Replies

A fetus, not a person

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/auto/epaper/editions/thursday/opinion_04505cedc0c8815c00a5.html

>>The chief judge in Pinellas County denied the governor's motion to continue appointment of a guardian for Terri Schiavo, the comatose woman whose case drew the Legislature's and governor's attention in October.<<

I have it on excellent authority that oodles upon oodles of people have written letters to editors and editorial pieces in support of the actions by Florida's Governor, Speaker of the House and lawmakers. You're not likely to see many of those come to print, however. I suspect this might have something to do with it: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031205/laf025_1.html.

Additionally, it's entirely possible that some will use this tragic situation to "bash" Jeb Bush - trying to color his actions as politically motivated. I don't believe anything could be further from the truth. The intervention that occurred on Terri's behalf is supported by laws that are long settled in Florida: http://flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?submenu=-1&Tab=statutes.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that the Governor is not the one who is out of control. The judiciary is. If more people understood the laws and how they have been broken in Terri's situation, perhaps they would thank the Governor for protecting one of Florida's vulnerable citizens instead of twisting his actions to promote their own ideals.

As you may already know, Terri's situation has prompted a Georgia state lawmaker to sponsor a Bill (House Bill 1132) that would make it illegal to withhold food and water from a disabled person. I contacted representative Chip Rogers, the Bill's sponsor, and asked what the public could do to assist him in his efforts. His response follows:

"The bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. If you could contact those committee members and ask that this bill be given a fair hearing, I believe it would go a long way towards making it a reality."

Georgia residents can contact the Georgia House of Representatives, House Judiciary Committee on: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2001_02/house/gahjudy.htm

Mr. Roger's profile is on:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/gl_peo_detail.pl?Leg=gash015

Associated Press article regarding this Bill is on:
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=41565

The text of this Bill is on:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/versions/hb1132_LC_33_0148_a_2.htm

Please circulate this email to anyone you know in Georgia. Your help is greatly appreciated.

-P-

Senator Jim King - - -

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/auto/epaper/editions/friday/news_0401baef75d1e10c0033.html
>>"There is talk about another issue relating to the Terri Schiavo situation," King said. "I don't have any interest in revisiting that."<<

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/7773447.htm
>>King said Thursday that the chances of taking up any legislation related to the matter are "remote if not nonexistent."<<

The above remarks are attributed to Senate President, Jim King, in regards to hearing Senate Bill 692, a measure that could protect vulnerable people from wrongful death.

Doesn't even want to hear it. Won't even consider it. It interferes with his 'personal legacy'. We Floridians have an obligation to others (and to ourselves) to press this particular issue. If King has his way, it will also be more difficult for voters to petition drive on these issues in the future. Ask yourself who it is these guys actually work for. Who is footing the bill? We are.

If you do nothing else, please forward this to any Floridian you know (or anyone who has friends in Florida). Please contact Senator King and tell him that this bill is one you want heard and passed. It is a matter of saving innocent lives, protecting the vulnerable citizens of this great state and ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect.

If we stand idle and allow this to be shot down before it can even be heard on the floor, we've badly short-changed ourselves and our neighbors.

Senate Bill 692 is on:
http://www.flsenate.gov/cgi-bin/view_page.pl?Tab=session&Submenu=1&FT=D&File=sb0692.html&Directory=session/2004/Senate/bills/billtext/html/

Mr. King's web site is on:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Members=View+Page&LastName=King&District_Num_Link=008&Submenu=1&Tab=legislators&chamber=Senate

Mr. King's contact details are:
Email: king.james.web@flsenate.gov
Suite 108
9485 Regency Square Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL
32225-8145
(904) 727-3600
Fax (904) 727-3603

PS: I know that many in the group of volunteers are already working on spreading the word. For that, I thank you and urge you to keep on keepin' on.

CALL TO ACTION - TALLAHASSEE

Tomorrow, Tuesday - February 3, 2004, there will be a Senate Judicial Committee Hearing on the proposed House Bill, PCB-JU04-05. This bill relates to the withholding of nutrition and hydration from disabled and vulnerable persons and is the first step towards Senate Bill 692.

