Sophisticated tactics aid Schiavo's parents

Kansas City Star ^ | Sun, Mar. 13, 2005 | MAYA BELL

[nickcarraway]

ORLANDO, Fla. - Fifteen years ago, two leaders of the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue walked into a motel in small-town Missouri and begged the night clerk for a fax machine.

At a nearby hospital, the parents of Nancy Cruzan were set to remove the feeding tube that had kept their daughter alive for nearly eight years. The activists were desperate to mobilize opposition to what they considered would be her murder.

"That's how sophisticated we were," remembers the Rev. Pat Mahoney, now executive director of the Christian Defense Coalition. "We were desperately trying to get the word out, desperately trying to get people out. There just wasn't much interest."

Today, Mahoney is a leader of an informal but growing network of conservative, religious and disability organizations who, with the click of a computer mouse, are enlisting hundreds of thousands of people in Bob and Mary Schindler's fight to keep their daughter Terri Schiavo alive.

The feeding tube that has pumped life-sustaining nutrients into the severely brain-damaged Florida woman's stomach for 15 years is scheduled to be disconnected Friday under a court order won by her husband, Michael.

The courts have agreed with Michael Schiavo that his wife is in a persistent vegetative state, and although she never wrote down her wishes made it clear in casual conversations that she would have rejected artificial life support.

But turning to the Internet, alternative media and grass-roots organizations to spread their right-to-life messages, what Mahoney calls the "faith-and-values community" has unleashed an avalanche of support for Schiavo's parents. That has prompted lawmakers in Congress and Tallahassee to file legislation on the Schindlers' behalf and ignited a national debate on the withdrawal of medically supplied hydration and nutrition, drawing the likes of the Vatican, and on Saturday, actor Mel Gibson to their cause.

The first goal of the campaign, Mahoney said, is to save Terri Schiavo's life. But he and others also hope to roll back the laws and ethical and medical guidelines that have evolved since 1990, when the U.S. Supreme Court recognized artificial sustenance and hydration as medical treatment. That ruling eventually cleared the way for Cruzan's parents to remove her feeding tube.

Now, patients or their health-care decision makers in every state have the right to refuse or withdraw artificial feedings under certain circumstances. That is something many of those joining the Schindlers' campaign reject as immoral and inhumane, and a step down the road to legalizing euthanasia.

"I cannot disagree more: Food and water is not medical treatment. It's ordinary care," said John Stemberger, the Orlando-based president of the Florida Family Policy Council. "Our primary interest is what the law should be, not what the law is, and this will be one of our top priorities: to create new public policy."

In October 2003, a flood of e-mails, phone calls and petitions to the state capital prompted the governor and key lawmakers to inject themselves in the bitter Schindler-Schiavo dispute. In record time, they passed "Terri's Law," which empowered the governor to order Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted six days after it was removed by court order.

As predicted, the law was later struck down as unconstitutional, but today, with another deadline looming, the e-mail and petition campaign is reinvigorated.

Since Pinellas Circuit Judge George Greer last month ordered Terri Schiavo's tube removed this Friday, the Governor's Office has received more than 50,000 e-mails about the Schiavo case, and more than 107,000 petitions urging him to take immediate action to stop her "forced starvation."

The Center for Reclaiming America completed the petition drive in 48 hours, often collecting 5,000 names an hour - a record for the Broward County-based group dedicated to mobilizing Christian grass roots.

"Back in the Cruzan days, this was physically impossible. A few dozen activists on a phone or a fax machine couldn't reach people who would care," said Gary McCullough, now editor of the Christian Wire Service, who sends as many as five news releases on the Schiavo case to 6,000 recipients every day.

"But now," he continued, "you have the Internet, blogging, Web sites, discussions groups, organizations like NewsMax and talk-show hosts like Sean Hannity whose producers don't have to be called by someone like me. They see the groundswell and get on board. It's a whole different ballgame."

And one that, for the most part, relegates Michael Schiavo to the sidelines. His attorney, George Felos, said Michael Schiavo doesn't have the resources to counter "the massive smear campaign spreading disinformation about Mr. Schiavo and Terri's condition." But last week, Felos said he sent a package to each of Florida's state senators correcting "all the misconceptions" in the case.

But even critics who agree the campaign has distorted the facts and misled the public admire its success.

"Every politician ought to be taking lessons from this case on how to galvanize the population and obtain a following," said Kathy Cerminara, a medical-law professor at Nova Southeastern University and co-author of a treatise on the right to die. "They are masters at it."

Cerminara and other experts share Felos' dismay at the number of news reports and Internet sites that report as fact the Schindlers' belief that their daughter is merely disabled and could recover some brain function with proper rehabilitation. Like the Schindlers, many of the same sites demonize Michael Schiavo, noting he now lives with another woman and never mentioned his wife's end-of-life wishes until he won more than $1 million in a malpractice suit filed on his wife's behalf.

