Terri's Threads March 22, 2004

Terri's Threads ^ | 03.22.04 | a5478

[a5478]

This links to the previous Terri's threads. In case some have had difficulty finding the Terri's Threads for current news. This will be the updated home for new news and commentary for Terri Schiavo. On March 26, 2004 a contempt of court hearing is slated for Michael Schiavo. The previous hearing was postponed until now for at the request of Michael's attorneys.

[Jeff Head]

...and a resounding amen!

Jeff

[cyn]

Thank you for posting that info. Joining you all in prayer for Terri's fight, esp. in today's (finally?) court hearing.

May God bless all of you there with wisdom and calm assurance in the face of the evil perpetuated on Terri and her family. May it start unraveling, oh please, dear Lord, today.

[phenn]

Today, in the sixth judicial circuit, Judge George Greer heard a Motion to show cause for Contempt of Court from the attorneys representing the immediate family of Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Terri's parents argue that they are not receiving adequate information as to Terri's medical condition. A 1996 court order mandated that Terri's husband/guardian, Michael Schiavo provide information in the event of a significant change in Terri's medical condition and that he inform any facility where Terri is confined that he has no objections to staff disclosing such details to her immediate family.

In February, Terri had suffered an unexplained bout of vomiting and her parents enquired of the medical staff as to its cause and what course of treatment was being taken. They were refused details and were told that this was under the instruction of Michael Schiavo. Since then, there have been other changes in Terri's condition for which the medical staff has not disclosed details.

Judge Greer declined to issue a ruling today and stated that he would do so within the next few days. He also suggested that the 1996 court order, which was issued by another judge, should be revisited in court so that the term 'significant change' could be determined.

This hearing was a rescheduling from a previous date in order to accommodate the schedule of attorney Deborah Bushnell, who represents Michael Schiavo. Though Ms. Bushnell was present, the argument was carried out, instead, by attorney Scott Swope with Ms. Bushnell's presence (according to her) to provide 'background information' only.

At this writing, Terri's family is still not receiving information regarding her medical condition.

You can read the related motion on: http://zimp.org/documents/022404contempt.pdf
The 1996 Court Order is on: http://zimp.org/documents/1996%20Court%20Order.pdf

[cyn]

Hi, Jeff -- you know I'm smiling; it's so good to 'see' you!

This is a case of local judiciary and the 'right to die' agenda gone bad wrong, to the detriment of a dear woman and her family (whom I've had the privilege of meeting -- they are wonderful, honest 'ordinary extraordinary' people).

Now Terri is being actively neglected acc. #16. What happens at today's hearing will tell a lot, show a lot.

[cyn]

"significant change in Terri's medical condition. . ." -- such as, say, decubitus ulcers, missing teeth . . . were those immediate obvious problems mentioned in court today?

What is your take on this -- Is the judge just hiding behind empty semantics? Why not simply allow the family to be apprised of Terri's condition, not dependent on x degree of change? Sheesh, is Judge Greer seeking a mathematical formula to determine if parents get info on their daughter?

[cyn]

"Heavenly Father, we return to give You thanks that prayer does not need words. Take our groanings and our sighs, O God, for we are heavy with grief at the plight of this mother's child ..." -- ah, pegita, even when you don't have the words, you do . . .

[Jeff Head]

Thanks cyn, good to see you too.

I have kept up with the story and studied the circumstances.

It is a travesty and my heart goes out to Terri and her parents. May God continue to sustain them and by His Hand may they be fully reunited and may Terri get the care she needs.

[phenn]

In my personal opinion only, he is protecting the guardian. Nothing more, nothing less.

Also in my personal opinion, he should be protecting the ward. At least that's as I 'interpret' the words.

[wisconsinconservative]

My opinion

[wisconsinconservative]

Ping to post #23

Judge Greer declined to issue a ruling today and stated that he would do so within the next few days. He also suggested that the 1996 court order, which was issued by another judge, should be revisited in court so that the term 'significant change' could be determined.

[cyn]

Yes, it is a travesty . . . and acc. to phenn's report, justice was once again denied in court today -- at least no immediate relief for Terri, despite evidence of current neglect and need for action!

