March 2005 Archives

According to this report, the Pope is conscious, lucid, tranquil, and has made his own decision not to go to the hospital for treatment.

- The Age (Australia)
Pope John Paul II suffered a heart attack and his condition is "very serious", Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said today.

"Following a urinary tract infection, septic shock and a cardiocirculatory collapse occurred," Navarro-Valls said in a statement.

The 84-year-old pontiff was given the last rites yesterday, Italian media reported.

The Vatican official says the Pope's heart attack comes on top off a urinary tract infection and septic shock.

Read more ...

cross posted at Hyscience

Other coverage: BlogsForTerri

Next time it will be easier. It always is. The tolerance of early-term abortion made it possible to tolerate partial-birth abortion, and to give advanced thinkers a hearing when they advocate outright infanticide. Letting the courts decide such life-and-death issues made it possible for us to let them decide others, made it seem somehow wrong for anyone to stand in their way. Now they are helping to snuff out the minimally conscious. Who's next?

- National Review Online

Pinellas Park, FL � As you are aware, Terri is now with God and she has been released from all earthly burdens. After these recent years of neglect at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and care for her, she is finally at peace with God for eternity. We are speaking on behalf of our entire family this evening as we share some thoughts and messages to the world regarding our sister and the courageous battle that was waged to save her life from starvation and dehydration.

We have a message for the volunteers that have helped our family:

Thank you for all that you�ve done for our family. Thank you to the hundreds of doctors who volunteered to help Terri. Thank you to the fifty doctors who provided statements under oath to help Terri. Thank you to the lawyers who stood for Terri�s life in the courtrooms of our nation. From running our family�s website, to driving us around, to making meals, to serving in so many ways�thank you to all of the volunteers who have been so kind to our family through all of this.

Friends, I had thought about posting a summary of the blogosphere's reaction to the death of Terri Schiavo. The large number of bloggers who are presently posting has created a virtual avalanche of insightful and worthy posts. I've come to the conclusion that I cannot do a better job than the Terri Schiavo aggregator (click here). I would invite you to spend time reading what our pro-life bloggers are writing.

If you are waiting to be listed in the pro-life blogs aggregator and have written about Terri's passing email me (prolifeblogs at gmail dot com) and I'll try to add your site today. I also invite you to trackback this post so that our readers can find you. No reciprocal link is necessary.

It is hard to express the sense of grief for the Schindler family and our culture that I presently feel and I know many pro-life bloggers are sharing similar emotions (thanks for your emails). Do not let this tragedy lead you to despair but join me in resolving to fight for a culture of life that defends the weak and the innocent and respects the God given dignity of each human life.

Thank you for supporting Terri Schiavo and the Schindler family. And, thank you for blogging for life.

Clearwater, FL � It is with heavy hearts that the volunteers of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation acknowledge the passing of Terri on this day at approximately 9.00am ET.

Terri has demonstrated to us a tremendous will to live by enduring more than 13 days of deprivation.

So many people from every walk of life have expressed their love and support to Terri and her family throughout this struggle and we thank them for their kindness. Messages of condolences and prayers have begun coming in from all parts of the world and we are touched and comforted by the kind words of so many people.

It was reported to us that Terri�s family was not permitted to be at her bedside when she passed and it is our hope that they will be comforted in this very difficult hour by your kindness.

Per message from family to BlogsForTerri, Hyscience, and ProLifeBlogs - Terri has passed. This is one of the darkest days in American history.

What is it with these so-called "bioethicists" and their disdain for human life? According to Peter Singer, a bioethics professor at Princeton University, "Newborn human babies have no sense of their own existence over time." Hence, they're disposable. Disposable?

- NRO by Kathryn Jean Lopez
Killing a defective infant is not morally equivalent to killing a person. Sometimes it is not wrong at all."

(...) Infant euthanasia (Have you ever imagined seeing those two words together?) is the practice Singer is discussing. And don't confuse it with abortion. We're talking out-of-the-womb, mom-has-delivered, right-here-with-you-and-me babies. Where's it happening? In Europe and the Netherlands, specifically � although word of it is slowly spreading. In Holland, the Associated Press reports that "at least five newborn mercy killings occur for every one reported."

(...) "Mercy" is the keyword. Learning that your newborn has a fatal or potentially fatal illness must be an indescribably painful experience for a parent. But consider the added anguish of a doctor talking you into being "merciful" by ending your child's life.
And what determines merciful, anyway? That term is a bit vague in this context, as is most of the language advocating infant euthanasia.

(...) Writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, two doctors from the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands confessed that "it is difficult to define" who, among infants, can or should be eliminated. Babies, obviously, can't tell you their pain is unbearable, so it becomes incumbent on "parents and medical experts" to determine what "hopeless" means.

continue reading ...

cross posted at hyscience

The Rev. Jesse Jackson admitted Wednesday afternoon that his efforts to persuade the Florida state Senate to vote on a new bill to save Terri Schiavo have failed.

"They are convinced that guardianship [of Terri] is in the hands of Michael [Schiavo] and the courts," Jackson told ABC Radio host Sean Hannity.

Source: Newsmax

Pray for Terri.

There are positive indications coming from Florida and now good news from a federal appeals court.

Mar 30, 12:40 AM (ET)

ATLANTA (AP) - A federal appeals court early Wednesday agreed to consider a petition for a new hearing on whether to reconnect Terri Schiavo's feeding tube.

The ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals came as the severely brain-damaged woman entered her 13th day without nourishment.

Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, have maintained that Schiavo would want to be kept alive and have asked the courts to intervene. Schiavo's husband, Michael, insists he is carrying out her wishes by having the feeding tube pulled.

HT: StandingInTheTrenches, Cross-posted at BlogsforTerri

Wesley J. Smith has published this excellent article in the National Review:

My debate about Terri Schiavo�s case with Florida bioethicist Bill Allen on Court TV Online eventually got down to the nitty-gritty:

Wesley Smith: Bill, do you think Terri is a person?

Bill Allen: No, I do not. I think having awareness is an essential criterion for personhood. Even minimal awareness would support some criterion of personhood, but I don't think complete absence of awareness does.

If you want to know how it became acceptable to remove tube-supplied food and water from people with profound cognitive disabilities, this exchange brings you to the nub of the Schiavo case � the �first principle,� if you will. Bluntly stated, most bioethicists do not believe that membership in the human species accords any of us intrinsic moral worth. Rather, what matters is whether "a being" or "an organism," or even a machine, is a "person," a status achieved by having sufficient cognitive capacities. Those who don�t measure up are denigrated as "non-persons."

After three visits to Terri Schiavo's hospital bed in the last 24 hours, Sherry Payne, close friend of Terri Shiavo, appeared on MSNBC's Abrahm's Report Monday night. Mrs. Payne indicated that Terri recognized her, interacted with her, tried to speak, was very loud and was the most communicative she had seen Terri:

"Terri is very verbal..Her eyes follow you. When I was speaking to her last night about all the good times we had, she lifted her face to me. Her eyes followed me, me and tried to talkShe was very loud to the point that the police officer came to the bed and looked at her. When you speak to her she looks at you, she follows you and tries to speak....Last night was wonderful...She has come a long way...When I spoke to her about dancing both of her arms came up, then went down."

