Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

First Lady Laura Bush Says Government Right to Intervene in Case of Brain-Damaged Florida Woman
The Associated Press ^ | Mar. 29, 2005 | DEB RIECHMANN

Posted on 03/29/2005 4:39:09 PM PST by Former Military Chick

Mar. 29, 2005 - First lady Laura Bush said Tuesday the government was right to have intervened in the case of Terri Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged Florida woman whose case has stirred national debate about life and death issues.

"I just feel like the federal government has to be involved," Mrs. Bush said. "It is a life issue that really does require government to be involved."

Mrs. Bush commented on the Schiavo case aboard a plane bound for Afghanistan, where she was to promote education and women's rights.

Schiavo's husband, Michael, has waged a long court battle with his parents-in-law, contending his 41-year-old wife, who has been in a persistent vegetative state since 1990, would not want to live that way. Schiavo's parents, on the other hand, have been pleading with the U.S. Congress, Florida lawmakers, federal judges and in courts in Florida to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted.

"I am not surprised over the debate," Mrs. Bush said. "I think it's an issue that, you know, everyone is concerned about and interested in.

"I'm sorry for the family that it has to be so public. This is such a very, very difficult time for them and for everyone who watches Terri."

Mrs. Bush said she has been encouraged to hear that the case has prompted more people to inquire about living wills.

"I think that is really good," she said. "The president and I have living wills and, of course, our parents do. They wanted us always to be aware of it. I think that it is important for families to have opportunities to talk about these issues."


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: firstlady; laurabush; schiavo
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 201-202 next last
To: Dante3

Jesse Jackson will always try to grab the spotlight and swoop in to be the hero. Of course, he probably didn't realize the publicity this case would generate, else he would have been there sooner. I guess he has been preoccupied with Michael's court case, and perhaps Johnny Cochran's deteriorating health.


41 posted on 03/29/2005 6:14:45 PM PST by cynblogger
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: Former Military Chick

Thank God for Laura Bush -- a voice of sanity.


42 posted on 03/29/2005 6:16:39 PM PST by afraidfortherepublic (" I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just. " A. Lincoln)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: sarasmom

I guarantee you this: With FL's inability to count votes and its penchant to snuff out life I don't give a rat's behind how warm it is down there - I don't even want to go there. Not even to Disney World. Never thought a State could live up to it's geologic shape, but FL is doing right fine over the past decade. Not to worry. San Francisco Bay represents the excretory function in a fine way, too.


43 posted on 03/29/2005 6:17:41 PM PST by Fester Chugabrew
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet

I just thought you had a cold..


44 posted on 03/29/2005 6:24:10 PM PST by madameguinot (Go Illini!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 38 | View Replies]

To: Former Military Chick
"I just feel like the federal government has to be involved," Mrs. Bush said. "It is a life issue that really does require government to be involved."

Well, Laura, no disprespect intended, but I didn't elect you, and quite frankly I don't care what you "feel" the government should be involved in. I didn't when Clinton was First Lady (I use that term loosely) and not with you either.

Thanks for your opinion though, Mrs. Bush.

45 posted on 03/29/2005 6:25:12 PM PST by Chad Fairbanks (Sure you can trust the government... just ask an Indian...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: madameguinot

It sorta sounded like that, huh? LOL


46 posted on 03/29/2005 6:26:34 PM PST by DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet (Pro-Terri - NOT anti-Bush.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: Dante3
I have no idea what Laura Bush could do other then to voice support for life and the rigth of the feeral government to intervine in support of life. I think a lot of us have been arguing for just that. Laura is not the probelm Jeb and W are!

Jessie Jackson has brought the bully pulpit and the attention of MSM to our casue, we should be grateful for both and hope that Jessie, Laura and Jeb can change some hearts tomorrow and get Terri some water.

47 posted on 03/29/2005 6:26:50 PM PST by jpsb
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: joesnuffy
She is not the president. It is not her job to go out there and make statements to press conferences. That is her husband's job. The media just interviewed her, not in a press conference, but on a plane, on the way to a strictly scheduled, security controlled trip to another nation.

You act like she sits around the White House just waiting to gather reporters together to tell them her latest opinion.

