Terri Shiavo
By: Reilly On: Mar/31/05 - 133 Comments
Terri Schiavo has died.
She passed away at 9:03 AM EST.
May she rest in peace.
Terri Schiavo has died.
She passed away at 9:03 AM EST.
May she rest in peace.
RobertWell this news certainly calls for huge bonuses for the management! Afer all, they are politically-connected...
BonBonMy thoughts and prayers to the victims as well. God Bless them. You have a point Fred. Everything is so pc...
Frugal Café Blog ZoneDemocrats Can’t Accept American Don’t Want Their Health Care Crap Sandwich Right Voices: VIDEO:...
Fred Dawesthis is what happens when you have a PC Army how sad but will become normal place in the coming years of...
Fred DawesLooks like the real civil war is about to start 12 to 20 killed at ft.hood and the FBI Said its not mulsims...
Former Army OfficerGee let’s use some common sense here (A rarity in DC I’m sure.) If you’re a top...
Former Army OfficerSince San Fran Nan closed the press conference, who did someone from the opposition get in with a...
Former Army OfficerThere won’t be any working poor to live off of if this and the crap and tax bill passes. The...
Former Army OfficerBush may have pushed for laws to allow them to come here, BUT this guy came during the CLINTON...
Former Army OfficerNow if the fact that the voters in Maine are actually somewhat conservative would soak in to their...
RobertHa ha ha! WHAT a pathetic douchebag! He just makes up his own criteria, which by definition then makes his...
PamDid you say spin Robert? Look for my Next post..he can spin!
RobertWell maybe Olbermann is cloistered away preparing a magnificent way to spin all of this into a crowning victory...
PamIn order to soak the rich properly and by properly, I mean soak them so everything is paid for, the tax rate would...
PamI believe the network news applied the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy on this story
libbie basherBeing that this filthy bag of dog sh#t is a Muslim, and not a Christian, will anyone be surprised if...
Fred DawesThe end of a nation has come the end of freedom and laws and the ideals of duty not just to a nation state...
Fred DawesIf you go back to 2004 bush helped to get laws that would allow millions of muslims to come here. Thank you...
Fred DawesOne word, Yes!
RobertIf this is so wonderful and necessary, and Pelosi and other demagogues want so much to tax the rich, I hereby...
March 31, 2005 - 10:51 AM on March 31st, 2005
THey should issue an arrest warrant for that “husband” and “judge”…..
March 31, 2005 - 11:30 AM on March 31st, 2005
…& then burn the Constitution & vote kilo soveriegn.
March 31, 2005 - 11:34 AM on March 31st, 2005
There’s shitloh, dancing a happy dance over starving a woman to death… you must be very proud.
March 31, 2005 - 11:38 AM on March 31st, 2005
You libs are really something…more than ready to kill this woman, millions of babies..christian fundamentalists, etc…..
but not muslim animal terrorists..god forbid.
March 31, 2005 - 11:57 AM on March 31st, 2005
I apologize for this lengthy comment, but I wanted to promulgate this parallel to the world:
Because I Could Not Stop for Death
By Emily Dickinson
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labour, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played,
Their lessons scarcely done;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.
Since then ’tis centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses’ heads
Were toward eternity.
March 31, 2005 - 12:01 PM on March 31st, 2005
Kilo – you are one sick, angry puppy
March 31, 2005 - 12:02 PM on March 31st, 2005
“May she rest in peace.”
Agreed.
March 31, 2005 - 12:07 PM on March 31st, 2005
7. I also agree, and hope that Micahael, the Schindlers, and their families can have some peace now. Enough already.
March 31, 2005 - 12:09 PM on March 31st, 2005
And, Kilo, I imagine your heart is in the right place. You’re just misguided especially on this issue.
March 31, 2005 - 12:15 PM on March 31st, 2005
Réquiem ætérnam dona ei Dómine; et lux perpétua lúceat ei. Requiéscat in pace. Amen.
(Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.)
March 31, 2005 - 01:29 PM on March 31st, 2005
Arrest mr schiavo and judge greer lets put them both on trial for 1st degree murder and have them tried and convicted by the people of america and then sentence then both to death in the electric chair lets fire up old sparky and fry them both:mad:
March 31, 2005 - 01:50 PM on March 31st, 2005
why stop at the husband & Judge Greer, snowy? how about the appelate courts – shall we kill them? shall we kill the Supreme Court? shall we kill everyone who disagrees with your conclusions?
a Father Pavano called the husband ‘heartless’ & implied he was a killer. you must love him. i think he should be ashamed of himself.
March 31, 2005 - 02:05 PM on March 31st, 2005
11. Gee, and here I thought the courts … all 2 dozen plus decisions … were merely applying the law and Constitution. The fact that that they were unanimous in their orders should give some insight to the Schindler’s position. Oh, and Greer is a conservative, Christian jurist. The hypocrisy from the right just doesn’t stop in this case. It would be laughable if it weren’t so sad.
The time has come to let this go, but the right won’t. Just listen to DeLay: “This loss happened because our legal system did not protect the people who need protection most, and that will change[.] The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior,…” It strikes me that the legal sysytem worked fine over the 8 or so years it was used. What didn’t work was Congress’ grandstanding, and the right’s hoped for shredding of the applicable laws in this case.
March 31, 2005 - 02:05 PM on March 31st, 2005
The “husband” and “judge” Greer are murderers.
March 31, 2005 - 02:10 PM on March 31st, 2005
14. Did the DeLay family “murder” when Tom’s father was taken off life-support? Come on, Mike, you know your accusation is neither warranted nor intelligent.
March 31, 2005 - 02:11 PM on March 31st, 2005
Ellis, you having a fun day today? Is it a big picnic that you were successful in starving this woman to death? Do you sing the same happy songs as babies’ limbs are torn apart?
Just trying to get into your world, man.
March 31, 2005 - 02:17 PM on March 31st, 2005
No, Mike, I’m not having a fun day. It’s sad that someone died, and I in no way wished that upon her. I shudder when I think that so many folks actually think like you, and believe what you do. I understand your world, man, and I am appalled. How can you, in any right mind, think that folks want to starve anyone? The law was applied, the law was followed, and that’s what your ilk want unless and until you don’t like the result. That’s hypocrisy at it’s purest.
March 31, 2005 - 02:19 PM on March 31st, 2005
Ellis
i object to you saing that “The hypocrisy from the right just doesn’t stop in this case. It would be laughable if it weren’t so sad.”
it’s not the ‘right’ that should be condemned. i don’t think anyone should be ‘condemned’. if you do that, what difference is there between you and those who do the same to those who think like you?
there are plenty of people on the right who agree with you, so don’t go nuts.
March 31, 2005 - 02:27 PM on March 31st, 2005
don’t get so giddy Ellis. Many conservatives were with you on this. You will have to look much harder…. or is this what your UAW letters are telling you?:roll:
March 31, 2005 - 03:02 PM on March 31st, 2005
18, 19. I agree that there are many conservatives both on this site and eleswhere who agree with me. My comments were directed at the zealots and Republican leadership who don’t seem to get it. Then again, I wonder if leadership’s true goal here was saving Terri or prepping the base for judicial fights. Now, before someone jumps on me, I’m not suggesting that leadership or anyone else wanted Terri to die. I’m just pointing out what a lot of sites and intelligent people are debating re: the goal(s).
John, I don’t get UAW letters, and am actually anti-union. I dealt with them in a number of management positions, and believe that enlightened management these days could decertify many unions.
March 31, 2005 - 03:28 PM on March 31st, 2005
Well I guess now all you nazi deathmongers are rejoicing.May all of you die horrible death of starvation and dehydration like Terri did.Those hurricanes that hit Florida is nothing compared to what is going to happen now.Prepare for the wrath of God because it is coming!All you morons that know nothing of history are doomed to repeat it.
March 31, 2005 - 04:03 PM on March 31st, 2005
One more state murder free is a joke and the ideal of the third world are wiining over the ideals of laws of a nation. hey people she was murdered by order of the court or order of the non government? schiavo is one more victim of insane non laws inside the empire of no laws or rights.
March 31, 2005 - 04:13 PM on March 31st, 2005
May the media circus rest in peace
March 31, 2005 - 05:04 PM on March 31st, 2005
politicans, in general, don’t care about this woman. she, like so many others, like so many countries in so many wars, was used as an instrument of policy – to show themselves as caring about something. they also may be assumed to be concerned about themselves, their images. not all, mind you.
when a politician says he’s concerned about life and cuts medical and social programs to the poor, i wonder.
when the ‘presumption’ when there’s any question at all, should go to life, as some say, & over 100 death row prisoners are set free, proven innocent, i wonder.
March 31, 2005 - 05:25 PM on March 31st, 2005
Terry, since you are so concerned with people starving to death against their wishes, you might want to check out Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even your own backyard. Millions of people are starving to death every year abroad, Where’s the outrage? Right to life? but I’m sure you already hold candle light vigils for those people .
March 31, 2005 - 06:53 PM on March 31st, 2005
Our own back yard Sabor,,, your stupid… The poor in America are like the wealty in others.
March 31, 2005 - 07:07 PM on March 31st, 2005
26
but they don’t live in other countries. they pay our food and shelter and other prices essential for basic life.
is your solution to move them all to a small African village so they’d flourish finacially?
you go first & let us know how it is.
March 31, 2005 - 07:30 PM on March 31st, 2005
21. Terry, are you suggesting the hurricanes had something to do with Schiavo?
March 31, 2005 - 08:11 PM on March 31st, 2005
Stangely enough Terry was trying to say that hurricanes in larger numbers than normal may be an indication of a God that is displeased with the actions of a nations. But in order to beleive that, you have to believe in Bible stories. And rather than have many of you make fun of Terry for believing in some of the historical stories in the Bible, I leave it at that. Did Noah build an Ark, over 130 cultures tell that story including Iraq when the Iraq’s claim the ark is parked. Why, because God was ticked off at the actions of the inhabitians of the land? Was Sodom and Gamorah destoyed by God out of anger? Want to buy some brimestone from where that city’s remains are? There is alot of it there. Why was it suddenly destroyed? If those events happened, could something odd happen to this nation?
March 31, 2005 - 08:50 PM on March 31st, 2005
“Millions of people are starving to death every year abroad, Where’s the outrage? Right to life?” Nice try Sabor: ever heard of the Tsunami Relief Fund. This nation was the largest contribitor. There was outrage at what happened to those people and action to releve their suffering. We cannot help every person who is suffering,we don’t even know about all of them. But when we do hear about them, alot of Right to Life people step up the the plate and give of their money and time and yes do care if a woman is starved to death by a husband who has a common law wife and childen.
March 31, 2005 - 09:15 PM on March 31st, 2005
Why would anyone that wants to think of themselves as intelligent bring up the starving in Africa?
March 31, 2005 - 09:16 PM on March 31st, 2005
24- How would you know what they think? Wouldn’t that be painting a picture with a broad brush?
Upset your funds got cut again?
April 1, 2005 - 12:34 AM on April 1st, 2005
I find myself agreeing with Shiloh. ( wonders never cease ) This woman never wanted to be on the 6 o’clock news. Yet the news and politicians both used her for rateings. Sick and sad as far as I was concerned. As far as her dieing. I think she’s probably alot better off now. What kind of quality of life chould she have hoped for? I understand her family not wanting to let go. I can totally see that. But who the hell are these cheesey putzes that dont even know her crying outside the hospice? Get a damn life and a job. If I was in that situation and I could have 3 seconds of lucidity I’d yank my own feeding tube out. Who the hell would want to live like that? No one I know. Rest in peace Terri. Sorry I had to find out about you like this.