Bill Allen, director of the bioethics program at the University of Florida College of Medicine, agrees with court rulings that have concluded that the Schindlers are mistaking Terri Schiavo's involuntary reflexes as cognition and emotion.

And he understands why many in the public make the same assumption: They, too, have seen the video images, which first appeared on the Schindlers' Web site, of Terri Schiavo seemingly tracing a balloon with her eyes, or smiling at her mother's kiss. She looks very much aware and responsive.

Yet, the courts have ruled that she cannot respond. Since her collapse from a possible chemical imbalance 15 years ago, her cerebral cortex, the thinking part of her brain, has all but disappeared. Despite her sleep cycles and wake cycles, she is, the courts have found, unconscious. That is the cruelty of the vegetative state.

But Allen said he is most concerned that lawmakers will use what, at its core, is a gut-wrenching family dispute between loved ones to overturn good laws. Those laws, he said, have for more than a decade allowed Floridians like Terri Schiavo to reject or withdraw artificial hydration and nutrition if they so choose.

"The consensus is it's immoral to force medical treatment on people that they didn't want, and there is no reason to treat artificial hydration or sustenance any differently than any other medical treatment," Allen said. "This is not about food and water. This is an attempt for people with one value system to impose their values on the rest of society."

But from where he sits at the Center for Practical Bioethics in Kansas City, Mo., William Colby thinks the debate raging in Florida is healthy.

He was the lawyer who 15 years ago successfully fought Joe and Joyce Cruzan's battle to remove their daughter's feeding tube. At the time, they said they were giving the "gift of death" to a daughter whose "twisted body" no longer served her after a car accident robbed her of all but the most primitive brain function.

Today, Colby finds it appropriate for people who disagree about when life ends to revisit the issue of withdrawing artificial hydration and nutrition. He only wishes that Bob and Mary Schindler and Michael and Terri Schiavo had had the chance one distant sunny afternoon to have the same discussion over a backyard barbecue.

"It's not fun to watch sometimes, but the democratic process works through debate, and the silver lining about the Terri Schiavo story is that it's getting people to talk," Colby said. "That's how democracy works."

[nickcarraway]

ping

[floriduh voter]

http://worldnetdaily.com/

[goldstategop]

Human life is sacred. Its not dependent on whether one is ambulatory or able to express their thoughts. There is a divine spark within us independent of the reality of our physical state of being. It is a crime to murder a human being. Its a moral offense to with hold food and water from a person. We don't treat animals that way. Terri Schiavo and people like her deserve better. We believe the right to life is a universal principle, valid in all times, places and circumstances. God may withdraw one's breath but man is absolutely forbidden, no matter the justification, to put an end to the life of an innocent person.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[Siobhan]

BUMP

[Cicero]

It sounds as if the Kansas City Star is desperate to kill Terri. What a load of leftist cr*p.

[floriduh voter]

freedom! Mel Gibson supports Terri's Rights as an American citizen, including her right to have nutrition and hydration.

THE ALTERNATIVE IS MURDER BY JUDGE.

[Darnright]

>Like the Schindlers, many of the same sites demonize Michael Schiavo, noting he now lives with another woman and never mentioned his wife's end-of-life wishes until he won more than $1 million in a malpractice suit filed on his wife's behalf.<

Boo hoo. The bloggers are mean! They aren't fair! Well, they are simply reporting the truth, and some of them think Michael is committing adultery.

>They, too, have seen the video images, which first appeared on the Schindlers' Web site, of Terri Schiavo seemingly tracing a balloon with her eyes, or smiling at her mother's kiss. She looks very much aware and responsive.

Yet, the courts have ruled that she cannot respond.<

In other words, what's the matter with you people? The courts have ruled she cannot respond. What's that you say, you saw those videos? So what, the courts have spoken!

[eccentric]

They, too, have seen the video images, which first appeared on the Schindlers' Web site, of Terri Schiavo seemingly tracing a balloon with her eyes, or smiling at her mother's kiss. She looks very much aware and responsive.

Yet, the courts have ruled that she cannot respond.

"STOP IT, TERRI! The court says that's not allowed!"

[Txsleuth]

Nightline having a report on this tonight--

[Diamond]

It sounds as if the Kansas City Star is desperate to kill Terri. What a load of leftist cr*p.

Don't you understand, it's the "gift of death"! < /sarcasm >

Is this an opinion piece? One hardly knows where to start.

more than 107,000 petitions urging him to take immediate action to stop her "forced starvation."

Why is "forced starvation" in quotes? Isn't that exactly what those who want her dead are planning?

. Like the Schindlers, many of the same sites demonize Michael Schiavo, noting he now lives with another woman and never mentioned his wife's end-of-life wishes until he won more than $1 million in a malpractice suit filed on his wife's behalf.

How does telling incontrovertible facts "demonize" Michael Schiavo?

[Louis Foxwell]

Witholding food and water from a dehydrated and starving person is a criminal act. There is a higher standard of morality than the musings of a judge.
This case, like so many others, proves that we can not allow ourselves to be ruled by a judicial class. This is not representative government. It is tyranny.

[sport]

To the evil,and degenerate,telling the truth about them is always "demonizing."

[floriduh voter]

Yes, it is judicial tyranny. If euthanasia was up for a vote in Florida, IT WOULD LOSE. So, they are trying to sneak it in through innocents like Terri and through JUDGES WHO GAVE UP ON GOOD JUDGMENT A LONG TIME AGO. Greer was judge shopped to murder Terri. He was a zoning commissioner before he became a guardianship judge. HAD NO BACKGROUND WHATSOEVER IN GUARDIANSHIPS. He has no moral compass or compassion either. HE HAS A BLOOD LUST AND IT WON'T END UNTIL SOMEONE HAS THE COURAGE TO REMOVE HIM FROM THE BENCH. guardianship judges are supposed to protect all the wards in the county, NOT KILL THEM.

[floriduh voter]

luv the sarcasm. stop it Terri. the judge who refuses to see you says you aren't living. if you keep living and doing such a great job of it, HIS ORDER JUST WON'T BE CORRECT and that would hurt his legacy. Terri, quit being so responsive and charming. It's hurting Judge Greer's legacy.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Terri ping! If anyone would like to be added to or removed from my Terri ping list, please let me know by FReepmail!

[pollywog]

I wonder what chance there would be to get Mel Gibson to show up at the Hospice on Friday?? That would surely draw a LOT of support from locals.Just wishful thinking here..

[DJ MacWoW]

Golly. The story left out that Joe Cruzan became depressed and committed suicide.

[PhilDragoo]

LIST OF TERRI SCHIAVO THREADS

[danamco]

Yet, the courts have ruled that she cannot respond.<

In other words, what's the matter with you people? The courts have ruled she cannot respond. What's that you say, you saw those videos? So what, the courts have spoken!



I have a colleague, Lars Peter, who winded up totally paralyzed in the hospital 25 years ago, and for several months he was hooked up to all the hospital gears, respirator, monitors etc. (you just name them) just to keep him on life support, but, BUT, with NO hope of long term survival from the medical profession at all!

One day a nurse noticed a certain unusual slight movements in his left eye lid, and told Lars’ wife about it, who later then came to think that maybe he was trying to get attention by using the eye lid as a Morse Key being a Radio Officer, a Morse specialist in the Merchant Marine. Fortunately they were able to gather a team from the Coast Guard who were specializing in Morse Codes and low and behold, Lars was actually sending Morse signals with his eye lid. By being able to establish some kind of communication with the outside world, the doctors were able give him the right treatment and to stabilize him, and after a few month of rehabilitation and treatment he was able to go home. He quit his seagoing life and opened a successful carpenter business together with his American wife in Red Bluff, California.

Never forget where there is breath, there is life and there is hope. And that hope is what Michael Schiavo wants to quence in order to get into Terri’s “pocket” book, silence the possibility of maybe being the major cause of her health status. Not only that, his attorney is an activist for killing innocent people in the U.S. on the same level what Hitler did to the Jews. In other words: NO respect for human life.

[Lesforlife]

You are the man!!

May the Good Lord bless your incredible talents with
other battles to win.

Thanks for helping us remember from which evil roots
this current battle springs.

[PhilDragoo]

[AnimalLover]

What I can't understand I why No one takes the Schindlers
up on their request that the media go in and see Terri
and then report the truth. Of course, Michael won't allow
that - would show what type of person he is.

Did anyone notice the emotion when he was talking about
Terri? Where was that emotion when he asked her nurse
a couple of years ago, "Isn't that bitch dead yet?"

[pc93]

Please make some calls, emails and faxes, notifying
others and get them involved and have them do the
same. Contact information can be found here:

http://tekgnosis.typepad.com

[floriduh voter]

REPUBLICAN PARTY TOSS GEORGE GREER OVERBOARD. HE'S NOT WORTH RUINING THE ENTIRE GOP PARTY!

NATIONAL GOP PARTY: 1-202-863-8614

FLORIDA GOP PARTY: 1-850-222-7920

PINELLAS COUNTY GOP HQ: 727-539-6009.

[Future Useless Eater]

THE TERRI SCHIAVO INFORMATION PAGE

[Louis Foxwell]

I do not propose a passive act of standing in a crowd with a cup of water. I am proposing an act of civil disobedience for which I expect to be arrested.
It is my intention to demand access to Terry's room for the purpose of giving her water.
Would Jesus do less? Ghandi brought down an empire with just such an act of conscience when he led thousands to the sea to make salt. It is time to stand in the breach.

