FLA. LAWMAKERS MAY PASS TUBE-FEEDING LAW (LEGISLATURE MEETING TONIGHT, OCT. 20, TO PROPOSE BILL)

AP WIRE SERVICE ^ | OCT. 20, 2003 | AP WIRE

[varina davis]

Fla. Lawmakers May Pass Tube-Feeding Law

October 20, 2003 07:17 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida lawmakers were moving Monday to consider intervening in the case of a severely brain-damaged woman whose feeding tube was removed last week by her husband's order.

The Florida House scheduled a Monday night session to take up the issue. In the Senate, President Jim King said he will propose legislation that would give Gov. Jeb Bush the authority to order the feeding tube be reinserted to keep Terri Schiavo alive.

The tube was removed Wednesday following a decade-long court battle between Schiavo's parents and their son-in-law, who contends 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," said King, a Republican.

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

Bush told parents Bob and Mary Schindler last week that his staff would search for legal ways to save their daughter's life, but said Monday they haven't yet found a way.

"The legal ways, the remedies, don't exist," Bush said Monday, before the possible legislative moves became apparent.

Bush added, "I wish I could wave the magic wand and resolve this but every effort that we've had or every effort that has been proposed has either been thwarted by the courts or would be inappropriate."

Meanwhile, in a statement released through his lawyer, husband Michael Schiavo said Monday that he, too, is grieving, but "I did what I believe Terri would have wanted me to do."

[The Red Zone]

Please, don't spam her from the same address. One is sufficient. Spamming subtracts from credibility.

[shezza]

Lawzy, was she ever shrill. Her "NO" vote was prefaced with about two dozen "How long must we..." (fill in the blank with anything pro-Florida-judiciary, anti-life, anti-Terri's-supporters, pro-constitution - HA! on that one!) She was apparently irked at the short-notice and high-priority of the legislation. Oh, and she represents Palm Beach. 'Nuff said.

[The Red Zone]

God has already made the choice

Eh?

[pollywog]

I did not hear the broadcast. Was this woman against the bill? If so, I'll send her a "couple" emails.

Not only was she against the bill, she ranted and went on about all those EMAILS. I think I saw her throw down her papers when she sat down VERY ANGRILY!!!!.....definitely send her a email. Just remember to make a nice sweet subject so she will OPEN IT....then.....well say what you wish!*snicker*

[The Red Zone]

How long? Until she's outvoted that's how long.

[CindyDawg]

Ah, how about Calif? We are full. RV caravans with northern grandmas and grandpas already on the roll :')

[tutstar]

Legislature May Act To Save Terri Schiavo
As Senate President Jim King Steps In, Vigil For Schiavo Continues

POSTED: 6:44 p.m. EDT October 20, 2003
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.

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/post?id=1004714%2C2

[pollywog]

Was Schiavo or one of his henchmen in there to prevent any effort at moistening Terri's mouth?

I am not sure, but I would assume, since that is the ruling of the court right now. Where from here is a good question. I would say that the investigative part will begin anew. As well as getting her a DIFFERENT GUARDIAN!!!!! also if I was Judge Greer, I would begin to think of a different occupation!!!!!

[mickie]

Thank you....that was easy.

[The Red Zone]

Well guess what lady, you're not a queen! You're a rep!

She has to answer to her constituency. Someone should start some consciousness raising in her district (lots and lots of old folks -- PBC) about how some creep like Michael could scheme to leave their life in the lurch merely by claiming that they heard it by word of mouth. The Stupid State has got to do better than that.

[tutstar]

We have got to stay on JIm KING...the girl at the Jacks office was full of 'why there is nothing they can do' the woman at the Tallahassee office knew next to nothing.

I'm amazed at the article saying he would step in...


JIM KING Tallahassee 850-487-5229

call call call call call call call

[fatima]

JustPiper,Will do.

[supercat]

As well as getting her a DIFFERENT GUARDIAN!!!!!

Even a guardian ad litem (if we can make sure Judge Greer doesn't hand-pick a "yes man") would probably suffice.

