Excellent Columbo!
Posted on 03/06/2005 8:39:44 PM PST by CHARLITE
On February 24th, a few days before a Florida judge issued Terri Schiavo a stay of execution until the 18th of March, I wrote for the first time on a subject I admittedly knew little about in a piece titled Okay… I’ll talk About Terri Schiavo… Once!
As I stated in that piece, I was writing in response to reader mail asking me to take a position on a national debate that I had spent little time researching. Both before and since, I have been inundated with mail from folks on both sides of the debate, most of whom, knew little more about the matter, many of whom knew even less than I did.
The purpose of my piece was to first flush out the real facts for my own benefit, second point out how little people knew about the topic despite their emotionally charged rantings, and last to point out the short comings of our judiciary process in such a matter.
I have been called about every name under the sun for appearing to not take a side in that article, yet I did take a side, the only side I could take, Terri’s side. Not her husband’s side, not her parent’s side, though I stated clearly that I related to their position best, not the court’s side as they had failed the family miserably and not the people’s side, but Terri’s side…
A dear writer friend, Joan Swirsky wrote probably the best piece I have read on the topic in her article Why Terri (and All Compromised Children) Should Live , in which she so eloquently places the debate on the proper footing.
I have also since received and reviewed the full medical report ordered by the court, issued by Dr. Jay Wolfson, in which he states that Terri is for all practical purposes, unable to sustain life on her own.
Not being a doctor myself, I asked a medical professional in whom I have great trust, to review the file and provide an open unbiased medical opinion of that report, regarding Terri’s current condition only. In short, that opinion states that Terri’s life is only threatened by her inability to swallow food orally, therefore requiring a feeding tube, not life support in traditional terms.
This goes to the heart of one of the statements I made in my first piece. We are not talking about unplugging Terri from artificial life support here…but rather denying her the same nourishment necessary to sustain any of our lives…
Do you have any idea how many people in this country require a feeding tube for one reason or another? Many of them otherwise, very healthy. Unable to take nourishment orally, is this the factor for deciding who should or should not live now?
Then I have received a mountain of documentation concerning how Terri may have actually entered her current condition, and it appears that certain state agencies in Florida have some 30 pieces of evidence now being entered into the court proceedings, questioning the quality of her husband’s treatment of her and care, before, during and since her collapse some 14 years ago…
Then there is the issue of husband Michael Schiavo, who has long since attempted to move on with his life, Terri clearly having already outlived her usefulness in his world.
But as so eloquently stated by Joan Swirsky, later confirmed in medical terms by the physicians I asked to review Terri’s file, Terri’s life still has great value to others in this world, her parents and many of us who believe life in all forms has value, great value.
In short, the more I learned about this case, the more amazed I became that there even was a case. That any court would even consider denying Terri simple basic nourishment, for any reason, regardless of her husband’s motives…
It became very clear to me that we are not talking about euthanasia, assisted death by medical procedure. It became clear that we are not even talking about letting God decide her fate by unplugging her from life support keeping her heart pumping, her lungs breathing and her kidneys functioning…
We are talking about murder by starvation, plain and simple. Terri’s husband no longer has any use for Terri. She is no longer the young vibrant carefree model he once pledged his life to. He has found another to fill that void in his life and Terri is standing in his way of personal happiness, so in his mind, it is time for her to die.
Meanwhile, Terri’s life remains of great value to those who have loved her since birth, those who never loved her for her outward beauty, her ability to cook and clean, to perform the expected duties of a wife. Those who simply loved her for who she was, their daughter, their friend, loved her for who she still is today in their hearts and minds.
I have now seen enough of the allegations concerning the husband’s questionable behavior throughout this affair. I have seen the medical report ordered by the court, and the review by independent physicians I trust personally.
This matter could not possibly be any more cut and dried than it is… To remove Terri’s feeding tube is no different than denying a plate of food to millions sitting in nursing homes across this country, just because they are physically unable to pick up a fork or spoon and feed themselves…or unable to swallow…
My father has Alzheimer’s and while he remains able to feed himself today, there well may come a day when he is not able to anymore. If and when that day comes, I will happily help him eat… When he no longer knows my name or my face, I will remind him daily. When he is no longer able to manage even restroom visits, I will gladly manage them for him, as he managed mine before I learned to manage them myself…
This is all a part of life…the caring for each other, those who represent great value in our lives.
To deny Terri’s parents the chance to care for her on the basis that her husband no longer has a use for her should not be a debate, it should be a crime…
This matter is just that simple… I stand for Terri, who still has great value in this world, who only requires love and care and basic nourishment to sustain life…all the same things you and I require… I fear what our society has become if we allow her to be starved to death… Who will be next?
At the end of the day, it seems to me that every life is precious to someone and it should be. We must respect every life, no matter how imperfect, or we will risk respecting none… Some things can be subjective… The value of life is not one of them!
About the Writer: J. B. Williams notes that he is a business man, husband, father, and a writer. His website is at http://www.jb-williams.com. J. B. receives e-mail at
I second THAT! Send that graphic to all U.S. congressional reps from Florida, to both Fl. Senators, to Gov. Jeb Bush, and to members of the Fl. legislature!
