Teri Schiavo Back On Life Support - IT's A SETUP!


Tampa Tribune
Terri Schiavo Back On Life Support - IT's A SETUP!
Wed Oct 22 03:12:15 2003
64.140.158.168

Schiavo Back On Life Support
By DAVID SOMMER, ALLISON NORTH JONES and STEPHEN THOMPSON The Tampa Tribune
Published: Oct 23, 2003

CLEARWATER - It took an unprecedented act of the state Legislature and an order from the governor backed with a threat of arrest, but Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was reinserted late Tuesday.

Acting on orders from Gov. Jeb Bush, Michael Schiavo had his wife transferred from a Pinellas Park hospice to a Clearwater hospital where doctors began rehydrating the brain- damaged woman after almost seven days without food or water.

It remained unclear late Tuesday whether Terri Schiavo suffered permanent damage from her ordeal, said George Felos, her husband's attorney.

Earlier in the day, Terri Schiavo's breathing had been irregular and her kidneys had begun to shut down, Felos said.

Terri Schiavo arrived at Morton Plant Hospital shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement warned hospice officials they faced arrest if they failed to follow the governor's order that a feeding tube be inserted into the 39-year- old woman's stomach, said Deborah Bushnell, another of Michael Schiavo's attorneys.

Felos called the emergency bill that Bush signed into law Tuesday an ``odious and repugnant legislative enactment.'' He said it gave Bush the power to at least temporarily violate Terri Schiavo's constitutional right to privacy by overruling her proven desire not to be kept alive with a feeding tube.

After Bush acted, Michael Schiavo made two unsuccessful attempts to get local circuit judges to stop the replacement of the feeding tube.

After the second defeat, Michael Schiavo's attorneys said he might reconsider continuing his almost six-year battle with his in-laws defending his belief that his wife would not want to be kept alive in this condition.

Terri Schiavo has been in what most doctors term a persistent vegetative state since suffering heart failure in 1990 at age 26.

Her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, say their daughter responds to them and could improve.

A Family Victory

For the Schindler family, their legal advisers and the six dozen supporters who were keeping vigil outside the hospice, the midafternoon Senate vote approving ``Terri's Law'' was the turning point.

The crowd burst into whoops of gratitude, surrounded the Schindler family and then broke into a rendition of ``How Great Thou Art.''

Said Bob Schindler, with tears in his eyes: ``I was like totally blindsided when I heard what they were doing up there. ... Who would even think to write a bill for one person in a state of so many people?''

Said his daughter, Suzanne Carr: ``I think it's a miracle.''

Minutes later, when the family went inside the hospice to see Terri Schiavo for the first time since the vote, Carr gave a bright smile. Supporters applauded.

The Schindlers were worried Bush's executive order - signed after both houses passed the measure - would come too late.

Earlier in the day, Carr had said Terri looked ``very, very gaunt.'' Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski, who has tended to Schiavo's spiritual needs, said her skin, when pinched Monday night, didn't retract - a sign her physical condition had deteriorated.

Bob Schindler Jr., Schiavo's brother, said: ``Every second here is an hour.''

Lawmakers Deliver

The turnaround came after another hectic day at the Florida Capitol, where many lawmakers expressed concern over delving into the case without reviewing medical files, hearing from physicians or taking expert testimony.

But they delivered to Bush and House Speaker Johnnie Byrd exactly what they wanted: new gubernatorial power to keep Schiavo alive and please the thousands of pro-life activists burying politicians under a deluge of phone calls, e-mails and faxes.

Bush wasted no time signing the emergency legislation into law, then issued his executive order. ``Any life or death decision should be made only after careful consideration,'' Bush said in a prepared statement Tuesday night. ``For that reason, I appreciate the extraordinary action of the Legislature today and will use the discretion they have granted [to restore] nutrition and water to Terri Schiavo.''

Many expected the legislation to be challenged in court, and Felos quickly did so.

At an emergency hearing Tuesday, Circuit Judge Douglas Baird denied Felos' request for an immediate injunction to block the feeding tube's reinsertion. But he gave Felos five days to put his arguments in writing and said he would reconsider the constitutionality of Terri's Law later.

Earlier in the day, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday denied a request from an advocacy group for disabled people that Schiavo be kept alive long enough for the group to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect.

``This case offers a vivid opportunity for the public, whose collective will ultimately decide such matters, to contemplate the confounding issues associated with degenerative illness and catastrophic disability,'' Merryday wrote, and ``redirect their representatives to legislate in accord with their concerted desires.''

A New Guardian

Under the measure Bush signed into law Tuesday, Terri Schiavo will soon be appointed a new guardian by the Pinellas Circuit Court to review her case and make recommendations.