April 1, 2005 - 06:43 AM on April 1st, 2005
21, 22.
You’re nuttier than a circus elephant’s turd.
Ted
April 1, 2005 - 07:40 AM on April 1st, 2005
Just think that the same judge can halt the construction of a hospital over some worthless insect or stop the exicution of a convicted killer mean these judges should be all fired they have over stepped their athority and have become nothing more then petty tyrants its time to make them responible and hold them liable for their negligence:roll:
April 1, 2005 - 08:36 AM on April 1st, 2005
It surprizes me how people say what what Terri never wanted. This from a woman who in theory could not speak in any manner. If I was having my food removed so I could die before I was ready, I would want the media to cover it and throw a fit. Make sure to copy Rat’s comment so we know to show it when something happens to him. He can go without a wimper from any of us. But as for Terri’s desires, there are at least three affidavids from close friends saying that the husband for years claimed he did not know what Terri wanted she was only 25 when her accident occured and they never spoke about it. Oh, that right, Michael has a lawyer who’s body opens up and spirit leaves and it able to speak spirit to spirit with the commatose patient. And he assures us that Terri’s spirit wanted to leave her worthless body. (Better read the lawyer’s book before you put down this comment). That is how Michael after seven years of saying he didn’t know her wishes suddenly had a revelation. Or maybe the common law wife and children helped his memory. I’m glad Rat feels better that she is gone and his presumption that she would naturally want the same thing as him (Hey doesn’t everyone). We will never know what Terri wanted exept through Michael’s channeling lawyer.
April 1, 2005 - 08:56 AM on April 1st, 2005
36- Go talk on a corner. You are tiresome at best terrance:roll:
April 1, 2005 - 09:01 AM on April 1st, 2005
36.
no matter if Terri expressed her wishes or not. If she did, it is the husband’s responsibilty to follow them, as in a living will, If not, then it should be the husbands decision, period.
Ted
April 1, 2005 - 10:05 AM on April 1st, 2005
yeah, JG..you are right…
The “poor” in America have cable TV, subsidized housing, subsidized utilities, subsidized medical care, subsidized strawberry soda, ho-hos and ring dings…
yeah…starving…..sure.
April 1, 2005 - 11:02 AM on April 1st, 2005
39: I suppose they’re all either black or an immigrant too
April 1, 2005 - 11:16 AM on April 1st, 2005
40-those are your words:roll:
April 1, 2005 - 11:20 AM on April 1st, 2005
sabor…what the HELL does that have to do with anything?????
I’m sick of hearing you lefties crying for all of the alleged “poor starving” people in America… I will go to the save-a-lot today after work to get my milk, tuna, eggs, etc which I pay for with my hard earned money….and I will stand in line behind some 300lb “poor starving america” with their cart full of soda, chips, ring dings and other assorted junk……..
and I haven’t given enough yet for “famine relief”? My pay stub says otherwise.
April 1, 2005 - 11:23 AM on April 1st, 2005
…worse thing is, these fat, lazy F#%ks don’t even thank me for paying for their ho-hos and ring dings……lazy, fat, and ungrateful…..and you think I need to contribute even more?????
F you.
April 1, 2005 - 11:24 AM on April 1st, 2005
42- and have you noticed that their kids look like they suffer from malnutrition? This will be the same 300 pounder that says that their obesity is not their fault:razz:
April 1, 2005 - 11:27 AM on April 1st, 2005
yeah peejz…no kidding. I’m supposed to have sympathy for people who refuse to work, have more kids, and feed them crap with MY MONEY…then complain because the get diabetes and have a life expectancy of about a day and a half……
welfare, mend it don’t end it…BULL$HIT..these F#%Ks need to be cut off…immediately. I would rather see that money go to iraqi school children than these fat lazy bastards with their ho-hos and strawberry soda…
but as long as idiots like shitloh, sandyb and the rest exist…expect to keep feeding these leeches.
April 1, 2005 - 11:30 AM on April 1st, 2005
45-It makes no sense to throw money at the problem. These people think it is their right and for the most part, they are not thankful. It is never enough.:roll:
April 1, 2005 - 11:33 AM on April 1st, 2005
yeah…….try and follow the logic of the liberal mind….Starve Terri Schiavo to death…make me pay to feed fat, lazy bastards junk food….
wow.
April 1, 2005 - 11:43 AM on April 1st, 2005
34 – Ew. thanks for the visual.
April 1, 2005 - 12:36 PM on April 1st, 2005
peeze, I’ll use small words and sentenses. That should keep you from getting tired.
April 1, 2005 - 12:53 PM on April 1st, 2005
49-You can use any words you want, they are all idiotic:roll:
April 1, 2005 - 01:13 PM on April 1st, 2005
Never deal with the ideas, just give them a label like tiresome,or idiotic. Its same time and thinking.
April 1, 2005 - 02:19 PM on April 1st, 2005
51-We deal with facts here. Your posts are filled with mistruths. There is no point in talking to someone who doesn’t take the time to verify what they write.
April 1, 2005 - 02:58 PM on April 1st, 2005
we deal here in facts?
yeah, sometimes.
we also deal deal in disrespect, threats, hatred & mocking derison.
why is it that different opinions generate these thngs.
to call the poor scum, worthless & living off the
work of others is not a fact. there are always those who abuse the system. let’s comment on those who don’t for once.
deal with that mistruth.
April 1, 2005 - 03:54 PM on April 1st, 2005
Shiloh,,, going back to Califirina?
April 1, 2005 - 04:38 PM on April 1st, 2005
53-let me guess, it isn’t your fault you live off the system?
April 1, 2005 - 04:45 PM on April 1st, 2005
i don’t live off the sysem unless you’re talking about the Capitalistic System.
is it your position that all poverty is self induced?
April 1, 2005 - 05:01 PM on April 1st, 2005
56- We have been over this time and again, so I think this is pointless isn’t it?:roll:
April 1, 2005 - 05:02 PM on April 1st, 2005
then 55 wasn’t a question. there was a question mark at the end – pardon my confusion.
April 1, 2005 - 05:04 PM on April 1st, 2005
It has come to be expected from you.
April 1, 2005 - 05:16 PM on April 1st, 2005
as is the trademark eye rolling yellow face at the end of your posts.
April 1, 2005 - 05:26 PM on April 1st, 2005
See what people that live off the system do to me?
April 1, 2005 - 05:38 PM on April 1st, 2005
& i hear by what judgements we judge, so shall we be judged.
April 1, 2005 - 06:54 PM on April 1st, 2005
We will see.
April 1, 2005 - 07:36 PM on April 1st, 2005
i see nothing has changed here
April 1, 2005 - 08:51 PM on April 1st, 2005
64- I guess not. You come back again and again after promising not to.
April 1, 2005 - 09:04 PM on April 1st, 2005
65. Wouldn’t want to disappoint you, peejz, or force you to actually say something of value.
April 1, 2005 - 09:07 PM on April 1st, 2005
66-But why waste it on you? You can’t even be true to yourself?
April 1, 2005 - 09:32 PM on April 1st, 2005
67. Other than playing around here re: leaving, etc., I’m very true to myslef. You know nothing of me other than the banter at this site (and it is a game of sorts). Of the close to 6000 posts you’ve made here, peejz, how many are put-downs, ridicule of opposing views, insults, etc.? I have no idea and will not count them, but I’d guess it’s well over half. Those put-downs do nothing to persuade opponents you have a better idea/concept. Rather, they reinforce opposition. As to my sarcasm, I’m merely returning what is delivered. When in Rome … (speaking of which, I do pray for the Pope although I am not Catholic. He has had an extraordinary life).
April 1, 2005 - 09:42 PM on April 1st, 2005
68-Read them and then get back to me. They date back to the beginning of the site. I believe it is 3 years.
Now lets talk about the returning of the sarcasm. Is it okay for you to do it but not Mike or me or anyone else? See this is a blog. Sometimes we get along and sometimes we don’t. That is what makes blogging fun. So if you don’t want people to talk to you, don’t post or just ignore them. You obviously like being here. So stop threatening to leave or at the very least, stop telling the person that you are talking to everyone but them. You are putting a bullseye on yourself every time you do that. It isn’t that difficult.
I too am thinking of the Pope. He really had an extrordinary life.
April 1, 2005 - 09:49 PM on April 1st, 2005
69. Fair enough, peejz.
April 1, 2005 - 09:51 PM on April 1st, 2005
69. But, I’m not gonna read all of it ……
April 2, 2005 - 06:41 AM on April 2nd, 2005
Oh ellis
April 2, 2005 - 05:00 PM on April 2nd, 2005
21,
Terry, if 21 was a joke, it wasn’t funny. This is the second time you’ve related the majority of Americans to Nazis. And this is the second time I’ll tell you to think before you start comparing anything to do with the Schiavo case to the Jewish/Roma/homosexual/mentally ill experience from 1933-1945. Cheapening history is fine, as long as it serves your millenialist vision, eh?
April 4, 2005 - 09:17 PM on April 4th, 2005
i really dont care if she was kept alive or dead but all i know is that it would not have hurt anyone to keep her alive
April 6, 2005 - 11:29 AM on April 6th, 2005
she died and its all
:mad::cry:beacuse of her sick husband
April 6, 2005 - 11:30 AM on April 6th, 2005
I am so upsey that she died and its allbeacuse of her sick husband:evil::cry:
April 6, 2005 - 11:31 AM on April 6th, 2005
I hate her husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cry::mad::evil:
April 6, 2005 - 11:40 AM on April 6th, 2005
Did you actually know Terri Schiavo?
April 6, 2005 - 12:18 PM on April 6th, 2005
78- good point.
April 6, 2005 - 11:06 PM on April 6th, 2005
I think it is dangerous when a culture becomes apathetic towards life, where human lives are taken for convenience sake. This is “the culture of death”the Pope spoke about. Where in America abortion is used to take innocent lives at an alarming rate ~ 1 Million a year, even though there are many people who would adopt these children; love and care for them, people who have been waiting a long time for a child. This apathy also extends to people who are disabled or elderly, as in Terri’s case or in the recent legislation passed in the Netherlands promoting a suicide pill for the elderly, or the recent statement by an “ethicist”talking about people with “worthless livesâ€. It is prideful and dangerous when we start talking about people as “worthless”or having no “quality of lifeâ€. Who determines this? We all have flaws, every single one of us. Some have physical disabilities, some have mental ones and some people are just mean and hateful.
I am 35 years old and have Cystic Fibrosis, which is a genetic lung disease that should have finished me off years ago according to most literature. Life has not been the easiest over the years, with hospitalizations, IV antibiotics and sometimes needing oxygen, but this has given me a respect for life. I am glad the current trend towards prenatal genetic testing was not around when I was born. In someone’s mind they may have projected I would not have a sufficient quality of life and decided to abort me. I am glad I am here!!! I am married to a loving wife and I have adopted two children whom I love dearly. I also am able to run my own company from home, to be a productive part of society.
