List of Schiavo Donors Will Be Sold by Direct-Marketing Firm

The New York Times ^ | March 29, 2005 | DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and JOHN SCHWARTZ

[MississippiMasterpiece]

WASHINGTON, March 28 - The parents of Terri Schiavo have authorized a conservative direct-mailing firm to sell a list of their financial supporters, making it likely that thousands of strangers moved by her plight will receive a steady stream of solicitations from anti-abortion and conservative groups.

"These compassionate pro-lifers donated toward Bob Schindler's legal battle to keep Terri's estranged husband from removing the feeding tube from Terri," says a description of the list on the Web site of the firm, Response Unlimited, which is asking $150 a month for 6,000 names and $500 a month for 4,000 e-mail addresses of people who responded last month to an e-mail plea from Ms. Schiavo's father. "These individuals are passionate about the way they value human life, adamantly oppose euthanasia and are pro-life in every sense of the word!"

Privacy experts said the sale of the list was legal and even predictable, if ghoulish.

"I think it's amusing," said Robert Gellman, a privacy and information policy consultant. "I think it's absolutely classic America. Everything is for sale in America, every type of personal information."

Executives of Response Unlimited declined to comment. Gary McCullough, director of the Christian Communication Network and a spokesman for Ms. Schiavo's parents, confirmed that Mr. Schindler had agreed to let Response Unlimited rent out the list as part of a deal for the firm to send an e-mail solicitation raising money on the family's behalf.

The Schindlers have waged a lengthy legal battle against their son-in-law Michael Schiavo to prevent the removal of the feeding tube from their daughter, who doctors say is in a persistent vegetative state.

Mr. McCullough said he was present when Mr. Schindler agreed to the arrangement in a conversation with Phil Sheldon, the co-founder of a conservative online marketing organization, RightMarch.com, who acted as a broker for Response Unlimited.

"So the Schindlers do know the details," Mr. McCullough said on Monday. How much attention they paid to the matter is hard to assess, he added. "The Schindlers right now know that their daughter is starving to death, and if I ask about anything else, they say, 'I don't want to hear about it.' "

Direct mail and mass e-mailings are ubiquitous fund-raising tools of interest groups on the left as well as the right, and others in the direct-mail business defended the sale of lists like the roster of donors to the Schindlers as a useful way for potential donors to learn of causes that might appeal to them.

Pamela Hennessy, an unpaid spokeswoman for the Schindlers, said she was initially appalled when she learned of the list's existence.

"It is possibly the most distasteful thing I have ever seen," Ms. Hennessy said. "Everybody is making a buck off of her."

Ms. Hennessy, who operates the Schindlers' Web site, www.terrisfight.org, said the family had not released any of the names or e-mail addresses gathered there. "Obviously these people are enterprising, and they are taking advantage of this very desperate father," she said.

On Sunday, as the Schindlers gave up on their legal battle and their daughter passed her 10th day without food, others continued to rally supporters and solicit money in an effort to restore the feeding tube.

"This time, we have a real chance to break through the 'roadblocks' that the enemies of life have been putting up in front of us," said a mass e-mailing from RightMarch.com, asking supporters to urge Gov. Jeb Bush to intervene somehow.

The message added: "We're asking you to give a donation to help with our activism efforts to save Terri's life. Battles cost money; resources cost money; media costs money; we could go on, but you get the picture."

Mr. Sheldon - whose father, the Rev. Lou Sheldon, founder of the Traditional Values Coalition, has also sent appeals urging support for Ms. Schiavo - apparently played a dual role as a partner in RightMarch.com, which is working with the anti-abortion activist Randall Terry, and as a broker for Response Unlimited. Mr. Sheldon did not respond to phone calls yesterday.

"I think it sounds a little unusual right now because of the situation where she is in the process of dying," said Richard Viguerie, another major conservative direct-mail operator. "If you came across this information six months or a year from now, I don't think you would give it too much thought."

[atomicpossum]

Privacy experts said the sale of the list was legal and even predictable, if ghoulish.

