Burden of Proof: The Killing of Terri Schiavo

Washington Dispatch ^ | October 24, 2003 | Judie Brown

[stands2reason]

Think of the parents of disabled children....you know they're wondering, "What will happen to my child after I pass away?" Anyone other than a parent may find that person a "burden" and may legally starve the child to death....especially someone who doesn't have experience (or the patience) tending to a physical and/or mentally disabled person. It's hard enough for these parents without having to consider this....

[stands2reason]

Someone on another thread said (paraphrase):

"Imagine a patient dying of AIDS, the "life partner" wanting to keep him alive, and the parents wanting him dead. How do you think all these liberal groups would have responded?"

[stands2reason]

And wouldn't these be the same people that would argue for elevating animals to the status of near "personhood?"

You can't expect logic from pro-abortion vegans.

[stands2reason]

Do you believe it is reasonable to dehydrate/starve to death brain damaged persons who haven't specifically requested it?

[stands2reason]

I put question to you on post #244 that I would really appreciate you answering. If you do, you will be the first one to answer this question which I have posted to many different posters on this forum. None bothered to respond to me. I don't think it's an unfair question. If you think it is, I'd like to know that, too.

[Robert Drobot]

You are doing yeoman's work with the posting of this thread and Doctors defend life for Schiavo

Both articles go to the heart of how this most grievous abuse of judicial discretion in American history could take place with the complicit passive and active participation of the media and the Roman Catholic Church.

The evil sister of legislative and executive slovenliness in Florida has reared it ugly head in the form of that states' judiciary system.

It should be clear to anyone that the 'emergency session' was nothing more than a concocted sham by the 'system' in it's attempt to shield itself from deserved public condemnation.

Terri was to be saved by the passing of 'Terri's Bill'.

In reality the bill did nothing to disarm the courts and Michael Schiavo. It was a blatant media fabrication (LIE) perpetrated on the America, much the same as it purposely misrepresented Terri as being comatose for the past thirteen years.

The bill did nothing to correct the blank check judicial power in Florida over Citizens labeled a 'ward' of the court - power given over to the courts by the Florida Legislature.

There has never been a neutral advocate for Terri. This includes the individual now proposed by the court to act ad litem.

Further, it is unconscionable that the 'system' and the media refuse to acknowledge the obvious conflict in interest Michael Schiavo has in his court appointed role as Terri's 'guardian' - having fathered two children by another woman as Terri lies in her hospital bed.

As for the silence of the Roman Catholic Church, I would urge anyone with time to follow the money relative to how much the church is invested in convalescent homes where the disabled and aged are confined.

It would be interesting to learn how much money is passed on to the church from this vulnerable source.

It might also be of interest to learn if the same circle of medical and legal professionals are active in these 'homes' regarding their opinions relied upon by the courts about who's next on the 'right-to-die' assembly line shut off valve.

Seems like a very, very lucrative business -this dieing with dignity thing. Especially if an institution was seriously strapped for cash for some reason.

Could it be the Roman Catholic Church in America is conflicted about how it cares for its flock? Could this be the reason for its luke-warm pronouncements that failed to directly challenge Florida's murder of Terri Schindler-Schiavo?

God only knows.

[Pegita]

There will always be a pitched battle between the forces of good and evil, RD ... different subjects, same battle. "Be not weary in well doing .."

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, it will be worth it all, when we see Christ .. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase, so bravely run the race ... Till we see Christ.

[Lion in Winter]

Well, aren't you special? NOT!

[Robert Drobot]

It was wonderful to see members of the World Champion Marlins giving public praise to Jesus for their good fortune tonight!

I also know that God Almighty has heard our pleas for Terri's sake, and I am comforted knowing it is in all in His hands - that His will be done - not by the act of any mere mortal but rather according to His time and His way.

[cyn]

There is so much in this that hasn't made sense to me, incl. why the legislation did not allow for an immediate advocate for Terri. It's tough for them to understand all aspects of all issues brought before them, but if only, if only they had addressed the fact that Terri has not had representation, it would enable us -- and Terri -- to breathe easier now.

re: the role of the Catholic church in this -- you'll know how this works better than I, but there is an apalling lack of support for Terri & the family bc it was forbidden to get involved by the hierarchy. I am thankful that God does not desert us the way man can and does. May this experience draw each of us closer to God, for this is ultimately a spiritual battle. Thanks for the post, and best to you!

[Normally a Lurker]

Do you believe it is reasonable to dehydrate/starve to death brain damaged persons who haven't specifically requested it?

Your question tries to over-simplify an extremely complex issue.

The answer would depend on a setailed analysis of a wide range of associated circumstances involved in the specific case.

Let me reverse the question: Do you think it is reasonable to artificially sustain such a person for many years when it's possible or even probable this would be against their wishes. (To me, and for me, such a fate is much worse than death.)

In either case, I think that the legally designated decision maker can and should apply criteria to the set of circumstances that they would use if making such a decision about theirself - i.e., what their own decision would be about theirself if they were in such a situation.

[Normally a Lurker]

Well, aren't you special? NOT!

I never said that I thought I was.

OTOH though, I'm absolutely certain that YOU are just the mosy special thing that ever existed.