So truth and right are wantonly disregarded, and at such a cost . . . is this a bit like what you all experienced at Klamath?

[Jeff Head]

Most definitely...except there it was 1500 families that were being terrorized and destroyed.

But that event did not have the wanton medical issues Terri is experiencing...they were being run off the land and their livelihoods destroyed.

With God's help, the courage of a relative few of those farmers and a lot of help from concerned citizens all over the country, we were able to turn back the tide there and retain the status quoa...but it is still not fully resolved. They live with the threat of it happening again hanging over their heads.

[cyn]

shoo, phenn, that's not just your personal opinion -- isn't that the law he is sworn to uphold (terminology fails me) -- isn't he held to a higher standard as a judge? esp. in a case with an incapacitated party?

wc -- great graphic! wonder if it would help if we all sent him some . . . it has been done (ping pong or golf balls) . . .

[Future Useless Eater]

Judge Greer declined to issue a ruling today and stated that he would do so within the next few days. He also suggested that the 1996 court order, which was issued by another judge, should be revisited in court so that the term 'significant change' could be determined.

I don't mean to sound gloom and doom, but in the past when judge oGreer declined to rule directly in court on a matter, but instead ruled a few days later 'by fax', it was because he knew his ruling would stink to high heaven. It also took him a few days to scrounge the gutters for the most palatable legalstink to pad his rulings.

As for 'revisiting the 1996 order', that sounds like a tip-off that oGreer would not have allowed the Schindlers ANY visability into Terri's condition, and he is trying to justify negating that earlier court order.

...the oGreer needs to be voted out of office in November 2004!

[cyn]

"courage of a relative few of those farmers..." -- h'mm, interesting and sometimes a bit discouraging.

Similarly, most folks in St. Pete area appear not to be troubled by Terri's situation -- it is that 'relative few' there who care enough to kick and fuss and show up in court time after time, only to be hit with delays. The rest of us are at a distance sending emails, cards, phone calls, and praying. What more can or should be done? we wonder . . . any suggestions?

I'm sorry to hear the Klamath farmers are still threatened, despite the poor science finally being acknowledged.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Too bad we can't hold Judge Greer in contempt-of-court. If these former rulings don't actually mean anything, then why on earth are there any rulings issued? It's all legalese, so that no "uneducated" person could ever figure out what the meaning of the word "is" is. God help us all!

[phenn]

You're on to it.

If this judge is really going to determine what another judge's court order is supposed to mean, than I suppose any bloody thing he's ruled on is up for argument as well, yes?

I am personally calling on all residents of Pinellas and Pasco counties to remember this, act and let their feelings be publicly known prior to November's elections. Is this the kind of person you want deciding your fate?

Not I, said the fly.

[Ohioan from Florida]

I feel sick to my stomach...and it's not because I've been fasting today. I know God is listening, but I can't help but feel discouraged right now. How does Terri's family get through this over and over? Seriously, what's their secret? God must have a special place secured for them! They've been through so much hell on earth as it is.

[lonevoice]

As unbelievable as it all continues to be, I'm inclined to agree with your assessment. In the hands of Pinellas and Pasco county, it seems impossible that Terri Schindler and her family will ever be granted even the most meager portion of human justice. Only God can help Terri, and I continue to pray for divine justice.

[phenn]

Their secret is that they adore each other so much. They are the most devoted family you could ever meet. They lean on each other, they laugh with each other and they never give up on each other. That includes Terri.

They are a very typical family as well, really. You know how the phone rings and everyone shouts "I GOT IT" and in the confusion, no one actually gets the bloody thing? :-)

They are truly very decent people. Very kind to those they meet. A group of very cool, very tight-knit, very nurturing folks and I'm extremely fond of them all.

I feel rather ashamed of this state when I think that these people have never asked for anything other than the freedom to give Terri proper care and love - yet have been denied at every turn in favor of a husband who moved on 9 years ago.

It's tragic and the next time I hear someone say that Americans no longer care about family and home, I'll remind them of this particular family - that has stuck together through the most unimaginable heartache.