THIS is what the Slimes finds ghoulish.

[newzjunkey]

The whole affair is populated with ghoulish souls. Including the parents.

[MisterRepublican]

Of course the NYT would run with this type of story. But how often do you hear that the ACLU, and probably numerous other liberal groups, are behind Michael Schiavo and his "right-to-die crusader" lawyer, George Felos.

[Right_Enough]

Disgraceful. Her parents should be ashamed.

[SE Mom]

I don't think the Schindlers have been well served by the advice they've received- this is just the latest example.

[realpatriot]

Considering all the stress this poor family has endured, I can understand how something like this can slip by if pushed by somebody on the sidelines. I will wait for more information before making any conclusions.

[Diogenesis]

The New York Slimes seems to pick at the news rather than reporting it all.

Who would have guessed that?

---

This is th 'tip of the iceberg' of what Terri and her family are up against.

Here’s where Terri Schiavo Insurance money went:

These funds, the result of a malpractice suit, were meant solely to provide for Terri Schiavo’s care and rehabilitation.
=======================================================================================
Atty. Gwyneth Stanley - $10,668.05
Atty. Deborah Bushnell - $65,607.00
Atty. Steve Nilson - $7,404.95
Atty. Pacarek - $1,500.00
Atty. Richard Pearse (GAL) - $4,511.95
Atty. George Felos - $397,249.99
1st Union/South Trust Bank – $55,459.85
Michael Schiavo - $10,929.95
Total: $545,852.34

---

Neglect and abuse complaints is that Michael Schiavo:

* Has not allowed therapy or rehabilitation since late 1992.
* Has prevented swallowing tests or swallowing therapy since 1993.
* Ordered caretakers not to clean Terri's teeth since 1995, resulting in removal of five teeth in April 2004.
* Placed Terri in hospice in 2000, despite the fact she is not terminally ill.
* Refuses to allow Terri to leave her room. She has not been outside since 2000.
* Ordered doctors not to treat Terri when she had a life threatening infection in 1993 and 1995.

---

Virtually as soon as Michael Schiavo received the monies from the medical malpractice claim involving his wife, Terri Schindler-Schiavo,
he withheld all therapy and rehabilitation services from her.

Terri Schiavo had sustained a serious brain injury as the result of a suspicious incident in their home in 1990 and in 1992,
her husband had filed claims against several of her former doctors, claiming her “collapse” was caused by a misdiagnosis.
He received over $1.5 million in 1993 including $750,000 which had been specifically earmarked by the trial jury for Terri’s rehabilitation based on a life expectancy of 50 years.
Mary and Bob Schindler Sr., her parents, consulted a St. Petersburg attorney about removing Michael Schiavo as their daughter’s guardian and discussed the case at length with him.
Unfortunately, the Schindlers did not have the amount of money the attorney demanded as a retainer to take the case.
That attorney became the judge in the case-----a totally prohibited conflict of interest.
Thereafter, the attorney-judge approved the hiring of George Felos as the attorney for Schiavo to be paid from the trust fund and the stage was set for her judicial homicide.
The judge wasn’t George W. Greer.
It was Mark I. Shames.

---

The money was then diverted to the Judicide G reer.

