Bush Stands for Life, not Death: Terri Schiavo

Magic City Morning Star (Millnocket, ME) ^ | March 17, 2005 | J. Grant Swank

[BigSkyFreeper]

The consistency is there. It’s strong. It’s unbending. It’s characteristic of the President of the most powerful nation on Earth.

George W. Bush states to the world that life comes first and last. We are not a nation given to killing. We help, not harm. We are here on this planet to do all possible to keep mortals alive.

We are not here to make life convenient. Life is made up of triumphs and tragedy. Those who want only triumphs live in their fantasies. Those who confront here a spiritually damaged sphere are the realists. Those who are compassionate realists then join the President in championing life.

Therefore when it comes to Terri Schiavo, the President keeps to his ethic. It’s a biblical morality base. It’s what he’s known for. He has pronounced time and again that his position regarding life is to defend it. Therefore, he’s the pro-life President. If that relates to the unborn babies in females’ wombs, so be it. If that relates to the complexities of the Schiavo situation, so be it. Above all, life is precious and must be preserved by all measures.

There are countries bent on convenience as top priority. Therefore, if the disabled, crippled or weak get in the way of convenience, it is quite "ethical" to dismiss those human beings from the mortal family. In other words, there are those who discount completely, not only the traditional ethic, but the biblical ethic for their own immoral relativism.

Mr. Bush does not adhere to a immoral relativism. Being a professed Christian, his morality is not written by his own whim. His ethic is grounded in the Judeo-Christian divine revelation known as the Holy Scripture.

Therefore, without apology, the President reaches a very simple conclusion on the Schiavo matter. Consequently, to the media in these crucial hours Mr. Bush states: "The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern."

". . .a presumption in favor of life."

Once that principle is whittled away at, then anything goes. Once that ethic is compromised, the nth is the end. Unravel one threat of that principle and death is at the close of that countdown. To begin the unraveling and not follow it through to its death conclusion is cowardly and illogical. Reason states that beginning with a premise should journey all the way to its conclusion.

However, keeping to that biblical ethic likewise leads to its logical conclusion — life.

Consequently, in this whole matter related to Schivao, it’s life or death. This is the stark reality confronting all who are aware of the complexities. Yet behind and above, to the right and left of the complexities, is a simple confrontation: life versus death.

Thank God we have a powerful President of a mighty nation who refuses to waffle, to compromise, to rationalize when it comes to defending all life. He remains firm in his conviction which means that life still champions finalities as long as he is President of the United States of America.

Thank you, Mr. Bush.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Joseph Grant Swank, Jr., Pastor, New Hope Church

Graduate of accredited college (BA) and seminary (M Div) with graduate work at Harvard Divinity School.

Married for 44 years with 3 adult children.

Author of 5 books and thousands of articles in various Protestant and Catholic magazines, journals and newspapers. Web site columns appear on MichNews.com, BushCountry.org, TheConservativeVoice.com, RaptureAlert.com, Republican and Proud, FaithFreedom.org, Conservative Posts, Common Conservative, Out2.com, MensNewsDaily.com, Magic City Morning Star, Right Wing Conservative, Mullenax News, The American Thinker, Religious News Online, among others.

[DakotaRed]

My non-legal mind wonders if he could issue a Presidential Proclamation sparing her life? He can't be re-elected, so no harm there. The left already hates him for living, so no change there.

A sitting President can pardon the most heinous of criminals, Clinton proved that, why can't he pardon a disabled woman about the be starved to death?

[Ohioan from Florida]

Terri ping! If anyone would like to be added to or removed from my Terri ping list, please let me know by FReepmail!

[BigSkyFreeper]

Someone else raised that point earlier today. Would be a wonderful gesture on President Bush's part. It would certainly bump him up in the polls.

[spycatcher]

Somebody find Terri a gay sex partner so she can be protected by the courts

[Salvation]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Euthanasia

2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.

2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.

2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.

2279 Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.

[Salvation]

Action Ping!

You can go directly here to email your Senators and/or Representatives about Terri Schiavo:

U. S. Senate

U. S. House of Representatives

[nicmarlo]

BTTT

[Sun]

I called President Bush comment line a couple of days ago, and said if the Feds under Janet Reno can get Elion for a bad reason, they should be able to rescue Terri for a good reason.

Bush comment line is: 202-456-1111

[MJY1288]

To take the feeding tube from Terri Schiavo is nothing short of homicide. I hope and pray that the forces of good will prevail over those who would deny Terri's parents the right to protect their daughter from a death that no God fearing American could condone.

Terry Schiavo is not on life support, she simply requires someone to feed her, to deny her the food she needs to survive is nothing short of murder

[Kitty Mittens]

Thanking God for our Pro-Life President, and Continuing my Prayers for our Terri.

[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/

[Irish Rose]

I'll never understand why Michael Schavio is his wife's guardian. He's living with another woman and has two children by her; he's not faithful to Terri and has blatantly broken their marriage vows. There have also been a lot of disturbing allegations concerning him, his refusal to give Terri rehabilitation, and what motives he may have in killing her. Can't Florida's government figure out that, to ensure the best is done for Terri, they need to make her parents her guardians?

