For many, Schiavo's life was an inspiration

Miami Herald ^ | April 6, 2005 | Phil Long

[La Enchiladita]

GULFPORT - In an emotional tribute at a memorial Mass, Terri Schiavo was praised Tuesday night as a remarkable woman, an inspiration to others and someone whose name will become a rallying cry to those who feel her death was an injustice.

''I am sorry, though, that pure love alone was not enough to keep you from harm,'' Schiavo's sister, Suzanne Vitadamo, told a crowd of more than 800 that overflowed and spilled outside the sanctuary of a St. Petersburg church Tuesday night.

''You are telling us not to be sad,'' Vitadamo said in a message to her sister, ``but to be happy because you are now free. You are a remarkable woman. Your smile brought us great joy. You have shown the world what perseverance and determination are all about.

''I miss you,'' Vitadamo said. ``We will forever be grateful to you.''

[GatorGirl]

What is your point? That supporting the cause of life for Terri Schiavo and supporting our troops are mutually exclusive?

Huh?????

[shibumi]

"Terry was treated like trash and the parents were not even allowed to take the trash no others wanted. Why? Becaused she HAD TO DIE so that the precedent could be set to do the same to others."

Clancy, your statement, quoted above, carries far more import than I for one suspected till this day.

While taking a drive this morning to visit a friend, I heard a news item on the radio concerning legislation backed by Jessie White, Secretary of State in Illinois. It started out with the fact that driver's license donor cards are not legally binding in Illinois, and change was needed to remedy this situation. This sounds good on the surface. I, myself, have signed my driver's license, thinking that if I no longer have use for my body, then why shouldn't it be of benefit to someone who has a bad heart, or is blind? (Sorry, guys, the liver's shot!)

I was only half listening when I heard a line that made my blood run cold. (Close paraphrase) "This is needed should you be killed in an accident or FOR SOME REASON END UP BRAIN DEAD."

The vision of people like Terri, conveniently diagnosed as PVS and unaware by MDs (bought and paid for) and used as organ farms has been stuck in my head ever since.

Just what was the precedent set here? Was it that a Judge and court appointed Doctor could decide that a human was no longer a person? That they needed to die? Did it open the door to putting that person to better use before being dessicated and discarded? What if Terri had signed her driver's license? How much more of a legal step would it have been to part her out before discarding her?

Wise people have always observed that in situations that seem to defy sense, just follow the money trail. We already know there's bound to be a book and movie deal - Felos didn't do all this legal work for free. Perhaps there's even a bigger payday here.....Hospices full of spare parts ready for the highest bidder.

I know this sounds pretty dark, but after what we witnessed over the last few weeks, would it really be all that surprising?

[BigSkyFreeper]

The only troop bashing I've seen on the Terri threads came from those supporting Terri's murder.

Cite an example of alleged troop bashing with accompanying links to posts and threads. I must admit I'm curious, because most FReepers I know who mistakenly fall in that "murderer" category of yours are huge supporters of the military, the President, the Consitution, and the rule of law, and the sanctity of life. Myself included.

[La Enchiladita]

For somebody who, we were told, wanted to die, she certainly seemed to linger for quite while...

She may not have had a "living will" but she had a heck of a "Will to Live!" That carries a lot more weight with me than Michael's "hearsay."

the FL legislature screwed up... That is correct.

[BykrBayb]

Sounds like Illinois needs a good freep. Starting with

Jessie White, Secretary of State in Illinois
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62706

Call toll-free within Illinois: 1-(800) 252-8980

TDD / TTY: 1-(888) 261-5112

Online comment form https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/ContactFormsWeb/secretary_contact.html

Web Page http://www.sos.state.il.us/publications/rr/rrtoc.html

[La Enchiladita]

I would appreciate it if you could show some respect for the dead, instead of continuing to bash Terri. She was abused more than enough and suffered more than enough and I would appreciate it if you would stop the abuse.

[verity]

"I'll pray for your soul."

