier. The Shindlers screwed up.
Com'n Jeb, don't be a G.W., a Gutless Wonder. I'm not attacking the President here, but back in the 1980's when I was in high school and college, the term "G.W." meant Gutless Wonder. Still, I like to see the President do more but the main shoulders this rests on is the governor of Florida.
Another bogus analogy alert!!!
Ronald Reagan actually BELIEVED in upholding the Constitution
I believe that he would have called out the troops also.
I agree on the dynasty thing but it is a moot point now. The Judiciary must be faced up to and Jeb has proven he is not the man to do it.
Dear 68 grunt,
"Another bogus analogy alert!!!"
Such a stunning argument, so filled with facts and their logical exposition.
sitetest
That may be so, and it doesn't matter who I blame. Their daughter shouldn't have to pay with her life. If I'm reading Florida law correctly, Michael Schiavo should have been picked up on an adultery charge, without any input from the Schindlers. The law is the law, as everybody seems to be saying. I say the law is whatever your local Mandarin decides to say it is.
Oh I'm sure you're absolutely right.... But, it probably doesn't matter unfortunately, she didn't...
Lies told by zealots, too late, too bizarre, too contrived and too emotional. The Schindlers would say or do anything to circumnavigate the law for their own selfishness.
Exactly. When this issue of doubt was not cleared by the judge who caused it, the Governor SHOULD step in to see that it IS corrected.
Unfortunately, he's chosen the "I caint do nothin' bout it, cause they told me I couldn't" route.
My cousin has cerebral palsy and is severly mentally retarded. If you put a big fat steak in front of him, he couldn't eat it either. Is your conclusion that he should be starved, on the basis that he needs someone to help him eat?
On one hand we have the criminal excesses of a totalitarian's war and on the other we have a finding of the rule of law. You don't like the finding, so what? Find your mountaintop.
Can he chew? Can he swallow? Bogus analogy.
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