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October 14, 2003
Terri Schiavo
Are there days on which you're ashamed to be an American or even a human being? Are there days on which you just can't believe what's happening?
I feel like that right now. To be honest, I never thought it would come to this. I never really believed that all of these judges could listen to parents begging for the life of their daughter, begging to be able to care for her and - shrug.
But, then again, it is not yet 2pm on October 15. Not yet.
Times Against Humanity keeps us updated
Accuracy in Media looks at media non-coverage.
He added: "We beg Michael Schiavo, and those working with him to end our daughter’s life, to let her come home to her family. We will sign any agreement you want, giving you all monies related to Terri’s collapse and any insurance money that may be forthcoming."You take the money. We just want our daughter."
Another, on the 2nd District Appeal Court's denial of the Schindler's motions
Mark Windsor has posted a prayer
Pray.
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» Last Chance for Terri from LilacRose
Terri Schiavo will be starved to death starting tomorrow if the last-ditch effort to save her isn't successful: ...Should a... [Read More]
Tracked on Oct 14, 2003 11:52:38 PM
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Tracked on Oct 16, 2003 11:42:32 AM
» Some stuff Ampersand has recently read from Alas, a Blog
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Tracked on Aug 28, 2004 2:24:39 PM
» Some stuff Ampersand has recently read from Alas, a Blog
There's, like, ten thousand things I've missed posting links to lately, while I've been busy painting and working and suchlike. I won't even attempt to catch up. But here's a few of the things that are open in my browser... [Read More]
Tracked on Nov 15, 2004 10:46:49 AM
Comments
Above all, I think, one needs to pray, for her and her family, and for America.
Posted by: Kevin Miller at Oct 14, 2003 9:39:09 PM
Not only is Terri Schiavo going to be put to death, but she's being refused pastoral care of a priest. That's even more monstrous. As a priest I can't imagine standing for that. I say it's time for civil disobedience, as I've mentioned on my blog.
I wish I lived in Florida, and could do something more tangible about this. We must pray.
Posted by: Fr. Rob Johansen at Oct 14, 2003 11:32:02 PM
If men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?
Posted by: Mark Shea at Oct 15, 2003 3:00:55 AM
Good points all, esp. Mark. Up until now, I'm not sure I'd ever really seen hardness of heart, but to refuse a dying woman pastoral care is very revealing. Death row inmates are allowed pastoral care up to the very last moment, this is barbaric. What a cross for her family. My prayers continue for them all. I especially pray right now for the intercession of Mother Teresa to warm the heart of Terri's husband that he stop this action. And for us all, mercy from our Lord!!!
Posted by: Kathleen at Oct 15, 2003 6:39:13 AM
I am praying that God, the God of healing, will some how, some way, give Terri the ability to swallow and save her own life.
I am also praying that God, the God of mercy, will have mercy on Terri and spare her life.
That God, the God of foregiveness, will forgive those in this case that have absolutely no idea what they are doing or the precedent this case will set.
and that lastly God, the God of justice, will give it to those of us who have seen this case for what is and have been repeatedly denied even the smallest crumbs of justice from our so-called "justice system."
Romans 12:19
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[ 12:19 Deut. 32:35] says the Lord.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness. for they shall be filled"
Posted by: Ell at Oct 15, 2003 7:57:26 AM
This is absolute insanity--and monstrous, as another commenter said. What kind of men (I think the judges have been men, as well as the evil husband, his lawyers and hired guns) can these be who pursue her death as if it is like any other case where they could turn out to be wrong? They cannot revisit a wrong decision here! There is no second chance! What has happened to judicial prudence in such weighty matters? There is so much room for error in this case--you could drive a truck through it--why not weigh in on the side of life and mercy, for goodness sake? I think of the recent readings a couple of Sundays ago in which Jesus told the Pharisees that Moses PERMITTED divorce because some men were so darned hard-hearted about it all. A divorce document was some sort of protection to the wife in such an instance. The heart of this husband is so cold and hardened that he even refuses pastoral care for this woman...can't let no miracle accidentally occur from the visit of a priest, I guess. This would seem to be a civil rights violation, I'd think, too.