	GREER DONOR	AMOUNT	POSITION	ACTION
Lawyers For Michael Schiavo	Hamden Baskin III    Felos & Felos            Deborah Bushnell     Gyneth S. Stanley    Steven Nilsson         Beth Wilson	$500  & $500 $250 $250 $150 and $250 $250 and $250 $250 and $100	Michael Schiavo’s Lawyer[s]	Greer denies many or all of Schindler’s in favor of Felos Greer Allows hearsay as evidence/disallows Schindler’s statements Felos former chairman of board of directors of Hospice of Florida Suncoast
	Daniel Grieco	$300	Employer of Michael Schiavo at time of Feb. 25, 1990 then attorneyOf record for Michael up until the malpractice award,	Incident when injuries occurred to Terri,Reappeared as attorney for selected pleadings
State/County Employees/Elected	Frank Nagatani	$50 and $50	DCF Attorney	Squashed testimony for DCF Investigator to appear on behalf of abuse allegations
	Bernie McCabe	In-Kind	State Attorney	Allowed underling to appear in campaign ad for Greer Will not call Grand Jury
	Everett Rice	$500 & In-Kind	Sheriff/State Rep	Didn’t conduct criminal investigation into what really happened to Terri or allegations of abuse after initial incident Allowed Deputy & use of county property to appear in campaign ad for Greer
	John Carassas	$100	Deputy Attorney General	Florida Deputy Attorney General, involvement with Rice in Sept. 2003 motion for Greer recusal dueTo improper discussion of case
	James Hellickson	$150 & In Kind	Assistant state attorney in office of Bernie McCabe, Pinellas/Pasco State Attorney	Appeared in Greer Campaign Ad
	Paula Shea	In Kind	Assistant Pinellas Public Defender	Appeared in Greer Campaign Ad
	Andrew Sasso	$100	Officer in Guardianship monitoring program and Guardian ad litem pool	Was supposed to: “evaluate information about the well-being and property of all persons adjudicated of having a legal incapacity so that the court can fulfill its legal obligation to protect and preserve the interests of the ward,” FL COURTS
Misc. People w connections	Richard La Belle	$100	Member of Board of Directors of Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities	Supposedly ACPD doing investigation into Schiavo case
	Battaglia, Ross, Disus and Wein	$250	Principal Kelli Crabb is past chairperson of Hospice Foundation of Florida Suncoast and member of Board of directors
	Gus Bilirakis	$40 cash	Former Hospice Board member and of American Hellonic Education Progressive Assoc. (AHEPA)	Felos past Governor
	Divito and Higham	$250 and $250	Law firm employed by St. Petersburg/Venice Dioceses	Terri’s Dioceses

 

 

 

 

More? Click here

---

The Rule of Terri's Case Strikes Again. -2004- Judge Greer's crimes

---

Law conveniently changed by Hospice where Terri is dying

---

MICHAEL SCHIAVO's private Insurance company
JERGER & CENTONZE INSURNACE AGENCY, INC.
Notice how 'insurance' is conveniently misspelled

---

MICHAEL SCHIAVO'S lies and contradictory testimony in easy to read format

---

scientology_and_terri_schindler_schiavo_death_connection

---

Judgenfuhrer Greer: "We black-robed Mullahs are fully aware that our Fatwahs
ordering death by starvation for the handicapped
are IDENTICAL to the penalty used by the Nazis for innocent people trying to escape Auschwitz crematoria.
We shall now add 'First Night' and rape to our options. "

---

---

DOCUMENTS TYING MS's LAYWERS TO THE HOSPICE

More info on the tangled web the Florida Judiciary has woven here

[Right_Enough]

I can understand how something like this can slip by if pushed by somebody on the sidelines.

Not authorizing something like this would be letting it slip by. They agreed to allow this company to sell private information for their own profit. Period. You can't sugar coat it. They are exploiting their daughter's situation for their own financial gain. Disgraceful.

[Diogenesis]

And you BELIEVE as story (single source-Jayson Blair reporting) from the New York Times? ROTFLOL.

[Right_Enough]

The New York Slimes seems to pick at the news rather than reporting it all.

Everything that you typed after this line has absolutely nothing to do with this thread. Throwing a bunch of numbers down about malpractice money still doesn't change the fact that her parents are making money off their daughter. Next they will write a book about the ordeal. Disgraceful.

[Diogenesis]

Welcome to FR, Newbie. The things that you say show you have a twisted heart.

How are things in Felos' Office?

[Clara Lou]

How does this But how often do you hear that the ACLU, and probably numerous other liberal groups, are behind Michael Schiavo make make the selling of people's names and addresses right? Those people didn't send money and say "Oh, feel free to sell my personal information." Pretty sad.

[cvq3842]

Wow! A lot of information. I will try to get back to read it later.

