Replies

Thanks for the ping, kimmie.

Here's what I e-mailed Letters to the Editor. I know they won't print it, but it felt good writing it anyway.

RE: As Schiavo Debate Rages, Others Play Their Hands by M.J. Melone

Perhaps Ms. Melone could explain to me what a 90 year old woman who has prepared for her own death, has a living will, is waiting for her "natural death" and can clearly state her wishes, has to do with a 39 year old disabled woman who has no way of communicating her own wishes, and who is about to be legally killed by her so-called "loving" husband? Has Ms. Lessac quit eating of her own accord so that she may die? If she is really ready to die, then why does she continue eating?

I really fail to see the connection.

Here are a few facts that Ms. Melone neglected to mention in her article:

FACT: Judge Greer believes that just because Terri's husband SAYS that Terri would not want to be kept alive artificially, that this is clear and convincing evidence that she wants to be starved and dehydrated.

FACT: Michael Schiavo stopped ALL therapy once he got his hands on the money from the malpractice lawsuit.

FACT: The money from the malpractice suit was awarded for TERRI'S medical care and rehabilitation. Yet the majority of it has been spent on Michael Schiavo's legal bills.

FACT: Judge Greer will not even allow a simple swallow test to see if she could eat by mouth, thereby eliminating any "artificial" means of "life support".

These are just a few of the facts Ms.Melone neglected to mention in her article. But the bottom line is this: if the Judge is wrong about his ruling, Terri is DEAD. There is no turning back. Most states require clear and convincing evidence before ending a person's life in these circumstances. Unfortunately, the laws of the state of Florida do not seem to require this safeguard. Perhaps the sane people of Florida will wake up to this fact and do something about it before they experience this horror for themselves. But personally, I have my doubts.

Ms. Melone's insinuation that Terri's parent's supporters are a bunch of political and religious radicals reveals Ms. Melone's own agenda. I support Terri's fight because I am convinced that to deny Terri the right to live, and a chance to pursue therapy, is a grievous denial of her most basic human rights. That's my agenda. Ms. Melone continues to sneer at those who simply want to to see justice done for Terri, filling her articles with political pot shots, half-truths, and malicious spin. Her feined words of compassion do not mask her elitist attitude that somehow Terri's disability makes her unworthy of living. I find Ms. Melone's articles offensive and dangerously misleading.