Sometimes doing the right thing is a lot more difficult than doing what is convenient. I believe valuing human life is the right thing to do, and we will see a long term benefit of more than we can imagine if we make the investment. We need to remember in our interactions in this world that other people are just like us, and that except by the grace of God we could end up in the same situation as Terri. None of us knows what life will bring, one day we will all die; there is no need to hasten it along. Impatience is another key fault of our current culture.
Here is a list of some famous people with disabilities (it is not complete):
http://ericec.org/fact/famous.html
Finally remember Jesus’ commands to “Love your neighbor as yourself”and to “Love you enemyâ€. Love is not just an emotion; it is a conscious decision of the will. How else can we love our enemy?
Sincerely,
John
PS: if food and water is life support, then everyone is on life support
April 7, 2005 - 06:27 AM on April 7th, 2005
John- I am sorry to hear about your illness, but to compare your Cystic Fibrosis to Terri Schaivo is really just silly. You listed famous people with “disabilities” but not one is in a persistent vegetative state. You say you require help, yet you run a company. That is tremendous, but again, nothing like the Schaivo case. I wish for you a cure within your life time, or at the very least, your childrens’. And God forbid, if you and your family do find themselves faced with a situation such as the one that faced Michael Schaivo, I wish your wife and kids the privacy and the dignity to carry out your wishes. That is without the spotlight of the nation judging them. People we don’t even know, yet form opinions based on hearsay and emotions.
April 7, 2005 - 10:32 AM on April 7th, 2005
Hi peejz,
I was not comparing Cystic Fibrosis directly to Terri’s condition. I was saying there is a trend in today’s culture to want to eliminate people who would be considered to have a lesser quality of life, and Terri’s case is the first step. My point about the CF was that I may have a lesser quality of life but I am happy to be here and would not have wanted someone to make that decision for me before I was born, hence the comment about prenatal genetic testing.
As for a famous person closer to Terri’s condition how about Steven Hawking who has ALS and can only move his eyes, which with a special device allows him to speak, otherwise he cannot move, care for himself or feed himself.
Please see http://www.hawking.org.uk/disable/dindex.html
As for Terri there was debate over her diagnosis and her Parents and many other doctors, lawyers and care givers said she was not in a PVS. It was said that she could understand and respond to people around her.
Please see http://www.terrisfight.org/
Read the “myths about Terri” section as well as the “court documents” section showing the affidavits. The web site is sponsored by her parents who are closer to the situation than any of us.
Also if all of the family was in agreement you would not have heard a word about the case. Her parents have been fighting for years to get treatments for her that her husband had denied her. I would normally be in favor of a husband being able to make medical decisions about his wife, unless the husband did not have the best interests of his wife at heart, then it becomes a case for the courts and should be given due process.
As for me I would chose life.
Sincerely,
John
April 7, 2005 - 10:48 AM on April 7th, 2005
John, well stated.
I hope you aware that by “choosing life”, you will be called a religious bigot and an intolerant neandrathal by the lefties who frequent this site.
April 7, 2005 - 11:43 AM on April 7th, 2005
As John’s pastor, I would also add that he is the head elder in our congregation and a valued friend of mine.
Here’s my two shekels on the matter. A noted neurologist from the Mayo clinic examined Terri not long before she died and he concluded that she was NOT in a PVS. Saying something over and over again doesn’t make it true. At the very least, any honest person would have to admit that this diagnosis was controverted. Highly reputable physicians did not agree. In such cases, don’t you think the benefit of the doubt should go toward preserving a life?
And John’s point of talking about his chronic condition in light of what happened to Terri, is relevant. Why else do you think that EVERY major disabilities rights activist group in American filed legal briefs in defense of Terri’s life? Because they know something that many refuse to see. Slippery slopes do exist. Cf. Holland.
This is not a left-wing vs. right-wing issue, as some suggest. Typical example of the straw man fallacy. Mis-characterize your opponents to make them easier to bash, like a straw man. Ralph Nader, Nat Hentoff (of the Village Voice), Jesse Jackson, Joe Lieberman, and Alan Dershowitz are definitely not right-wing or conservative but that have all spoken against starving Terri. Ralph Nader, former Green party candidate for PotUS, called this sanctioned homicide. Don’t you think that when Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson and George W. Bush agree on an issue, we can say it’s not a partisan matter? I believe this is because truly open-minded people, who know the facts, see this for what it was. Some just don’t care.
And when can we get past this tired harangue that pro-life people don’t care about the poor? How many of you would like to join me on my next trip to the jungles of southern Sudan? Last time I was there, I saw some real poor people. There aren’t any poor people in the US (I’m exaggerating, I know; it’s called hyperbole). Even most homeless people here have a higher standard of living than the malarial malnourished children who have to worry about stepping on landmines or being kidnapped and islamized by their neighbors.
And finally, we should all try to avoid the ad hominem attacks. Argue the issue, not the person.
Scott
April 7, 2005 - 12:53 PM on April 7th, 2005
Scott,
Great post.
I have argued many times on this board that having free medical care, subsidized housing, subsidized utilities, cable TV and enough free money every month to buy as much ho-ho’s, ring dings and strawberry sodas as you can handle is HARDLY poor.
..but I’m just a mean-spiritied, racist, homophobic conservative, so….what do I know?
April 7, 2005 - 01:37 PM on April 7th, 2005
Thanks Mike. Last night, I taught a class of 7th and 8th graders. They asked me about Terri Schiavo. And I asked them what they knew about the case. Not one of them understood the facts. And all of them thought starving her was right. Then I dispassionately told them essentially what I wrote above. I said, “Terri was not sick; she was not in the process of dying; she was not on life support; doctors don’t agree about the level of activity in her brain; she was quite responsive to stimuli, etc.” When I finished, not one of them believed starving her was right. The truth sells itself, at least to those who have ears to hear. I’ve got my fair share of people who hate me too. But then, so did Jesus.
April 7, 2005 - 04:07 PM on April 7th, 2005
86. Scott, did you also tell your class that Terri’s husband had full, legal authority for her treatment, and that this fact was confirmed repeatedly by approximately 30 court decisions? That Terri had articulated to her husband that she did not want to be kept alive by medical equipment or devices (and feeding tubes are medical equipment)? That the neurologist who intervened at the 11th hour wrongly professed to be a Nobel nominee thereby impugning his integrity, and that his credentials were questioned by some? That the competent, qualified physicians who treated Terri for years concluded she was in a PVS? That the “responses” Terri was “showing” were actually involuntary movements and sounds that competent physicians say are often mistaken for actual response by loved ones and those who are so inclined to think that? That Congress intervened by passing an unconstitutional law that was so adjudged by several courts including conservative jurists? That death in the manner Terri died occurs every day, and that competent medical professionals say it is a peaceful process as the body shuts down?
In other words, how complete an argument did you present last night? Or, was it merely an impassioned, one-sided, evangelical, right-to-life plea? Was your presentation fair and accurate?
I’m not for starving folks, but I also believe that this most intimate decision did not belong on TV, in Congress (especially since it was most likely just politicizing), etc.
In response to Kilo’s comment, I do not consider Scott (or others) a “religious bigot and an intolerant neandrathal.” Kilo, that is your simplistic, antagonistic manner of dismissing debate. I respect their position and right to think as they do although I disagree.
April 7, 2005 - 04:50 PM on April 7th, 2005
Ellis, the fact of the matter is that we do not know Terri actually said to her husband that she would not want to live like that. If there was documentation, it would have made the whole thing a ton easier. The fact is her parents were willing to pay to take care of her and wanted to keep her alive. Her husband should have just let them do what they wanted with their daughter.
I agree it should NEVER have gone to Congress.
In other news, did you all hear about Peter Jennings? Terrible.
April 7, 2005 - 05:00 PM on April 7th, 2005
84-Scott you might be wise to take your own advise. Repeating something over and over does not make it the truth. That Neurologist was an active member of a Right to Life group was he not? We will know soon enough what the autopsy says with regards to her state.
As for Africa, I am not quite sure what this has to do with Terri Schaivo.
April 7, 2005 - 06:03 PM on April 7th, 2005
88. K, courts adjudged that Terri’s husband was correct. As to whether he should have relented to the Schindler’s, that’s a personal, intimate decision. By not backing the husband, one is slamming the sanctity of marriage that most conservatives hold dear (note: all conservatives did not oppose Mr. Schiavo).
April 7, 2005 - 09:30 PM on April 7th, 2005
Does this really boil down to a debate about how cognizant Terri Schiavo was???
I think she was basically brain dead. Almost every argument that I have seen suggesting that she should have lived suggests that she was still mentally coherent on some level. Perhaps that is the fundamental disagreement.
In response to Kilo’s comment, I do not consider Scott (or others) a “religious bigot and an intolerant Neanderthal.”Kilo; that is your simplistic, antagonistic manner of dismissing debate. I respect their position and right to think as they do although I disagree.
April 7, 2005 - 09:43 PM on April 7th, 2005
What I told my students is that life is a gift from God and that we do not have the right to decide when we should to die. This is something we believe, something the Schindlers believe and something, they say, Terri believed.
You choose to believe Michael Schiavo’s account of things. I choose to believe the Schindlers. Again, since there is no advance directive, and the Schindlers wanted to care for their daughter, I would have erred on the side of life.
I also told them, truly, that just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is right. I’m sure you agree with that.
Yes, I was fair and accurate with my students. I referenced the articles by the left-wing atheist Nat Hentoff and Ralph Nader. These are two men that I seldom quote. In other words, I didn’t limit my sources to the “usual suspects.”
I did exactly what I suspect you would have done. I gave them the facts as I understand them. Is the fact that I am a traditionalist Lutheran and pro-life mean that I am incapable of objectivity? Or that, as you put it, I can’t be fair and accurate?
The doctors were not unanimous in their diagnosis of Terri. And a doctor being pro-life, in itself, should not obviate his opinion. Additionally, we need to recognize that there is still a great deal of mystery surrounding our understanding of the human brain and life and the spirit. Yes? Doctors don’t know everything. There are limits to what human reason can discern. One year they tell us eggs are bad for us, the next they say they’re good. Which is it? My point is that when there is dispute and disagreement, it is best to, as Senator Lieberman said, give life the benefit of the doubt. But maybe for some there is no doubt. Hubris.
PVS is often misdiagnosed and confused with other similar conditions. There have been people who were diagnosed with PVS and recovered who have said that they were more aware than was thought. Maybe those people are pro-life too, so can’t be fair and accurate.
And bringing up the issue of the sanctity of marriage as a means to accuse people like me of being hypocrites is strange. Michael Schiavo has a common law marriage with another woman, by whom he has children, and with whom he has lived twice as long as he lived with Terri. He is a bigamist. Who is it, again, who is trampling the sanctity of marriage?
And please, if you want to slowly kill your wife, the law shouldn’t intervene because you’re married. She was his wife, not his property. Nothing is as sacred as saving a human life.
What I don’t understand is if the objective were to relieve Terri’s suffering, why not give her a lethal injection to get it over with sooner?
And I brought up the poor in Africa because someone above criticized the pro-life crowd for caring about starving Terri, but not the starving in the third world. That’s a red herring. No one is doing more to help the poor of the world than the Christian church.