[Old Student]

I'm a former resident of California. Even though my mom lives there, still, I will only go to visit, and that rarely. I hated it so that I enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War to get away from there. My house here in Oklahoma, 3 bedroom brick veneer, built in 1963, cost me less than 50K about 7 years ago. In most of California, that is a million dollar house. I made nearly 40K last year. In the Silicon Valley, they have people who make 50k a year, and are homeless. The real answer is for all the visitors to leave. Go back to Mexico, Iran, New York, Oklahoma, where ever. Give it back to the natives. (except that the Chumash are extinct, if I remember rightly.)

[Florida Mama]

Here is my email to Ms. Bucher.
~~~~~~~~~


I listened to the special meeting tonight, and let me tell you Ms. Bucher, I am disgusted to have you as a representative of Florida

How dare you complain about the amount of emails you have received regarding this case, How dare you complain that you have to be there in the evening discussing this. Terri Schiavo deserved more from you tonight, and honestly, I am sickened that you represent my state.

My daughter is connected to a G~Tube 21.5 hours a day, it could have been my child being discussed in that meeting tonight. It easily could have been her life you made the references of annoyance regarding. Do you have children Ms. Bucher? Can you imagine being the mother of a child who had no voice. Could you imagine sitting by her bed watching her die, while your very soul tells you that it is your duty to save her, but because a court has deemed your opinion invalid, you have to sit by and watch your child be starved to death in front of your eyes. If you are a mother Ms, Bucher, take a moment and seriously contemplate that thought. Would you still be annoyed?

You are right, this isnt the first time this has happend, but luckily, some of the respected representatives in this state heard our voices and did their DUTY as representatives of the peoples voice in this state, to help ensure it possibly being the last time it happens.

So, Ms Bucher, I hope your mail box is overflowing with disgust from the very people who put you in office. I hope your "precious time" is interupted, and the very thing that disgusted you the most becomes the one thing that you cant get away from. Your words in that meeting can never be erased, the people heard them, and will remember them. Everytime I hook up my childs feeding tube, I will remember how much this situation annoyed you.

My daughter and our family are ashamed to have you representing us and our great state. You should be ashamed.

Heather ******
Jacksonville Florida

[1 spark]

Thanks for the link. I clicked on it and got auto-replies from the senators. Some of them suggested calling a given phone number if in need of immediate assistance:

Here are those:
1)Debbie Shultz: "If you reside in Senate District 34, you will receive a response to your e-mail. However, due to the vast number of e-mail messages received daily, if you need immediate assistance, please contact my district office at (954) 704-2934."

2) James King: " Should you require more information or assistance, please do not hesitate to call or write to me. My staff and I will be very happy to assist you.

You may reach us at the following addresses and phone numbers:

DISTRICT OFFICE: Toll Free 1-888-861-9761; (904) 727-3600; Fax 904-727-3603
9485 Regency Square Boulevard, Suite 108, Jacksonville, FL 32225-8145

CAPITOL OFFICE: (850) 487-5030; Fax: 850-487-5844
Suite 409, The Capitol, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 "

3)Mike Fasano: "I receive many e-mails every day and I try to respond to each and every one. However, due to the overwhelming number, that is not always possible. If you do not receive a reply from me via e-mail, please feel free to write to me at 8217 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida 34653 or call me at 727-848-5885 or 1-800-948-5885."

4) Paula Dockery: District office:
101 West Main Street, Suite 110
Lakeland, Florida 33815
(863) 413-2900 telephone
(863) 413-2902 fax
1-866-248-6487 toll free

The others ask for more info (name, address, phone #, email) from the sender for further communication.

Why not give everyone and anyone a call NOW? Even if they're not there tonight, they'll feel the pressure first thing in the AM.

[The Red Zone]

Sounds like if this bill gets past the Senate, the governor will be able to pick that guardian ad litem. At least for the time of the moratorium.

[ChemistCat]

Thank God for you and others like you.

[Ethan_Allen]

Wow! That's not a letter she will forget any time soon. God bless you and yours.