You can read the text of this here: http://www.zimp.org/documents/PCBJU04-05.pdf.

This hearing is open to the public and citizens in the Tallahassee area of Florida are encouraged to attend. You can even address the committee by completing a request card prior to the hearing. Even if you only wish to say "I support this bill", your remarks will be noted.

The scheduled time for this hearing is 1.00pm ET and will be held in room 17 of the Capitol Building located at:
402 South Monroe
Tallahassee, Florida

I apologize for the late notification. However, I only received details a moment ago. Please circulate this email through your lists as well. As soon as there is an update as to the outcome of this hearing, I will post it. Thanks for your help!

-Pamela-

Vigils Begin Again for Terri

On Saturday, February 7, 2004, Colleen Clobes and Miro Kovacevich will be in Clearwater, Florida to hold vigil with the supporters of Terri Schindler-Schiavo.

At 10.00 am, vigil goers are anticipated to meet at the corner of US Highway 19 and Drew Street in Clearwater. The site is the well-known affirmation or image of the Holy Mother Mary. Supporters will then walk to Park Place Assisted Living Facility, three block away, while saying rosary. Park Place is Terri's current residence.

We hope that everyone, regardless of their denomination, will join with us for a morning of reflection and solidarity.

The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation has learned that area Catholic supporters of Terri are planning to hold vigil throughout the entire observance of Lent.

You can read more about Clobes and Kovacevich's amazing journey here.

DATE: FEB. 7, 2004
TIME: 10 AM
PLACE: IMAGE OF MARY AT DREW AND US 19, CLEARWATER

More information on http://www.terrisfight.org

Lawmakers Intrude Into Family Privacy
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040206/NEWS/402060311/1036

>>"The fact is that we have a system in Florida that has worked well for the past 12 years," George Felos, attorney for Michael Schiavo, told reporters this week. "Because of the notoriety of the Schiavo case, which is one isolated case out of tens of thousands over the years, I think the Legislature is politically motivated to look like they are doing something. But I think it makes bad policy and it is not good sense."<<

Yet another unsigned editorial piece.

Letters to the editor: voice@theledger.com
Gary Greene News Editor (863) 802-7546
Lyle McBride Features Editor (863) 802-7505

Florida House and Senate contacts:
http://terrisfight.org/housesenate.html

Session begins March 2 and Senate Bill 692 is not yet on the agenda. This bill makes it illegal to withhold food and water without prior written consent (advanced directive) from the patient. Either they let this bill be heard or they strike the law that calls food and water 'medical treatment'. If it's truly medical treatment, I should have the right to decide if I want it or not.

Terri's Family Denied Intervention a Second Time

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1096492/posts

March 12, 2004

Today, Judge Douglas Baird denied the parents of Terri Schindler-Schiavo (Bob and Mary Schindler) intervention and participation in the constitutionality case of Terri's Law for the second time.

Judge Baird had previously denied Terri's parents participation in November, 2003. Upon review of the courts previous order, the Second District Court of Appeals determined that:

"In denying the Schindlers' motion to intervene, the trial court did not address either of the elements of the Morgareidge intervention rule. Although the order denying the Schindlers' subsequent motion for rehearing does use language that appears to acknowledge the Morgareidge rule by referring to the insufficiency of the Schindlers? interest, that order does not explain why the Schindlers? interest was insufficient pursuant to the above rule. Because the court did not apply the rule set forth in Morgareidge when it denied the Schindlers? motion to intervene, the order is reversed." (Opinion filed February 13, 2004)

In his Amended Order today, Judge Baird states:

"The provision of Fla.R.Civ.P 1.230 control intervention. In order for the Schindlers to be entitled to intervene in this cause, they must demonstrate and interest in the matter in litigation of such a direct and immediate character that they will either gain or lose by the direct legal operation and effect of judgment. Morgareidge v. Howey, 78 So. 14 (Fla. 1918). It is the opinion of this court that they have not demonstrated such an interest and are therefore not entitled to intervene."