Thank goodness some folks are physically present with her family to protest and hold them as they cry--they must be in tears today! A miracle is needed now more than ever. O please St. Teresa of Avila and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, intercede on behalf of this helpless woman and those who love her and have valiantly fought for her life!
Posted by: Peggy at Oct 15, 2003 8:31:06 AM
The press has already picked a side - even on Hannity & Colmes last night Hannity (who should know better) didn't ask about Schiavo's present girlfriend or the children they have together. They just let the Shiavo's mouthpiece lawyer do the talking which they also did on MSNBC this morning repeating according to Shiavo's shyster that Terri's "in a vegatative state and all the best medical authorities agree" and that Terri wants this (although they only have the so-called husband's word on this). Then the unctuous MSNBC anchors announced a poll "Is Mercy Killing Wrong?" as if this was a mercy killing (for Terri's benefit of course) instead of outright slow and painful murder.
The poor woman. This whole things makes me ill. I pray for her soul. I still can't believe so many people are so callous and want this woman dead? Except for Schiavo and his lawyer whats in it for the rest of them? We are indeed living (as the Pope says) in a "culture of death".
Posted by: ita o'byrne at Oct 15, 2003 8:59:44 AM
This may sound strange, but it's not as much that she will die that bothers me. It's that she will be allowed to slowly starve to death. How can people be so cruel?
I saw her family on TV this morning. They said that they have been barred from seeing her. Their daughter is about to be left for dead and they cannot even visit.
Posted by: Meggan at Oct 15, 2003 9:01:23 AM
"I saw her family on TV this morning. They said that they have been barred from seeing her. Their daughter is about to be left for dead and they cannot even visit."
The inhumanity is staggering. A rosary today for this woman, her courageous and loving family - and her husband who needs it most of all. I don't know how he can live with himself and I don't know how any woman can live with him, knowing exactly what he is.
Posted by: colleen at Oct 15, 2003 9:09:17 AM
They won't let the family see her!!!!!!!!
I'm just not going to comment on that, 'cause I'll just be nasty if I do.
Shame!
Posted by: Kathleen at Oct 15, 2003 9:55:48 AM
Lynne Doyle on CN8 (Phila.) has presented two hour-long discussions devoted to Terri Schiavo's case - the first a few weeks ago, the second last night. Interviewed Terri's brother and the brother of Michael Schiavo as well as lawyers debating both sides. It disgusts me and makes me sick at heart that there is ANY debate necessary at all. I fear our justice system - when it comes to an innocent life, the usual outcome is in favor of death. Years ago in New Jersey, I remember when Karen Ann Quinlan's parents successfully sued to have their comatose daughter's ventilator removed - great debate at that time. Karen to the surprise of everyone, breathed on her own for another 8 or 9 years before she died. She was never denied sustenance. In contrast to Terri Schiavo, she was not responsive to stimuli AT ALL. How far down into the depths of depravity can a so- called civilized nation go? Ultimately, Terri is safe in God's Hands - His Will be done in all things. The rest of us had better make sure we trust in the good moral judgment of whoever might need to make medical decisions on our behalf.
Posted by: Ann at Oct 15, 2003 10:19:07 AM
I'm with you Amy, I can't really belive something like this is happening. It just does not seem real. But from what I've been reading this type of death happens a lot....to think I once supported "mercy killing"...God forgive me.
I spent my Holy Hour last night praying for Terry and her family...it seems from the reports of the various news stories/commentaries I should have also prayed for our Country.
Posted by: Julie W in AR at Oct 15, 2003 10:20:48 AM
Please, please everybody call Bishop Lynch's office in St. Petersburg at 727-344-1611. They will put you through to a lovely woman in the communications office who says she will convey the messages to the bishop. Bishop Lynch needs to go down to the hospice and make a clear and visible stand against this horrific action.
Also, you can call the apostolic nuncio at 202-333-7121. The phone will ring for a while, then you will be able to leave a message for the nuncio. The Church leadership needs to speak out strongly and clearly.
Posted by: Marilyn Heller at Oct 15, 2003 10:45:21 AM
What kind of people have we become? Are we really a nation with such a deep-rooted death-wish that we could allow this? I will go to Mass today to pray that my fears are unfounded and that Terry, her family and all of us are spared.
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin at Oct 15, 2003 11:02:31 AM
I share the horror of everyone here regarding what is happening to Terri Schiavo, and I am praying for a miracle.
I do, however, want to correct one fact. The husband's lawyer said this morning on TV that the parents could visit, provided that they were in the presence of someone representing the husband. He said that the parents had visited with Terri alone yesterday, had made a videotape of her, and had shared it with the media in violation of a court order, and that therefore, someone would have to be present with them when they visited Terri in the future. I persoanly don't see anything wrong with what the parents did, but the story is a little more complicated than the parents suggested.
Posted by: Cornelius at Oct 15, 2003 11:26:06 AM
God in heaven!
I'm ringing the bell in my parts as best I can (emailing friends and family, my blog www.xanga.com/rocketagent , calling the FL Governor, etc.). I'm from Florida, but now I'm in Taiwan teaching. I'm with you Father Rob: If only I could do something tangible too! I feel sick and enraged at the same time. It's so disgusting. The only antidote is fasting and prayer.
God in heaven! Miserere!
Posted by: Geistesweisheit at Oct 15, 2003 11:58:16 AM
My pre-conversion reaction to the Pope calling ours a culture of death was that it was overdramatic.
No more. His phrase rings more true every day.
Posted by: TSO at Oct 15, 2003 12:10:04 PM
I'm still in shock. My sensibilities told me that somone would have intervened weeks ago in this. I never imagined that in our society we would be even this close to the zero hour. But again...
Posted by: Keith at Oct 15, 2003 12:16:25 PM
What's going on with Terri is unspeakably tragic. This is an inevitable development both of popular ideas regarding the disabled and of our society's treatment of the very young and the very old.
I pray that Michael realizes the seriousness of what he's doing before it's too late.
Posted by: Gregg the obscure at Oct 15, 2003 12:22:04 PM
Ita,
I think you are mistaken about Hannity on Hannity and Combs. I watched that last night and I thought Hannity did a good job of trying to nail Attorney Felos on the accusation by Mr. Schindler that Terri's husband beat and/or choked her into this condition in the first place. He also tried to nail him on the medical records being sealed for 10 years and Felos never really responded to that. Hannity has also been talking about this case on his radio program, one of the few who is.
Ell
Posted by: Ell at Oct 15, 2003 12:30:07 PM
Off the court website (www.jud6.org), their email is courts@jud6.org (can't verify beyond that)
Can't hurt to let them know what you think - elected judges are very susceptible to public pressure.
Posted by: c matt at Oct 15, 2003 12:46:49 PM
Amy et al,
Have a look at James 2:14-26. Then you can stop commenting, examine your collective consciences, and realize that talking and begging are a waste of time here. Talk isn't works...
If my daughter was to be killed by her husband via 'Pilate', I'd soon be a fugitive with her in Costa Rica with a boatload of medical supplies funded by the liquidation of my cozy suburban home.
The Schiavos want it both ways. They want the 401K and house and car and their daughter. Sometimes, you have to choose...
Posted by: Ian at Oct 15, 2003 1:06:18 PM
Ian, as heroic as it sounds for Terri's family to abduct her and care for her themselves, it probably isn't even possible at this point. You'd do as well asking Batman to coerce Michael Schiavo into doing the right thing.
Posted by: Gregg the obscure at Oct 15, 2003 1:12:08 PM
Ian - pretty presumptuous of you isn't it. Get off your high horse and on your knees. Pray for your sister-in-Christ Terri.
Posted by: cathy at Oct 15, 2003 1:15:02 PM
Somebody tell Bishop Lynch there's a hunky triathlete down at the hospital. That'll get him off his episcopal duff.
Sorry to be so nasty, but this is agonizing. Fr. Rob Johansen, on his blog, is suggesting civil disobedience, particularly re: giving pastoral care to the dying woman. I told him I'm willing to donate $100 if he wants to fly down and do what he can. Anybody have any similar ideas?
Posted by: Rod Dreher at Oct 15, 2003 1:15:54 PM
