Wittenburg Gate reproduces an article by Doc Washburn, a Florida radio talk show host who asserts that Gov. Jeb Bush has the right and authority to intervene and save Terri Schiavo's life right now. The meat of his argument is:
Florida’s state constitution says "All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, among which are the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to pursue happiness...No person shall be deprived of any right because of race, religion, national origin, or physical disability." The fact that a Circuit Judge continues to ignore Florida statutes does not change the state constitution. Jeb Bush took an oath to uphold that constitution and yet (despite receiving 120,000 e-mails begging him to save her), he let Terri Schiavo starve (and dehydrate) for six days back in October 2003 until the Florida legislature passed a law that gave him political cover.By summarizing his actions in the Terri Schiavo case, Washburn effectively demonstrates that Gov. Bush needs motivation and he needs it now. In case you were wondering, here is Gov. Bush's contact info:
Jeb BushWashburn concludes, "Did you catch what the swiftvets did to John Kerry? For that matter, have you noticed the growing influence of blogs? If Jeb lets Terri die, it probably would not be wise for him to run for office again."
jeb.bush@myflorida.com
850 / 488-4441
850 / 487-0801 (fax)
Executive Office of the Governor
400 S. Monroe Street
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
He is right, bloggers have shown proficiency in taking down hypocritical politicians (and journalists). Let's show that blogs can be effective in standing up for the life of Terri Schiavo.
For many, many Americans, Terri Schindler Schiavo is a touchstone--the ultimate moment of choice...and the parting of the ways.
If a person of strength and mercy reaches out to save Terri, that person will be remembered in our hearts and carried upon the shoulders of all who love life.
If no one stands between Terri and death, we will NEVER forget that either.
Judge Greer, George Felos and Michael Schiavo have already written their names in the LEGION OF DISHONOUR. They must answer to Almighty God.
Let no other name be added to that list. FOR WE WILL NOT FORGET!!
Not to be a fly in the ointment, but the state constitution is subject to the interpretation of the courts. In other words, Bush can't just act unilaterally and legally. He could do the former at the expense of the latter, of course, which may be worth doing, but one needn't invoke the constitution to reach that conclusion.
Doc's article actually originally appeared at my site, where he put it in comments and I posted it (I assume she forgot to link it). He's been trying to shop it to the mainstream media with no luck as of yet, but you know how that goes...