Some Facts on the Schiavo Case

3-21-2005 | W.T. Stewart

[Callahan]

My point is that the method being used to end her life (i.e., removal ot the feeding tube) is not the issue. Are you saying that you would oppose this practice even if Terry had a living will and her entire family was in agreement?

[TotusTuus]

Above all else, Terri's unalienable right to life is being threatened.

My first post concerning this situation. Here goes...

It is this fact that has swayed me into realizing that the Federal government belongs in this case. It is a difficult case, and I'm not so sure that Michael is the monster that others are supposing, nor the rulings in Florida an explicit attempt for murder. Part of the problem involves continuing advances in the medical community with regards to both technological breakthroughs and understanding in how the body and brain work. It would be arrogant of me to comment on the complexities of the case since I don't know the full history of court rulings (or expert medical testimony) in Florida.

However, the Constitution recognizes for us all an unalienable, - i.e. not to be separated, given away, or taken away; inalienable - right to life. Furthermore, regardless of the exact status of her brain function and "awareness", it is clear that she is a living being not being kept alive artificially. Food and water are basic components needed to sustain all life and should not be regarded as medical treatment. The result of the judge's ruling in Florida means that Terri would die of starvation/dehydration imposed by the law granting her guardian's request without intervention. This is not a natural death occurring because life support systems are being turned off, which can be an acceptable decision for individuals or their legal guardians in similar situations. Furthermore, Terri's unalienable rights are above Michael's decisions as her guardian when those decisions contradict these rights. Even Terri, nor anyone else for that matter, does not have the Constitutional right to "suicide" in this manner! I hope this case will force State legislatures across the country to clarify in their respective legislation these matters for future scenarios and that the respective courts will adjudicate them properly when called to do so.

Anyway, I hope the Federal court sees it this way.

[Jeff Head]

It is sounding more and more like it will have to be on appeal. Perhaps that was the intent all along. I hope it happens quickly for her sake and for the sake of those who clearly love her.

Shiavo clearly does not, and he has proven it by his actions over and over again. From the very moment he supposedly found her uncoonscious and called the Dad before calling 911 and did not do CPR on her himself, to when he stopped all of her rehabilitative treatment after winning the civil suite, to his unfaithfulness to her as a husband.

IMHO, all of that adds up to him not being qualified to be her guardian and his insistance on her death by reffering (very belatedly I might add, as in several years later) to inoucuous verbal statements regrding her desires which happen to line up with his own interests demonstrates a clear conflict of interest on his part.

Anyhow, our continued prayers for this woman and her family. I pray the Lord sees fit, either through legislative means, judicial means, or citizen activism...or miraculous means if necessary, to preserve her life.

[frogjerk]

My point the method using to kill her is the issue. They are not "ending" her life as you say because the woman is not dying.

She is on no method of life support, they are starving her to death. I do not know what is so hard to understand about that fact.

[lugsoul]

Nope. There is no common law marriage in Florida. That is about as "factual" as the "Nobel Prize nomination."

[MamaLucci]

bttt