Please do that.

[jackibutterfly]

Freepers - let's make a pact right now, not to ever again use the name "shiavo" with Terri. That name has to be banned forever.

I have a great idea - I mentioned it on another post - speaking of never forgetting - let's make Michael NEVER forget Terri. Let's, all of us, and our friends & family, send pictures of Terri to Michael - completely bombard him with Terri, and NEVER stop!

[BykrBayb]

Thanks for following me around, reminding me to tell people where they can find the posts I referred to. Check my profile page. Some of the posts are listed there.

[jackibutterfly]

"Please explain to me how you can be "inspired" by someone that isnt there, that is unconscious 24x7x365?"

Dave - have you NEVER seen any of the videos of Terri??? Have you seen the one with her father making her laugh regarding her lazy eye? UNCONSCIOUS??? I HARDLY think so!

[La Enchiladita]

Apparently, you don't read very carefully. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, maybe you only glanced quickly at a few posts. This thread is about Terri's memorial service and the inspiration that lingers in the hearts of her supporters. There is no dishonor coming from her those who cherished her.

[ClancyJ]

.Perhaps there's even a bigger payday here.....Hospices full of spare parts ready for the highest bidder.

I know this sounds pretty dark, but after what we witnessed over the last few weeks, would it really be all that surprising?

....

Now you understand what many of us are worried about. No it is not too dark. Would we have believed that the state would actually remove a feeding tube, not offer food/water by mouth, and proceed to starve a 41 year old woman to death? That death initiated by state action - not withholding care which would extend an unavoidable death but initiate a death. Which then becomes execution or murder.

Someone mentioned to me the very point you are making - watch out about donating organs, you may become a prime target by others. Is it too hard to imagine a hospital dealing in organs for a little extra profit?

We need to watch out. We also need to realize there are people who do not operate by the normal ethical codes. So, why are we to become their prey?

I have been so surprised at what we have had to deal with, now I'm beginning to realize that more weirdness could come our way.

[Awestruck]

wow...the DU type death lovers are thick in here today... pretty sad... I'd rather have a diminished mental capacity than no heart or soul like some people on here.. of course reading some of their posts, I'd say they have neither brains nor hearts..

[La Enchiladita]

...four more real american hero's have given their life in Iraq today. I guess the culture of life does not extend beyond out borders though...

I am grieved at every death of our brave soldiers but I totally do not understand your using those tragedies as a way of taking a cheap shot at the culture of life. I don't understand how these two causes became opposed in your mind.

It is sad that this discussion could not remain respectful, as it should. For those of you who resent the value we place on Terri's life -- now ended -- I would request you find some place else to do your venting.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Thanks for following me around, reminding me to tell people where they can find the posts I referred to. Check my profile page. Some of the posts are listed there.

Fine. Two FReepers. None were me, but you broadbrushed a bunch of good decent FReepers as military bashers, and they've since moved on to greener pastures.

[La Enchiladita]

I am so thankful for you and people like you, who will be praying for Theresa's soul and grace for her family.

[BykrBayb]

Good riddance. Please ping me when you post your opus. I wouldn't want to miss it.

[La Enchiladita]

Oh, BTW, maybe you didn't read reply #1. One of the main reasons I linked this particular story is that it contains a photo of Terri's brother, Bobby, displaying a purple heart sent to the Schindler family by a Vietnam veteran... Did you look at the link?

[BigSkyFreeper]

Please ping me when you post your opus. I wouldn't want to miss it.

Right. Ping me when you go on another 4-day weekend. Wouldn't want to miss it like I did last time.

[BykrBayb]

The advocates of involuntary euthanasia have changed my view on the right to die, and organ donation. If I have to be killed to ensure your right to die or receive an organ transplant, then you don't have those rights. I used to support those rights, but not at the expense of innocent victims. The right to die movement is insisting on an all or nothing policy. Everyone must be killed to ensure the rights of the few who want to be killed. No way. This will not stand.