I've been following this case for about three years now, and I'm ashamed to admit I've only become proactive in it in the last few weeks.
There are several misnomers in this thread. My goal is not to change anyone's mind. That would be pointless. But I think you'll all agree that in order to answer the question fairly, you need to know all of the facts.
1. Terri Schiavo is not in a coma. She is not brain dead. She is awake, her eyes are open, and she is able to communicate - albeit crudely - with her family.
2. There is no evidence that this is what Terri wanted. In fact, the only evidence submitted by Michael Schiavo (her husband) that supports that theory is his word. Last I knew, hearsay was not admissible in a court of law.
3. For seven years, Michael Schiavo said that he was going to do everything in his power to help Terri. Three months after he received a $2.5 million medical malpractice settlement, he then remembered the conversation during which he claims that Terri expressed her wishes.
4. During the aforementioned seven year period, Michael Schiavo was saying in court that he loved his wife. Then he'd go home to the woman whom he'd shacked up with, and fathered two children.
5. One of the key players in this case is Judge George Greer. Judge Greer recorded evidence in an early trial as "found facts". The same evidence that he reviewed and listed as "fact" is what the other 19 judges are required to consider as fact, whether or not it is actually fact.
6. Judge Greer has refused to allow the submission of evidence in support of Terri living. This evidence includes evidence that Michael himself may have been responsible for Terri's even being in this state. Several medical professionals have submitted affidavits to support this theory.
7. Witnesses have reported under oath that they have fed Terri, and that she is capable of swallowing. Judge Greer has refused swallowing tests, stating that if the tests are conducted, Terri could choke to death.
8. Dr. William Cheshire, a Mayo clinic expert neurologist, says that Terri is NOT in a persistant vegitative state, but in a minimal state of consciousness. Two totally different things.
9. Michael Schiavo has banned some of Terri's family members from visiting her.
10. Michael Schiavo has ordered that no therapy be given to Terri. Because Michael considers brushing one's teeth to be "therapy", Terri's teeth have not been brushed in several years.
11. One of the wishes of Terri's family, is that she be allowed to have her last rites read to her before she dies. Because taking the Eucharist would be considered "eating", this practice will not be allowed.
12. Michael Schiavo has not spent a dime on Terri's care. In fact, the money that he got in the med-mal settlement that was supposed to be used for her care has been spent on his legal expenses, courtesy of Judge Greer.
I could go on, but I won't. My hope is that those of you who are interested in learning the facts of this disgusting case of spousal abuse, this case of legal murder, will visit Terri's website at
www.terrisfight.org.
EDIT: Another common myth is that Terri is on life support. She is not. Her heart beats as yours and mine. She breathes on her own. The only time the feeding tube is even attached is when they want to feed her. As we have seen over the course of this last horrific week, Terri is perfectly capable of living without machines.
by jordonj » Fri Mar 25, 2005 3:14 pm 
OK, if that's the way it must be for pity's sake stop messing me around & get on with it. You can argue all you like when I'm gone as I won't be there to worry about it.