Scott
April 7, 2005 - 11:34 PM on April 7th, 2005
92. “There have been people who were diagnosed with PVS and recovered who have said that they were more aware than was thought.” — It was my understanding that no one has been known to recover from PVS. From a coma, yes; PVS, no. Could you provide sources for your info? I’d truly like to review them.
“…the law shouldn’t intervene because you’re married” — then change the law. The rule of law applies. Or, is that only the case when convenient? Was it appropriate for Tom DeLay to comment that the judges who applied the law and Constitution would have to answer for their decisions?
“…just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is right” — agreed. Capital punishment in many, many cases is an example.
“…we do not have the right to decide when we should to die” — in all cases? Why have advance directive laws then?
“…referenced the articles by the left-wing atheist Nat Hentoff and Ralph Nader” — not exactly the two most prominent authorities on the issue. I’ll presume you also referred to right-wing evangelical authorities.
“…if the objective were to relieve Terri’s suffering” — I understood that folks with PVS do not suffer, emote, respond, etc. They are vegetative and move on impulse. The objective was to honor Terri’s wishes as articulated to her husband, and adjudged by multiple courts.
Scott, I understand your positions, but clearly don’t agree with them. That’s how things go.
April 8, 2005 - 01:38 AM on April 8th, 2005
Director of Michael Schiavo insurance company contributed to Senator King’s political campaign
by Judi McLeod, Editor,
Tuesday, April 5, 2005
Conflicts of interest among key players in the Terri Schiavo controversy could give the United Nations oil-for-food investigation a run for its money.
The conflict of interest-ridden Schiavo case goes beyond membership on the board of directors of the hospice where Terri Schiavo died and even beyond the ties of key players to the right-to-die movement.
Conflicts of interest crop up in the Jerger & Centonze Insurnace (sic) Agency established in January 2001 at the home of Michael Schiavo and girlfriend/fiancé Jody Centonze.
Michael, reported to be on the lam since his wife’s death, is listed on the Board of Directors for the Clearwater, Florida Corporation.
The mailing address for Jerger & Centonze Insurnace (sic) Agency Inc. is 2807 Marrie Court.
Listed as directors of the insurance agency at the Marrie Court address are Richard M. Jerger Jr. and Catherine M. Quinn-Jerger.
Campaign contributors to the political campaign of district 8 Florida Senator James W. “Jim” King include Richard M. Jerger of Jerger & Centonze Insurnace Agency (sic).
Senator King seemed in a rush for Terri Schiavo to depart planet earth.
you can read the rest of this at canadafreepress.com.
April 8, 2005 - 02:40 AM on April 8th, 2005
Hi Ellis,
In regards to your post 93 “then change the law”, that is exactly what congress was trying to do, to make the law more explicit in this area. Also all avenues should have been exhausted BEFORE a step as final a death was imposed, that means leave the feeding tube in until that point. In addition if the husband does not have the best interests of the wife at heart, the law does (in other circumstances), should and must intervene to protect its citizens. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are the ideals our Constitution was based on, but only work when the latter ones does not trample on the earlier ones, giving precedence in the order above, Life – First, Liberty – Second and the Pursuit of Happiness – Third. It is the job of all governments to protect their citizens especially those who are innocent and cannot protect themselves. There is much that is evil in human nature; hence the need for laws, lawyers, judges, courts, and the penal systems. A big part of this debate is where the line should be drawn. In my original post (80), I made the point that it is dangerous for a culture to lose its value for life, and I gave several examples of how the current world culture and our own in the US is changing from a culture that valued life to one that does not. Terri’s case is just one more step. I do not want to see a return to the evils of WWII in Germany where people are targeted as a burden on society (mostly economic) and eliminated enmass. This occurred for the Six Million Jews killed, who were scapegoats (blamed for the economic state of a Germany trying to recover from the war repartitions and sanction from WWI) as well as the other 7 to 20 Million “undesirables”who were also eliminated as a “Burden”on society.
Please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust
These “undesirables”included the mentally & physically disabled, infants, children and elderly, as well as a host of others. (do a search on the Nazi T4 project) The death camps did not pop up overnight; they were a result of a shift in the culture to a “culture of death”that took place over time, with Germany’s economic problems used as the reason (I am not saying this justifies or lessens the blame in any way for all of those involved, it was just one of the reasons given for something that defies reason). These allowed evil men to take charge of the country who would not have otherwise been heard. When people including the Church, spoke out about these atrocities they were placed on the list of Political dissidents and became part of the eliminated “undesirablesâ€, if they did not escape the country or stop their protests.
My original point was that our culture is trending towards a disregard for human life. Things that were once abhorred by previous generations have now become “rightsâ€, namely abortion, euthanasia, prenatal genetic testing and the like. Population control through these methods has become a part of several countries policies including China (through limiting families to one child, forced sterilization etc.) and the Netherlands (through adoption of euthanasia and infanticide laws). Population control in the third world has been encouraged by our own country and the UN as well. All these are done for the “economic welfare”of the countries involved. Many other “modern”countries are facing a shift in there population demographics towards a higher elderly population due to low birth rates, most of Europe, the US & Canada. Japan at 1.3 children per family faces the worst crisis, especially since strictly limit immigration. As the elderly population goes up the cost to support them, for each working person increases. You can see this problem in our own Social Security and Medicare system. I do not want it to become too easy for the government in the future, to decide that euthanasia is the solution. History can and will repeat itself if we are not careful.
Finally I would favor the impassioned pleas of a pro-life stance to the dispassionate bean counter approach, especially if the counter does not know the true value of a Human-bean.
Sincerely,
John
April 8, 2005 - 06:36 AM on April 8th, 2005
95- No John, they were not trying to change the law, they made a decision for 1 person and only 1 person.
The legal and medical options were exhausted. You didn’t like the decisions and that is your right, but it has nothing to do with Michael Schaivo.
April 8, 2005 - 06:40 AM on April 8th, 2005
92- What is the Christian Church? And what exactly are you doing in Africa?
April 8, 2005 - 06:56 AM on April 8th, 2005
91- Zelda, to some it is, but to others not. They have the image of that 1 video that played over and over. Bright lights and a balloon in her face.
April 8, 2005 - 12:00 PM on April 8th, 2005
peejz,
please see “Incapacitated Person’s Legal Protection Act”(H.R. 1151). 3/10/2005 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.1151:
this link may not have posted correctly if not do a Google search for H.R. 1151,
This bill was not for just one person, yes it has not been passed, but it is still under consideration. Please don’t be so quick to criticize, when you don’t consider all of the information thank you,
John
April 8, 2005 - 01:03 PM on April 8th, 2005
I am upset that this has been framed as a right to die case. This was not a terminally ill woman. She was breathing on her own. This isn’t even a case where we know what her wishes were. Her lying cheating husband said this is what she wanted after getting money for her lifelong care.
We as a society starved her to death. It is easy to put this on her husband but he couldn’t have killed her without the help of the courts. And we as a society have to do something to reign in these courts or it will be our lives, our families lives and our friends lives that may be snuffed out tommorrow.
April 8, 2005 - 03:23 PM on April 8th, 2005
95. John,
Thank you for lecturing and preaching. Are you suggesting that anyone who supported a legal and constitutional conclusion re: Terri Schiavo is crass enough to look upon humans as “beans?” If so, shame on you.
Many folks, especially those in Florida who have been following Schiavo for years, relate that this was all about money (i.e., the Schindler’s desire to get all monies awarded to the Schiavo’s from their malpractice suit). My source is a good friend who lives in Florida and has been following this and reading the news/editorials for years – not just recently when it became a political cause celebre. The $700,000 awarded for Terri’s medical care was virtually all used to provide such care or to assure the legal and constitutional application of her wishes. The $300,000 awarded to Micahel for loss of consortuium was his – period – not anyone elses.
As to “Michael’s bigamy”, the same Florida source advised that he was encouraged to get on with his life by the Schindlers after several years. I also heard referece to this in news shows two weeks ago. Michael still cared for and tended to his duties related to Terri.
Don’t lecture me on the Holocaust. I’m well aware of the history.
The law passed by Congress was intended for one person only regardless of arguments to the contrary. They stuck their noses into a State issue, and were handed those noses by an overwhelming majority of Americans on both sides of the aisle. Backtracking now won’t undue the egregious misjudgments, or the cry to help Terri as articulated in the Republican written “talking points memo.” The courts properly applied the law and Constitution.
April 8, 2005 - 04:01 PM on April 8th, 2005
99- I know exactly what it is, but the bill that Congress passed was for Terry, not for the rest of us. You can spin it all you want, but the fact of the matter is that this is the way it is.
You said-”Many folks, especially those in Florida who have been following Schiavo for years, relate that this was all about money (i.e., the Schindler’s desire to get all monies awarded to the Schiavo’s from their malpractice suit).” -funny because the trouble didn’t start until Mr Schindler didn’t get a cut of it.
You said-”This isn’t even a case where we know what her wishes were.” According to the law, her wishes were carried out.
April 8, 2005 - 04:03 PM on April 8th, 2005
100-”Her lying cheating husband said this is what she wanted after getting money for her lifelong care.”- $700,000 is enough for life long care? Her bill was at $60,000/month as of last month.
April 8, 2005 - 04:18 PM on April 8th, 2005
102. peejz, your middle paragraph was in my post, not John’s. That was my point: the trouble started when Schindler didn’t get any. All of a sudden, Micahel was a “heel”, etc.
April 8, 2005 - 04:21 PM on April 8th, 2005
104-
ops: I got carried away I guess! I agree with your points except I am in favor of the death penalty.
April 8, 2005 - 04:35 PM on April 8th, 2005
Hi Ellis,
The term “Bean Counter” is used to refer to accountant types that only look at the economics of the situation with no other considerations, hence the “Human-Bean”pun. I was not saying that you personally look upon Terri in this light. I am also not saying that someone in favor of a constitutional outcome is looking at this case this way. But, there are those in society past & present that do, hence the Holocaust information, as well as the information on Abortion & Euthanasia. I was not trying to lecture you or insult your intelligence with this information; I was using it as supporting information to make my point, that we should be concerned about life, so that the Holocaust does not happen again, and that we can end the current tragedies of Abortion & Euthanasia.
Second, yes the law that was passes was for a single person, to transfer the jurisdiction of the case from state to federal court, but the bill I referred to in post 99 was not for a single person. So when you say change the law, I was making the point that some in congress are trying to, and I would support that, because without a more concise law, we are then left to the discretion of a particular judge, in this case Judge Greer.
Third the constitution has changed many times over the years; I believe we are up to 27 amendments now. As the nation is faced with new issues or violations of the original intent of the framers, amendments are needed to insure our life and liberties. Yes the case may have gone to the letter of the law, but not the spirit.
Fourth the monies awarded to Michael for her on going health care (i.e. $700K) should have been used for that and should not have been diverted towards legal fees, that was not the intent of the award.
I do not care if the Schindlers encouraged Michael to get on with his life, that sill does not make it right. His marriage still stood, at least until 9:03AM on 3/31/05. I do not know what vows he used in his marriage ceremony, but if they were the traditional ones, they would have said something like “Do you take this woman to be your wife – for richer and for poorer, for better and for worse? In sickness and in health? For as long as you both shall live?” I am not saying that I do not have sympathy for Michael and the situation he was in, he very easily could have become emotionally and physically exhausted by the caring for his wife’s needs and even embittered. But again that still does not make the way she died right; letter of the law or not.