Source: Doug's Blog, Vision Forum, cross-posted at bLogicus

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal Monday to reinstate a state law requiring girls under age 18 to get parental consent for abortions except under the most dire of medical emergencies.

Without comment, justices let stand a lower court ruling that struck down the Idaho law because its provisions on emergency abortions were too strict.

more

Miami Herald - Terri Schiavo had an 'extraordinary' reaction to a friend's Sunday night visit, her parents' spokesman claimed Monday morning.

Michelle Malkin takes apart one of the favorate criticisms the pro-abortion crowd levels at pro-life Christians, "We only care about children before they're born and not afterwards."

Perhaps this is why the mainstream media has ignored the amazing stories of pro-life activists who have been keeping vigil outside Terri Schiavo's hospice--people like Steve and Tony Sakac, the Withey family, and the Anderson sisters who won't ever appear on the front page of the New York Times or Washington Post.

And it explains why the MSM has ignored the humanitarian work of the Life Legal Defense Foundation and the life-affirming of evangelical groups such as Joni and Friends, which advocates for the disabled.

Cheryl Ford, RN emails that the Schindler's have reported a change in Terri's breathing and that it has become labored. She asks all of Terri's supporters to:

Please pray that God continues to protect Terri. Pray that He will provide Terri with peace as she struggles to take her final breaths. Please pray that He allows her family to feel confident that they did everything possible to save her life. Please pray that He allows them to know how much she loves them for the valiant fight they have made on her behalf. Please pray that if Terri is forced to take her final breaths, it can be with her family by her bedside...Pray that someday soon she will be capable of inhaling the beauty of LIFE, in a place where no more harm will come to her.

...

In the meantime, please know, for as long as Terri is alive and fighting, I will continue to pray for a miracle and will keep on fighting for her until her final breaths are taken.

(Source: thebandwagon, Blogsforterri)

Earlier this evening a misspoken statement told supporters to go home and be with their families.

Terri Schiavo's father, Bob Schindler, would like to correct this with following statement:

"What I meant to have announced was that people should go home and go to church with their families on Easter Sunday. But not to stay home. We want people to continue to be here [at the hospice] with Terri, and with us." -- Bob Schindler, Sr.

The 24-hour vigil will continue in front of the Woodside Hospice, where Terri lives, located at 6774 102nd Avenue N. (near 66th Street N and 102nd Avenue N) in Pinellas Park, Florida.

An All-Writs Petition to the Florida Supreme Court will be filed by David Gibbs on behalf of Bob and Mary Schindler this afternoon. This is an appeal of today's decision by Judge Greer.

Source: Schindler press release

Source: LifeNews, HT: IrrevocableChoice

An attorney for Terri Schiavo's parents told Fox News Saturday morning that Terri Schiavo's medical condition due to her starvation and dehydration is growing perilous. Terri is now reportedly bleeding from her eyes and mouth.

On Our Black Robed Masters And The "Evolving Standards of Decency"

William Kristol has a common sense article in the April 4, 2005 Weekly Standard that's worth the reading time.

Among other things Kristol mentions an event in September 1993, when then teenager Christopher Simmons decided it would be interesting to kill someone. Convinced that he wouldn't be prosecuted for it because was a minor, he broke into the house of Shirley Crook in Jefferson County, Missouri, bound her hands and feet, drove her to a bridge, covered her eyes and mouth with tape, and threw her into the Meramec River to die. He confessed to killing her and was subsequently sentenced to death according to the laws of Missouri. Last month the Supreme Court saved Simmons's life. According to the men in the long black robes, the citizens, legislators, and governor of Missouri (and those of 19 other states) had fallen grievously and unconstitutionally behind "the evolving standards of decency that mark a maturing society." Five justices decided that the Constitution prevented anyone under the age of 18 from being sentenced to death. So Christopher Simmons will live.

Contrast the saving of the life of a killer by our black robed masters, with the decision by the very same "men of darkness" that decided Terri Schiavo should die! They have chosen to strike down legislation passed by the Florida legislature, and signed by the governor, to permit the governor to allow water and nutrition to be given to patients who leave no written directive, and to allow some recourse for family members who wish to challenge the withholding of nutrition and hydration.

The Associated Press Reports:

A federal judge on Friday refused to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, yet another setback for the parents of the brain-damaged woman in their battle against her husband to keep her alive.

For a second time, U.S. District Judge James Whittemore ruled against the parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, who had asked him to grant their emergency request to restore her feeding tube while he considers a lawsuit they filed.

[more]

All eyes are BACK on Gov. Jeb Bush.

Associated Press - As Terri Schiavo's health waned, her parents pushed on to restore the brain-damaged woman's feeding tube after the nation's highest court and judges in Florida defeated their latest legal appeals.

Source: LifeSiteNews.com - An expert from the famed Mayo Clinic and the head of the Christian Medical Association today questioned the diagnosis of Terri Schiavo as one of a persistent vegetative state.

Several readers have written to remind me of Sun Hudson, a child whose life support was removed against his mother's wishes last week.

"I talked to him, I told him that I loved him. Inside of me, my son is still alive," Wanda Hudson told reporters afterward. "This hospital was considered a miracle hospital. When it came to my son, they gave up in six months .... They made a terrible mistake."

Sun's death marks the first time a hospital has been allowed by a U.S. judge to discontinue an infant's life-sustaining care against a parent's wishes, according to bioethical experts.

[More]

What makes this case significant is that Sun Hudson had lived for five months, which presumably meant that he could have survived longer and perhaps even overcome some of the difficulties of his affliction, although that was a long shot. The mother clearly wanted to continue the treatment, but Texas law allows doctors to pull the plug over the objections of the next of kin by refusing treatment. Wanda Hudson had the option of moving Sun to another hospital, but all refused to accept him. The state had him put to death on the wishes of the medical establishment.

At Thrown Back:

Neurologists Say: Recording of Terri Shows She's Not PVS

You'll recall the audio recordings of Terri and her father which were posted at the Matt Drudge and the Family Research Council websites earlier this week. These recordings (actually two different versions of the same recording) were made last year, and include Terri's father, Bob Schindler, talking to Terri, and Terri making noises which seem to be efforts to respond.

Florida Constitution, Article I Section 2: 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�No person shall be deprived of any right because of race, religion, national origin, or physical disability.

The Florida judiciary has determined that it can deprive Terri Schiavo of her right to life simply because she is disabled and allegedly has no hope of recovery.

This court system has defined a very simple rule, and it is this: The courts have the final say, State Constitution be damned.

The wanton disregard for Article I Section 2 by has created a constitutional crisis which cannot be solved by within the very system which created the crisis � the Florida courts. Going to the Federal route, as the numerous legal defeats have shown, is a losing proposition.

Gov. Bush is playing in the State Court�s sandbox, and as a result, is reaching for statutory grounds on which to take Terri into custody. Does he seriously think the courts, which disregard the Constitution, are going uphold state laws?