[tuckrdout]

Boy, aint it the truth.

Start writing to the gay rights groups and tell them Terri was a homosexual, and had told her husband so the night of her "accident"...Katie couric and all the media would be for saving Terri then!

[tuckrdout]

We must stand up and save this woman as if we were speaking for ourselves!

We don't need any new law passed. The act of killing Terri is a clear violation of her 1st, 5th, 8th amendment rights, as well as a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act:

"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),42 U.S.C. Sections 12101 provides that necessary and appropriate rehabilitation services and physical/motor skill therapy may not be denied a substantially disabled patient in the United States of America. Cf 28 CFR, Ch 1, Subpart B, Sect 35.130 States "Nothing in the Act or this part authorizes the representative or guardian of an individual with a disability to decline FOOD, WATER, medical treatment, or medical services for that individual."

[snugs]

I agree even though this case has made worldwide news because of the slant that MSM put on it and only report half the story many people still believe she is on some type of life support. I have even read posts on FR assuming that.

It shows the power of the press and rumour somehow the truth has to be made known so that later today murder cannot be committed without the world being at least aware of the facts.

I am sure if more people realised that it is just a feeding tube that is being discussed and saw the video clips I have seen on Fox then there would be more wide spread support and horror at what is being proposed.

[GeekDejure]

The 23rd Psalm --- Translated to Terri's Present Reality !!!

The Lord is Terri's Shepherd --- That's Relationship !!!

She shall not want --- That's Supply !!!

He maketh her to lie down in green pastures --- That's Rest !!!

He leadeth her beside the still waters --- That's Refreshment !!!

He restoreth her soul --- That's Healing !!!

He leadeth her in the paths of righteousness --- That's Guidance !!!

For His name sake --- That's Purpose !!!

Yea, though Terri walk through the valley of the shadow of death --- That's Testing !!!

She will fear no evil --- That's Protection !!!

For Thou art with her --- That's Faithfulness !!!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort her --- That's Discipline !!!

Thou preparest a table before Terri in the presence of her enemies--- That's Hope !!!

Thou annointest her head with oil --- That's Consecration !!!

Her cup runneth over --- That's Abundance !!!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow Terri all the days of her life --- That's Blessing !!!

And she will dwell in the house of the Lord --- That's Security!!!

Forever --- That's Eternity !!!

Congressional Subpoena --- That's Deliverance !!!

Face it ---- The Lord is crazy about Terri !!!

Otherwise --- Why else would He continuously deliver her from
the evil hands of her attempted murderers ???

[pc93]

After speaking, tonight 3-17-05 this is the
approved message and target list to release the full force of the grass
roots. Senators that are too far gone to bother with are not included.
All these Senators voted NO and are able to be influenced. Focus is going
to do their full list of about 700,000 emails. The Florida Senate will meet
all day on Friday 3-18-05. Thanks, John

THE MESSAGE: "Change your vote and Save Terri" - Let them know that history (and all of posterity) will be their judge and that the wall of heroes will contain the pictures and names of those who stood for justice and the wall of shame will contain the names of those who stood for ignorance and criminality.


Phone calls first preference

Emails second preference


Senator J.D. Alexander, Majority Whip
Phone: (850) 487-5044
E-mail: alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Nancy Argenziano
Phone: (850) 487-5017
E-mail: argenziano.nancy.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Dave Aronberg
Phone: (850) 487-5356
E-mail: aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Mike Bennett
Phone: (850) 487-5078
E-mail: bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Larcenia Bullard
Phone: (850) 487-5127
E-mail: bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Walter "Skip" Campbell
Phone: (850) 487-5094
E-mail: campbell.walter.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Lisa Carlton
Phone: (850) 487-5081
E-mail: carlton.lisa.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Paula Dockery
Phone: (850) 487-5040
E-mail: dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Dennis Jones
Phone: (850) 487-5065
E-mail: jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Jim King
Phone: (850) 487-5030
E-mail: king.james.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Dave Aronberg
Phone: (850) 487-5356
E-mail: aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Evelyn J. Lynn
Phone: (850) 487-5033
E-mail: lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Burt L. Saunders
Phone: (850) 487-5124
E-mail: saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov

[exDemMom]

Good, I'm so glad there are people here aware of pertinent law!

Now, how can we see to it that Michael Schiavo is prosecuted for it? Contact our representatives?

[joesnuffy]

**Exclusive Fri Mar 18 2005 00:50:07 ET** The Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee, Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming) has requested Terri Schiavo to testify before his congressional committee, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. In so doing it triggers legal or statutory protections for the witness, among those protections is that nothing can be done to cause harm or death to this individual.

Members of Congress went to the U.S. Attorney in DC to ask for a temporary restraining order to be issued by a judge, which protects Terri Schiavo from having her life support, including her feeding and hydration tubes, removed... Developing...