"I can see how the judge could order that the tube be removed since that is considering (incorrectly, I think) extraordinary medical means, but how can anyone legally order withholding food and water by mouth? If she can eat, she's not PVS, if she can't, what's the harm of trying? He ordered this all to be done until she "is dead"."
That is the question that is most significant and one I have never heard asked of any pundit/doctor/"journalist" yet. Schiavo contends that Terri told him nearly 2 decades ago that she specifically did not want to be kept alive by a feeding tube. The tube has been removed, why has she not been allowed to be fed or at least been given water orally? According to a nurse's affidavit, many years ago, Terri was able to consume finely ground food orally without any problem until her guardian discovered she was being fed orally and insisted that Terri be fed via the feeding tube ONLY. What is the harm in trying? Would it be an insurrmountable set-back for Terri's guardian if Terri showed that she indeed could swallow? Tests have been curtailed long ago by her guardian, so the honorable Judge Greer has no idea what Terri is capable of.
The judicial order was to remove the feeding tube. I cannot deem this case anything less than judicially assisted homicide when the judge does not insist that Terri at least be given the opportunity to be fed by mouth. Aside from Felos' and Greer's conflicts of interest involving their association with the pro-euthanasia hospice in which Terri was placed (improperly, I might add), there are a myriad of questions that a complete and impartial review of this case by a federal court would have answered.
Unfortunately, the victim of the improprieties of this case will never live to see justice served.
God bless Terri and may He grant her the eternal salvation she deserves.
I have never seen anything near the evil that is prevailing in this case. It's increasing to the point that it is affecting both sides. Evil perpetrates evil. In Christianity, there is a solution. In politics there is only revenge.