Jeb needs to exercise his duty and responsibility as governor by enforcing Article I Section 2 � the illicit rules of the courts be damned!

Gov. Bush does not need to justify himself to the court nor file any more petitions. He simply needs to give the orders to take Terri into protective custody without delay. It is upon the court to explain how its orders do not violate Terri�s rights, not he other way around.

Please call Governor Bush at 850-488-4441 and relay the following message to him.

"Gov. Bush, please enforce Article I Section 2 and stop playing by the illicit rules of the Florida Judiciary. You have the obligation and the authority to enforce the State Constitution without first having to explain yourself in court. No more excuses or court filings, just take Terri into custody NOW."

This article is from a disabled person about the right to nutrition that everyone should have. [HT: TheBandwagon]

Here are the 10 points the author makes:

From the Associated Press:

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to order Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted, rejecting a desperate appeal by her parents to keep their severely brain-damaged daughter alive.

The decision, announced in a terse one-page order, marked the end of a dramatic and disheartening four-day dash through the federal court system by Bob and Mary Schindler.

Justices did not explain their decision, which was at least the fifth time they have declined to get involved in the Schiavo case.

Cross-Posted: BlogsforTerri

A BlogsforTerri reader has emailed in a request that we pass this around.

Terri is about to die. Many are now feeling very frustrated and helpless about what is happening. Let's let the world know how we feel about what our system of injustice has done and is doing to an innocent woman.

ACTION:

Every church, synagogue, congregation, parish, and organization that affirms life, IMMEDIATELY send 4 people to represent them to the people of the world.

Send 2 people to Florida and 2 people to Washington.

In Florida at the Hospice. In Washington in the Mall.

Any others who's conscience, spirit and love of life moves them may
freely join either one.

Those who are local, perform the following vigil in each capital city
of every state and any other city around the world that wants to join us.

Light 12 candles, keep them lit. Light them today: March 24th.
At sunset each day, pour a single cup of water onto the ground to symbolize the water that Terri cannot have, and snuff out a single candle, another day of Terri's life.

We have to provide a very visual image of what is happening here to the whole world. As Terri's mother Mary said, "We have to stop this madness,now."

Please do this and spread the word.

CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer Jeff Johnson reports that a nurse who worked at the hospice where Terri Schiavo is dying of dehydration and starvation has revealed that Terri feels pain and the nursing staff medicates her for it. As explained by neuroligist William Cheshire, who examined Terri and her medical records, those who are in a persistent vegetative state "do not have the capacity to experience pain or suffering.... If Terri is consciously aware of pain, and therefore is capable of suffering, then her diagnossi of PVS may be tragically mistaken."

From the NRO: A doctor who has seen Terri Schiavo this month says she seems to be aware of what's going on and appears to feel pain. [pdf file]

William Polk Cheshire, Jr., M.D,. M.A, F.A.A.N.is a neurologist practicing the State of Florida who believes that it can be ethically permissible to discontinue artificially provided nutrition and hydration for persons in a permanent vegetative state. He writes,

Having now reviewed the relevant facts, having met and observed Ms. Schiavo in person, and having reflected deeply on the moral and ethical issues, I would like to explain why I have changed my mind in regard to this particular case.

There remain, in fact, huge uncertainties, in regard to Terri�s true neurological status. Although exploring such questions may be uncomfortable, I believe that medicine has an obligation to ascertain the neurological facts to the highest possible degree of certainty.

Although Terri has undergone structural imaging studies of her brain (such as the CT scan which I have reviewed). She ahas not, to my knowledge, undergoing functional imaging studies, such as positron emission topography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The structural studies have shown substantial loss of cerebral cortex which was deprives of blood supply for more than 40 minutes in 1990, but there does remain some cerebral cortex.

Breaking:

The Florida Senate has rejected the bill that could save Terri Schiavo's life, according to FOX News. Additionally, the 11th District has turned down the Schindler's motion.

Call, email, shout, smoke signals, whatever it takes - contact the Governor and ask him to take Terri into protective custody, now.

The Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, just completed a press conference with Tampa Bay media. He says that the Department of Children and Families, through Adult Protective Services are conducting an investigation of abuse against Terri Schiavo. As part of that, a neurologist by the name of Dr. Cheshire, observed Terri, lengthy videos of her and her case record. He has concluded that she is not in a persistent vegetative state. Rather, he felt she was minimally conscious if not functioning higher.

Needless to say, this is cause for tremendous alarm with Terri not receiving nutrition and hydration in more than 5 days.

There is a 3.45 pm hearing on this matter. Developing...

Source: BlogsforTerri

This message came from a BlogsforTerri reader:

I am an RN. Several years ago, I was wrongfully fired for refusing to remove a feeding tube from 2 patients who had been diagnosed as PVS like Terri. Neither patient was really PVS and no appropriate testing was done to make that determination. I witnessed how one of the patient's died. It was horrible! We won a lawsuit and then the state supreme court overturned the jury verdict that had been in our favor. I don't care what the motivations of the husband or parents are in this case. Starving and dehydrating people to death is wrong! It was determined to be cruel and unusual punishment as a mode of execution in capital cases. It is murder! If you have to starve & dehydrate a person to get them to die, then you'd better ask yourself the following question: Exactly how terminal is this person?! The answer is: They aren't terminal!

Denise (MiracleChild)wrote the following message to BlogsforTerri:

I have a disabled daughter. At 4 months of age, a highly respected UCLA neurologist told us based on her MRI's and his physical inspection of her that our daughter's cerebral cortex area of her brain was hugely gone. He went on to further say that we should just try to make her as comfortable as possible, and not to invest in any therapies as they would not help. As you could imagine, this news devasted my husband and I....it did not however deter us.

While Amy (now 4) still cannot swallow her own saliva (and Terri can), through a long process we taught her to eat everything by mouth. Due to intense physical therapy and other alternative treatments, Amy is taking assisted steps and beginning to sit. We did not give up on her.

I have looked at Terri Schiavo's videos, I have spoken via e-mail with Mr. Schindler, and I am 100% positive that Terri is no different than my daughter. Even with the many years that Terri has been left with no therapy and stimulation, there is still hope. Will she ever have full capacity, the answer is no. But I have seen the eyes of my little girl daily for 4 years and I have seen the eyes of Terri. Terri is not brain dead she is alive.

LA Times - ProLifeBlogs.com created a site that steers people to more than 300 blogs that support its stance in favor of reinserting Schiavo's feeding tube. Hundreds of bloggers have linked to BlogsforTerri.com, a site with news updates on the case and reader commentary.

Florida�s House and Senate are considering a dehydration and starvation protection act that would require stronger evidence of informed consent prior to removing assisted food and fluids from an incapacitated patient.

With your help, the Florida legislature may still pass this bill that will save Terri Schiavo. Please contact the list of Senators below. They need your input.