I am just using my constitutionally supported right to free speech, to give my opinion, and to encourage thought provoking discussion.
Sincerely, and no offence or lecturing intended,
John
April 8, 2005 - 04:55 PM on April 8th, 2005
“Fourth the monies awarded to Michael for her on going health care (i.e. $700K) should have been used for that and should not have been diverted towards legal fees, that was not the intent of the award.”- The courts allowed this. They considered it a spend down of funds in order to get Terry on Medicare/medicaid. People are allowed to do this all the time.
April 8, 2005 - 05:01 PM on April 8th, 2005
107, yes the courts allowed him to do it, but it was not the original intent of the award.
John
April 8, 2005 - 05:13 PM on April 8th, 2005
108-The courts allowed it so that she could continue to get the care she needed. Had the Schindlers not sued, it would not have been used that way. But Michael had the right to use it.
April 8, 2005 - 05:21 PM on April 8th, 2005
Hi again Ellis on post 101,
You say that the case was all about money, I think it would be reasonable to say it was a disagreement over how the money was to be spent on Terri’s care. From what I understand she only had one stay at a rehabilitation center from Jan 1991 to July 1991, and showed improvement after which she was moved to a nursing home. It was recommended that she be moved to another facility to continue her rehab but Michael refused in 1993, after the malpractice award in Nov 1992. Hence the disagreement starts. Also from what I have read and understand, the Schindlers would have taken care of their daughter whether the malpractice award would have followed her or not, but the award would have made it a lot easier for them to care for her. Reasonable minds can disagree, but why would they keep fighting for her once the money was gone if that is all they were after?
Sincerely,
John
April 8, 2005 - 07:02 PM on April 8th, 2005
Timeline
December 3, 1963
Theresa (Terri) Marie Schiavo, nee Schindler, is born.
Novermber 1984
Terri and Michael Schiavo are married.
February 25, 1990
Terri Schiavo suffers cardiac arrest, apparently caused by a potassium imbalance and leading to brain damage due to lack of oxygen. She was taken to the Humana Northside Hospital and was later given a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to provide nutrition and hydration.
Police report
May 12, 1990
Terri Schiavo is discharged from the hospital and taken to the College Park skilled care and rehabilitation facility.
June 18, 1990
Court appoints Michael Schiavo as guardian; Terri Schiavo’s parents do not object.
June 30, 1990
Terri Schiavo is transferred to Bayfront Hospital for further rehabilitation efforts.
September 1990
Terri Schiavo’s family brings her home, but three weeks later they return her to the College Park facility because the family is “overwhelmed by Terri’s care needs.â€
November 1990
Michael Schiavo takes Terri Schiavo to California for experimental “brain stimulator”treatment, an experimental “thalamic stimulator implant”in her brain.
January 1991
The Schiavos return to Florida; Terri Schiavo is moved to the Mediplex Rehabilitation Center in Brandon where she receives 24-hour care.
July 19, 1991
Terri Schiavo is transferred to Sable Palms skilled care facility where she receives continuing neurological testing, and regular and aggressive speech/occupational therapy through 1994.
May 1992
Terri Schiavo’s parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, and Michael Schiavo stop living together.
August 1992
Terri Schiavo is awarded $250,000 in an out-of-court medical malpractice settlement with one of her physicians.
November 1992
The jury in the medical malpractice trial against another of Terri’s physicians awards more than one million dollars. In the end, after attorneys’ fees and other expenses, Michael Schiavo received about $300,000 and about $750,000 was put in a trust fund specifically for Terri Schiavo’s medical care.
February 14, 1993
Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers have a falling-out over the course of therapy for Terri Schiavo; Michael Schiavo claims that the Schindlers demand that he share the malpractice money with them.
July 29, 1993
Schindlers attempt to remove Michael Schiavo as Terri Schiavo’s guardian; the court later dismisses the suit.
March 1, 1994
First guardian ad litem, John H. Pecarek, submits his report. He states that Michael Schiavo has acted appropriately and attentively toward Terri Schiavo.
May 1998
Michael Schiavo petitions the court to authorize the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube; the Schindlers oppose, saying that Terri would want to remain alive. The court appoints Richard Pearse, Esq., to serve as the second guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo.
December 20, 1998
The second guardian ad litem, Richard Pearse, Esq., issues his report in which he concluding that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state with no chance of improvement and that Michael Schiavo’s decision-making may be influenced by the potential to inherit the remainder of Terri Schiavo’s estate.
Pearse GAL Report
January 24, 2000
The trial begins; Pinellas-Pasco County Circuit Court Judge George Greer presides.
Testimony of Father Gerard Murphy
February 11, 2000
Judge Greer rules that Terri Schiavo would have chosen to have the PEG tube removed, and therefore he orders it removed, which, according to doctors, will cause her death in approximately 7 to 14 days.
Trial Court Ruling
March 2, 2000
The Schindlers file a petition with Judge Greer to allow “swallowing”tests to be performed on Terri Schiavo to determine if she can consume”or learn to consume”nutrients on her own.
March 7, 2000
Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ petition to perform “swallowing”tests on Terri Schiavo.
March 24, 2000
Judge Greer grants Michael Schiavo’s petition to limit visitation to Terri Schiavo as well as to bar pictures. Judge Greer also stays his order until 30 days beyond the final exhaustion of all appeals by the Schindlers.
Greer Stay and Order Limiting Visitation
January 24, 2001
Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal (2nd DCA) upholds Judge Greer’s ruling that permits the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.
In re Schiavo, 780 So. 2d 176 (2nd DCA 2001), rehearing denied (Feb. 22, 2001), review denied, 789 So. 2d 348 (Fla. 2001). (Case No.: SC01-559)
DCA Ruling
February 22, 2001
The Schindler family’s motion for an Appellate Court rehearing is denied.
March 12, 2001
Michael Schiavo petitions Judge Greer to lift his stay, issued March 24, 2000, in order to permit the removal of Terri Shiavo’s PEG tube.
March 29, 2001
Judge Greer denies Michael Schiavo’s motion to lift stay issued on March 24, 2000; Michael Schiavo can remove Terri’s PEG tube at 1 p.m. on April 20.
Greer Order
April 10, 2001
The 2nd DCA denies the Schindlers’ motion to extend Judge Greer’s stay, which is scheduled to expire April 20, 2001.
4-10-01 DCA Order
April 12, 2001
The Schindlers file a motion requesting that Judge Greer recuse himself.
April 12, 2001
The Schindlers petition the Florida Supreme Court to stay the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.
4-12-01 Motion for Stay Part 1
4-12-01 Motion for Stay Part 2
4-12-01 Court’s Request for Response from Schiavo
April 16, 2001
Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ motion to recuse himself.
April 18, 2001
The Florida Supreme Court chooses not to review the decision of the 2nd DCA.
In re Schiavo, 789 So. 2d 248 (Fla. 2001). Case No.: SC01-559
3-22-01 Schindler family’s Notice to Appeal to Supreme Court
3-30-01 Schindlers’ Jurisdictional Brief Part 1
3-30-01 Schindlers’ Jurisdictional Brief Part 2
4-18-01 Order Denying Rehearing and Motion for Stay
April 20, 2001
Federal District Court Judge Richard Lazzara grants the Schindlers a stay until April 23, 2001, to exhaust all their possible appeals.
April 23, 2001
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court refuses to stay the case for a review by that Court.
April 24, 2001
By order of trial court Judge Greer, and upon issuance of a 2nd DCA mandate, Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is removed
April 26, 2001
The Schindlers file an emergency motion with Judge Greer for relief from judgment based upon new evidence, which includes a claim that a former girlfriend of Michael Schiavo will testify that he lied about Terri Schiavo’s wishes; Judge Greer dismisses the motion as untimely. Also on this date, the Schindlers file a new civil suit that claims that Michael Schiavo perjured himself when he testified that Terri Schiavo had stated an aversion to remaining on life support. Pending this new civil trial, Circuit Court Judge Frank Quesada orders Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube to be reinserted.
April 30, 2001
Michael Schiavo files an emergency motion with the 2nd DCA to allow the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.
May 9, 2001
The 2nd DCA announces a date for the hearing of oral arguments regarding Michael Schiavo’s motion of April 30, 2001.
June 25, 2001
Arguments in 2nd DCA regarding Michael Schiavo’s motion of April 30, 2001.
July 11, 2001
The 2nd DCA remands the case back to Judge Greer. (1) The 2nd DCA informs the Schindlers that they must address both their desire to have new evidence heard and their perjury claim against Michael Schiavo within the original guardianship proceeding; further, the Schindlers are instructed to file a new motion for relief from judgment in the guardianship proceeding. (2) The 2nd DCA instructs Judge Greer to weigh the Schinders’ new evidence in making a new determination of what Terri Schiavo would have wanted. (3) The 2nd DCA denies Michael Schiavo’s request to discontinue the PEG tube.
In re Schiavo, 792 So. 2d 551 (2nd DCA 2001).
7-11-01 DCA Order
August 7, 2001
After the 2nd DCA remands the case back to Judge Greer, he again finds that Michael Schiavo may remove Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube on August 28.
August 10, 2001
Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ motion (1) to have their own doctors examine Terri Schiavo, (2) to remove Michael Schiavo as her guardian, and (3) to disqualify himself from the proceedings.
August 17, 2001
Judge Greer delays the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube until October 9 in order to allow the Schindlers time to appeal.
October 3, 2001
The 2nd DCA delays the removal of the PEG tube indefinitely.
October 17, 2001
The 2nd DCA rules that 5 doctors should examine Terri Schiavo to determine if she can improve with new medical treatment. The Schindlers and Michael Schiavo are to choose 2 doctors each, and the court is to appoint a doctor. The appeals court also affirms Greer’s denial of the motion to disqualify himself.
In re Schiavo, 800 So. 2d 640 (2nd DCA 2001).
10-17-01 DCA ruling
November 1, 2001
The 2nd DCA denies Michael Schiavo’s motion to rehear the case.
December 14, 2001
Michael Schiavo petitions the Florida Supreme Court to stay the October 17, 2001 ruling of the 2nd DCA. He states that he and the Schindlers will attempt to mediate the dispute in lieu of further litigation.
12-05-01 Michael Schiavo’s Notice of Appeal to the Florida Supreme Court
12-14-01 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Stay DCA’s Ruling.
December 19, 2001
Attorneys meet with a mediator to determine which tests doctors should run on Terri Schiavo.
January 10, 2002
State Supreme Court stays all legal proceedings pending mediation; it orders attorneys to report on the status of mediation in sixty days.
1-10-02 SC Order of Stay
February 13, 2002
Mediation between the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo fails.
2-13-02 Notice that Mediation failed
March 14, 2002
The Florida Supreme Court denies Michael Schiavo’s petition to review the 2nd DCA’s ruling allowing 5 doctors to examine Terri Schiavo.
In re Schiavo, 816 So. 2d 127 (Fla. 2002) (Table, No. SC01-2678)
2-13-02 Michael Schiavo’s Jurisdictional Petition
2-13-02 Michael Schiavo’s Petition to Stay ruling of 2nd DCA (10/17/01).
2-22-02 Court’s Order of Stay pending its final decision
3-01-02 Schindler’s Jurisdictional Brief
3-13-01 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Strike
3-14-01 Order Denying Schiavo’s Petition
3-14-01 Order to Strike
October 12-22, 2002
The trial court holds a new hearing on new potential medical treatments.
