In another public miscarriage of justice, Michael Schiavo was called a "hero" last Friday by the Florida State Guardianship Association for ending his wife's life by withholding food and water [more]. The organization gave Schiavo its Guardian of the Year Award.
In a rare public appearance, Schiavo, 42, modestly accepted the award at the association's 18th annual conference at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa west of Miami.Brother Paul O'Donnell, a Franciscan friar who serves as the Schindler family spokesman, was quoted in the Orlando Sentinel. "Oh, my God, that's offensive," he said. "Michael Schiavo ... basically let her rot.""As you know," he said, "I'm not much of a speechmaker. I don't talk much. But on behalf of my wife Theresa, I thank you."
State Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who supported legislation that would limite withdrawl of food and water from the disabled called the recognition "ironic."
"There were a lot of issues that raised some questions about his credibility to act in her (Terri Schiavo's) best interest," Baxley was quoted as saying.
Fight4Terri posted this letter in response to the award:
Dear Mr. Goodman,Related Posts:As Bob and Mary Schindler's former attorney, I have a passing fair familiarity with the facts of Michael Schiavo's conduct as a guardian for Terri Schiavo.
Did you know that FOR TWELVE YEARS -- from 1990 until 2002 -- Mr. Schiavo steadfastly refused to take the statutorily-mandated training all private guardians must undergo? Did you know his refusal came in the face of annual demands from the Clerk's office that he do so?
Did you also know that Mr. Schiavo did not file annual reports and plans in a timely fashion year after year and, for at least two years, filed no report and plan at all?
Did you know that when Mr. Schiavo did grudgingly and belatedly file plans -- there was no plan at all for her improvement?
Did you know the experimental surgical treatment that you specifically mentioned as praiseworthy occurred in NOVEMBER, 1990? Did you know that after the summer of 1992, Terri never received another minute of therapy of any kind -- including routine physical therapy -- up until the moment of her death, on Mr. Schiavo's orders?
These are facts documented in the court file, Mr. Goodman. They are not unwarranted "attacks" on Mr. Schiavo, simply facts that anyone who makes an effort can discover. The further fact that the Court did not ever sanction Mr. Schiavo for his shortcomings as a guardian is more a testament to an overloaded court docket than a testament to Mr. Schiavo's dedication.
Don't you think honoring Mr. Schiavo as "Guardian of the Year" is insulting to the thousands of honest, hard-working guardians who follow Florida law in act and spirit? There is much more to being a guardian than insisting on the ward's death, Mr. Goodman.
I would like to know how many of the Florida guardians voted on this year's award. Was it the entire membership or a committee of a handful of people?
Please do me the honor of a reply.
Pat Anderson
7116 Gulf Boulevard
Suite D
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Cheryl Ford at Fight4Terri is all over this issues with many related posts.
Cross-posted: BlogsforTerri
Update:
Doral, FL (LifeNews.com) -- Though his objective as her legal guardian was to end Terri Schiavo's life, Terri's estranged husband Michael received an award from a Florida guardianship group for his decision-making as the person charged with determining the disabled woman's fate. .... more
ACTION: Send your thoughts on Michael's award to Florida State Guardianship Association, PO Box 13978, Tallahassee, FL, 32317 or call (850) 656-8848 or fax (850) 656-3038. You can send an email note to the group by filling out this form.
Update: Hyscience has more.
I sent an email (very polite) mentioning the
problems with the plans. As a nurse, Michael
Schiavo should have known the need for care plans
even more than ordinary citizens.
Whether or not Michael Schiavo had anything to
do with the initial incident I don't know,
but he certainly gave up early in the game in providing for Terri's care. If
not abusive, he certainly comes off as negligent and uncaring.
Romans 12:19 says, 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
God will take care of Michael Schiavo in all of his wrong doing of Terri.
Thanks Pat, your comment were very good
This just truly disgusts me.
How would you even begin to educate the legal system on how to differentiate from someone who acts in your best interests and someone who acts on their own selfish impulses to end another's life?
May Terry's soul rest in peace and hope she has found serenity where she is now.
That is all everyone can pray for and hope that someday wisdom will dawn upon those who are heartless.
Is a Franciscan friar supose to say "oh my God"?
Actually, no one should say OMG, it's blaspheme.
Unless, of course, he is actually calling out to God.
But I can't understand, in reference to all that has happened, why he would.
Just when I think this whole ordeal cannot go any lower, it descends to new depths.