TAKE ACTION: Call these ten Senators NOW:

Larcenia J. Bullard 850-487-5127 Walter Campbell, Jr. 850-487-5094 J.D. Alexander 850-487-5044 Nancy Argenziano 850-487-5017 Paula Dockery 850-487-5040

Lisa Carlton 850-487-5081 Evelyn J. Lynn 850-487-5033 Burt L. Saunders 850-487-5124 Michael Bennett 850-487-5078 Dennis Jones 850-487-5065

Annie via AfterAbortion dissects polls suggesting the most Americans favor Terri's death via starvation. For example,

That ABC poll also phrased the "feeding tube" question with some extremely inaccurate information: "Schiavo suffered brain damage and has been on life support for 15 years. Doctors say she has no consciousness and her condition is irreversible."

Captain Ed agrees, suggesting, "However, a look at the questionnaire shows that ABC News completely misrepresented Terri's medical condition, which undoubtedly impacted the responses given."

UniversityBlog , MypoicZeal and MountVirtus have a lot more to say on this topic.

The take home message is that a poll can be made to say anthing by framing the questions in a biased manner.

Fifteen years ago, Holland had a case similar to [Terri] Schiavo's, A judge allowed the husband of Ineke Stinissen, who had been in a coma for several years, to remove her feeding tube. She died of starvation, and her case paved the way for Holland's pro-euthanasia legislation. - more

WASHINGTON, March 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Nationally noted attorney, Andrew Schlafly, outlines judicial errors that require the 11th Circuit to overturn on appeal the decision in the case of Terri Schiavo.

"Judge Whittemore applied the wrong standard and reached the wrong result," noted Schlafly. "Death row inmates typically receive many stays of execution by federal court, yet Terri Schiavo cannot even obtain one stay there. Her day in federal court is being denied."

THE COURT HAS RULED AGAINST REINSERTING THE FEEDING TUBE.

Reported on a Fox News Alert. Details:

ATLANTA (AP) -- A federal appeals court refused early Wednesday to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, denying an emergency request by the severely brain-damaged woman's parents.

The three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to deny the request, a day after a federal judge in Florida also refused a similar appeal.

Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, vowed yet another appeal Wednesday.

"The Schindlers will be filing an appropriate appeal to save their daughter's life," said Rex Sparklin, an attorney with the law firm representing the parents.

HT: BlogsforTerri

Part 1 of this story began after ProLifeBlogs published the story of Kim, a woman who WAS PVS and in worse condition than Terri Schiavo.

Rae Stabosz at Confessions of a Cooperator writes a follow-up:

A few days ago I reported the story of a woman who said, "I have a sister who was in the same situation as Terri Schivo."

Thanks to Tim at ProLifeBlogs, I tracked this woman down today. I talked with her parents. They are just an hour away from where I live, as it turns out. They want to tell their story. They have told it once to a local news team from a tv station near their home. I've arranged for them to tell it again through a local news team from a tv station in New Castle, Delaware.

Crystal Clear has posted on Terri Schiavo's Bone Scan from 9/91 - SUPRESSED BY MICHAEL Schiavo, found years later, & NEVER INVESTIGATED.

Update(Hyscience's favorite Medblog): CSI MEDBLOGS: CODEBLUEBLOG ANALYZES TERRI SCHIAVO'S STARTLING BONE SCAN

The significance of the bone scan report is that Teri has no known history of trauma, unless it occurred while living with Michael.

(snipets of the report)

Fox News: Judge Whittemore has declined to order reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, as requested by the Schindlers. No further information is available at this time.

Update: U.S. District Judge James Whittemore said the 41-year-old woman's parents had not established a "substantial likelihood of success" at trial on the merits of their arguments.

Source: BlogsforTerri

Curtis Neely managed to survive after his wife disconnected his life support. Here is his story:

I am a SEVERELY BRAIN-DAMAGED man who was nearly killed in an accident and spent two months on life-support. I had a feeding tube! A machine even BREATHED for me!

My wife just knew - as her husband thinks he does - that I would not wish to live on machines.

My wife did a "Do-Not-Revive" order and had the respirator disconnected.

Hugh Hewitt writes that the Florida legislature still has an opportunity to come to the aid of Terri Schiavo:

A relief bill was blocked by the state Senate, and at least six Republicans voted against it. Here's a link with the information on the senators who have voted against the measure that would protect Terri. Please contact them, but do so in a responsible way. Heated rhetoric just pushes some people further into their own opinion.

UPDATE: ACTION ITEM - This is Terri's backup plan. We need thousands of readers and bloggers contacting the six Republicans, respectfully and avoiding heated rhetoric - But firmly pleading Terri's case. We need to DO IT NOW!

Cross-posted at BlogsforTerri

A federal judge declined for now to order a feeding tube reinserted in Terri Schiavo, the brain- damaged Florida woman who has been in a vegetative state for 15 years.

U.S. District Judge James Whittemore, after hearing arguments for about two hours in Tampa, gave no indication of how soon he may act on a request by Schiavo's parents to order the tube inserted.

"I will not tell you when, how or how long it will take," Whittemore said.

Today's hearing was prompted by an extraordinary post- midnight session of Congress aimed at authorizing the federal courts to intercede. President George W. Bush signed the measure early today.

Source: Bloomberg, HT: ThrownBack

Cross-posted on BlogsforTerri

Dory at WittenbergGate has written an excellent article about the questions "Would you want to live like Terri?" and "Who would want to live like that?" [HT: JivenJehosaphat]. Here is an excerpt:

The following is a reader's response to this post:

My husband was in EXACTLY the same situation after suffering cardiac arrest while in the hospital and suffered anoxic encephalopathy, in fact, 3 separate times. First, they gave him 2 hours to live and told me to call our priest.

Anyone who can go to Tampa in show of support must get there by 2:30. Leave your phones, pagers and most everything in the car because will not be allowed in the building. Their security is much more strict than the Greer hearings most are familiar.

Downtown Tampa.

Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse
Courtroom 13B
801 N. Florida Avenue
Tampa, Florida

Cross-posted at Blogsforterri

President Bush signed emergency legislation sent to him by Congress early Monday to allow Terri Schiavo's parents ask a federal judge to prolong their daughter's life, capping days of emotional debate over who should decide life and death.

"In cases like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life," Bush said in a statement after signing the bill.

[more]

"We are very, very, very thankful to cross this bridge. And we are very hopeful that the federal courts will follow the will of Congress and save my sister's life," said Suzanne Carr, Terri Schiavo's sister.
[more]

At 12:32 this morning .... here is the roll call. (update: the text of the bill can be found here)

The Miami Herald Reports,

President Bush stood ready at the White House, lawyers stood ready at a Florida courthouse and nurses stood ready at Terri Schiavo's bedside as Congress early today approved a bill that could prolong her life.

The climactic vote ended in the House of Representatives at 12:32 a.m., and the measure was swiftly sent to Bush, who said he would sign it.

FoxNews has more coverage:

"As millions of Americans observe the beginning of Holy Week this Palm Sunday we are reminded that every life has purpose and none is without meaning," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., a leader in crafting the bill.

