Terri Schiavo's plight sparks grassroots petitions

Terri Schiavo's plight sparks grassroots petitions
Interest high in saving severely disabled woman

As Terri Schindler Schiavo is pushed closer to death by starvation at the hands of her husband Michael Schiavo and Circuit Judge George Greer, thousands of incensed Americans are registering their support for Terri at several online petitions.

1. "SPARE TERRI SCHIAVO'S LIFE" (Conservative Petitions)--an appeal to Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature to act immediately to "void the court's unconstitutional violation of Terri's unalienable right to life."

Specifically, the petition asks Gov. Bush to call the legislature into special session and push for passage of HB701, the Florida Starvation and Dehydration of Persons with Disabilities Prevention Act. The bill would require that "courts rule in favor of lifesaving medical treatment unless a patient has stipulated in advance, in writing (such as a 'living will'), before witnesses, that he or she does not wish such treatment."

The petition--which includes an introduction by Alan Keyes--also appeals to President George W. Bush to appoint only Supreme Court Justices who "will faithfully interpret the Constitution as written." (See the full text.)

2. "SAVE TERRI SCHIAVO" (The Center For Reclaiming America)--a petition calling upon Gov. Bush, Florida Legislators, and Federal Judges (with a carbon copy to President George W. Bush) to "take immediate action to stop the forced starvation of Terri Schiavo. It is vitally important to safeguard Terri's right to life."

Continuing, the petition states: "We cannot afford to set a legal precedent which puts the lives of other Americans at risk. I support legislative, judicial, and executive efforts that will stop the forced starvation of Terri Schiavo." (See the full text.)

3. "SAVING TERRI SCHIAVO PETITION" (Petition Online)--a request asking Gov. Bush to "use your power of office to insure that Terri Schindler Schiavo is placed under state protection [and also] use the power vested in you by the Florida voters to make sure that the 'natural rights to life' of every American citizen, the able and the disabled, are protected." (See the full text.)

4. "GOVERNOR BUSH, PLACE TERRI INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY" (Petition Online)--an appeal imploring Gov. Bush to "immediately take . . . Terri Schiavo into the protective custody of the state of Florida as an urgent measure to protect her from continuing physical harm and danger to her life."

The petition additionally asks Gov. Bush to use "whatever emergency powers may be at the disposal of your Office, countermanding, if necessary, any and all existing legal rulings, for the reason that any further delay and neglect may cause irreparable harm to, or the death of, Terri Schiavo."

Included in the petition are extensive facts detailing "neglect in [Terri's] care, unexplained physical deterioration, life-threatening situations, and possible attacks on her person." (See the full text.)

This petition to the president describes the heartless and malicious behavior of Michael Schiavo toward Terri over the past fifteen years and asks the president to intervene to protect Terri's inalienable rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. (See the full text.)

Already, nationwide support for Terri reveals a very broad and deep coalition of informed citizens who cherish Terri's humanity and honor her right to life. All who wish to show their support for Terri are encouraged to sign whichever petitions best express their views and desires about the unconscionable display of court-sanctioned cruelty that continues to unfold in Florida.

The following is my reply to a petition from The American Family Association. I 'filled in the blanks' so to speak, and wanted to post my reply here, to show my support for the Schindler family. I will be participating with the other petitions as well.

"Dear Judge Greer,

I must admit I had mixed emotions regarding this case in the beginning. Judging by the media reporting, and the 'concern' her husband was showing for her, I initially took the point of view that her husband truly had Terri's best interest at heart. Now, however, after further scrutiny of the entire timeline, I believe her husband is simply seeking to pad his pockets and get out of his responsibilities to his wife.

It was one thing to take on a malpractice suit, which luckily enough came out in Terri's favor. But it is quite another to have a sudden 'revelation' that she would not want to lie like this, and it is time to end her suffering - after her husband discovers there is no way out and no further money coming his way.

In reading as many articles as I could, and looking further into this case, I have come to the conclusion that considering her husband has gone on to a relationship with another woman,and has had two children with her, ending Terri's life is the only way to get her share of the malpractice settlement.

Why else would he not simply turn over guardianship to her parents, if all he wants is to be released of his responsibility? But, he is standing on 'her wishes', claiming this is not what Terri wants. She cannot speak for herself, there are no documents such as a DNR order or any other paperwork such as a Living will to support this. How did he come to this conclusion?

The events surrounding her sudden illness seem strange as well (I have read the hospital discharge summary), and I question why someone has not delved deeper into how she came to be in this shape in the first place. She was healthy, then suddenly on the floor gasping for air? Yes, it happens, but after reading the reports, highly unlikely. Especially considering all testing has come back with no evidenciary support to conclude any disease as the cause.

Due to these facts, I truly believe her husband has capitalized on her illness enough, and it is time to take him out of the equation.
Please allow Terri's mother and father to take her home and care for her. Please don't sentence her to a slow, agonizing death by starvation.

As a mother of two 'almost' adult sons, I can imagine myself in the shoes of the Schindlers. Allow them to care for their daughter. Mr. Shiavo clearly no longer wants the job, so relieve him of his duties.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I am hoping you will use all of your knowledge gained during your career, and your own life experiences, to do the right thing. How would you want YOUR child treated?

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