November 15, 2002
The Schindlers contend that Michael Schiavo might have abused Terri Schiavo and this abuse led to her condition. They ask the court for more time to collect evidence, and to remove Michael Schiavo as guardian.
11-15-02 Petition to remove MS as guardian
November 22, 2002
Judge Greer rules that Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube should be removed January 3, 2003.
In re Schiavo, 2002 WL 31817960 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Nov. 22, 2002) (No. 90-2908-GB-003)
Nov22 2002 TC trialctorder11-02.txt
December 13, 2002
Judge Greer stays his November 22 ruling: Terri Schiavo should not have her PEG tube removed until an appeals court can rule on the case.
December 23, 2002
The 2nd DCA denies a motion Michael Schiavo filed seeking permission to remove the PEG tube.
June 6, 2003
The 2nd DCA, affirming Judge Greer’s November 2002 ruling, concludes that Michael Schiavo can remove Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube on October 15.
In re Schiavo, 851 So. 2d 182 (2nd DCA 2003) (No. 2D02-5394), rehearing denied (July 9, 2003), review denied 855 So. 2d 621 (Fla. 2003).
6-06-03 Court Opinion
July 9, 2003
The 2nd DCA refuses to reconsider its decision.
August 22, 2003
The Florida Supreme Court declines to review the decision.
Schindler v. Schiavo, 855 So. 2d 621 (Fla. 2003) (Table, No. SC03-1242)
7-24-03 Notice of Schindlers’ Appeal
7-31-03 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Vacate
Court Order denying Motion to Vacate
8-07-03 Schindler’s Petition for a Supreme Court Review
8-13-03 Michael Shiavo’s Response to Petition for Review
8-18-03 Schindlers motion for a Stay
8-19-03 Court Orders Schiavo to make a Respond for the Motion for Stay
8-20-03 Shiavo’s Response to Motion for Stay
8-22-03 Court Order denying Review and Motion for Stay
August 30, 2003
Terri Schiavo’s parents file a federal lawsuit challenging the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube. Schiavos’ petition (D). Schindler v. Schiavo, Civil Action No. 8:03-CV-1860-T-26-T-TGW
September 17, 2003
Judge Greer orders the removal of the PEG tube to take place on October 15, 2003. He also rejects the Schindlers’ request that Terri Schiavo be given therapy to learn how to eat without the tube.
9-17-03 Court Order
October 7, 2003
Governor Jeb Bush files a federal court brief in support of the Schindlers’ effort to stop the removal of the PEG tube.
October 10, 2003
Federal Court Judge Richard Lazzara rules that he lacks the jurisdiction to hear the federal case.
October 14, 2003
The 2nd DCA refuses to block Judge Greer’s order to remove the PEG tube.
October 15, 2003
Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is once again removed.
October 17, 2003
The Florida Circuit Court in Pinellas County and the First District Court of Appeal refuse to grant a request made by the “supporters”of the Schindlers to direct Governor Jeb Bush to intervene in the Schiavo case.
October 19, 2003
The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. files a federal court lawsuit that claims that the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is abuse and neglect.
Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. v. Schiavo, No. 8:03-CV-2167-T-23EAJ
October 20, 2003
The Florida House of Representatives passes a bill, “Terri’s Law,”that allows the governor to issue a “one-time stay in certain cases.â€
HouseBill35-E.pdf
October 21, 2003
The Florida Senate passes the bill; Governor Bush issues an executive order directing reinsertion of the PEG tube and appointing a guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo.
Schiavo Controversy Fla_ Gov_ Exec_ Order No_ 03-201.htm
Statements by some House members
October 21, 2003
Michael Schiavo files a state-court lawsuit arguing that “Terri’s Law”is unconstitutional and seeking an injunction to stop the reinsertion of the PEG tube; the court requests briefs on the Constitutional arguments about “Terri’s Law.â€
10-21-03 Schiavo Injunction
Amicus Brief from House Speaker Byrd (B)
Schiavo v. Bush. No. 03-008212-CI-20 (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Florida).
October 21, 2003
The federal court denies the motion for a temporary restraining order filed in the lawsuit of the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.
Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. v. Schiavo, 2003 WL 23305833, 17 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. D 291 (M.D. Fla. Oct. 21, 2003).
10-21-03 US District Court Order
October 21, 2003
Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is reinserted.
October 22 2003
David Demeres, Chief Judge for the Pinellas County Circuit Court, orders both the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo to agree within 5 days on an independent guardian ad litem as required under the Governor’s order. (”Terri’s Law”directs: “Upon issuance of the stay, the chief judge of the circuit court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the patient to make recommendations to the Governor and the court.â€)
Schiavo’s Response
Schindlers’ Response
October 28, 2003
President George W. Bush praises the way his brother, Governor Jeb Bush, has handled the Schiavo matter.
Transcript of Rose Garden Press Conference
October 29, 2003
Michael Schiavo files court papers in his state-court lawsuit, arguing that “Terri’s Law”is unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union has joined Michael Schiavo.
Michael Schiavo petitioner brief
October 31, 2003
Judge Demers appoints Dr. Jay Wolfson as Terri Schiavo’s guardian ad litem. Dr. Wolfson holds both medical and legal degrees; he is also a public health professor at the University of South Florida. He is supposed to represent Terri Schiavo’s best interest in court, but he has no authority to make decisions for her.
10-31-03 GAL Appointment
November 4, 2003
Governor Jeb Bush asks Circuit Court Judge W. Douglas Baird to dismiss Michael Schiavo’s suit (filed October 21, 2003) that challenges “Terri’s Law.â€
November 8, 2003
Judge Baird denies Governor Bush’s motion to dismiss the state-court suit.
November 10, 2003
Governor Bush appeals Judge Baird’s decision; the filing of the appeal has the effect of staying the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.
November 14, 2003
Judge Baird vacates the stay.
11-14-03 Order vacating stay.
November 14, 2003
In response to Judge Baird’s lifting the stay, the 2nd DCA issues an indefinite stay.
November 19, 2003
Governor Bush files a petition to remove Judge Baird.
11-19-03 Petition
November 21, 2003
Florida Sens. Stephen Wise and Jim Sebesta introduce legislation (S692) that would require persons in persistent vegetative states to be administered medically supplied nutrition and hydration in the absence of a living will, regardless of family beliefs about what those patients would have wanted. The measure is withdrawn from consideration on April 16, 2004.
Bill to require sustenence when no living will exists
December 1, 2003
Jay Wolfson, guardian ad litem, concludes in his report that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state with no chance of improvement.
Wolfson’s Report
Governor Bush’s response to Wolfson’s report
December 10, 2003
The 2nd DCA refuses to remove Judge Baird, who is the presiding judge in the state-court lawsuit filed October 21, 2003.
Bush v. Schiavo, 861 So. 2d 506 (2nd DCA 2003) (No. 2D03-5244)
12-10-03 Court Opinion
January 5, 2004
The Schindler family petitions the Pinellas County Circuit Court to reappoint Jay Wolfson, the guardian ad litem.
1-05-04 Schindlers petition to reappoint GAL
January 8, 2004
Judge Demers rejects the request to reappoint the guardian ad litem, citing the pending court decisions over the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law”as reason to wait on any action.
1-08-04 Order denying reinstatement of GAL
February 13, 2004
The 2nd DCA reverses Judge Baird’s ruling (in the case filed October 21, 2003) that denied the Schindlers permission to intervene in Michael Schiavo’s Constitutional challenge to “Terri’s Law.” The 2nd DCA explains that Judge Baird did not follow proper procedure. The court also gives permission to Governor Bush to question several witnesses who Judge Baird previously had ruled could not offer any relevant testimony.
Bush v. Schiavo, 866 So. 2d 140 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2004) (on intervention); 866 So. 2d 136 (2nd DCA 2004) (on request to take depositions). (Case No. 2D03-5783).
bushschiavo2 13 04 opn.pdf
2-13-04 Opinion allowing parents to intervene
March 12, 2004
Judge Baird again rejects the Schindlers’ request to intervene in Michael Schiavo’s suit that questions the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law.â€
March 20, 2004
Pope John Paul II addresses World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations and Pontifical Academy for Life Congress on “Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas.” His remarks spark widespread interest and controversy.
Pope’s address
March 29, 2004
Nursing home workers discover 4 “fresh puncture wounds”on one arm and a fifth wound on the other arm; the workers state that a hypodermic needle appears to have caused the wounds. Attendants discovered the wounds shortly after the Schindlers visited Terri Schiavo for 45 minutes. Toxicology reports indicate that no substance was injected into Terri Schiavo. Clearwater police later conclude that the marks might have been made by a device used to move Ms. Schiavo and, in any case, that no evidence of abuse or other wrongdoing could be found.
St. Petersburg Times report (May 15, 2004)
March 29, 2004
Judge Greer denies a motion filed by the Schindlers seeking to have Michael Schiavo defend himself in a hearing; they allege that he is violating a 1996 court order that requires him to share a sufficient amount of Terri Schiavo’s medical information. Michael Schiavo claims that he has shared an adequate amount of information through attorneys.
April 16, 2004
S692 is withdrawn from consideration in the Florida Legislature.
S692 History
April 23, 2004
The 2nd DCA rules that the Pinellas County trial court has jurisdiction to hear and is the proper venue for the case Michael Schiavo has filed against Governor Bush asserting that “Terri’s Law” is unconstitutional.
2nd DCA Jurisdictional ruling
May 6, 2004
Pinellas Circuit Judge W. Douglas Baird rules that “Terri’s Law,” sought and signed by Gov. Bush and approved by the Legislature on October 21, 2003, is unconstitutional. The governor appeals the ruling.
Judge Baird’s order
June 1, 2004
The 2nd DCA grants a motion from attorneys for Michael Schiavo to send the case directly to the Florida
Supreme Court and bypass a lower-court review. Meanwhile, attorneys for Gov. Bush file a motion asking that all appeals be halted until the issue of whether Michael Schiavo has the authority to fight the governor on his wife’s behalf is resolved.
Tallahassee Democrat report
June 16, 2004
Florida’s Supreme Court, pointing to “a question of great public importance requiring immediate resolution by this Court,” accepts jurisdiction and sets oral arguments for August 31, 2004.
Florida Supreme Court order
June 30, 2004
2nd DCA affirms Judge Baird’s March 12 ruling denying the Schindlers the ability to intervene in the lawsuit over the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law.”
July 19, 2004
The Schindlers file a motion in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County seeking relief from judgment in Schindler v. Schiavo. Based in part upon the recent statement by Pope John Paul II, they argue that the orders mandating withdrawal of the PEG tube from Terri and authorizing Michael to challenge the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law” violate her “free exercise of her religious beliefs [and] her right to enjoy and defend her own life and, in fact, imperil her immortal soul.”
Relief from judgment motion
Appendix to motion (seven exhibits)
July 27, 2004
National group of bioethicists files amicus brief “in support of Michael Schiavo as guardian of the person.”
Bioethicists’ amicus brief
August 31, 2004
The Florida Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the lawsuit over the
constitutionality of “Terri’s Law.”