David Gibbs III, the attorney for the Schindlers, said that his office has been in contact with the Federal District Court in Tampa and he is anticipating sending a filing in the middle of the night. A computer program randomly generates the presiding judge, who will be delivered the request for an injunction immediately.

Cross-posted at BlogsforTerri

Michael Schiavo has publicly stated that his goal in withholding treatment from his wife and removing her feeding tube (leading to death-by-starvation) is in accord with her wishes. During his recent appearance on the Larry King Show he gave a different story:

From the Larry King show (March 18, 2005)

M. SCHIAVO: Yes, I do. But this is not about them, it's about Terri. And I've also said that in court. We didn't know what Terri wanted, but this is what we want...

HT: Nickqueen via Blogotional

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Jim Davis(HE WANTS TO BE GOVERNOR BUT WON'T SUPPORT TERRI), both of Florida, need to be blasted with telephone calls immediately!

Let them know that should they fail to support Terri, we will ensure that their careers in Congress of the United States is over! Let them know that BlogsforTerri and the hundreds of bloggers and their hundreds of thousands of readers that support her will target them to be replaced. TELEPHONE CALLS FIRST - TIME IS SHORT

Jim Davis(Terri's own congressman who does not support her) contact info:

WASHINGTON:
409 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3376
FAX: (202) 225-5652

DISTRICT:
3315 Henderson Boulevard
Suite 100
Tampa, Florida 33609
(813) 354-9217
Florida Toll Free: 1 (888) 266-0205
Fax: (813) 354-9514

Satellite Office:
1186 62nd Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 867-5301
FAX: (727) 867-5302

From a previous post, Michael Schiavo's lawyer, George Felos, and some leaders such as Earl Blumenaur of Oregon, are going to fight hard along side their friends in the MSM to defeat the bill to save Terri. We can't let that happen and we have only today to stop them.

The leaders trying to block the bill to save Terri are Robert Wexler of the 19th District of Florida and Earl Blumenauer representing the 3rd Congressional District of Oregon.

They need to be totally overwhelmed NOW with telephone calls and emails. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., issued a statement late Saturday saying he will make an objection that would stop the vote Sunday. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., said he was trying to gather enough votes to defeat the bill Monday.

Update: Here is Wexler's contact information:

Washington, D.C. Office
213 Cannon House Office Building . Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3001 . (202) 225-5974 FAX

Palm Beach County Office
2500 North Military Trail . Suite 100 . Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 988-6302 . (561) 988-6423 FAX

Broward County Office
Margate City Hall . 5790 Margate Blvd . Margate, FL 33063
(954) 972-6454 . (954) 974-3191 FAX

Email (from reader)

The contact info for Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore is ...

729 N.E. Oregon Street
Suite 115
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 231-2300
Fax: (503) 230-5413
Fax for Scheduling Requests: (503) 236-6559

US House of Representatives
2446 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4811
Fax: (202) 225-8941
Fax for Scheduling Requests: (202) 226-3134

From an informed and trusted source:

It has become MOST URGENT that all Democratic US Senators be contacted all day long by telephone and email.

From a previous post, Michael Schiavo's lawyer, George Felos, and some senators such as Earl Blumenaur of Oregon, are going to fight hard along side their friends in the MSM to defeat the bill to save Terri. We can't let that happen and we have only today to stop them.

Democratic and Republican US senators are working together to help Terri. But Earl Blumenaur is trying to defeat the compromise bill. His phone banks and email box needs to be overwhelmed with support for Terri, as should all Democratic senators that could be influenced by him.

Bloggers and readers, PLEASE get on this immediately. We will repost this several times today.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The senators trying to block the bill to save Terri are Robert Wexler of the 19th District of Florida and Earl Blumenauer representing the 3rd Congressional District of Oregon.

They need to be totally overwhelmed NOW with telephone calls and emails. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., issued a statement late Saturday saying he will make an objection that would stop the vote Sunday.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., said he was trying to gather enough votes to defeat the bill Monday.

Source: BlogsforTerri

Latest Action Item From BlogsforTerri:

Just got off phone with Bobby and he's still in Washington. He asks that we focus tightly on frying the phones all day long.

Michael Schiavo's lawyer, George Felos, and some senators such as Earl Blumenaur of Oregon, are going to fight hard along side their friends in the MSM to defeat the bill to save Terri. We can't let that happen and we have only today to stop them.

So this morning's request from the Schindler family is to focus our major efforts and the efforts of our readers on three items ONLY!

1. In a bi-partisan manner, supporting all senators both Democratic and Republican, create a tsunami of telephone calls(both) to US Senators for the support of the bill to save Terri Schiavo's life.

2. In a bi-partisan manner, supporting all senators both Democratic and Republican, create a tsunami of telephone calls(both) to Florida senators for the support of the bill to save Terri Schiavo's life.

3. In Florida - target those senators that did not support Terri. All such information is available on this site.

Please Focus on this action today, literally, Terri's life much depends upon accomplishing this action today!

The following post was first published on BlogsforTerri by Richard.

If one is truly dying, nature will soon take its course. The target of the Judge George Greer, George Felos, and the Woodside Hospice crowd in Pinellas County, Florida is someone who is not dying "quickly enough," those whom ethicist Daniel Callahan unkindly termed "biologically tenacious."

I am biologically tenacious, aren't you? Knowing what I know now, I am extremely grateful that I have never lived under Judge George Greer's jurisdiction. I have chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, have an electric wheelchair, and have been through acute rehabilitation at the University of Utah Medical Center four times. In two of those extended stays in the hospital I was given the beautiful opportunity to learn how to swallow, speak, eat, and to continue with my life. I was treated by experts, a multidisciplinary medical team that had the experience to evaluate and rehabilitate me. All of these opportunities have been denied Terri Schiavo.

Lifenews - The judge in the Terri Schaivo case who reissued an order Friday that prompted Terri's feeding tube to be removed for a third time has withdrawn his membership in a local Baptist Church.

Rice said he received a letter from Greer Thursday confirming he has rescinded his long-standing membership after the church. The Greer letter came days after Rice made public comments in news reports disagreeing with Greer's decisions related to Terri.

Irrevocable Choice has more information and links related to this issue and others involving Judge Greer.

Tom Delay, along with other members of congress, just held a press conference to announce they have reached agreement on a bill that will: (1) guarantee Terri Schiavo a Federal appeal and (2) restore nutrition and hydration to Terri throughout the process.

Here's the video:

-WATCH-

Source: Trey Jackson

The sister of one of our readers suffered brain damage that left her in a condition similar to that of Terri Schiavo. She writes,

I have a sister who was in the same situation as Terri Schiavo. 12 years ago my sister had a sudden cardiac arrest episode that caused major damage to her brain. Four days into her coma we were told by doctors that Kim was in a persistent vegetative state and that we should unplug her ventilator. If she made it through the night we were told to make arrangements to put her in a nursing home. My parents decided not to follow the recommendations of the doctors and to instead transfer her to a rehabilitation hospital. Kim was dependent on both a feeding tube and a ventilator. Through intensive occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy which included teaching her to swallow again, she made a wonderful recovery. Though she is still physically challenged and in a wheel chair, she is very much a productive member of society. She is living at home with my parents who are her care givers. She votes in elections and loves to debate the issues. My sister was given a second chance at life, and Terri deserves that same chance!

