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Phat,

Did you see Bush striding out on his helicopter on the morning he signed that bill. All the Pubs, GWB including, bought in to this "culture of life" majority and I'm certain they though that the overwhelming majority of Americans would support them.

As you know, it was just the opposite only worse.

What I'm saying in this post is that maybe GWB realized that neither he nor Jeb could act in any manner in this situation that would garner public support. Sure on this Board, everyone's one way. But, in the real world, that's not how people feel.
I'm giving GWB the benefit of the doubt. He's never run from a fight, and he's always come through. But, maybe this time, he realizes that he can't save Terri like a cowboy swaggering off a helicopter; maybe this time he realizes that Jackson and Lieberman can get him what he wants.
We'll see.

Never give up! Never give up! Never! Never! Never! Churchill

Yes, I think your analysis is reasonable.

I am not conviced that, given the time, and information, to engage in this debate, the majority would believe as the polls say that they do, and I have no doubt that part of Bush's thinking, harsh as it may seem, was that it will take more time than Terri has left to change the minds of the public. It's the sort of wrenching decision this president has had to make daily.

Much as I loath so much of Jesse Jackson's public life, I do wish he had involved himself sooner. How remarkable is it that Nat Hentoff, Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson, GW Bush and the Pope are on the same side here?

At any rate, I have never questioned Bush's good heart, and I do think he has been a warrior for life. I'm sure "laying off" was hard for him.

Still, I can't help but wonder what the long-term effects of this incident will be, and how they will reflect on all of us who failed to prevent this gruesome spectacle. I hope that the long-term result is a change in the laws that allowed this to happen - but I am not at all convinced that it will be.

BTW, you call it swaggering - in Texas, it's called "walking." ;-)

Did you see Bush striding out on his helicopter on the morning he signed that bill. All the Pubs, GWB including, bought in to this "culture of life" majority and I'm certain they though that the overwhelming majority of Americans would support them.

I doubt that

In 2003 when They stopped feeding Terri - Jeb got a bill passed and got her back on the feeding tube on the 6th day -

and he was crucified for it! By the same majority that's screaming 'let her die' - now.

They knew it would create 'bad press' -

But because Jeb did it before, Shiavo/Felos and Greer knew what steps would be taken and were ready to spring...and thanks to the d*mn hospital that was called by the state and alerted to get ready to take care of Terri, that they were on the way to get her from the HOSPICE (two different places!) - it was the HOSPITOL that snitched and called Greer. (Wouldn't doubt that was a deal they already had set up together. Greer/Felos would've known where they would have to take Terri for treatment. I'm sure they're all country club buds.)

And people have been blaming Jeb as the snitch - probably because they don't understand that there is difference between a hospital and a hospice. Terri is in the HOSPICE. She needs to be taken to a HOSPITOL.

knee-jerk judgement

Once and for all: JEB did not 'warn" the HOSPICE!.

maybe GWB realized that neither he nor Jeb could act in any manner in this situation that would garner public support. """

Certainly not if they refuse to publicly address the issue. By remaining silent, they forego the opportunity to turn public opinion in Terri's direction. They concede the "debate" to the mainstream media, which wants Terri dead. Both Bush brothers have been profiles in disgusting cowardice over the past seven days -- ever since the polls suggested that there might be political risk in saving Terri from the killers. PUT NOT YOUR TRUST IN PRINCES - EVEN IF THEY HAVE R AFTER THEIR NAME, OR BELONGED TO SKULL AND BONES!