Streaming video of the proceedings, archived by WFSU at Florida State University
Transcript
St. Petersburg Times report
August 31, 2004
Circuit Judge George Greer, opposed for re-election by an attorney who was known to oppose Greer’s rulings in the Schiavo case, is re-elected by a large margin.
St. Petersburg Times report
September 23, 2004
Florida’s Supreme Court, unanimously affirming the trial court order, declares “Terri’s Law” unconstitutional.
Supreme Court ruling
October 4, 2004
Governor Bush files a motion and then an amended motion for rehearing and clarification of the Florida Supreme Court opinion issued on September 23, 2004
Amended motion for rehearing and clarification
October 21, 2004
Florida Supreme Court denies Governor Bush’s amended motion for rehearing and clarification, as well as a motion seeking permission to file a second amended motion for rehearing and clarification. The Court issues a mandate.
Order
October 22, 2004
In Pinellas County, at the trial-court level, Judge Greer denies the motion filed by the Schindlers on July 19, 2004. He also stays the removal of her PEG tube until December 6, 2004.
Order Denying Motion
Order Granting Stay
October 25, 2004
Governor Bush files a motion with the Florida Supreme Court asking that it recall the mandate it issued on October 22 because he will be filing a petition for certiorari regarding this case with the United States Supreme Court.
Motion to Recall Mandate
Appendix to Motion
October 27, 2004
Florida Supreme Court grants Governor Bush’s motion asking that it recall the mandate issued on October 22. Proceedings in the trial and all appellate courts in the case of Bush v. Schiavo are stayed until November 29, 2004.
Order Recalling Mandate
November 22, 2004
In the guardianship proceeding in Pinellas County, the Schindlers appeal from Judge Greer’s October 22 order denying their motion for relief from judgment.
Brief Seeking Review
December 3, 2004
Governor Bush files a petition for certiorari, seeking review of the Florida Supreme Court’s decision regarding Terri’s law, with the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. Supreme Court Docket
Petition for Writ of Certiorari
December 29, 2004
2nd DCA, without opinion, denies the Schindlers’ November 22 appeal from Judge Greer’s order refusing to reopen the guardianship proceeding.
January 10, 2005
The Schindlers again ask Judge Greer to remove Michael Schiavo from his judicial appointed post of Terri’s guardian.
January 13, 2005
The Schindlers file two motions – one in the 2d DCA, asking it to reconsider its decision of December 29, 2004, and a second in the trial court guardianship proceeding, asking Judge Greer once again to prevent withdrawal of nutrition and hydration until the 2d DCA does so.
January 24, 2005
The United States Supreme Court refused to grant review of the case in which the Florida Supreme Court struck down “Terri’s Law”as unconstitutional.
February 7, 2005
Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services cites the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation for failing to register with the state to solicit donations.
February 11, 2005
In Pinellas County, Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ motions, filed January 10 and 13, 2005. The order authorizing withdrawal of the PEG tube remains in effect, although implementation is stayed pending the outcome of currently pending appeals.
February 15, 2005
The Schindlers ask the 2nd DCA to stay the mandate issued when it refused to hear their most recent appeal.
February 16, 2005
Randall Terry, founder of the pro-life activist organization Operation Rescue, appears with the Schindlers at a news conference, vowing protest vigils against removal of the PEG tube.
February 18, 2005
The Schindlers again petition Judge Greer in Pinellas County for reconsideration of the order of February 11, 2005, in which the court upheld its judgment, made in the year 2000, that the PEG tube should be removed.
February 18, 2005
Florida Representatives Baxley Brown; Cannon; Davis, D.; Flores; Goldstein; Lopez-Cantera; Murzin; Quinones; Traviesa introduced H 701 in the Florida Legislature. H 701, mirroring S. 692 (introduced in October 2003 and withdrawn in April 2004), would require maintenance of medically supplied nutrition and hydration in incapacitated persons in most instances.
H.701
February 21, 2005
The 2d DCA denies the Schindlers’ motion of February 15, 2005, clearing the way for removal of the PEG tube when the current stay expires on February 22, 2005. Judge Greer schedules a hearing on the Schindlers’ motion of February 18, 2005, for February 23, 2005.
February 22, 2005
Judge Greer stays removal of the PEG tube until 5 p.m. on February 23, 2005 (after he hears argument on the motion filed by the Schindlers on February 18, 2005).
February 23, 2005
After a hearing, Judge Greer extends the stay preventing removal of the PEG tube until 5 p.m. on February 25, 2005, to permit time to issue an order detailing his decisions regarding matters discussed at the hearing. Officials from Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) move to intervene in the case, but Judge Greer denies the motion to intervene at the hearing.
DCF Motion to Intervene
February 25, 2005
Judge Greer denies the motion before him and orders that, “absent a stay from the appellate courts, the guardian, Michael Schiavo, shall cause the removal of nutrition and hydration from the ward, Theresa Schiavo, at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2005.â€
Order Denying Stay
February 26, 2005
The St. Petersburg Times reports that a Vatican cardinal spoke on Vatican Radio opposing removal of the PEG tube.
St. Petersburg Times article
February 28, 2005
The Schindlers file a number of motions with Judge Greer, addressing a range of issues. They also indicate that they will appeal the judge’s decision of February 25, 2005. Judge Greer denies some of the motions but agreed to set a hearing date to consider others.
St. Petersburg Times article
March 7, 2005
The Schindlers appeal Judge Greer’s February 25, 2005 order to the 2nd DCA.
Bioethicists from six Florida universities submit an analysis of H701.
Bioethicists’ analysis
March 8, 2005
U.S. Rep. David Weldon (R.-Fla.) introduces in the United States House of Representatives H.R. 1151, titled the Incapactitated Persons’ Legal Protection Act. The bill would permit a federal court to review the Schiavo matter through a habeas corpus lawsuit.
H.R. 1151
March 9, 2005
The Florida House Health Care Regulation Committee considers H.701, voting to approve a Council/Committee Substitute 701 instead of the original version.
Council/Committee Substitute 701
March 10, 2005
Judge Greer issues order denying Florida’s Department of Children and Families the right to intervene in the guardianship case.
March 14, 2005
The Judiciary Committee in the Florida House considers H.701, voting to approve another Committee substitute for the original bill. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the House and the Senate have agreed that this bill will come to a vote.
Second Committee Substitute 701
March 15, 2005
The Florida House Health & Families Council considers and approves the second committee substitute H.701.
The Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passes S.804, providing that medically supplied nutrition and hydration cannot be “suspended from”a person in a PVS if: (1) the purpose of the suspension is “solely to end the life of”a person in a PVS; (2) a conflict exists on the issue of suspension of medically supplied nutrition and hydration among the persons who could be proxy decisionmakers for that person under Florida law; and (3) the person in the PVS had not executed a written advance directive or designated a health care surrogate.
Senate Bill 804
March 16, 2005
The 2d DCA affirms Judge Greer’s orders and refuses to stay the scheduled March 18 withdrawal of the PEG tube.
2d DCA Opinion
The U.S. House of Representatives, by voice vote, passes H.R. 1332, the Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005. This bill would amend federal law to provide for removal of certain cases to federal court from state court, rather than authorizing use of the federal habeas corpus remedy to obtain federal court review, as H.R. 1151 would have.
H.R. 1332
March 17, 2005
The Florida House of Representatives approves H.701, after some amendments.
House-Engrossed H.701
The Florida Senate votes down S.804.
History of S.804
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) petitions the Florida Supreme Court for relief, and the Florida Supreme Court denies the petition.
DCF All Writs Petition
Florida Supreme Court order
The U.S. Senate passes a “private bill”applying to the Schiavo case but differing from H.R. 1332. The U.S. Senate website, at http://www.senate.gov, explains a “private bill”as follows: “A private bill provides benefits to specified individuals (including corporate bodies). Individuals sometimes request relief through private legislation when administrative or legal remedies are exhausted. Many private bills deal with immigration–granting citizenship or permanent residency. Private bills may also be introduced for individuals who have claims again the government, veterans benefits claims, claims for military decorations, or taxation problems. The title of a private bill usually begins with the phrase, “For the relief of. . . .” If a private bill is passed in identical form by both houses of Congress and is signed by the President, it becomes a private law.â€
U.S. Senate Bill 653 ES
Orlando Sentinel article
The Schindlers ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, but the U.S. Supreme Court denies their petition.
Schindlers’ Petition to U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court Denial
March 18, 2005
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform issues five subpoenas: one commanding Michael Schiavo to appear before it and bring with him the “hydration and nutrition equipment”in working order; three commanding physicians and other personnel at the hospice to do the same; and one commanding Terri Schiavo to appear before it. The subpoenas would require that the PEG tube remain in working order until at least the date of testimony, March 25, 2005. The subpoenas are included as appendices to the U.S. House All Writs Petition (see just below).
The Committee on Government Reform also moves to intervene in the guardianship litigation before Judge Greer and asks Judge Greer to stay his order requiring removal of the PEG tube. Judge Greer denies the motions.
U.S. House Motion to Intervene
U.S. House Motion for Stay
The Committee on Government Reform files an emergency all-writs petition with the Florida Supreme Court, effectively seeking reversal of Judge Greer’s denial of its motions. The Florida Supreme Court denies this petition.
U.S. House All Writs Petition
The House Committee on Government Reform asks the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Florida Supreme Court’s denial of its petition. Justice Kennedy, acting for the Court, denies the application for relief.
U.S. Supreme Court Docket, Case No. SC05-449
The PEG tube is removed in mid-afternoon. This is the third time the tube has been removed in accordance with court orders.
The Schindlers, as “next friends”of their daughter, file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in federal district court in the Middle District of Florida. That court dismisses the case for lack of jurisdiction and refuses to issue a temporary restraining order because “there is not a substantial likelihood that [the Schindlers] will prevail on their federal constitutional claims.â€
Schindlers’ Habeas Corpus Petition
U.S. House Speaker Tom DeLay and other Republican House members discuss the Schiavo case.
DeLay on Schiavo via C-Span
March 19-20, 2005
The U.S. Senate delays its Easter recess and works on Saturday to reach a compromise with the House on a bill, S.686, closely resembling the special bill it passed on March 17. On Palm Sunday (which holiday is frequently noted in debate), it then passes S.686 and the U.S. House of Representatives returns from Easter recess for a special session to debate S.686.
U.S. Senate Compromise Bill S.686
March 20, 2005
House Republicans hold news conference.
Video via C-Span
House Democrats hold news conference.
Video via C-Span
March 21, 2005
Shortly past 12:30 a.m., the U.S. House of Representatives votes 203-58 to suspend its rules and pass S.686.
Congressional Debate on S.686
Roll call vote on S.686
President Bush signs S.686 at 1:11 a.m.
Federal District Court Judge James D. Whittemore, Middle District of Florida (in Tampa), hears arguments on the Schindlers’ motion that he order re-insertion of the PEG tube while the lawsuit they will assert pursuant to S.686 is litigated.
Motion for Injunction
Response to Motion for Injunction
Government’s Statement of Interest
March 22, 2005
Federal District Court Judge Whittemore refuses to order re-insertion of the PEG tube.
Federal Court Order
The Schindlers appeal Judge Whittemore’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Schindlers’ 11th Circuit Appeal
Schindlers’ Appeal Exhibits
Michael Schiavo’s Response
Government’s Statement of Interest
The Schindlers file an amended complaint in the federal district court, adding a number of new claims.