The following are Terri Schiavo's sister, Suzanne Vitadamo's and Attorney Barbara Weller's sworn testimony submitted to Judge Greer in Pinellas County Court today.

Barbara Weller, Esq., is putting her entire professional reputation as an officer of the court on the line. If she is not telling the truth she would not only be found guilty of perjury, she would sacrifice her career by being disbarred.

New Action Update: just received from Bobby Schindler.

Please get this out ASAP!!

Ask everyone to contact House Democrats so that they urge the House
Democratic Leadership to take immediate action to pass Legislation to
protect Terri Schiavo.

If we could, begin this immediately!

Blogs: Please expedite posting and pass around. Readers, please help to create tsunami of telephone calls and emails to the House Democrats - PLEASE SAVE TERRI SCHIAVO, PLEASE GIVE HER A CHANCE WITH REAL CARE!

Source: BlogsforTerri

Terri Schiavo is being discussed on the Northern Alliance Radio Show right now and until 1:00 Pm CT if callers want to keep it going. Callers can reach us at 651-289-4488.

Update - Captain Ed comments that an unrelated guest (pre-scheduled) will be on between 1-2 pm CT. However, they're picking up the discussion during the third hour (2pm central).

Thanks Captain Ed and the Northern Alliance for an excellent first segment - looking forward to the third hour.

Mary Schindler, Terri Schiavo's mother, stood before a microphone moments ago.

In that building behind me my daughter is starving to death...

We laugh together. We cry together. We smile together. We talk together...

Please, please, please, save my little girl.

GOPInsight has an excellent post related to the attempted state sanctioned murder of Terri Schiavo.

"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government." --Thomas Jefferson

If the intentional taking of an innocent human life is defined as murder, does this definition somehow change if the taker of life is the victim's spouse, guardian, or physician? If one person says to another, "Here's a knife; please stab me to death, as I want to die," does this then absolve the knife-wielder from culpability for murder? Is it really murder if and only if the victim says it's murder?

On a similar topic, Beth as MVRWC posts the following quote, "Liberty and Happiness are only possible for those first allowed the right to live. If we have no right to life, we have no rights at all� "

Update - Disorder in the Courts - more related to good government brought to you by WorldMagBlog.

Eric at Myopiczeal writes about the assertion that Terri Schiavo is being used politically to advance the "pro-life agenda".

Alta Charo, the Elizabeth S. Wilson - Bascom Professor of Law and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin Law School, appears to hold the cynical view that conservatives want Terri Schiavo to live simply because it politically helps their abortion position.

Apparently it has not crossed her mind that maybe they want Terri to live because they actually hold the consistent view that innocent human life is morally sacred, regardless of the age or mental capacity of the person.

This is an urgent congressional action alert from the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) in Washington, D.C., issued Friday, March 18, 2005, at noon EST. For further information, visit the NRLC website.

Please forward this message to your own lists.

URGE SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES TO RESOLVE DIFFERENCES, PASS 'TERRI'S LAW' IMMEDIATELY

Both the House and Senate have now passed bills that would give the Schindlers the opportunity to have their claims that their daughter's starvation violates her federal constitutional and statutory rights heard in a federal court. Unfortunately, the bills have significant differences in content. Both houses must pass the same version in order for the bill to be signed by the President and put into effect to save Terri.

Now, your help is needed TODAY to contact your Senators and Representatives and urge them to do whatever is necessary to resolve the differences between the two chambers and get a bill that will save Terri to the President�s desk before it is too late.

PLEASE ACT NOW! Under court order, Terri's feeding tube is scheduled to be removed at 1:00 pm EST today, Friday, March 18.

Contact your senators and U.S. representative. Simply type your zip code in the "Take Action Now" box.

Time is precious! Only a massive outpouring from constituents will move legislators to act quickly enough to give Terri her chance at life.

Read the text of the House-passed bill (H.R. 1332).

Read the text of the Senate-passed bill (S. 653).

Earlier today, Richard at BlogsforTerri received an urgent call from Bobby Schindler, Terri Schiavo's brother. He commented that blogs are his family's best opportunity to get the message out that will benefit Terri and lead to action that will save her life.

Here is the post:

As extremist as it makes me sound, I believe that this entire matter has turned into a battle between those that value the mystery of life, and those that don't. George Felos, the euthanasia-advocate attorney of Michael Schiavo, is on television calling for the death advocates to call their senators and representatives. We have to make sure that we generate a tsunami of callers and emailers to combat any such action on the part of those that wish to cheapen life itself.

- via telephone call at 09:53 ET

Bobby Schindler is still in Washington, fighting for his sister's life. He said to "please have the blogs keep up the pressure all weekend, my sister's life depends on them getting the word out for people to keep calling their senators and representatives!"

Bobby said that his mother is having a terrible time with this, is very distraught, but she and the entire Schindler family are going to continue to fight for Terri and that they pray that the bloggers will keep fighting for Terri. The family feels that the blogs are perhaps Terri's best chance of getting the volume of calls needed to convince the right people to make the right decision.

PLEASE REPOST THE URGENT ACTION ALERT SEVERAL TIMES A DAY, ALL WEEKEND LONG. ALSO, CALL AND EMAIL YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES, AND URGE YOUR READERS AND FELLOW BLOGGERS TO DO THE SAME.

Newsmax - House Majority Leader Tom DeLay pledged Friday to hold Florida state judge George Greer in contempt of Congress for ignoring a congressional subpoena for Terri Schiavo's testimony, saying, "No little judge sitting in a state district court in Florida is going to usurp the authority of Congress."

Worldnetdaily - An attorney for Terri Schiavo said the severely brain-injured woman cried and yelled out that she wants to live after being told today her life-sustaining feeding tube was about to be removed by court order.

As a mother of a child who had a disability; this case with Terri Schiavo has moved me so much. I couldn't sleep so I sit here thinking about Terri. There are so many thoughts going through my mind and many emotions.

From a reader ...

I just registered a complaint about Woodside Hospice [and its care of Terri Schiavo], owned by Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, with the Inspector General at the Agency for Health Care Administration. Perhaps other people would care to do so as well: Complaint Form

Now that Terri Schiavo is being starved and dehydrated because of the court-ordered removal of her feeding tube, faith organizations and leaders are encouraging supporters to come to the Woodside Hospice to stand in solidarity with Terri Schiavo. The Woodside Hospice, where Terri Schindler Schiavo lives, located at 6774 102nd Avenue N. (near 66th Street N and 102nd Avenue N) in Pinellas Park, Florida

Individuals also will risk peaceful arrest as they attempt to bring a cup of water and bread to feed Terri Schiavo.