The mammoth political battle, which split partisan allegiances, has become a major distraction in a special session initially called to lure a biomedical research facility to Florida.

``I'm grappling with my religious beliefs and the oath that we took to uphold the Constitution,'' state Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, told fellow lawmakers Tuesday afternoon. ``We're basically being asked to try a case without knowing all the facts.''

Villalobos said he couldn't vote for the bill because it overturned the decision of numerous courts over 13 years.

``Courts are there for a reason, and just like you don't like it when we feel like the court has stepped on our authority, that's exactly what we've done'' to them.

But Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, said it was important the Senate pass a bill because if it didn't, ``It would be perceived as a vote against Terri's life.''

``I hope we did the right thing,'' King said. ``I keep thinking: What if Terri didn't want this to happen at all? May God have mercy on us all.''

King had serious concerns over introducing such a bill. During the 1980s, he won passage of Florida's ``right-to-die'' legislation, a death-with-dignity model for other states.

Still, some Republican leaders worried the rush to pass the legislation smacked of political opportunism.

Byrd, a Plant City Republican running for U.S. Senate, was featured on cable TV news shows Tuesday, where he described his efforts to save Terri Schiavo. His role in the drama is expected to boost his appeal among Christian conservative voters who have embraced the Schiavo battle and are such faithful voters they can swing the outcome of primary elections.

King asked state Sen. Dan Webster, a Republican from Winter Park and Byrd's chief rival for the GOP nomination, to sponsor the upper legislative chamber's version of the bill.

It was a move that Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, said drove Webster to tears because he knew ``we had to inject ourselves into something because of political reasons.''

``You could just feel in here that a lot of people felt pretty smothered being forced to vote for the legislation or be blamed by the political expedients down the hall for the death of Terri Schiavo,'' Lee said.

Despite the criticism and an appearance on CNN, Byrd rebuffed the accusations: ``I just try and do what's right and do good public policy.''

Michael Schiavo's family couldn't have disagreed more, said Brian Schiavo, Michael's older brother, who visited Terri Schiavo on Monday night. ``This is absolutely horrendous, absolutely crazy. ... This is the ultimate tragedy [for our family]. With death, you deal with, you go through the stages of grief, and eventually you move on. But this ...''

Brian Schiavo, 44, said he was so angry, he wrote Byrd a long e-mail. In it, he invited the House speaker ``to come down, take a look at Terri and see the reality of the situation, like we invited Jeb [Bush].

``But none of them will do that,'' he said. ``They just want the votes.''

Reporters Mike Salinero, David Wasson, Elaine Silvestrini and Rick Barry contributed to this report.
========================

> Here is Morton Hospital's phone number: 727-462-7000
APFN - I just called the above number {727-462-7000} and spoke with Brinda. She said
they did not have anybody in the hospital with the name Terri Schiavo. I asked
if she know what hospital Terri was at. She said: I don't know! I mumbled around
and told her that the reports that Terri was at this hospital. About 15 minutes later,
I called back.... Brinda, again says she has no patient "Terri Shiavo" and that Micalel Shiavo,
does not work there. I said that I had talked to other people that have confirmed that
Terri Shiavo was their and asked if she lying. She said their is a thing called the privacy
act...she was pleasant, but firm that she was not going to tell me anything. She acted
like she never hear of Terri Shiavo! I ask if this was the correct web page for the Hospital
http://www.mpmhealth.com  - she confirmed that it was. STRANGE!!!!!!

I then spoke with: (Between Calls)
Ron Panzer, President
Hospice Patients Alliance, Inc.
http://www.hospicepatients.org
mailto:caring@hospicepatients.org
(616) 866-9127
He confirmed that Terri was at this Hospital.

Also checked http://www.terrisfight.org and this site confirms she is at this hopital.
Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL
http://www.mpmhealth.com/

RE: Terri Schiavo - IT IS A SETUP.
Wed Oct 22 01:24:11 2003
http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?disc=149495;article=45637;title=APFN

lots more, gotta go now.. talk w/u tomorrow. IT IS A SETUP.
Maryfromfla@aol.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Panzer" caring@hospicpatients.org
To: Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 8:22 PM
Subject: URGENT REQUEST FOR YOUR PHONE CALLS TO THE GOVERNOR REQUESTING STATE POLICE PROTECTION FOR TERRI TO ASSURE HER CARE

This is an URGENT Hospice Patients Alliance News Alert October 21, vol
VII, sent out to urge the public to call the Governor of Florida NOW!