BTW, what subject are you debating - do you have any opinions on it - or do your opinions just extend to personalities?

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Thank you for sharing your story.

I wonder what gesture your nephew might give to FL Judges and Terri's so-called husband?
;)

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

I'm a Catholic, too, and I've been calling for Catholic FReepers to FReep their local Diocese.

A month ago, I spoke to a Sister Therese about my disgust with the stance, or lack thereof, that the Catholic Church in Florida has taken re: Terri Schiavo. According to this nun, she had not even heard of Terri's plight prior to my mentioning it.

After giving her a three minute overview, her reply was one which defended the FL Bishops, stating that "sometimes it is more merciful to allow a person to die." Lovely, huh? When I then moved her perspective over into the Capital Punishment and Roe vs, Wade arenas, she basically folded her hand by stating she was leaving our Churches decisions to the Bishops.

So, when the Devil wants to lead God's flock astray, he need only don the garments of our Church leaders...

Excuse me, while I go throw up, Sister.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

October 23, 2003

May God Bless and Keep Terri Schiavo
Tallahassee -- Following recent action by the Florida Legislature and Governor Jeb Bush to reinsert her feeding tube, we urge continued prayers for Terri Schiavo, and all in her family.

In the face of certain criticism and strongly expressed legal objection, the Governor and lawmakers have bravely risked erring on the side of protecting life. We applaud this courage and pray with them that clarity and resolution will follow in this tragic case.

In their August 27, 2003 statement, the Florida Bishops acknowledged the limitations on the court’s ability to consider new evidence, but said in matters of life and death exceptions should be made. They urged additional time to allow greater certainty as to Terri Schiavo’s true condition. The court’s order to withdraw her feeding tube, repeatedly upheld by the appellate court and refused for consideration by the Florida Supreme Court, is based on its finding of “clear and convincing evidence” that she would wish to have her feeding tube discontinued. The courts’ rulings reflect careful deliberation. Still, strong and genuine belief persists that new medical treatment will help her condition, and affidavits by physicians and others have created doubt that removal of her feeding tube is what she would want.

In their statements concerning Terri Schiavo, the Florida Bishops and Bishop Robert N. Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, have clarified the Church’s teaching about when it is permissible to withhold or withdraw nutrition and hydration. They have made clear that there should be a presumption in favor of providing medically assisted nutrition and hydration as long as it is of sufficient benefit to outweigh the burdens involved to the patient. They clarified also that there are times when one may refuse treatment, if it would result in a burdensome prolongation of life and that this may be properly seen as an expression of our hope in the life to come.

The Legislature will undoubtedly consider Florida’s Life-Prolonging Procedure Act during the 2004 session. The statutory definition of Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) does not square with clinical diagnoses of this condition. Clarity is needed here, but regardless of how this case is resolved, it must never be assumed that a PVS patient should automatically have nutrition and hydration removed. This should never be done without clearly knowing the patient’s wishes.

It is our ardent hope that while the judicial system further considers this extraordinary and extremely difficult case, that a true and convincing picture of Terri’s wishes and her condition will emerge. This case is even more tragic because the courts are to decide this matter instead of her family. A clear message to all of us is the responsibility to convey to our families and loved ones our wishes for treatment at the end of our lives.

May God bless and keep Terri Schiavo.

D. Michael McCarron
Executive Director

http://www.flacathconf.org/what'snew.htm

[Theodore R.]

I just show a short report on NBC TV news Sunday morning, with, I believe, Terri's "brother-in-law," (Scott Schiavo?) advocating her death and the father and brother trying to defend her. (The report was in progress when I started seeing it.)

Bob Schindler, Jr., brought up the possibility of "foul play," but the NBC correspondent, said, "Don't you have other things to worry about now?" The "foul play" possibility is not being accepted by "big media."

Terri is in as much danger now as she was prior to Oct. 15.

I now believe that she would be in better shape "legally" if Bush had acted with a regular executive order (as recommended by 12 legal scholars) and not a legislative act. It would have been harder and longer to challenge an executive order than it will be for the liberals to get this "Terri's law" struck down. I hope I'm wrong.

[Theodore R.]

an extremely complex issue

Liberals have long called issues "complex" when most moral concerns are simple -- right or wrong. Even people without a firm biblical foundation can generally through conscience know what is "right" or "wrong." The Terri case is just too simple for many to understand. She has the right to life, the right to therapy under various federal and state rehabilitation laws, the right to be removed from a destructive guardian under FL law. It's not "complex."

[EODGUY]

My stomach turns every time I think of my tax dollars being used to fund the ACLU, now avid supporters of Michael Schiavo. Why aren't they fighting for the protection of Terri's civil liberties and ultimately her life??

[slimer]

New Petition to Ascroft and Justice Dept.

Keep up the fight!

[Theodore R.]

No, it was Scott Swope, a colleague of George J. Felos in this case, who was on NBC morning news today defending the starvation of Terri, not Scott Schiavo, the brother of Michael R. Sciavo. However, Scott Schiavo says that he too heard Terri say that she did not want to be kept alive "artificially" in event of some disaster. That is one of the "witnesses" that George W. Greer is using to justify his starvation order.