Legislature May Act To Save Terri Schiavo

News4Jax ^ | October 20, 2003 | The Associated Press

[yonif]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Senate President Jim King said Monday he would propose legislation that could save the life of a severely brain-damaged woman whose feeding tube was removed last week by her husband's order.

King, R-Jacksonville, said the measure would give Gov. Jeb Bush the authority to order that the feeding tube be reinserted to keep Terri Schiavo (pictured, left) alive.

The tube was removed Wednesday following a decade-long court battle between Schiavo's parents and their son-in-law, who said that he is carrying out her wishes not to be kept alive artificially.

"If we are to err -- because time is of the essence -- for goodness sake, let us err on the side of caution," King said.

King said lawmakers likely would take up the Schiavo issue this week during a scheduled special session regarding economic development issues, but he didn't know when.

Meanwhile, Schiavo supporters are praying outside the state Capitol, asking for intervention from state leaders.

Vigil leaders insist Gov. Jeb Bush has the legal means to step in and save Schiavo, but has refused to do so. They are planning to move their vigil to the front gates of the governor's mansion Monday evening.

Schiavo has been in what doctors call a vegetative state since her heart stopped in 1990 from a suspected potassium imbalance.

[Gelato]

Rep. Burmine (Sp?):

“This is a very emotional issue. I have to talk from my heart. We’re talking about the constitution. The constitution is supposed to protect the people of this state. Who’s protecting this girl? The Supreme Court refuses to hear this case. So, who’s going to save this girl? We have to.”

[Gelato]

Will there be a transcript online later? I could kick myself for not having my newer PC repaired by now.

Probably not.

[johnb838]

NO, they're not giving her IV water. It's starvation & DEHYDRATION. It's unbelievably cruel. And Terri is not a vegetable. It's like when they used to say it was ok to slap a newborn on the ass to start them breathing because they really couldn't feel pain anyway. Bullcrap! These doctors don't know any more about these things than we do. Less perhaps! And how about all these people who never believe doctors when it doesn't serve their purposes, now claiming that these doctors have some magical way of knowing that she can't feel. Or that smiling at her mother and her priest are "reflexes" that don't indicate conciousness. People say they wouldn't want to live like that but the will to live is strong. You'd be surprised how badly you might want to live in those circumstancees. Furthermore, Terri is pretty. She looks bad because her mama and daddy aren't allowed to take care of her. She gets no grooming or dental care. It is evil. It is from hell. And that judge and the husband are going to suffer eternally while Terri is safe in the arms of God with a NEW body that will never know corruption.

End of rant.

[EternalVigilance]

Rant all you want, brother.

[Gelato]

Rep. Wishner (Sp?:

“Now, the governor is not in the medical field. There have been many physicians who have reviewed this case. The reality of it is that, are we going to make a decision about each and every case?”

[TrueBeliever9]

Who is this guy who wants to kill Terri?

[EternalVigilance]

This guy is saying, "The Governor isn't a doctor."

What an illogical *ss.

[EternalVigilance]

Don't know.

"Forget about the constitutional side of it", he says.

[EternalVigilance]

Representative Kilmer up....a woman...


"I would challenge you.......protect the most vulnerable citizens of FL....no one is more vulnerable than Terri..."

[Gelato]

Rep. Bev Kilmer:

“Our responsibility to protect the health and safety to citizens. There is no person more vulnerable right now than (Terri). What would be the worst thing that would happen if we pass this bill? And what would be the worst thing that would happen if we did nothing?”

[Lovergirl]

Laws not based on emotion?? I don't like this black guy.
Going for the husband. What the hell is wrong with him? Or am I misunderstanding?

[Gelato]

Rep. Richardson:

“Members, I would remind each and every one of you when we were elected, when you raised your right hand and you swore to uphold the Constitution, now, if all of a sudden, you don’t want to obey the Constitution, let’s just through it away, because it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on. Our rule of law is based on that Constitution. Our laws are not based on emotion. Who's morality? Who's emotion? This is a story of government intrusion. We are not in a position to try this case." Rep. Richardson: “Members, I would remind each and every one of you when we were elected, when you raised your right hand and you swore to uphold the Constitution, now, if all of a sudden, you don’t want to obey the Constitution, let’s just through it away, because it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on. Our rule of law is based on that Constitution. Our laws are not based on emotion.”

"No second-guessing the judicary..."

[TrueBeliever9]

I think that man's whole stance was totally anti-Gov Bush and that is his agenda. To stand there and rant about "government intrusion at its worse" to save a life - all I could say was "LORD rebuke him." He doesn't know what Michael Schiavo has gone through - equally - he sure doesn't know what Terri Schiavo continues to go through! I wonder if that representative has a daughter?

[Gelato]

Rep. ?:

“This poor woman is dying. If this is government intrusion at it’s worst, then I’ll stand here and fight for that. Terri Shiavo has a right to continue. We have a right to look this through. This is not an issue we should take lightly. Taking away food and water is not a way to achieve closure.”

[PleaseNoMore]

Thank you for your transcribing. I have audio now. Thank you so very much for helping me until I could get to audio.

[Gelato]

Sure.

[pollywog]

Who was that representative - the woman - who was so upset about being there "in the dead of the night!" (8:30 PM) What a moron!

U BET!!!!!!

[Lovergirl]

I wasn't able to articulate. I'm overwhelmed. I'm hoping for the best for Terri(as we all are) it amazes me how many think no one should do anything. Saying it's unconstitutional.

[Lovergirl]

Anyone have an idea how it's gonna go?

[Lovergirl]

I hope this doesn't take long. Terri doesn't have much longer.