[Mr. Silverback]

ProLife Ping!

If anyone wants on or off my ProLife Ping List, please notify me here or by freepmail.

[TAdams8591]

Ping!!!!

[pc93]

Will you be there? I have another request for others to post this on their Freep locales if it isn't already there and to spread this to others both on and off Freep and requesting the same:

Please call on Gov. Bush to visit Terri and place in protective custody

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/16/State/_Who_there_would_take.shtml

Michael Schiavo invites Florida Governor to visit Terri in person.

Please ask the Governor to do that.

Gov. Jeb Bush
850-488-4441
850-487-0801 (fax)
jeb.bush@myflorida.com, fl_governor@myflorida.com, jeb@jeb.org, jeb@myflorida.com

Executive Office of Governor, Legal Team to Jeb (ask to speak to the following individuals):

Robert H. Fernandez (Deputy General Counsel to Governor) -> fernanr@eog.state.fl.us

Raquel A. Rodriguez (General Counsel to Governor) -> raquel.rodriguez@myflorida.com

Christa Calamas (Assistant General Counsel to Governor) -> calamac@eog.state.fl.us
850 / 488-3494 (voice)
850 / 488-9810 (fax)

+++

Please call those FL House Reps / Senators, US Congressmen and Senators:

Contact info, etc.:

http://tekgnosis.typepad.com


Gov. Bush,

Please visit Terri. Per Michael Schiavo via the St. Pete Times has
given you an open invitation:

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/16/State/_Who_there_would_take.shtml

Regards,

Juan Schoch
Lake Mary, FL
407-925-4141
http://www.eeng.net/eeng/ribbon/Visit_Terri_Jeb.html

P.S. It is my opinion that Terri is in danger from Michael Schiavo as he is inviting you to visit her via the St. Pete Times while at the same time blasting you in the national media. Please place Terri into protective custody and appoint a special prosecutor.

Others believe that Terri is going to be medicated when you visit her so that you will believe she has no hope. Terri is in danger from this unstable man and the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, Inc.

Terri is in danger and Michael is inviting you (via St. Pete Times) to visit Terri and blasting you at the same time. Terri needs protective custody and please Governor assign a special prosecutor. It's time that you stand up to Michael Schiavo.

From another:

Re: Niteline

Michael teased us with almost tears on Nightline tonight? I mean... it was difficult not to roll on the floor laughing one's rear off, don't you agree??? Did you watch his eyes? Did you look at him???? He looks like a pale pasty plastered on the wall of conversation and he doesn't even know anymore that lots of people don't care what he has to say. He has become a joke.

From another:

Re: Good Morning America

I just watch a tape message from Terri's husband and now more then ever I believe he is just getting rid of his excess baggage. He says he loves her and will always love her. Then blasted the governor and made remarks against people who are fighting for Terri to live. He says he will receive no money after her death. He has bags under his eyes and tears in his eyes ...

From another:

I called Jeb Bush re: Michael inviting Jeb to visit. I WARNED Jeb that if he takes Michael up on the offer, Michael runs the hospice and Terri will be heavily sedated so that Jeb will think Terri is pvs.

From another:

TERRI WILL BE DRUGGED-OUT IF BUSH COMES TO VISIT HER.

From another:

My first thoughts regarding MS's invitation to Governor Bush is that they're betting that he won't come. The second is that Terri will have been given drugs prior to Jeb's visit.

You think some people have hit rock bottom, then they find a way to dig a little deeper. MS and Felos are getting desperate.

[wisconsinconservative]

"I Starved My Wife
To Death" Web Store!

On Friday, March 18, 2005 the state of Florida will begin to starve Terri Schiavo to death. Since Michael claims there is no money left for him to inherit we would like to suggest he start his own internet web store! Michael, just think of all your fabulous money making possibilities ... and all you had to do is starve your wife to death while having children with some other hot chick on the side.
  

"I Starved My Wife
To Death" T-Shirt!
So you just starved your wife to death and you want to let everyone know about it... but how? Well our stylish 'I Starved My Wife to Death' t-shirt is just the trick. This heavyweight white tee was produced in a third-world sweatshop and then imprinted with a photo of everyone's hero, Michael Schiavo! So get one today or face a long suffering death at the hands of your spouse!
 

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"I Starved My Wife
To Death" Keychain!
Your key to more happiness! This handy key ring makes the perfect gift. Featuring the image of Michael Schiavo, the 1 3/4" diameter key loop can and also be used to cut feeding tubes! Made in Germany.

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"I Starved My Wife To Death" Coffee Mug!
Nothing gets you going like a hot cup of coffee in the morning! Warning: Does not hold water!

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