Statement by Governor Jeb Bush regarding the death of Terri Schiavo

Tampa Bay's 10 News ^ | 3/31/05 | Governor Jeb Bush

[wagglebee]

“After an extraordinarily difficult and tragic journey, Terri Schiavo is at rest. Columba and I offer our condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Schindler, Bobby Schindler, Suzanne Vitadamo and to all those who offered their prayers and support to Terri’s family over these past weeks, months and years. These prayers were not in vain.

“Many across our state and around the world are deeply grieved by the way Terri died. I feel that grief very sharply as well. I remain convinced, however, that Terri’s death is a window through which we can see the many issues left unresolved in our families and in our society. For that, we can be thankful for all that the life of Terri Schiavo has taught us.

“I still firmly believe that human life is a gift and a mystery, and that its mystery is most evident at its beginning and ending. May all of us whose hearts were moved during the life of Terri Schiavo grow in wisdom at its ending.”

[Fitzcarraldo]

Most people are shocked to learn that Jeb Bush himself is the one who signed this statute into law.

Ping. Was he aware what it would lead to?

[FlipWilson]

Hmmm, so in other words, its Bush's fault. Sounds eerily familiar. . . .

[Alberta's Child]

He knew exactly what it would lead to. In a state filled with retirees who will eventually cause financial chaos in their later years, this was exactly what the statute was intended to do.

[Fred Nerks]

Top Neurologist's Report in Terri Released: Newsmax.com
Excerpt:


"Spinal Exam: The patient's exam from a spinal perspective is abnormal. The degree of limitation of range of motion, and of spasms in her neck, is consistent with a neck injury. The abnormal sensory exam, that shows evidence of her hypoxic encephalopathic strokes (right side sensory responses are different from left) also suggests a spinal cord injury at around the level of C4. Her physical exam and videotapes also suggest a spinal cord injury is also present, as she has much better control over he face, head, and neck, than over her arms and legs. This reminds one of a person with a spinal cord injury who has good facial control, but poor use of arms and legs. It is possible that a correctable spinal abnormality such as a herniated disk may be found that could be treated and result in better neurological functioning. This should be looked for, as may be treatable. Thus, there may be an injured disk or spinal cord; the disk injury is more treatable, the spinal cord injury, if present without a disk injury, may be more difficult to treat. A person with a spinal cord injury and hypoxic encephalopathy will need different treatment and rehab recommendations than one who just has a hypoxic encephalopathic.

Interestingly, I have seen this pattern of mixed brain (cerebral) and spinal cord findings in a patient once before, a patient who was asphyxiated."

TERRI SUFFERED A SPINAL INJURY. WE WANT TO KNOW HOW!

[nopardons]

CORRECT!

[tessalu]

Thanks for the smile. Our hearts are heavy.

[AlbionGirl]

I remain convinced, however, that Terri’s death is a window through which we can see the many issues left unresolved in our families and in our society. For that, we can be thankful for all that the life of Terri Schiavo has taught us.

I'm no legal scholar, so I don't know what all he could have done at the point at which Terri was being put to death. But if he's responsible for signing into law the piece of legislation which led to her death, how can he reconcile his words with his deeds? And pardon me, but the italicized text is BoBo speak, if you ask me.

[Alberta's Child]

I don't really care what the exact term in the statute is. Under Florida law, an "artificial" form of medical treatment can be terminated even if it causes the death of the patient.

[cubreporter]

Amen.

[cmsgop]

I agree with you,Thank You Jeb, ya did all ya could.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Borders on "Soylent Green".

[Balata]

I agree with you. Most sane people would not define artificial as food and water. This was obviously done to fit an agenda.

[unbalanced but fair]

Where have you been? That's been the law in many states since the Nancy Cruzan and Karen Quinlan cases.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Are records of Terri's first episode on-line? I want to see the results of any blood work and treatments administered.

[nopardons]

This hysteria needs to stop and stop right now!

Terri wasn't Jesus,Jeb isn't Pilate, and writing such garbage helps nobody!

[Nephi]

"I would've enforced the statutes if Judge Greer would've let me."

There is no rational explanation for why Jeb telegraphed the possibility of taking custody of Terri except that he hoped the judge would prevent him.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Realize starvation and dehydration probably goes on all the time and the only reason Terri came to light was the rift between families.

[Alberta's Child]

That's incorrect. The Karen Quinlan case specifically involved family members who wanted to have her removed from a true artificial means of life support (a respirator). There was never any question that the parents would keep the feeding tube in place, which is why she survived for another eight or nine years after they "pulled the plug."

The Nancy Cruzan case wasn't a state law -- it was a U.S. Supreme Court case in which the "Men in Black Robes" overturned a Missouri law that prohibited the removal of a feeding tube.

[dennisw]

I live in FL and voted for this numbnutz

[wagglebee]

He should have just done it and not asked permission; governors need make it clear that they have executive authority, not the judiciary.