If the President of the Country felt like it would have been proper to have her words known to the public on this issue, it would have happened. Fortunately he is President, and a man, and Laura makes no laws, signs no bills, so it was none of our business. When she decided to make it known, and was able, she did.

Everyone that tries to help and is on Terri's side, is somehow suspect. As if they are doing something wrong.

I.....just don't get it.

48 posted on 03/29/2005 6:32:18 PM PST by UCANSEE2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: atomicweeder
The Federal government did not intervene.

Does not mean the intervention will not occur.

49 posted on 03/29/2005 6:33:01 PM PST by UCANSEE2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: cynblogger

He was invited by Terri's brother.


50 posted on 03/29/2005 6:34:32 PM PST by UCANSEE2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: atomicweeder

Uh, the courts are the government too. The government intervened when the courts ruled she should starve.


51 posted on 03/29/2005 6:34:52 PM PST by MNnice
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: jpsb
I have no idea what Laura Bush could do other then to voice support for life and the rigth of the feeral government to intervine in support of life.

If the MEDIA let's it out, it could have a quick effect, possibly save Terri's life, and could have far reaching effects, as we deal with how our law is written, and used, in Florida, In the Hospice, and around the country as well.

52 posted on 03/29/2005 6:36:55 PM PST by UCANSEE2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: JLAGRAYFOX

Just what did you do, friend? You got a big mouth, but I didn't see any action from you and the millions of loud mouths that could have stormed congress and the Florida lawmakers on this issue. You idiots are quick to bad mouth the Prez and his brother for not acting. Just put the Democrats in power and see what you get, brainchild. Get real, and get a life!!! This battle has been lost for this innocent woman, because of morons like you and other Freepers who open their mouths before engaging their brains. Had a million Freepers marched in the streets in support of Terri, the outcome would be different. You couch potato badmouthers are losers from the gitgo!!! Vote Democrat, you small minded fool!!! You belong in the party of death, traitors, God haters, etc.!!! Jeb and GW will do fine without the likes of you and your small minded friends.

I take it that you had problems with the words that I posted????? Nevermind, y'all just get back to the mud bog and enjoy yourself......

53 posted on 03/29/2005 6:42:00 PM PST by eeriegeno
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Former Military Chick
God bless our First Lady. Yes, the government was right to intervene. If we don't protect the life of the least of us, none of us is safe. It may not be a popular thing to do, judging by the polls, but it IS the right thing to do. Do the right thing and the politics will sort itself out. For those unwilling to take a principled stand here, Dante assigned their likes a place in Limbo. Those who in their lives would not take a stand either for good or against evil. We need such fickle people like we need enemies.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
54 posted on 03/29/2005 6:46:31 PM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Right_in_Virginia; Soul Seeker
You completely missed my subtle point. When I said the government did not intervene, I was relying on the definition of "intervene": "To involve oneself in a situation so as to alter or hinder an action or development".

In other words, Bush and Congress changed nothing.
55 posted on 03/29/2005 6:46:54 PM PST by atomicweeder
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

Comment #56 Removed by Moderator

To: COEXERJ145
The President has said plenty...and done NOTHING.
57 posted on 03/29/2005 6:48:50 PM PST by ARCADIA (Abuse of power comes as no surprise)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: McGavin999

Couldn't agree with you more McGavin


58 posted on 03/29/2005 6:51:05 PM PST by gidget7
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Former Military Chick
Michael ... contending his 41-year-old wife, who has been in a persistent vegetative state since 1990

And STILL the AP presents the disputed items as facts.

59 posted on 03/29/2005 6:57:40 PM PST by GretchenM (Diplomacy is the art of letting the other fellow have your way--former Canadian PM Lester B. Pearson)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: goldstategop
Well said.

The country is still suffering from another single legal case that is a blight on our land, one that has spawned countless Innocent's deaths. And now this case may take us down another dark road towards more of the immoral same. Where are we, if no one has the conviction to stop it?
60 posted on 03/29/2005 6:58:39 PM PST by SeaBiscuit (God Bless all who defend America and the rest can go to hell.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 54 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 201-202 next last

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.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson