Congressional Meddling
I can seriously sympathize with the parents of Terry Schiavo who are fighting to keep the brain-dead woman alive while her husband has said he wishes to abide by his wife’s wishes to not be kept alive by artificial means and pull the feeding tube. If you ask me, my sympathies lie with the husband and not the family, not because I don’t feel bad for them but because he is the husband and on their wedding day, her father gave her to him.
But now Congress is trying to get involved. And what for? This is an issue solved on a state and local level or better yet, a family level. This invasion into state rights is being led by Republicans!!!! I don’t care what your philosphy is on right-to-life, this is a bigger issue…. simply because if Congress is allowed to meddle wherever they feel like it, then a precedent is set and they will meddle in personal lives anytime they want to.
I’m opposed to Congressional intervention. It’s an afront to the Constitution which reserves for the federal government only a small amount of authority and designates the states as the executioner of most other areas of government. This is not a federal issue!!!
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Written by Aaron Brazell on March 19, 2005
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Aaron Brazell
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You’re asking for hate comments today aren’t you? LMAO
I personally have had FAR too much time on my hands this month. I say this because everyone I talk to who feels the same way you do about this case have only a partial amount of information about this case. I’ll ilustrate:
First of all, Terri is not brain dead. Yes, she has half her brain capacity, but there have been released brain activity scans that show there is activity. Secondly, if she WAS brain dead, she’d be on life support. This life support would be supporting her vital organs such as heart, lungs, bladder, and pumping blood, etc. She is only on a tube that supplies her liquid food and water.
So let me clarify about the husband. I have said from the begining that this case was about a husbands right to make medical decisions for his spouse when she cannot make them herself. 7 years after Terri was in this condition is when Michael made a comment that she had asked to be terminated if this condition should present itself. Why after 7 years would this come up, and how come there has never been proof that she said this, or that a living will exists? There is no proof, and this isn’t a right to die case. She’s not dying.
For congress to get involved in this is just plain politics. Michael turned down a 10 million dollar offer and several 1 million dollar offers to turn over care to Terri’s parents. So this wasn’t about money. Michael has a common law wife, and has children with that woman, so can you say this is a case about a husband’s right to decide any longer? Something else is going on here, his motivations are not for her benefit, he wants to kill her off.
This is a tough case to either defend or argue against. But people need to know that this isn’t a right to die case, and since Michael is shacking up with another woman whom they both share kids with, this is no longer a case about a husband making medical decisions for the spouse he will take care of in sickness and in health.
This is about a man who wants to take his revenge against Terri’s parents who villified him in public.
It was quoted upon Michael having complied with the judges order to have the feeding tube removed that he was “emotional and sad” when that took place. Give me a break. You cannot rationally think that this man has any feelings other than “kill her, get it over with”.
Tough position to defend.
You’re asking for hate comments today aren’t you? LMAO
I personally have had FAR too much time on my hands this month. I say this because everyone I talk to who feels the same way you do about this case have only a partial amount of information about this case. I’ll ilustrate:
First of all, Terri is not brain dead. Yes, she has half her brain capacity, but there have been released brain activity scans that show there is activity. Secondly, if she WAS brain dead, she’d be on life support. This life support would be supporting her vital organs such as heart, lungs, bladder, and pumping blood, etc. She is only on a tube that supplies her liquid food and water.
So let me clarify about the husband. I have said from the begining that this case was about a husbands right to make medical decisions for his spouse when she cannot make them herself. 7 years after Terri was in this condition is when Michael made a comment that she had asked to be terminated if this condition should present itself. Why after 7 years would this come up, and how come there has never been proof that she said this, or that a living will exists? There is no proof, and this isn’t a right to die case. She’s not dying.
For congress to get involved in this is just plain politics. Michael turned down a 10 million dollar offer and several 1 million dollar offers to turn over care to Terri’s parents. So this wasn’t about money. Michael has a common law wife, and has children with that woman, so can you say this is a case about a husband’s right to decide any longer? Something else is going on here, his motivations are not for her benefit, he wants to kill her off.
This is a tough case to either defend or argue against. But people need to know that this isn’t a right to die case, and since Michael is shacking up with another woman whom they both share kids with, this is no longer a case about a husband making medical decisions for the spouse he will take care of in sickness and in health.
This is about a man who wants to take his revenge against Terri’s parents who villified him in public.