This peaceful witness will take place on Saturday, March 19, at 11 AM, at the Woodside Hospice, in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Brandi Swindell, National Director of Generation Life states, "I have come all the way from Idaho to offer food and water to my sister Terri. I cannot walk away from her in good conscience without offering her the opportunity to live. If that means I spent time in jail for this peaceful witness--it is a small price to pay."

ABC News is now reporting that Terri Schiavo's death "is likely to be very serene." Dr. Fred Mirarchi, assistant clinical professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, is quoted in the statement, "The process of starving to death seems very barbaric but in actuality is very peaceful."

First, we're not giving up. Second, this report could not be further from the truth.

Michael Schiavo and his attorney, George Felos will be on Larry King Live tonight. They will be followed by Suzanne Vitadamo and attorney David Gibbs. [Anyone who would like to write a summary of the interview please contact me]

- MichNews.com

Washington, D.C.- Judie Brown, president of American Life League, issued the following statement regarding the inhumane death sentence imposed upon Terri Schiavo today with the removal of her feeding tube:

"What is happening to Terri Schiavo right now is truly a tragedy. Despite what Judge George Greer, the lawyers and the news media want the public to think, Terri Schiavo is not a 'vegetable,' nor is she 'terminally ill.' Terri functions as a living, breathing, human person who is sustained by normal hydration and nutrition - the same as every other living human person. However, as a result of today's implementation of the order to have Terri's hydration and nutrition sources removed, she will die a slow and excruciatingly painful death.

"The suffering Terri will experience throughout the remainder of her days on earth is completely avoidable, as is the suffering that her parents and so many others who respect Terri as a human person will continue to undergo. The death sentence enacted on Terri today is truly a form of cruel and unusual punishment. Terri is among the most innocent and defenseless human persons on this earth and is certainly unworthy of the treatment she is receiving from her estranged husband and the state of Florida.

This article is very appropriate because Tim and I (BlogsForTerri) were just talking on the telephone about identifying every single Republican in the Florida and US House and Senate that failed Terri Schiavo. We intend to establish the Terri Schiavo "Wall of Shame" and commit tonight to seeing to it that BlogsForTerri and every pro-life blogger we can muster makes sure that those Republicans are NOT REELECTED!

On the political implications of Terri's case: "If Terri Schiavo is killed, Republicans will pay a political price. "

It appears we've reached the pivotal moment in the Terri Schiavo case, and it also appears our politicians, our senators and congressmen, might benefit from some observations.

In America today all big stories have three dimensions: a legal angle, a public-relations angle and a political angle. In the Schiavo case some of our politicians seem not to be fully appreciating the second and third. This is odd.

Here's both a political and a public-relations reality: The Republican Party controls the Senate, the House and the White House. The Republicans are in charge. They have the power. If they can't save this woman's life, they will face a reckoning from a sizable portion of their own base. And they will of course deserve it.

This should concentrate their minds.

Continue reading...

Hat tip - Michelle Malkin

Related commentary - Hidden Nook

TERRI'S FEEDING TUBE WAS REMOVED.

WORD WAS JUST RECEIVED THAT TERRI'S PARENTS WERE ASKED TO LEAVE TERRI'S ROOM. MICHAEL SCHIAVO WAS PRESENT WHEN THE FEEDING TUBE WAS REMOVED.

JODI'S BROTHER, J. CENTONZE STEPPED OUT OF MICHAEL'S AND JODI'S HOUSE IN CLEARWATER AND TOLD REPORTER THAT TERRI'S FEEDING TUBE HAD BEEN REMOVED. REPORTED BY BAY NEWS NINE LOCAL NEWS!

SCHIAVO SAID HE ALLOWED A PRAYER SERVICE WITHOUT THE FAMILY PRESENT.
TERRI'S PARENTS WERE ASKED TO LEAVE THEIR DAUGHTER'S ROOM AT 1:45 PM ET.

HER LAST INITIAL FEEDING BEGAN AT 11:00 AM ET. SHE HAD SOME NUTRITION PROVIDED BEFORE JUDGE GREER ORDERED HER FEEDING TUBE REMOVED STATED BARBARA WELLER, ATTORNEY FOR THE GIBBS FIRM.

TERRI'S PARENTS ARE VERY UPSET.

NOTE: THERE WAS NO REASON TO PULL HER TUBE AND PUT HER THROUGH PAIN AND DISCOMFORT. THEY COULD HAVE CAPPED HER FEEDING TUBE OFF AND PREVENTED THE PAIN SHE EXPERIENCED FROM HAVING A FEEDING TUNE PULLED FROM HER ABDOMEN.

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! PEOPLE NEED TO ACT NOW.

THIS IS NO MORE HUMANE THAN WHEN THE FIRST PERSON WAS MARCHED INTO A GAS CHAMBER!

According to Sherri's sources "Terri Schiavo speaks!"

When the Federal Marshal appeared at the hospice to serve subpoenas, they were accompanied by local police. In serving Terri, she was asked twice, "Do you want to live?" Twice, she responded, "Yes".

Ironically, the policemen outside the hospice reported that she had said, "No". Is there a coverup? Does she speak? There is more to follow.

Sherri called me while intransit to Florida on I-75, begging me to put this up, now.

Right Wing Nut Job

Hat tip - Discarded Lies

Jodie Centonze, according to Bay News 9, informed the media that Terri's tube has been removed. Centonze is Michael Schiavo's fianc�. The Schindler family was forced to leave when this took place.

According to Michael's fianc�, he is very distraught.

JUST IMAGINE: YOUR CHILD IS BEING MURDERED IN A ROOM - YOU ARE MADE TO LEAVE - HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?????

Federal representatives served subpoenas on the Hospice house earlier today, citing intent to have Terri Schiavo appear before Congress on March 28, 2005. Judge Greer has ordered that the subpoenas wouldn't be entertained and that Terri's feeding tube would be IMMEDIATELY removed.

It is unclear if this has happened yet or not.

Attorney Barbara Weller was with Terri earlier today. She told the media that, during her visit with Terri, she explained to her what was happening. According to Weller, Terri began to cry and could not be quieted. She tried to coach Terri to say "Let me live" but she simply was having too much difficulty.

Congress is reported by local news to still hold be holding hearings on this matter. It is unclear at this stage who will win this tug of war - the United States or a probate judge from Clearwater. All that is known is that an innocent life is in the balance.

If you can be at Hospice, now is the time.

Via Fox News TV--
Just minutes ago, the order to remove Terri's feeding tube has BEEN REINSTATED.

Don't stop the phone calls, emails, and faxes!

And pray!

Update:
JUDGE GREER HAS STATED HE IS NOT LISTENING TO THE FEDERAL SUBPOENAS AND HAS REINSTATED HIS ORDER TO REMOVE TERRI'S FEEDING TUBE. TERRI'S FEEDING TUBE IS SCHEDULED TO COME OUT IMMEDIATELY.

Barring some form of government intervention, the starvation of Terri Schiavo by her husband will begin today at 1 pm est for the express purpose of ending her life. I'm thankful for the thousands who continue to call their representatives in Congress and to hundreds of bloggers who have not given up hope and continue to support Terri through their websites. Indeed, great hope remains and now is the time for action.

