Posted on 11/23/2010 4:05:58 PM PST by wagglebee
Last week, former U.S. President, George W. Bush released a memoir of his tenure in office called Decision Points. In this 500-plus page account, Bush revisits a number of official and personal events, as well as choices that shaped both his presidency and his attitudes in private life.
I was disappointed to learn that Bushs actions in March of 2005that led to the passage of Terris Lawwere not a part of this account. On March 20, 2005 in what was called the Palm Sunday Compromise, Congress passed Relief of the Parents of Theresa Marie Schiavoa law that gave the Federal court access to review of the case to dehydrate my sister, Terri Schiavo, to death. President Bush left his home in Texasin the middle of the nightto return to Washington, D.C. in order to sign this bill into law.
Some would praise him as a pro-life hero and a friend to the disabled. Others sharply criticized him for involving himself in a state circuit case. Yet nearly all would remark that his actions were extraordinary and historic.
Why, then, has Bush not recounted that experience in his memoir? A friend has reasoned with me that Bush may have some regrets over the matter, or even embarrassment with how it was handled and eventually politicized by both politicians and the corporate media.
I tend to think there is something more at play. Indeed, no major media outlets or political pundits have revisited Terris case since her death in 2005. Its almost as though a memorandum has been circulated warning those in positions of influence that Terris name is political poison, or that the notion of forced death died with Terri on that day in March.
Unfortunately, it did not. As we have seen through our work to protect the lives of disabled people, cases like Terris persist. They just simply arent getting the face time anymore.
People like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and so many others were tremendous supporters of Terris rights in the years we fought to protect her life. Now theyve fallen silent on the issue, and its an issue that isnt going away. It is most troublesome.
Care rationing and the act of denying profoundly disabled people ordinary care (such as food and hydration via feeding tubes, antibiotics, etc.) is as prevalent now as it was when Terris case was making its way through Floridas Sixth Judicial Circuit. The reason you dont hear about such things is clear: media leaders and public servants simply wont talk about them.
There appears to be a fear of taboo in mentioning the Schiavo case, and perhaps thats because of how it played out and how polarizing it ultimately became. But, lets not forget that Terris case was one that was watched across the globe, was discussed by civil liberties proponents, in religious communities, through groups serving the needs of disabled people, and even in the halls of Congress.
This was no small story and it brought to light a very scary proposition: that your rights fall into incredible jeopardy the moment your life is touched by a disability or complicated illness.
The danger hasnt gone away. Indeed, it might be getting worse. But the conversation that favors life has dried up. The debate over privacy interests has been dismantled. And the awareness of the rights of disabled and ailing people is all but a memory.
When you do hear chatter or witness opinion on life and death, its nearly always on the side of death. Recently economist and New York Times columnist, Paul Krugman, opined that the answer to our current financial crisis is a combination of sales taxes and death panels. Theres that term again.
But Krugman is not alone. There are plenty of proponents of recent health care legislation that would be happy to tell you that cooler heads need to decide whos fit to live and whos entitled to receive wanted care. Not surprisingly, they oftentimes point out older Americans and those with incurable conditions as the ones who are no longer viable.
If we are to protect our own lives then we must reject such notions and be keenly aware of how the laws work, how to advocate for ourselves, and why its important to do so. That includes the sharing of knowledge on difficult cases, similar to Terris, and how they find their way into our countrys courts.
My sisters situation presented a unique opportunity for those in the public eye to bring forward the issues surrounding health care, disability, personal liberties and retained rights. And prior to her death, they did. My family and others touched by this issue were grateful. But, where are they now?
It may go without saying, but rarely does a day go by that I dont think about my sister and the suffering she was made to endure. Im also very much aware that there are countless others who face the same fate, particularly so since the organization we established in Terris memory receives hundreds of calls from people who are desperate for help in defending a loved ones life.
When Terri died, President Bush issued the following statement:
Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life, where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others. The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak. In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life.
Hes correct, of course. But if Mr. Bush is not writing and reflecting about it todayand if were not talking about itthen were not educating people like we should. Consequently, were not doing whats necessary to spread that message. Were pushing the issue aside and pretending its no longer a problem. Avoidance and denial of what happened to Terri is not going to save lives or protect the liberties of individuals today and in the future. Aggressively working to teach the public the truth about this vital topic so that innocent Americans can never be starved and dehydrated to death again is the right course and commitment.
The people who do not value your life have plenty to say; and they are rather bald-faced about it.
If people like President Bush truly believe the lives of vulnerable people are worthy of protection, they need to come back to the table and defend those lives with vigor and resolve now, tomorrow and for years to come.
Bobby Schindler is the host of Americas Lifeline heard Saturdays on WGUL in Tampa and online through their Web site. He is the brother of Terri Schiavo.
I doubt they ever ask themselves questions about their deeds. They couldn’t handle the answers. Cowards.
btt
In one case the government ALLOWED something to happen.
In the other case the government is MAKING something happen.
You really can’t see the distinction?
The only reason the government was involved in the Schaivo case is because the family demanded that the court arbitrate between family members who couldn’t agree on what to do.
In Obamacare the government is forcing themselves on us.
You really can’t see the distinction?
If you’re trying to pretend the government didn’t order the killing of Terri Schiavo, you’re wrong. The government didn’t merely sit back and allow her estranged husband to kill her. The government ordered that she be denied food and water, in any form, forever.
Thanks for the ping!
God bless Bobby Schindler.
You really cant see the distinction?
There is no distinction:
In Terri's case, the government DID NOT "allow" Terri to be killed, the government ORDERED that Terri not be given basic necessities (e.g. food and water).
In the case of Zero's death panels, they will also ORDER that a person not be given basic necessities.
My suspicion is that those of you who try to to distinguish between Terri's murder and the impending death panels are actually fine with both, you just don't like the fact that Obama's name is attached to the latter.
Great observation. I think your suspicion is right.
But of course!
Both involve a government that devalues human life. It’s as simple as that.
Terri lives on.
Always, Dear Leader! :-)
Oh, THAT! Doesn’t that go without saying? :)
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