Archives for 2005

Thinking about a poignant, powerful, complex case that has engaged and deeply moved so many Americans, some words of reflection. I do not want to believe in America in 2005 that: A man could express so little interest in his legally-recognized wife except to ensure that she's dead. A judge could stubbornly cling to the claims that a woman wants to die based on the flimsiest of evidence. People could be arrested for bringing an innocent, helpless, dying woman water to drink. The media would be arrayed against those who urge caution in "erring on the side of life," distorting facts at every turn. That an innocent brain-damaged woman has less standing before a federal court than a convicted murder with a death sentence or an … [Read more...]

Due to time constraints, I'm just going to post a few links on Terri Schiavo, must reads for this morning: Blogs for Terri has all the updates on the case and a list of Florida state senators you can contact to make the last-minute plea. Now that the Appeals Court has rejected the Schindlers plea under the clear directives of Congress, Hugh muses if Judge Kennedy will cite the Groningen Protocol as precedent in a potential US Supreme Court decision. Ray, the Informed Christian, reminds us that regardless of the outcome for Terri, we need to take to heart one of the key lessons already learned: get the courts under control! Finally, Joe Carter at Evangelical Outpost prompts social conservatives to take a more somber, … [Read more...]

The dialogue continues because the critic continues to raise interesting and worthwhile objections. And I thought I'd use this public space again to address them (his comments in italics): … [Read more...]

I have nothing more directly to say to the critic. Every credible source that challenges his sweeping assertions is, according to him, a "quack" or a liar or showboating. But the hallowed judge in black robes can do no wrong. But I will continue to shine some light on testimonies like this one, from the general counsel for the Counsel on Bioethics O. Carter Snead, thanks to K-Lo at The Corner. Or the sworn affidavit of nurse Carla Iyer, who worked with Terri for 16 months and swore under oath that she was not at all in a vegetative state and that her husband's consistent demeanor and actions did not reflect those of a concerned caregiver. Questions to consider: Just maybe is this woman telling the truth? If this woman has … [Read more...]

I've had a brief e-mail conversation regarding the Terri Schiavo case with a fellow Colorado blogger - who happens to hail from a different part of the country and have a different worldview than I. That's fine. On one of his latest e-mails he invited me to share my public comment. To do so, I am reprinting his words in italics and my response in normal font. One note to share... the "other cases" he refers to can be found here and here. Judge for yourself if they are comparable to Terri's case - the problem hinges on my critic's suggestion that Terri's nourishment constitutes life support in the same way a ventilator keeps a terminally ill patient alive. I'm sure I won't be able to answer all his objections to his satisfaction, for … [Read more...]

A hearty congratulations must be made to the leadership of the United States Congress for hearkening to their constituents' pleas for life and justice: the House and Senate have both delayed their scheduled recesses to pass compromise legislation that will stop the starvation of Terri Schiavo and give her recourse to her constitutional rights. Congressman Bob Beauprez announced the development this during his brief speech at today's State Central Committee Meeting, evoking a grand expression of support from most of the audience members. Only moments before, Congressman Tom Tancredo spoke eloquently in defense of Terri, making some important points: At the least, the assertion that Terri is in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) is … [Read more...]