It was quoted upon Michael having complied with the judges order to have the feeding tube removed that he was “emotional and sad” when that took place. Give me a break. You cannot rationally think that this man has any feelings other than “kill her, get it over with”.
Tough position to defend.
The facts of the individiaul case are not what I’m debating, David. The Constitutionality of Congressional involvement in the case are. I have not commented on the case because it’s not something I particularly want to address. However the brash self-involvement of a Republican Congress in the matters of individual citizens is something I care to debate because the precedent becomes set in stone and suddenly you have taken one step closer to a Socialist State.
The facts of the individiaul case are not what I’m debating, David. The Constitutionality of Congressional involvement in the case are. I have not commented on the case because it’s not something I particularly want to address. However the brash self-involvement of a Republican Congress in the matters of individual citizens is something I care to debate because the precedent becomes set in stone and suddenly you have taken one step closer to a Socialist State.
I think Tom DeLay was praying for some sort of distraction from his problems. Just like another Senator whose name escapes me who was messing with a young girl and then 9/11 happened and everyone forgot.
This situation should be left for the family and not for the politicians. God knows if they would act on other problems in this country like they have on this one, we would have very few problems.
I think Tom DeLay was praying for some sort of distraction from his problems. Just like another Senator whose name escapes me who was messing with a young girl and then 9/11 happened and everyone forgot.
This situation should be left for the family and not for the politicians. God knows if they would act on other problems in this country like they have on this one, we would have very few problems.
She has been a vegetable for FIFTEEN YEARS. She’s not going to miraculously recover. She’s not dying, but she’s not getting better. Never in recorded scientific history has that happened. So let’s be realistic. If her wishes were not to be left living like that and her husband doesn’t want to see her like that, then I definitely side with the husband. It is the husband who knows her best as he lived with her day-to-day, so his judgement should be most valued.
She has been a vegetable for FIFTEEN YEARS. She’s not going to miraculously recover. She’s not dying, but she’s not getting better. Never in recorded scientific history has that happened. So let’s be realistic. If her wishes were not to be left living like that and her husband doesn’t want to see her like that, then I definitely side with the husband. It is the husband who knows her best as he lived with her day-to-day, so his judgement should be most valued.
And let’s not forget who’s paying the medical bills. It’s not Congress. It’s not Jeb Bush. It’s not the parents. It’s no one but Michael Sciavo. That’s really an outside issue but it plays into the whole decision wouldn’t ya think?
And let’s not forget who’s paying the medical bills. It’s not Congress. It’s not Jeb Bush. It’s not the parents. It’s no one but Michael Sciavo. That’s really an outside issue but it plays into the whole decision wouldn’t ya think?
Look, I’m not saying that the Congress being involved ISN’T politically motivated, of course it is! They are congress, all they care about IS politics.
Secondly, Michael won a settlement for 1.6 Million that is going solely to the care for Terri, Michael won an additional $600,000 for himself because his wife is in her current condition and the jury awarded him something akin to losing an “arm” if you will. So, to say he is paying for the medical treatment is a misnomer. He won a settlement for himself, and the larger award was stipulated solely for her medical treatment. If she were to die, he of course would inherit the remaining sum of that medical account. There is still something like $400,000 left in that account.
To answer your comments Marc, she’s not a vegetable. A vegetable would mean she’s on life support, and she isn’t on life support. I already explained that in my previous comment.
As for this being just a Michael Schiavo case, it stopped being his case when he refused legitimate tests to be performed to determine whether or not she was in a PVS state. Her parents objected to his arguement, rightly so, and then bam, it was front page news, and everyone including me became armchair quarterbacks in a human rights story LOL
My initial post wasn’t an attempt to piss people off, just to clarify mistatements and misunderstandings is all.
Look, I’m not saying that the Congress being involved ISN’T politically motivated, of course it is! They are congress, all they care about IS politics.
Secondly, Michael won a settlement for 1.6 Million that is going solely to the care for Terri, Michael won an additional $600,000 for himself because his wife is in her current condition and the jury awarded him something akin to losing an “arm” if you will. So, to say he is paying for the medical treatment is a misnomer. He won a settlement for himself, and the larger award was stipulated solely for her medical treatment. If she were to die, he of course would inherit the remaining sum of that medical account. There is still something like $400,000 left in that account.
To answer your comments Marc, she’s not a vegetable. A vegetable would mean she’s on life support, and she isn’t on life support. I already explained that in my previous comment.
As for this being just a Michael Schiavo case, it stopped being his case when he refused legitimate tests to be performed to determine whether or not she was in a PVS state. Her parents objected to his arguement, rightly so, and then bam, it was front page news, and everyone including me became armchair quarterbacks in a human rights story LOL
My initial post wasn’t an attempt to piss people off, just to clarify mistatements and misunderstandings is all.
She is a vegetable according to my defintion; it is totally up to how you define it. To be a vegetable, you don’t need to be on life support, IMO. She may have some brain activity, but it isn’t translating into anything and never will. The bottom line is it should be up to the husband, whose wishes happen to coincide with her’s, not the parents, who continue to cling to a false hope.
As insensitive as it may sound, I don’t think it is once you take into account her wishes and the fact that she’s been in the same state for so long. It’s more torturous to have to continue to be like that than have her rest in peace.
She is a vegetable according to my defintion; it is totally up to how you define it. To be a vegetable, you don’t need to be on life support, IMO. She may have some brain activity, but it isn’t translating into anything and never will. The bottom line is it should be up to the husband, whose wishes happen to coincide with her’s, not the parents, who continue to cling to a false hope.
As insensitive as it may sound, I don’t think it is once you take into account her wishes and the fact that she’s been in the same state for so long. It’s more torturous to have to continue to be like that than have her rest in peace.
Marc, that’s just it, no one has proven that Terri ever had a living will or an agreement with her husband to “pull the plug” if her life wasn’t worth living anymore. That’s completely a falsehood. Michael says she had mentioned something to that effect, be he never told anyone until 7 years into her ordeal, and never had a document or proof to such a statement backing up his claim. That’s part of what her parents have disagreed with.
I don’t think anyone who’s human and has an opinion is insensitive when it comes to this case or anything else like it, we all have a heart. My problem is shining some light onto those who don’t have all the facts or presume to know anything about this case based purely on what the MSM have been saying. Not that you are. I’m just saying….
:)
Marc, that’s just it, no one has proven that Terri ever had a living will or an agreement with her husband to “pull the plug” if her life wasn’t worth living anymore. That’s completely a falsehood. Michael says she had mentioned something to that effect, be he never told anyone until 7 years into her ordeal, and never had a document or proof to such a statement backing up his claim. That’s part of what her parents have disagreed with.
I don’t think anyone who’s human and has an opinion is insensitive when it comes to this case or anything else like it, we all have a heart. My problem is shining some light onto those who don’t have all the facts or presume to know anything about this case based purely on what the MSM have been saying. Not that you are. I’m just saying….
:)
I’ve been a resident of the general vicinity of the Tampa Bay area for over a decade now, so this has been in and out of the news as long as I’ve lived over here. I believe that both sides believe they are doing what’s right, that Michael Schiavo believes that he is trying to honor his wife’s wishes and that her parents believe they can save her life. I believe the most disgusting thing about this situation (and there are many) is the pure political pandering by local, state, and federal politicians whose true motivations are purely ego-driven.
To clear up some misconceptions, Mr. Schiavo is not in this “for the money.” Of the original settlement, less than $50,000 remains, not $400,000. (and after a final accounting of legal, medical, and other expenses, this will disappear as well.) Schiavo has turned down two offers from private individuals – one for $1 million and one for $10 million – to give up responsibility for Terri’s medical care and leave it in the hands of her parents. This, to me, is one of the “big points” that makes me side with Michael Schiavo.
The other thing that has occurred recently that has bugged me is some of the motions the Schindlers (Terri’s parents) have filed. I’d like to chalk it all up to “doing whatever it takes,” but in a situation like this that has raised a lot of religious interest, it’s curious how on one hand they claim Terri wouldn’t want the tube pulled because, as a Catholic, it would be against her religion, but on the other hand, they petitioned the courts to force a divorce. Um, last time I checked, wasn’t that a no-no?
In the end, all I would like to see is the situation resolved one way or another. A private citizen’s medical situation should not be the business of anyone outside the immediate family, certainly not the province of “breaking news” updates nor desperate, unconstitutional laws forced through legislatures under political threats.
First thing monday, I am going to fill out my wishes, should I befall a similar fate, sign it, have it notarized, and give copies to my parents and my soon-to-be wife. I’ll be defining my exit from this world, NOT letting illegal government actions dictate how I live and die.