Amended Complaint
A look at Capitol Hill politics in Schiavo case.
NPR “Morning Edition” broadcast
March 23, 2005
The U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 vote, denies the Schindlers’ appeal.
11th Circuit Opinion
United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, acting en banc (as a whole), refuses to rehear the Schindlers’ appeal, leaving intact the court’s ruling earlier in the day.
En Banc Rehearing Denial
House Democrats and Republicans hold news conferences.
Video via C-Span
The Florida Senate, by a vote of 21-18, again refuses to pass S.804. This bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 15, 2005.
Senate Bill 804
History of S.804
Florida Governor Jeb Bush reports that a neurologist, Dr. William Cheshire, claims that Ms. Schiavo is not in a persistent vegetative state. The governor asks the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to obtain custody of Ms. Schiavo in light of allegations of abuse. Judge Greer holds a hearing on the matter.
DCF Motion to Intervene
Dr. Cheshire’s Affidavit
The Schindlers file a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Schindlers’ Supreme Court Petition
Respondents’ Brief
Judge Greer issues a restraining order prohibiting DCF from removing Ms. Schiavo from the hospice or otherwise re-inserting the PEG tube.
The Schindlers ask again for a restraining order in federal court.
Second Motion for Restraining Order
Memorandum in Support of Motion
Five members of the U.S. House of Representatives ask the U.S. Supreme Court to file a “friend of the court”brief.
U.S. Supreme Court Docket, Case No. 04A825
March 24, 2005
The U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear the Schindlers’ case.
U.S. Supreme Court Order
The Schindlers file a Second Amended Complaint, adding several claims, in the federal court case. Count X, titled “Right to Life,”alleges a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s right to life because removing the PEG tube is “contrary to [Ms. Schiavo's] wish to live.â€
Second Amended Complaint
The trial court (Judge Whittemore) schedules a hearing for 6 p.m. and orders supplemental briefs on Count X.
Whittemore Order
Judge Greer denies DCF’s motion to intervene. DCF appeals Judge Greer’s order. Judge Greer vacates the automatic stay upon appeal. The 2d District Court of Appeal refuses to reinstate the stay. The Florida Supreme Court dismisses a motion on this matter because it “fails to invoke”the court’s jurisdiction.
DCF Motion in Florida Supreme Court (describing events)
Exhibits to Motion
Florida Supreme Court Order
March 25, 2005
Judge Whittemore denies the Schindlers’ second motion for an order re-inserting the PEG tube.
District Court 2d TRO Order
The Schindlers appeal Judge Whittemore’s order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Eleventh Circuit affirms. The Schindlers announce that they will pursue no more federal appeals.
Schindlers’ Brief
Responsive Brief
Second Eleventh Circuit Opinion
The Schindlers file an emergency motion attempting to convince Judge Greer to reinsert the PEG, at least temporarily until the Eleventh Circuit decides their appeal. The motion contends her family heard her try to verbalize “I want to live,” according to news reports. (This motion and accompanying affidavits comprise Appendix 7 of the Schindlers’ Petition linked under March 26, just below.)
DCF appeals Judge Greer’s March 23 denial of its first motion to intervene to the 2d DCA.
DCF Appeal
March 26, 2005
Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ motion of March 25, 2005.
Judge Greer’s Order
The Schindlers appeal to the Florida Supreme Court to reverse Judge Greer’s refusal to reinsert the PEG tube, but the Florida Supreme Court refuses to do so, citing a lack of jurisdiction.
Schindlers’ Petition
Florida Supreme Court Order
News agencies report the arrest on March 25 of Richard Alan Meywes of Fairview, N.C., for offering $250,000 for the killing of Michael Schiavo and another $50,000 for the death of Judge Greer.
CNN Report
The Schindlers advise supporters demonstrating around the hospice to return home to spend the Easter holiday with their families. The protesters remain.
March 27, 2005
In an interview on CNN, Governor Bush says: “I cannot violate a court order. I don’t have power from the U.S. Constitution, or the Florida Constitution for that matter, that would allow me to intervene after a decision has been made.”
CNN Report
March 29, 2005
The Rev. Jesse Jackson leads a prayer service outside the hospice and speaks out against removal of the PEG tube.
March 30, 2005
The Eleventh Circuit, acting both through a panel and as a whole, denies the motion for rehearing it permitted the Schindlers to file.
Panel Order
Order of Entire Eleventh Circuit
The U.S. Supreme Court refuses to review the Eleventh Circuit ruling.
U.S. Supreme Court Docket
March 31, 2005
Ms. Schiavo dies at 9:05 a.m. Her body is transported to the Pinellas Country Coroners’ Office for an autopsy.
April 8, 2005 - 07:19 PM on April 8th, 2005
“Terri Schiavo suffers cardiac arrest, apparently caused by a potassium imbalance and leading to brain damage due to lack of oxygen.”
A little clarification here. Her cardiac arrest was a direct result of her anorexia and bulemia. Now, I’m not saying that bulemics deserve to die. However, this “pottasium imbalance” is merely a clever euphemism employed by dodgy politicians in order to portray Schiavo as a complete victim.
April 8, 2005 - 07:50 PM on April 8th, 2005
What should we do if a welfare mother of 8 gets insanely fat on ho-ho’s and snaky-cakes and has kidney failure? Should the government pay for dialysis or a kidney transplant to err on the side of life?
April 8, 2005 - 07:50 PM on April 8th, 2005
Hi Peejz,
What is the source of 111 please?
Also see http://www.terrisfight.org/
and select “timeline” for an alternate version of the timeline.
Sincerely,
John
April 8, 2005 - 08:15 PM on April 8th, 2005
Hi Zelda,
It would not matter who the person is, they should be given the same standard of care and compassion.
I do not think the government should pay for her or anyone else’s “ho-ho’s and snaky-cakes” though, just plain old wholesome food.
John
April 8, 2005 - 08:19 PM on April 8th, 2005
John;
I hope to debate you in the future, but I have crack pipe that isn’t going to smoke itself…
Also, I love them ho-hos. They need me.
April 8, 2005 - 09:15 PM on April 8th, 2005
114 Here is the source. I have seen you site before John. It skips a lot of pertinant facts.
Kathy Cerminara, Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center
Kenneth Goodman, University of Miami Ethics Programs
Acknowledgements.
This resource is a joint project of the University of Miami Ethics Programs and the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University. This content may be reproduced for non-commercial, education purposes only, with appropriate attribution to the source. (For more information, read our copyright policy.) Please send comments, suggestions and corrections to Ken Goodman, UM Ethics Programs, at ethics@miami.edu. News media and others seeking comment from Florida Bioethics Network leaders should call 305-243-5723.
April 8, 2005 - 09:18 PM on April 8th, 2005
112- There was no cleaver ploy on anyones part. Her potassium embalance was brought on by the weight loss/anorexia which is what caused the collapse. Those are the medical facts.
April 8, 2005 - 09:28 PM on April 8th, 2005
Re: 118
Also Michael Schiavo beat her all the time.
April 8, 2005 - 09:29 PM on April 8th, 2005
119- Oh yea. I forgot the evidence of that. Oh that’s right, there is none.:razz:
April 8, 2005 - 09:35 PM on April 8th, 2005
“119- Oh yeah. I forgot the evidence of that. Oh that’s right, there is none.”
You are starting to sould like a liberal.
You are still welcome to share my crack pipe anytime.
April 9, 2005 - 05:58 AM on April 9th, 2005
121-”You are starting to sould like a liberal.”- Hey, I was trying to keep it civil with you, and this is how you repay me?:wink:
April 9, 2005 - 02:56 PM on April 9th, 2005
This is my response to Ellis in post #93. First I thank you for your calm and reasoned approach in this discussion. I will try to emulate it.
Next, on the issue of misdiagnosing PVS, I am not a physician, so I can’t claim to speak definitively on scientific or medical matters. But the British Medical Journal published a study of PVS patients and concluded that 43% of them had been misdiagnosed. Many of these patients, with extensive therapy experienced some improvement. I’m not saying full recovery. With that high degree of error, again, shouldn’t the benefit of the doubt weighed in favor of preserving Terri’s life. I believe so. Maybe someone will say that the BMJ is a hack publication. I don’t know.
Ellis also asked what I thought about advance directives. I was saying that since life is a gift from God, it is not our prerogative to determine when or how it should end. However, as Ellis pointed out, I am not saying that there NEVER is a time to avoid extraordinary measures. My position is that if death is considered imminent and extraordinary measures such as ventilators and dialysis machines will do nothing other than prolong the dying process offer no hope of recovery, then allowing a person to die naturally is probably the right thing to do. But Terri was not sick. No one said that she was dying or that death for her was surely imminent. I am of the view that providing food and hydration is NOT an extraordinary measure. The Lutherans for Life website has lots of stuff on our position regarding advance directives.
The courts ruled in favor of casual statements allegedly made to Michael. But Terri’s brother also testified that when she was caring for an aging/dying relative, she expressed other viewpoints. Who can say for certainty what Terri would have wanted? And for that matter, which one of us could say for certainty what we would want? And finally, granting a person’s wants in cases like this is not always the right thing either. A depressed person may want to die, but I think we should treat the depression as best we can rather than killing them at their request. I understand that Terri’s condition is different, but I do not believe the case has been adequately made that she was unhappy and wanted to die anyway.
Enough for me for now. Have at it.
April 13, 2005 - 10:57 AM on April 13th, 2005
44- Maybe “Foodstamps” should come with mandatory ‘classes’ on nutrition and the sources of their “income”.
42- Blaming is one more way we keep people down. Oh, seletive memory and stereotyping. How many 150 lb, healthy-eating foodstamp people have you stood behind and never took notice of?
April 13, 2005 - 11:10 AM on April 13th, 2005
124- I have not seen too many.
April 13, 2005 - 01:33 PM on April 13th, 2005
125. I was behind one yesterday. A woman about 5′2″, slender, cart full of decent food, baby formula, etc. Maybe a box of cookies for the kids. No ho-hos, strawberry soda, candy that Kilo is so fond of. It’s interesting that all the conservatives see are the “deadbeats” – never the folks who aide is intended to help.
April 13, 2005 - 06:09 PM on April 13th, 2005
126- I bet she was unwed and went on the system the minute the baby was born.
April 19, 2005 - 10:11 PM on April 19th, 2005
Most of you obvious don’t have any medical background. This happens everyday and most people don’t fight the fact of letting go of a loved on. This is why you don’t hear it everyday. I know because I see it. Who in the right mind would allow someone to live that way. I know I don’t neither did she.For those of you who say its murder to let her die well its playing GOD to do CPR to bring her back and put her on a machine that feeds her when she cant do it on her own. Shame on you for your harsh remarks…and you call your selfs Christians
April 19, 2005 - 11:21 PM on April 19th, 2005
127. And maybe she was married, had kids at home, and neither she nor her hubby could find work. Why do you always assume the negative? I’m not saying there aren’t system abusers (and they should be outed). There are legitimate users of the system.
April 20, 2005 - 07:21 AM on April 20th, 2005
129- Because that is the case 9 out of 10 times.
February 10, 2007 - 04:57 PM on February 10th, 2007
amateur lesbo sex
amateur lesbo sex
March 16, 2007 - 03:49 AM on March 16th, 2007
indian head test pattern download
indian head test pattern download