Freep this Poll - CNN Quick Vote - Did Jeb do the right thing for Terri Schiavo?

cnn.com ^ | 10-22-03 | Dandelion

[HamiltonJay]

Agreed, since when is someone who definately is awake considered comatosed? I really don't know what definition they are using, but never have I personally heard the word comatosed used to describe someone in the state this woman appears to be in before.

[DrNo]

Comatose my a$$!

[walford]

to: cnn@cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/10/22/coma.woman/index.html

Your poll is slanted and cannot produce accurate results. Here's why:

Terri Schiavo is not comatose. Look at the pictures that are posted on the story on you own website. Her eyes are not only open, they react to external stimuli. That doesn't fit the definition of comatose.

http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?Dict=&define=comatose&search.x=14&search.y=10&search=Search

# [adj] in a state of deep and usually prolonged unconsciousness; unable to respond to external stimuli; "a comatose patient"

Read my story for a more complete description of the circumstances. There is much that is left out in your version.

http://www.aim.org/publications/briefings/2003/oct14.html

Her husband forbade her rehabilitation therapy that would have weaned her from the feeding/hydration tubes that sustain her soon after receiving a malpractice award from a suit wherein he asserted that he needed the funding to sustain her in an expected normal lifespan.

A more accurate poll question would be:

Should a person who is conscious and aware be deprived of sustenance because she cannot talk or feed herself?

William R Alford
Accuracy In Media