Richard at BlogsforTerri spoke with Terri's brother this morning (he is in Washington). Bobby Schindler sounded very tired and discouraged, yet hopeful that somehow, his very innocent sister will be saved. Bobby kept saying just one thing, "Please ask the bloggers and their readers to FRY THOSE PHONES - NOW!"

The only thing that will save Terri now is for the House and Senate bills to be worked out. Call NOW, and keep calling.

US CONGRESS:

MICHAEL SCHIAVO, GEORGE FELOS AND JUDGE GREER WILL CAUSE THE DEATH OF AN INNOCENT LIFE.

ON MARCH 18, 2005 AT 1:00 P M TERRI SCHINDLER-SCHIAVO WILL BEGIN A SENTENCE OF STARVATION AND DEHYDRATION AT WOODSIDE HOSPICE IN PINELLAS PARK, FLORIDA.

PLEASE.....PLEASE......PLEASE......... PICK UP YOUR PHONES AND CALL THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE AT THE US CONGRESS!

With your help, the Florida legislature may still pass a bill that will save Terri Schiavo. The list below are Senators that voted "NO" yesterday but may be open to change their vote if the right bill is put in front of them.

USAToday - In a last-ditch effort to save Terri Schiavo's life, a House committee plans to issue subpoenas Friday to stop doctors from removing the severely brain-damaged woman's feeding tube.
The extraordinary legislative maneuver comes after the House and Senate failed to agree on legislation to keep the woman alive before leaving Washington for their spring break. House officials hope that the subpoenas will stop doctors from removing Schiavo's feeding tube at 1 p.m. ET Friday.

As part of the House adjournment resolution, by the congress must agree to the Senate's HABEAS CORPUS bill to save Terri.

From a reliable source:

The House (Federal) has left for the night, but they have not adjourned for recess, as was originally thought. There must be a resolution tomorrow morning, first thing to adjourn.

House leaders, listed below, can make a condition of adjournment the approval of the Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act (Habeas Corpus) a requirement.

I know as little about these things as anyone possibly could, but I've been directed to ask you that you please flood the following with emails, phone calls or faxes to insist on these conditions prior to the House adjournment.

Remember, both chambers have already approved, in some form, the Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act. This is a very small step for them to finalize the measure before they recess and there is no time left for our representatives to squander. Please make contact and encourage others to.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert
Phone: 202-225-2976
Fax: 202-225-0697
http://www.house.gov/hastert/write1.shtml

Majority Tom Delay
Ph. (202) 225-5951
Fax (202) 225-5241
http://tomdelay.house.gov/contactmecase.htm

Representative James Sessenbrenner
(202) 225-5101
mailto:sensenbrenner@mail.house.gov

Update:

The measure could still pass and be signed by President Bush today (Friday) if senators gave way and passed the House version, or if House leaders agreed to pass the Senate bill by unanimous consent without a vote, since most congressmen have already left town. - more

THE US SENATE HAS THANKFULLY JUST PASSED THE BILL FOR TERRI SCHIAVO.

IT MUST RETURN NOW TO THE US HOUSE TO FIX THE LANGUAGE SO BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE MATCH!

THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS FOR THE MOMENT.

PLEASE PRAY.....PLEASE..THAT THE HOUSE WILL FINISH WITH SUPPORT OF TERRI, A MOST BEAUTIFUL AND VIABLE HUMAN BEING. PLEASE!!!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
CHERYL

After this, President Bush must sign the Bill to bring into LAW!

The White House Press Secretary said today that if it's passed, the President will sign it, because this Administration is for the side of life.

PRAISE GOD!

Now let's see if Florida will obey THIS LAW?

Source: StraightUpWithSherri

Update from BlogsforTerri:

But the house has adjourned and they are gone for two weeks. People should be SCREAMING over the phones right now at them. They spent the entire afternoon talking about STEROIDS and walked out on an innocent woman.

March 17, 2005

The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected ? and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.

This has been somewhat confusing but it appears that BOTH Senator Reeds (Reid and Reed) need to be encouraged to support Terri - Urgent that EVERYONE CALL NOW - ONLY TWO HOURS LEFT!

ASK THEM TO PLEASE support: "The Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act."

Reed, Jack - (D - RI) Class II
728 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4642
Web Form: http://reed.senate.gov/form-opinion.htm

AND

Reid, Harry - (D - NV) Class III
528 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3542
Web Form: http://reid.senate.gov/email_form.cfm

Thank you Arizona Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ) for your support of HR1332 (Terri Schiavo's Act).

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) appears to be on the fence or at least not making his decision known. For those of you in Arizona here is Sen. McCain's phone number: (202) 224-2235.

Senator Jack Reed, we're told, is stalling on HR 1332. The Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act. If you had a notion to explain how this protects every incapacitated American and is a very important and wanted protection, you can do so with the following contact details:

Reed, Jack - (D - RI) Class II
728 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4642
Web Form: reed.senate.gov/form-opinion.htm

Updated - wrong Sen. Reed

Reid, Harry - (D - NV) Class III
528 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3542
Web Form: reid.senate.gov/email_form.cfm

Disability rights activist Kate Adamson has been asked by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to join in the fight to save Terri Schiavo. Adamson, survivor of a double brainstem stroke � once unable to stand, she now stands for life; once unable to speak � she now speaks for those with no voice.

Bryan at The Narrow posts a reminder that tomorrow March 18th is a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Terri. He writes, "Whether or not the Legislation before Congress passes and her life is spared, I feel we should continue with everything as planned. It would then of course change to a time of thanksgiving and worship for what God has done. So, please join me and all the others in this effort of prayer and fasting."

The following link will allow you to contact your Senator to encourage him/her to give favorable consideration to the Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act. The new version is HR 1332 and the Senate is expected to hear this matter today.

Contact Link

Senator Mel Martinez writes about this habeas corpus bill that will protect the rights of diabled individuals, such as Terri Schiavo:

... Last week, I introduced my first piece of legislation in the Senate: The Incapacitated Person�s Legal Protection Act of 2005. This bill would ensure that incapacitated individuals � like Terri Schiavo � would have their due-process rights of habeas corpus when a court orders their death by removal of nutrition, hydration and medical treatment. My colleague from Florida, Congressman Dave Weldon has introduced identical legislation in the House of Representatives.

�Habeas Corpus� refers to the legal rights available under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution that �No State�shall deprive any person of life�without due process of law�nor to deny any person within its jurisdiction equal protections of the laws.�

Fr. Rob Johansen (Thrown Back) has written an exception article that appeared today in the National Review. He completely erodes the medical arguments behind assertions that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) and that her brain has been liquified. What is utterly amazing is that Terri faces a judicial sentence of death via starvation beginning this Friday on the basis of a mythical medical diagnosis.

Here is what Fr. Johansen has to say (all emphasis mine):

Good news from the Associated Press:

The House passed legislation late Wednesday intended to delay the removal of the feeding tube keeping alive a brain-damaged woman whose husband has been given permission by a state court to allow her to die.