I’ve been a resident of the general vicinity of the Tampa Bay area for over a decade now, so this has been in and out of the news as long as I’ve lived over here. I believe that both sides believe they are doing what’s right, that Michael Schiavo believes that he is trying to honor his wife’s wishes and that her parents believe they can save her life. I believe the most disgusting thing about this situation (and there are many) is the pure political pandering by local, state, and federal politicians whose true motivations are purely ego-driven.
To clear up some misconceptions, Mr. Schiavo is not in this “for the money.” Of the original settlement, less than $50,000 remains, not $400,000. (and after a final accounting of legal, medical, and other expenses, this will disappear as well.) Schiavo has turned down two offers from private individuals – one for $1 million and one for $10 million – to give up responsibility for Terri’s medical care and leave it in the hands of her parents. This, to me, is one of the “big points” that makes me side with Michael Schiavo.
The other thing that has occurred recently that has bugged me is some of the motions the Schindlers (Terri’s parents) have filed. I’d like to chalk it all up to “doing whatever it takes,” but in a situation like this that has raised a lot of religious interest, it’s curious how on one hand they claim Terri wouldn’t want the tube pulled because, as a Catholic, it would be against her religion, but on the other hand, they petitioned the courts to force a divorce. Um, last time I checked, wasn’t that a no-no?
In the end, all I would like to see is the situation resolved one way or another. A private citizen’s medical situation should not be the business of anyone outside the immediate family, certainly not the province of “breaking news” updates nor desperate, unconstitutional laws forced through legislatures under political threats.
First thing monday, I am going to fill out my wishes, should I befall a similar fate, sign it, have it notarized, and give copies to my parents and my soon-to-be wife. I’ll be defining my exit from this world, NOT letting illegal government actions dictate how I live and die.
Sounds like good advice Matt, thanks also for clarifying the financials about the money account. The only thing I find interesting, and this is purely from my own point of view: If there is no such proof except Michael’s word that Terri ever said or agree to having a “right to die” if her quality of life diminishes, why then is he pushing for her to go “buh bye”? Secondly, I can’t say he cares about her like you agree he does because he has “gotten on with his life” by being involved with another woman (normally that would constitute a divorce) while still being married. Hell in Utah and Arizona they are still going after polygamists LOL. Third, Michael was given many “outs” in this case, Monetarily, Responsibility, and Medically, what would your motivations be to continue to “executing your plan”?
I agree I would like to see this case ended, and I too agree no government or judicial branch should ever meddle in my right to medical treatment or not, however, you will never see that happen as long as you have parents who love you, and a spouse you are married to. Pick one or the other imho if you want to avoid this mess. LOL
Sounds like good advice Matt, thanks also for clarifying the financials about the money account. The only thing I find interesting, and this is purely from my own point of view: If there is no such proof except Michael’s word that Terri ever said or agree to having a “right to die” if her quality of life diminishes, why then is he pushing for her to go “buh bye”? Secondly, I can’t say he cares about her like you agree he does because he has “gotten on with his life” by being involved with another woman (normally that would constitute a divorce) while still being married. Hell in Utah and Arizona they are still going after polygamists LOL. Third, Michael was given many “outs” in this case, Monetarily, Responsibility, and Medically, what would your motivations be to continue to “executing your plan”?
I agree I would like to see this case ended, and I too agree no government or judicial branch should ever meddle in my right to medical treatment or not, however, you will never see that happen as long as you have parents who love you, and a spouse you are married to. Pick one or the other imho if you want to avoid this mess. LOL
So you’re anti-Congressional-meddling here, and pro-Congressional-meddling up there where you go on about illegal immigration. What was that about speaking out of both sides of your mouth?
So you’re anti-Congressional-meddling here, and pro-Congressional-meddling up there where you go on about illegal immigration. What was that about speaking out of both sides of your mouth?
That was one of my guest bloggers, David Nick. Not me. ;)
That was one of my guest bloggers, David Nick. Not me. ;)
LMAO Way to go Aaron (B.), can’t win em either way :(
As for the other Aaron, your attempt at making me out to be a hypocrite for being pro and anti congressional meddling is rediculous and doesn’t bear any merit to both of these issues. Congress doesn’t have nor should they ever have, the blanket authority to judge who lives and who dies in this country (as it pertains to the Terri Schiavo situation). Where congress should have authority to get involved with is constitutional issues, especially those that bear on homeland security and illegal immigration. They are the law makers and the loophole giving blanket US Citizen status to illegal immigrant babies because their parents crossed over illegally specifically to get access to free medical, welfare, education, etc is insane and only encourages this to continue. So, try and pick a better more logical arguement next time ya weigh in ok? Thanks for coming.
