Gov. Bush calls special session over Terri Schiavo

Firstcoastnews.com ^ | 10-20-03 | Cynthia Capers

[JulieRNR21]

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- According to a news release sent by the Terry Schindler-Schiavo Foundation, Florida Speaker Johnnie Byrd will introduce "Terri's Bill" during the special session Monday.

The bill would put an immediate moratorium on all dehydration and starvation deaths in Florida. Meanwhile, supporters of Terri Schiavo showed up Sunday outside a Pinellas Park hospice.

Doctors say Schiavo has been in a vegetative state since complications from a heart attack in 1990. Her husband was granted a court order that her feeding tube be removed, saying his wife wouldn't have wanted to be kept alive.

[iowamomforfreedom]

LOL! First words out of his mouth!!

[Humidston]

CNN is covering this fairly fair, Nina!

I'm surprised! Clearly a couple of the reporters are against us, but some are saying much of what we believe.

For instance: A woman asked the reporter if "Michael has moved on with his life" and the reporter admitted as much. He replied, "Yes, Michael is engaged and has two children by this woman."

I can't complain! In the meantime, Fox is clueless. As far as I know, they're still talking about Kobe - which is all they cover lately!

[PleaseNoMore]

Persoanlly, I could care less who takes credit. Just pass it so Terri can live!

[Deo volente]

King is speaking right now.

I THINK HE'S MOVING TERRI TO THE TOP OF THE AGENDA!!!

[honeygrl]

Keep us posted on what is said! I have no sound on my computer so I can't listen.

[iowamomforfreedom]

Yes! First order of business.

[Humidston]

THANK YOU! Listening...

[Deo volente]

He talked about Terri's "precious" life!!

And he also mentioned the extraordinary outpouring of support for her.

I read on another thread that the Senate Email server crashed from all the support!

YEAH!!!

[windchime]

Thanks for the ping, iowamomforfreedom. I made an effort to 'play to my audience' with a letter from a Floridian's perspective endorsing the actions taken by the legislature.

CNN is providing better coverage than we have come to expect from them. I am thankful for that!

[PleaseNoMore]

Did this guy say that King placed a living will on each of their desks??

[Humidston]

Discussing details

[diamond6]

I wanted to share something that has been on my heart for a while and I apologize if I come across as preachy, I don't mean to. I have learned so much from this experience and that our actions count. I feel like a family at this site, and am proud to know so many of you who have stepped up to the plate and taken action. As my dad says, we add to our bank account in heaven when we do things like this.

But the thought I had was, if "I" had run into Terri (before her situation) in an elevator, would I have smiled or said hello? I pass by people every day and don't acknowledge them as much as I should. Why does it take a tragedy for me to acknowledge someone. I should do it always to everyone, even if they don't deserve it. Who knows, the rude woman in front of me in the grocery line, could be another Terri tomorrow!

I once read that a powerful cure for depression is when we give to others, a smile, saying hello, offering help. I believe that now.

God bless everyone of you!

[Florida Mama]

Yes, king placed a living will on each desk

[Pegita]

King is going to need some good press. His website, I understand, lists him as a member of the Board of Directors for Florida Hospice. Interesting that George Felos, attorney for Michael Schiavo, also WAS a Director on the Florida Hospice Board, and was at the time Terri was admitted to hospice care.

Conflict of interest? Possible reason why King originally said he would NOT allow Terri's Bill to come up for debate, but changed his mind 24 hours later ... the power of non-stop FReeping.

Interesting ...

It hasn't yet been answered ... why is Terri in hospice, and has been for three years, I believe ... why is she there when Federal law says hospice is for terminally-ill and likely to die within 6 months .. this is the qualification for Medicare.

Notice the subtle change ... hospice could cover the elderly and, if found to be in a persistent, vegetative state, a feeding tube, now considered life support, could be withdrawn and the elderly, though not terminally ill, would die. A whole 'nother industry is being born.

On October 15th, Terri was NOT dying .. on October 21st, Terri IS dying, because her husband had her feeding tube removed. Though she legally was declared persistent, vegetative, she is not .. she's brain-injured. Her parents have been fierce in fighting for her ~ pray God Terri's vindication arrives without undue injury to her mind and body.

[SeattleTiger]

Amendment adopted? Is it done?

[Pegita]

Well said, diamond6, and so true ... thanks ..

[honeygrl]

Will someone link to where I can hear what's happening? I jsut connected my speakers.

[SeattleTiger]

Never mind. Just amending the wording. I know there is a need to fine tune the wording, but I wish they would GET THIS DONE!!!

[Pegita]

I'm not linked into the proceedings, but I think the admendment includes a provision for the immediate appointment of a guardian outside the family, to assume responsibility ~ that would immediately remove Michael.

[honeygrl]

I need a link someone.. to the webcast. The last one I was given on another thread didn't work.