Posted on 03/25/2005 4:25:07 PM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
(CNSNews.com) - Gov. Jeb Bush is being compared to Pontius Pilate as he comes under intensive pressure from religious and pro-life groups to do whatever it takes to save Terri Schiavo's life.
The groups that are pressuring Gov. Bush commend him for all he has done so far on Terri's behalf. But it hasn't worked -- and they say there is more that he can do.
Dr. D. James Kennedy, the president of Coral Ridge Ministries, said that as governor, Jeb Bush is the only legal authority who can stop Terri from starving.
"He must act and he must act immediately on her behalf. He must disregard the order of Judge Greer. He has both the authority and the duty to do so under the state constitution," Kennedy said in a press release.
Kennedy noted that Article I, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution says, "All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law, and have inalienable rights, among which are the right to enjoy and defend life..."
It also says "no person shall be deprived of any right because of ... physical disability." That includes the right to enjoy life, Kennedy said.
As governor, Jeb Bush has the "'supreme executive power' and the constitutional duty as stated in Article IV, Section 1, to 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed.'"
Kennedy said Gov. Bush may not disregard that obligation, even if a member of the judiciary has ordered otherwise. "He is not bound by a court order that is at odds with a constitutional guarantee," Kennedy said.
"Jeb Bush must choose between the clear mandate of Florida's constitution and a judiciary which, in this case, has acted in defiance of that state supreme law. After all this time of praying, petitioning, and lobbying, it comes down to this," Kennedy said.
Pontius Pilate
A pro-life group called Crossroads agrees that Gov. Bush has done a great deal on Terri's behalf.
"But how will history remember him if Terri dies? Likely, as a weak, moral coward, who did not have the courage to save a helpless, dying woman from those who so vehemently wished to take her life," the group said in a press release.
Crossroads noted that nearly 2000 years ago this week, Pontius Pilate "stood by and did nothing in the face of determined evil as it took the life" of one innocent man."
Pilate simply lacked the moral courage that is occasionally demanded of one who governs, Crossroads said.
The group said Pilate was not filled with hate -- but in the end, he "chose not to risk his office to save the 'insignificant' [Christ]."
Crossroads said Bush must ask himself, "Is one helpless woman's life worth my political career?'"
"As of this writing, the tribunals have spoken against an innocent, helpless woman, and an angry, hate-filled mob has gathered to mock and ridicule those praying for a miracle near to where Terri Schiavo lies in her fatal agony," Crossroad said.
"And her mother, Mary, must suffer the contempt of those who are determined to see her child unjustly condemned to death. Now it is in the hands of the governor, the man who will ultimately choose either to wield the temporal powers of his office to save innocent life, or 'wash his hands' of her."
Jeb Bush said on Thursday he understands that people are "acting on their heart, and I fully appreciate their sentiments and the emotions that go with this."
But, he added, "I've consistently said that I cannot go beyond what my powers are - and I'm not going to do it."
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I know Jeb is trying to follow what is "legal" here, and I hesitate to call him a coward, but with the courts ignoring the law, it's time someone with guts came in and ignored the courts. This is already a constitutional crisis...might as well throw more fuel on the fire.
And the Comparison of Terry to Jesus is blasphemous.
Why is it Jeb Bush who must break the law?
(? What are 5 branches of gov'mt needed for?)
Judge over rules all with a 'rule'?
World 'Judge' to Rule the Whole World?
**Ping**
From where I sit, he risks his political future by taking action against the judicial orders. Of course his future political goals are much more important than the life of one Florida citizen. He can save many more lives if he saves himself for a more important battle...... sarcasm off...
But if the judges ignore the law, we've got a crisis on our hands. Greer is ignoring the DCF's duty to investigate abuse and corruption in a state-licensed facility. He is ignoring a US congressional subpeona. He is ignoring Florida law that requires "clear and convincing" evidence of Terri's wishes in order to have her put down. We have a crisis when everybody starts deferring to a county judge who defers to nothing or no one. I agree, Jeb must follow the law -- but if the judges aren't, then somebody has to take a stand.
The federal courts have already broken the law by refusing the "de novo trial" of Terri's case. At some point, someone needs to say they're defying the courts because the courts are WRONG. I'm not saying it has to be Jeb, but now is a great opportunity to toss this whole legal stew onto the floor and force some issues regarding judicial tyranny.
If he doesn't show some moral courage, his political future is worth Jack Squat.
He has told the people he has legal limitations and is looking for any lawful remedy to go in.
His hands seems tied.
About the only thing I can see changing what is happening is if a massive crowd of the public forces their way in, overwhelms the guards, hydrates, then kidnaps her to a safe place.
Not going to happen, but shy of that, what else could remedy this situation?
Marty, that was a great post. I agree, the comparisions of Terri to Jesus is blasphemous.
I can't imagine any politician putting themselves in this position again.
Marty60,
The Florida Statute said if DCF believe the vulunerable (sp?) adult was in danger even if the caregive was there they go in and take the vulunerable (sp?) adult.
That is NOT a violation of the state statutes.
There would, however, be a tinkling contest between the legislative and judicial branc in Florida.
That's where the line is drawn. And where the decision is to be made or WAS made.
And if the state law said a person could get sexually assaulted or robbed would it be okay??? And don't say it can't happen here.
Did you really that you'd grow up and watch (via news about it) a woman being STARVED and then told it that it's GOOD for her?
If you couldn't see that, you can't see what's coming as a result of this legally sanctioned WESTERNIZED HONOR KILLING.
Let's not be too hasty here. I can't recall the exact passage in the gospels, but what was it Jesus said about "if you feed the hungry, give drink to the the thirsty, and comfort to the sick, you've done it to Me"?
I have to agree. He lays it out pretty well.
Yes and where are the citizens of Florida demanding impeachment of this slimey Judge. How much you want to bet he wins his next election. The PEOPLE put these cretins on the bench.
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