- All bedlam breaking loose in Florida
Michael Schiavo fighting in court to make sure Terri dies at hospital!!
Threatening all workers who might help Terri

URGENT UPDATE!!!

We need you to call the Governor of Florida IMMEDIATELY to send in State
Police into the Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FLorida where Terri Schiavo has been
transported. Michael Schiavo is reported to have actually interfered with anyone
providing care for Terri and threatened to sue them. He is suing the Governor. Here is the
update from the local area:

"Terri is in Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater (where Michael works!!!).
There is a hearing going on right now in front of a circuit judge whether the Gov's
injunction stands. Michael is also suing the Governor!! So there is going to be a
show-down between the judicial and legislative areas. .... The local news showed
demonstrators outside the hospital telling the hospital to feed Terri."

and:

"There is a lot of confusion about information right now. One source says
Terri is being hydrated, one says the doctors aren't giving her IVs because of the court.
One says the tube was reinserted at 7 PM." [note from Ron: we do not believe that to
be accurate.] "Michael is at the hospital threatening anyone who helps her. I hope
someone stays with her at all times because of Michael perhaps trying to do something to
her."

Ron P: We have just learned from those closest to the family, that the
first doctor who attempted to insert the IV (intravenous) line to rehydrate Terri was
intimidated by Michael Schiavo and did not insert the IV due to Michael Schiavo's
threats. When it was explained to the hospital staff and doctors that it was the Governor's
order that Terri Schiavo be rehydrated another doctor inserted an IV and that Terri IS
currently getting rehydration starting from about one hour or so ago. In other words, the
hospital realized it would not be in the hospital's best interests to be found to
have violated the Governor's direct order to rehydrate Terri and then have her die!
They reconsidered their actions. In other words, the rehydration was delayed for HOURS due to Michael Schiavo's actions!

Reports are consistent that Terri IS being rehydrated NOW, finally!

Also, we have reports that attorney for Michael Schiavo, George Felos'
motion or complaint to prevent Terri from being fed was denied by 2 judges.
Attorney for the Schindlers, Pat Anderson, is going to court to make sure Michael Schiavo
is removed as guardian and that he has no say at all as to what happens to Terri!

We are urging you to call the Governor of Florida NOW to have him order
state police protection for Terri, to stand at her side at all times, to assure her
safety from any efforts to harm her or prevent care being provided. The state police are
under the command of the Governor. You can call Governor Jeb Bush at: 850-488-7146
and email him at jeb.bush@myflorida.com

We need your action NOW! Please help!

Ron Panzer
President, Hospice Patients Alliance
http://www.hospicepatients.org

"What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do.
The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things.
But we can all do small things, with great love,
and together we can do something wonderful." - Mother Teresa

>-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Terri Schiavo
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 23:09:31 -0500
From: "Speaker Byrd" speakerbyrd@myfloridahousemail.gov
Organization: The Florida House of Representatives
To: APFN@apfn.org


Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding Terri
Schiavo. I value your input on this important matter.

During the past year, the Florida House has faced difficult choices in many
areas. We have crafted legislation regarding the budget, healthcare,
workers’ compensation, and prescription drug relief for Floridians.
Presently, legislation is being considered to address the victims of legal
dehydration and starvation deaths.

Every Floridian has a right to determine their own treatment, and anyone
who has executed an advanced directive has the right to have his or her
instructions carried out. Where there is no disagreement among family
members, present law does not appear to create reasons for legislative
intervention. However, the Terri Schiavo case raises troubling concerns
that the proposed legislation would address.

The bill passed by the House in Special Session “E” on Monday night would
allow the Governor to issue a moratorium to stop contested legal
dehydration and starving deaths in Florida in certain instances. The
moratorium would give the Legislature time to assess our current law.

With our pledge to protect the most vulnerable, I strongly believe that
someone needs to be a voice for the voiceless like Terri Schiavo.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I will take your comments to heart and
give them careful consideration as we address the issue of contested legal
dehydration and starvation cases.

Very truly yours,
Johnnie Byrd
Speaker
============================
Subject: YOU DID NOT HEAR OUR SHOW?
From: "H2H - PeterK" peterk@highway2health.net
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 23:20:47 -0400
To:Maryfromfla@aol.com

NO MIRACLE _ they got her at the hospital where Michael works
and he is threatening to sue anyone who feeds her.

BIG RIOT GOING ON.

SHE IS IN GREATER DANGER NOW

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryfromfla@aol.com  [mailto:Maryfromfla@aol.com ]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 11:15 PM
To: peterk@highway2health.net
Subject: Fwd: Terri -"a miracle, an absolute miracle."

=================================

Well, I just called Morton Plant Ho



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