I do agree that the NYT and other MSM outlets are merely just picking pieces of the story to tell. There's no apparent standard. (How common is this? Who else has done this or not? Are we going to report on all such cases the same way now?) There seems to be only the barest pretense at objectivity or "telling the story" rather than being advocates for one side of the controversy.

Frankly, the fact that the NYT, LA Times, etc. are going so hard against the parents' view is another reason for me to be for them. I had already made up my mind before these recent stories, and I do think I would be vocal if I somehow ended up on the "NYT side" of an issue. It just hasn't happened in recent memory!

What disturbs me is that much the left is apparently taking the position they are in part because they see the parents' cause as being the cause of the left's "enemies" on the Christian right and the Republican side.

Something's wrong with this picture. I am tremendously glad we have outlets for information other than the MSM, but I see a deeper and deeper rift. Is dialog possible anymore?

It's too early in the day to be so pessimistic . . .

[Right_Enough]

Welcome to FR, Newbie. The things that you say show you have a twisted heart.

Once again, not on this topic and a personal attack on me. Really showing some class there. Yes, I am new to Posting on this website. I've slowly watched this website change into a 'Steer by Fear' website. People are using tactics, like what you just did, to make people believe what they want them to. Fear, allegations, and slander are becoming the norm instead of discussing the events of the world in a "right" light. This is very disheartening.

How are things in Felos' Office?

As far as Felos' office, I guess things are going well over there, I wouldn't know. I agree with Terri's parents and their fight. However, I also know the difference between right and wrong. Wrong is selling other people's personal information, people who were sending donations and well wishes to your fight, to make money. Disgraceful.

Notice how I can reply to you without attacking you? Amazing. It's called a discussion.

[thomas16]

Glad to see someone hasn't drank the Kool Aid!

[thomas16]

You Go Right_Enough !

[GratianGasparri]

Oh... Puleeze... As others have pointed out, this is the New York Slimes we are talking about, the print equivalent of cBS. Do we actually expect better from the NYT?

Also keep in mind that David D. Kirkpatrick is the NYT's trojan donkey, allegedly hired as part of a new "conservative beat", but who spends more time slagging conservatives than any other group.

[thomas16]

So shoot the messenger?

[Smartaleck]

"I don't think the Schindlers have been well served by the advice they've received- this is just the latest example."

Last night CNN had a short story on how all the "rights groups" are cashing in on donations. The donations that don't get passed to Terri will go straight into their coffers.

CHA CHING $$$$$$$$

[ContraryMary]

This is really unfortunate, if it's true.

[shhrubbery!]

Calling Terri's parents "disgraceful" (as you did) and "ghoulish" (as someone else here did), on the basis of a smear attack by the New York Slimes, is beyond the pale.

Go back to DU and Felos's office, newbie.

[DBeers]

Not authorizing something like this would be letting it slip by. They agreed to allow this company to sell private information for their own profit. Period. You can't sugar coat it. They are exploiting their daughter's situation for their own financial gain. Disgraceful.

Apparently you read the headline and then failed to read anything in the article? I doubt that the parent(s) are exploiting the starvation they don't want or the book deals that won't happen if she lives and spoils the dramatic ending -huh?

Apparently their devious plan to sell donor lists has been discovered by the morally renowned NYT? Well let me make a prediction -you have a short time left on FR... Enjoy your short stay -make the most of it -the clock is ticking...

[thomas16]

There you go again! :)

[thomas16]

Are you physically threatening Right_Enough thats not very Christian. Now take a deep breath and count to 10!

[thomas16]

I'm sorry but you guys have lost your marbles, please go find them for FR's sake! Please!

[SE Mom]

Exactly- and who's to know what gets passed to Terri? Call me a cynic- if there were NO $ involved..none- one wonders if this would have played out differently?

[cyncooper]

The tone you strike used to be the overall tone of this site. This topic has sent many over the edge of reason and those that used to rely on strict documentation now traffic in lurid gossip and rumormongering.

Stick around, your voice is valued and valuable.

[thomas16]

I am glad to hear a reasonable voice, I'm afraid FR may be going the way of the DU, where you shout down and verbally intimidate differing opinions.

[cyncooper]

It's temporary. Give it time.

[Right_Enough]

Calling Terri's parents "disgraceful" (as you did) and "ghoulish" (as someone else here did), on the basis of a smear attack by the New York Slimes, is beyond the pale.

Reporting events that have taken place is not a smear attack. You choose to believe that it is a smear attack because of the your blind belief in the cause that they are fighting for. Like a said before, I believe in their fight. I don't believe in making money off of it.

Go back to DU and Felos's office, newbie.

Thanks for another attack. See post #15 about fear and threats.

[Sloth]

Pretty crass. Then again, at least they didn't murder anybody.

[B Knotts]

Well, at least the parents aren't murdering anyone.

[Right_Enough]

Apparently you read the headline and then failed to read anything in the article? I doubt that the parent(s) are exploiting the starvation they don't want or the book deals that won't happen if she lives and spoils the dramatic ending -huh?

No one said that they are exploiting their daughter's starvation. They are taking a list of people that sent donations and well wishes and they are selling that for a profit. How is that not exploiting their daughter?

Apparently their devious plan to sell donor lists has been discovered by the morally renowned NYT? Well let me make a prediction -you have a short time left on FR... Enjoy your short stay -make the most of it -the clock is ticking...

Yet another threat. I'm sorry that you feel that removing me from a website solves your discussion. That's a really sad view on life (eliminate anyone that SLIGHTLY differs my own opinions.) Good luck to you on that. Also, see post #15 and threats and fear.

[shhrubbery!]

Anytime I've ever made a donation to anything, my name seems to end up on about 50 other organizations' donor lists.

Maybe this bothers some people, but for my part, I don't care if my name and email address go to other worthy causes. I can always delete the emails if I don't like them (and I like them a whole lot better than all the ads for Viagra and organ enlargement).

However, I do want most of my donations to Terri's cause to go directly to the Schindlers.

I want the Schindlers to use my money in any way they wish -- whether it's to help pay for legal defense and publicity; or (sadly) to help pay for a memorial service for Terri; or to spend on a vacation after this is over, someplace where they can go rest and grieve in peace.

I believe there is a way to donate directly to them. If anybody else wants to do so, go to terrisfight.org and click on the "donations" button on the left side of the page. This takes you to another page where you can make a donation via PayPal.

My PayPal receipts show my donations have gone to an email address with Bobby Schindler's name, so I believe it is the family getting the money -- which is MY WISH.

[billbears]

The parents of Terri Schiavo have authorized a conservative direct-mailing firm to sell a list of their financial supporters, making it likely that thousands of strangers moved by her plight will receive a steady stream of solicitations from anti-abortion and conservative groups.

But of course! In their time of grief, this is the first thing anyone who is actually concerned and grieving does...hmmmm, wonder if Mr. Terry's name will be attached to any of these mailings

[DBeers]

Yet another threat. I'm sorry that you feel that removing me from a website solves your discussion.

Don't confuse feelings with predictions -I simply make an observation based upon your posting. FR is not as you apparently feel a free range to debate all topics?

What Free Republic is all about:

Statement by the founder of Free Republic

As a conservative site, Free Republic is pro-God, pro-life, pro-family, pro-Constitution, pro-Bill of Rights, pro-gun, pro-limited government, pro-private property rights, pro-limited taxes, pro-capitalism, pro-national defense, pro-freedom, and-pro America. We oppose all forms of liberalism, socialism, fascism, pacifism, totalitarianism, anarchism, government enforced atheism, abortionism, feminism, homosexualism, racism, wacko environmentalism, judicial activism, etc. We also oppose the United Nations or any other world government body that may attempt to impose its will or rule over our sovereign nation and sovereign people. We believe in defending our borders, our constitution and our national sovereignty.

Free Republic is private property. It is not a government project, nor is it funded by government or taxpayer money. We are not a publicly owned entity nor are we an IRS tax-free non-profit organization. We pay all applicable taxes on our income. We are not connected to or funded by any political party, news agency, or any other entity. We sell no merchandise, product or service, and we offer no subscriptions or paid memberships. We accept no paid advertising or promotions. We are funded solely by donations (non tax deductible gifts) from our readers and participants.

We aggressively defend our God-given and first amendment guaranteed rights to free speech, free press, free religion, and freedom of association, as well as our constitutional right to control the use and content of our own personal private property. Despite the wailing of the liberal trolls and other doom & gloom naysayers, we feel no compelling need to allow them a platform to promote their repugnant and obnoxious propaganda from our forum. Free Republic is not a liberal debating society. We are conservative activists dedicated to defending our rights, defending our constitution, defending our republic and defending our traditional American way of life.

NYT publishes much repugnant and obnoxious propaganda. Again, enjoy your stay....

[DBeers]

Are you physically threatening Right_Enough thats not very Christian. Now take a deep breath and count to 10!

As predicted...

[thomas16]

WOW! How do you really feel? Now what about the fascism? You're going to have work on that. I didn't know that FR opposes all feminism. Mmmm, What is it you think women should be? In the kitchen barefoot and pregnant? Try some anger management.

[DBeers]

I suggest you read it again e.g. "statement by founder" If you don't like it feel; free to leave. Don't worry -I won't shed a tear...

[Right_Enough]

Don't confuse feelings with predictions -I simply make an observation based upon your posting. FR is not as you apparently feel a free range to debate all topics? What? No one is debating a topic here. The story is they sold personal information of people that supported them to make a buck. I say that it is disgraceful. You say that the NY Times sucks. I agree that the NY Times runs opinion stories most of the time that I don't agree with at all. However, this isn't an opinion. Let me repeat this again: The story is they sold personal information of people that supported them to make a buck. I say that it is disgraceful. A lot of people have agreed with me. Don't get so caught up in what is going on to Terri to back her parents no matter what. Wrong is wrong.

[thomas16]

One must strike while the iron is hot!

[thomas16]

He can't handle the truth!

[thomas16]

He can't handle the truth!

[DBeers]

Feel free to post to me directly if you wish me to 'handle' any of this truth you espouse...

[billbears]

Oh so if you can't destroy the principle of federalism by getting Congress involved in an issue that was none of its business, just move on and hand out mailing lists to supposed leaders such as Randall Terry. That's good. I'm sure the folks that were concerned enough to commiserate with the plight of Schiavo and mistakenly call for Congressional involvement in a state issue are just going to love getting junk mail and spam from the likes of Randall Terry....

[DBeers]

Don't get so caught up in what is going on to Terri to back her parents no matter what. Wrong is wrong

In addition to as I suggested reading the article again you may need to read my posts again. As far as I know, unless you have mind reading abilities you don't know how I feel about Terri's parents or any actions they may or may not have been involved with...

[shhrubbery!]

Reporting events that have taken place is not a smear attack.

The newspaper that published Jayson Blair is hardly to be counted upon to "report events that have taken place."

"Reporting events" without context and comparison with other similar "events" (e.g., do organizations that collect $$$ to "free Mumia" sell their donor lists too?) is inexcusable bias.

"Reporting events" the way the NY and LA Slimes do -- as with their stories about Tom DeLay's father yesterday-- in an attempt to smear their subjects with misleading information, is despicable.

I didn't threaten you. I called you what you are: A newbie. And I should have added: Troll.

[unbalanced but fair]

Welcome to Free Republic. Don't worry, not everyone here is all-knowing. I'd be willing to bet if the NYT had criticized Michael Schiavo they wouldn't be called slimes and discounted!

[Right_Enough]

you don't know how I feel about Terri's parents or any actions they may or may not have been involved with...

You are correct. I do not know how you feel about it. This is what you said before:

I doubt that the parent(s) are exploiting the starvation they don't want or the book deals that won't happen if she lives and spoils the dramatic ending -huh?

From this statement, I created a view that I thought you would take. I apologize if this is not your view on the matter. I was not trying to form an opinion for you, unlike other people on this site. Please discuss with us how you feel on this issue.