Bill to Keep Schiavo Alive Defeated (Passes FLA House, Defeated in Senate)

Fox News ^ | March 17, 2005

[nickcarraway]

The state House passed a bill Thursday that could keep Terri Schiavo alive, less than 24 hours before the brain-damaged woman's feeding tube is scheduled to be removed.

But a more limited version of the proposal was defeated in the Senate, casting doubt on whether lawmakers could reach a compromise before the scheduled removal of the severely brain-damaged woman's feeding tube at 1 p.m. Friday.

The legislative action was part of a last-minute flurry of attempts to save Schiavo's life. Congress was also considering legislation to move the case to the federal courts, Schiavo's parents appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Florida Circuit Court Judge George Greer scheduled a hearing Thursday to consider a request from the Department of Children & Families to halt the removal of the tube.

The House bill (HB 701) would block the withholding of food and water from patients in a persistent vegetative state who didn't leave specific instructions refusing the artificial measure. It passed 78-37.

"This provides a safety net where the government stands up for the vulnerable who don't otherwise have a voice," said Rep. Kevin Ambler (search), R-Tampa.

Gov. Jeb Bush has strongly urged the Legislature to pass a bill that would save Schiavo, as it did in 2003. That law allowed Bush to order doctors to restore Schiavo's feeding tube six days after it had been removed. The law was later declared unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court.

"We have a responsibility to act, to deal with this issue," Bush said. "It breaks my heart we're in a situation where it's possible this woman could starve to death."

The Senate measure, which failed 21-16, would have blocked the withholding of food and water from patients in a persistent vegetative state in cases where family members disagreed on the patient's wishes.

[krunkygirl]

Lord, hear this prayer. Amen.

[krunkygirl]

Hope you are reading this: THANK YOU, BO!

[Dante3]

Good letter.

[GeekDejure]

First Half-Hour on Coast to Coast AM tonight: Former paralysis victim Kate Adamson and her husband Steven Klugman will discuss their efforts to help Terry Schiavo !!! ;-))

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/

[GeekDejure]

First Half-Hour on Coast to Coast AM tonight: Former paralysis victim Kate Adamson and her husband Steven Klugman will discuss their efforts to help Terry Schiavo !!! ;-))

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/

[AnimalLover]

looks like some sinators from Florida will be unelected here!

My message to Senator King:

Senator King,

I implore you to pass this bill and then call for a full investigation of the Florida Judicial system that appears beyond control. Best to err on the side of life.

May I remind you that the whole world is watching this case very carefully. We say we are compassionate and just - both are missing from Terri's case. Just this past weekend there was a rally for Terri in Krakow, Poland in front of the U.S. Embassy. There are more things to consider here that Michael Schiavo and his pro euthanasia group.

This I promise, after watching what evolves in the next couple of days, I will do all in my power even from California to see that you will never again be elected to any office - you are not interested in the people's interest but, apparently your own.

And, oh yes, I do not know if you are a man of faith but remember God is watching to see what choices we make. My conscience will be clear in this matter on the day of general judgment.

Sincerely,

[AnimalLover]

We better not talk about "bringing democracy to Iraq" when something this awful is happening in our own country.


The results of this case might bring more trouble than
anyone has thought of.

How about China for instance




Home>News Center>China
US won't rap China on human rights
(CRI)
Updated: 2005-03-18 11:52

The White House says the US government has decided against proposing a UN resolution critical of China's human rights policy.


White House spokesman Scott McClellan. The White House says the US government has decided against proposing a UN resolution critical of China's human rights policy. [AFP/file]

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said US representatives have advised other delegations of the 53-nation UN Human Rights Commission of this decision.

The White House says despite the United States decision not to introduce the resolution in Geneva, the Bush administration is still very critical of China's position on human rights.

Attempts to criticise China have led to clashes at the annual commission session. But China has succeeded in recent years at mustering enough support for its human rights record from member countries.

Last October, then-US secretary of state Colin Powell said the US and China had agreed to hold talks aimed at resuming their dialogue over human rights.

US attempts to criticise China have frequently been one of the main sources of tension between the two countries.


http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-03/18/content_426243.htm

[MedNole]

Do you know which senators voted against the bill? I'm really curious to find out.

[MedNole]

FYI, how the Senate voted

Yeas - 16 (to save Terri)
Tom Lee
Jeff Atwater
Carey Baker
Lee Constantine
Victor Crist
Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Mike Fasano
Rudy Garcia
Mike Haridopolos
Al Lawson (D)
Durell Peaden
Bill Posey
Ken Pruitt
Jim Sebesta
Alex Vilallobos
Dan Webster
Stephen Wise

Nays - 21 (voted to remove the feeding tube)
J.D. Alexander (R)
Nancy Argenziano (R)
Dave Aronberg
Mike Bennet (R)
Larsenia Bullard
Skip Campbell
Lisa Carlton (R)
Paula Dockery (R)
Steven Geller
Tony Hill
Dennis Jones (R)
Jim King (R)
Ron Klein
Evelyn Lynn (R)
Gwen Margolis
Les Miller
Nan Rich
Burt Saunders (R)
Gary Siplin
Rod Smith
Frdererica Wilson