LMAO Way to go Aaron (B.), can’t win em either way :(
As for the other Aaron, your attempt at making me out to be a hypocrite for being pro and anti congressional meddling is rediculous and doesn’t bear any merit to both of these issues. Congress doesn’t have nor should they ever have, the blanket authority to judge who lives and who dies in this country (as it pertains to the Terri Schiavo situation). Where congress should have authority to get involved with is constitutional issues, especially those that bear on homeland security and illegal immigration. They are the law makers and the loophole giving blanket US Citizen status to illegal immigrant babies because their parents crossed over illegally specifically to get access to free medical, welfare, education, etc is insane and only encourages this to continue. So, try and pick a better more logical arguement next time ya weigh in ok? Thanks for coming.
Just checking in to see if you have survived the days since your original post :) This is one of the somewhat rare issues that we are in agreement over (about)? If it wasn’t for the damage being done I would be lovin’ the irony of the last few years of “small gov’t conservatives” exponentially increasing the opportunities for gov’t intrusion into our lives. As it is, I truly fear the direction we are headed in. Gosh, and I’ve always been such an optimist!
Just checking in to see if you have survived the days since your original post :) This is one of the somewhat rare issues that we are in agreement over (about)? If it wasn’t for the damage being done I would be lovin’ the irony of the last few years of “small gov’t conservatives” exponentially increasing the opportunities for gov’t intrusion into our lives. As it is, I truly fear the direction we are headed in. Gosh, and I’ve always been such an optimist!
Some of you are sooo entirely misinformed. I note that many of you state that the “deciding factor” in this case was A. Michael Schiavo is footing the medical/attorney bills and B. Michael has turned down at least 2 offers to “walk away”. Firstly, Judge Greer had Terris “rehabilitation money” set aside for attorneys fees and placed her on Medicaid. Michael isn’t paying SQUAT. Secondly, and if you were an attorney half worth your salt, you would advise Michael to not entertain any thoughts of monetary acceptance. That in itself would blow his whole scam of “doing what’s best for Terri”. Please at least read up on a case before armchair quarterbacking in this “When is the bit** going to die” Michael Schiavo shambles.
Some of you are sooo entirely misinformed. I note that many of you state that the “deciding factor” in this case was A. Michael Schiavo is footing the medical/attorney bills and B. Michael has turned down at least 2 offers to “walk away”. Firstly, Judge Greer had Terris “rehabilitation money” set aside for attorneys fees and placed her on Medicaid. Michael isn’t paying SQUAT. Secondly, and if you were an attorney half worth your salt, you would advise Michael to not entertain any thoughts of monetary acceptance. That in itself would blow his whole scam of “doing what’s best for Terri”. Please at least read up on a case before armchair quarterbacking in this “When is the bit** going to die” Michael Schiavo shambles.
Blond…
I’m sure you’re passionate about this but the point is that due process was followed and whatever his motives, Michael Schiavo is still the legal guardian. So the proicess was followed correctly and the courts on all levels upheld that and Congress had no business involving itself in an individuals life, plain and simple.
You know what I find completely ironic about this case. Conservatives sound like liberals and liberals sound like conservatives. Conservatives sit back and cheer Congressional and Presidential involvement and demand Jeb to get involved more than he is and expect the courts to intervene in an creative way by setting precendential law. Liberals on the other hand are cheering the courts strict constructionist interpretation of law and are urging the government to not get involved.
Has the world been turned upside down?
Blond…
I’m sure you’re passionate about this but the point is that due process was followed and whatever his motives, Michael Schiavo is still the legal guardian. So the proicess was followed correctly and the courts on all levels upheld that and Congress had no business involving itself in an individuals life, plain and simple.
You know what I find completely ironic about this case. Conservatives sound like liberals and liberals sound like conservatives. Conservatives sit back and cheer Congressional and Presidential involvement and demand Jeb to get involved more than he is and expect the courts to intervene in an creative way by setting precendential law. Liberals on the other hand are cheering the courts strict constructionist interpretation of law and are urging the government to not get involved.
Has the world been turned upside down?