[dawn53]

I'm on the west coast of Florida, tuning toward WFLA 970 AM to listen to Rush. On my way (I was in the high 800's or low 900's), I came across the end of an interview on a religious channel with a woman (who sounded like Terri's lawyer) and the host.

The discussion was about Terri's law, and the obstacle in the Florida Senate, but also about a new judge agreeing to hear the case.

She said that the appeal was made by a "disability rights" group and actually carried more weight than appeals by parents. They were appealing on the basis of "cruelty in the death of a disabled person."

Then it was over.

I guess I could go back and find the radio station again and see if I could call the station. I didn't catch the call letters, and wondered if anybody else had heard this on another report.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

I wonder if this is what they could be referring to?


News: Press Releases

N.O.D. President Appeals to Florida Governor Bush to Intervene to Save Terri Schiavo's Life

Date: 10/16/2003

Disability advocates nationwide have been riveted and mobilized by the case of Terri Schindler Schiavo, a Florida woman who is at the center of a legal battle. Ms. Schiavo, 39, has severe disabilities as the result of a heart attack and collapse 13 years ago.

Her husband, Michael Schiavo, has argued for the removal of the feeding tubes that have kept her alive, contending that she is brain-dead and has no cognition nor chance for recovery. He says his wife told him she would not want to be kept alive in such a situation. Her parents, however, have steadfastly maintained and documented that their daughter responds to stimuli, is not brain dead, and could improve with rehabilitative therapy. They also say she would not have wanted to die before and that she does not now.

Their case is documented at www.terrisfight.org; this site also has information for people in Florida and elsewhere about how to help their effort to save their daughter's life.

N.O.D. President Alan Reich wrote to Governor Jeb Bush of Florida about this issue after a court ordered the removal of Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube on October 15. The matter is urgent as she is expected to survive for less than two weeks from that date unless her sustenance is restored.

---

October 16, 2003

Governor Jeb Bush
Executive Office of the Governor
The Capitol -- 400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001

Dear Governor Bush:

Thank you for your efforts to save Terri Schiavo, who due to a court order has had her feeding tube removed and will surely perish unless intervention succeeds.

As you know, this case has gained national attention, and it is a major one for those of us who support the rights of people with disabilities to be treated humanely. Serious questions have arisen regarding whether Ms. Schiavo is, as those who advocate ending her life assert, in a terminally vegetative state. Her documented responses to stimuli suggest that that is decidedly not the case.

So long as there is any question that Ms. Schiavo may be cognitive, or have potential for cognition, the removal of her feeding tube is nothing short of murder. The fact that she has been denied access to any rehabilitative care adds to the crimes that have been visited upon her.

Of course, I am also troubled by the fact that much of why she is being "allowed" to die is her husband’s claim that she would not have wanted to live. This is hearsay, with no documentation but his word, and accepting it as evidence endangers the rights of all persons with disabilities who are not able to communicate.

While these questions persist, there is no reason to rush or hasten her demise. Haste will do harm, while further testing, rehabilitative efforts, and careful consideration of the case can harm no one.

I commend your efforts to date and urge you to continue tirelessly to do the right thing and to find ways to save this woman’s life.

Sincerely,


Alan A. Reich
President

[pollywog]

I guess I could go back and find the radio station again and see if I could call the station. I didn't catch the call letters, and wondered if anybody else had heard this on another report

IF you could find that out dawn53, That would be SUPER. I have been trying for the last hour to find out more about it. Someone else posted about the sister Suzanne, being heard by a Circuit Judge Moore, ( a Reagan appointee) Trying to dig up all I can on that. Pollywog

[sweetliberty]

"appeal was made by a "disability rights" group and actually carried more weight than appeals by parents"

That is really a sorry state of affairs, but at this point I really don't care what or who helps Terri as long as somebody does! I certainly wouldn't want to have the conscience of those who have thus far refused.