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.

[shezza]

Thank you. I refresh current pages, not go back and re-read from the beginning, so I missed this. I appreciate your clarification.

[syriacus]

It's in news reports all over the place, not just an FR "what if" hypothesis! Lord have mercy...it's her only hope.

I thought Freepers got reassuring emails back from FL Senators or Representatives.

Do we know if any of the replies actually mentioned specific pro-Terri legislation?

Or were their replies very general?

[JulieRNR21]

The headline is still incorrect, however, since the special session was not called over this issue, but over something completely unrelated.

The title of this thread is the exact wording of the story that appeared on FirstCoast.com when the article was posted.

If the Schlinder family started this rumor without official confirmation...they have indeed done their cause a grave disservice.

[JulieRNR21]

Updated story now has this title on

www.firstcoast.com

Florida Speaker Johnnie Byrd Will Introduce "Terri's Bill" During Special Session

[WackySam]

I thought Freepers got reassuring emails back from FL Senators or Representatives. Do we know if any of the replies actually mentioned specific pro-Terri legislation? Or were their replies very general?

All of my email replies were generic auto-replies.

There must be some sort of legislation draft since Byrd's office said they would support "Terri's Bill" but not introduce it. I don't see how they could support something they haven't seen.

[syriacus]

The actual text on the Terrisfight.org website reads

PRESS RELEASE

Special Session Called in State Legislature Speaker of the House, Johnnie Byrd to introduce “Terri’s Bill”

Clearwater, FL October 19, 2003: The Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, has called a special session of the Florida Legislature for Monday, October 20, 2003. At that time, Florida’s Speaker of the House will introduce “Terri’s Bill”. By Florida law, two thirds majority vote are required to have a topic entered.

Volunteers with the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation have learned that Senate President, Jim King is against this bill.

The Bill would put an immediate moratorium on all dehydration and starvation deaths currently pending in Florida.

We have come to a time when the merchants of death have created a constitutional crisis and a justice gridlock, while the rightful life of Florida’s disabled and vulnerable citizens tragically hang on Terri Schindler-Schiavo’s court ordered dehydration and starvation death.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Or was the family promised something, that no one had intensions of following up on or perhaps it was taken back?

[Leatherneck_MT]

Unfortunately this is a lackluster response to an immediate problem. Terri could well be dead before this bill gets passed and that's supposing King doesn't block it in the Senate.

Gov Bush needs to do something Physical NOW to get that woman into a safe location.

Moral choices are ones made by people every day. Looks like Jeb doesn't want to make this one.

I truly pray that she hangs on long enough for another do nothing government to do SOMETHING.

[incindiary]

Where are the FReepers who are in touch with the Schindler family? No updates from the vigil?

[PeyersPatches]

Gov Bush needs to do something Physical NOW to get that woman into a safe location.

Moral choices are ones made by people every day. Looks like Jeb doesn't want to make this one.

I truly pray that she hangs on long enough for another do nothing government to do SOMETHING.

---

I agree and it's a miracle she's still alive. Jeb needs to act NOW NOW NOW!!!!

[MindBender26]

I am enroute to NYV for client emergency. Anyone calling Byrd's office for answer?

PR in this has been a disaster.

[mtbopfuyn]

Fox has stopped carrying this story.

Not a peep on CSPAN either. It's been a media black out from day one.

[JulieRNR21]

I repeat my question:


If this story has been a PR rumor campaign designed to put pressure on Byrd to 'create' a 'Terri's Bill' I am appalled.

The story has been on several FL TV websites & WorldNetDaily.

WE NEED ANSWERS FROM THOSE WHO KNOW THE TRUTH.

Was this story 'put out' by the Schlinders to put pressure on the FL Legislature or were they really told by a reliable source that Sen. Byrd would introduce a 'Terri's Bill'?

[mtbopfuyn]

Doctors say Schiavo has been in a vegetative state since complications from a heart attack in 1990

Disgusting how they all keep that lie going.

[PeyersPatches]

Anyone calling Byrd's office for answer?


I keep hitting redial and the line is busy

[mtbopfuyn]

I am sorry to say that I just got off the phone Rep Johnnie Byrd's office and they say they will absolutely not be introducing this bill, but will support it if it comes up.

So who is supposed to introduce it?

[honeygrl]

phenn is the family spokesperson. Maybe she can tell us what's going on if she checks her pings? She signed up when the first very very long Terri thread was going.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

While you're asking that, also ponder how the family got along just fine with this "abusive monster" up until the point when he started moving on with life....

[shezza]

I've not seen any updates from vigil-attenders since 3:40 this morning. Just now checked email, and nothing (but auto replies from all the FL legislators I emailed earlier about supporting "Terri's Bill").

[WackySam]

So who is supposed to introduce it?

Byrd's office told me they had no information on who may introduce it.