Terri is being executed by judicial FIAT! How else could this procedure be described?!
I like Peter Falk's "Columbo" approach, but I wish someone could explain to me why Michael is so worried that Terri might aspirate if the parents tried to feed her. Or why doctors give her medicine for "pain"? Or why water is not pallative care for someone who is dehydrating?
Fabulous Graphic, PhilDragoo!!
How about those with esophageal ulcers and cancers. They often have tubes in place for nourishment.
We have a friend of the family who has just had a feeding tube put in. He vomits so much because his gag reflex is so weak after his latest go-round of chemo. He was really losing weight. He can swallow, but right now, it's coming right back up. We are hoping this will help him get back on his feet. His motto is, "Every day above ground is a good day!".
Felos and his gang would rather take my friend away from us when he's not ready to go. Forced exit, that's what we're talking about here. Wesley Smith is right on target. (For those that don't know, Smith wrote a book titled, "Forced Exit". Good read!)
Thank you for the excellent article. It sounds like the person really checked things out.
While reading it, I wasn't sure which way he'd go and finally it became clear, he supports Terri living her life.
Yippy another thinking person who knows truth when he sees it.
"I second THAT! Send that graphic to all U.S. congressional reps from Florida, to both FL senators, to gov. Jeb Bush and to members of the FL. legislature!"
I third that! I think the article posted here should also be sent to everyone in Florida govt. exc... as it is brief, but outlines the most important point- that the Fl court has ordered a disabled citizen to be murdered by starvation/dehydration.
I think flyers should be made up and handed out on the streets of FLorida and everywhere else with this graphic and article.
I urge anyone, especially those in the FL legislature, to TAKE THE TIME to inform yourselves about this case. Don't assume you know anything about it. Especially if your watching the main stream press coverage of Terri's case.
Once again their -media's"reporting" has been sloppy and misinformed. It has taken them almost a year to stop reporting that "Terri is on machines" and they are still saying "Terri is brain dead"
FYI- LAZY, USELESS MEDIA:
TERRI IS NOT "HOOKED UP" TO ANY MACHINES.
"TERRI IS NOT DYING OF ANY DISEASE";
TERRI IS NOT "BRAIN DEAD".
Those are just 3 of the distortions and out right lies that have been fed to the American public. I implore anyone who hasn't done so already, to go to TERRISFIGHT.ORG and inform yourself of what the other side of the story- Terri's parents, and family's story is, before you start writing about it, and especially if you are making a life or death decision for her (ie- FL legislature, upcoming bills exc..) and for anyone who can't understand why Terri's parents don't "pull the plug" (though there is no plug to be pulled). Go visit their site, then you will understand why they fight and hopefully join them in trying to save Terri from being sacrificed on the altar of of the euthanasia movement.
This isn't really about euthanasia- the "right to die" , it's about disposing of the disabled . Terri has no written directive. The only "proof" the court has of her wishes is half-remembered hearsay testimony of her husband( husband Terri, according to testimony, was thinking of divocing before her "collapse") who now lives with/has children with another woman. Testimony which dozens of witnesses, friends, and including people in Terri's own family who have known her all her life, hotly dispute. That is what's so disturbing about it.
Terri's life depends on people being fully informed about her case. It takes one or maybe 2 clicks of a mouse to get the whole story about Terri. I hope everyone will take the time to do this.
Bump. I am in process of making and htmlizing a new action post and was inspired by this new thread. I will share it soon.
Thank you!
Bump! Do you have Kojak?
Bump.
Excellent Columbo!
Updated Action / Contact list re: averting a March 18, 2005 1PM Death Sentence for Theresa Maria Schiavo, getting her out of the hands of those trying to murder her, getting her back on the road to her recovery through rehabilitation and therapy and most importantly under the guardianship and care of those who truly love her
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1357549/posts?page=4#4
This is the nub of the larger issue in this case, and it's why it is taking so long to resolve.
When your father, or my grandmother, is unable to eat and they ask your permission for a feeding tube, you may give it. After your vulnerable, weak, and uncomprehending relative has pulled out the tube for the fifth time, because it is uncomfortable, because the restraints don't work, or for no apparant reason, after they call you for help holding grandma down because she fights like a tigress to keep that damned tube away, you might, you just might, ask, "do we have to put the tube back?"
THAT'S NOT MURDER. Any resolution of the Terri Schiavo case that criminalizes leaving well enough alone in people who are at the end of their travail in this world will never, never work.
Now, I recognize that this case is different, for many reasons-her age, her actual condition, her "husband" and his motives, etc.
It should be possible to feed Terri Schiavo without making feeding tubes themselves a mandatory intervention.
Good one, Phil! We need a Calumbo on this case!!!
Beautifully written and right on the mark! Thanks for posting this.
ProLife Ping!
If anyone wants on or off my ProLife Ping List, please notify me here or by freepmail.
I especially appreciated that portion of the article. Thanks for posting it- I'm sending it on to friends.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
