The tragic Case of Terri Schiavo

From: Governor Jeb Bush [mailto:Jeb.Bush@MyFlorida.com]
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 3:41 PM
To: Governor Jeb Bush
Subject: Regarding the tragic case of Terri Schiavo

Thank you for writing me regarding the tragic case of Terri Schiavo. People on all sides of this issue know that Terri has been severely impaired since 1990, and that she unfortunately left no written directive detailing her wishes regarding actions taken by her doctors to keep her alive. Her condition has been the focus of an emotional and lengthy legal battle. On more than one occasion, the courts have ordered that she starve to death.

Many Floridians, like the Schiavo and Schindler families, disagree about what should be done. However, I believe that we should err on the side of life. I am therefore committed to use all lawful means to keep Terri Schiavo alive and to work with the Florida Legislature on appropriate legislation to expand those lawful means as necessary. I also applaud the efforts of Florida Congressman Dave Weldon and Senator Mel Martinez for sponsoring legislation to address these issues at the federal level.

Please know that I respect the opinions of those who disagree with the actions I have taken. This is a heart-wrenching case, and I have not taken any action without thought, reflection and an appreciation for other points of view.


Sincerely,

Jeb Bush

From: Thomas Stern Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 4:06 PM
To: 'Governor Jeb Bush'Subject:
RE: Regarding the tragic case of Terri Schiavo

Governor Bush,

I hope you are able to use your influence to support Terri Shiavo’s “right to life”, regardless of the hoops you need to go through, regardless of the fences you have to jump over and regardless of any asinine “laws” that would prevent one human being from supporting another in the right to be fed in order to survive.

In the movie, Mr. Holland’s Opus, there is a scene where Mr. Holland is giving the local school board his piece of mind. The board has reminded him that they are doing the best that they can to fund the fine arts programs. Mr. Holland fires back, and this is what you need to hear, “Well, your best isn’t good enough!”, or something very close, not having the script in front of me. If the governor of Florida cannot find a way to protect the rights of one citizen, then all your good intentions aren’t worth a plug nickel.

Respectfully

T. F. Stern

( Second letter sent half an hour later)

Governor Bush Here is What to Do
March 18, 2005

My first reply, the one where I compared the movie, Mr. Holland’s Opus and the line that implied that, “Your efforts aren’t enough”, neglected to offer ways in which you might have a successful closure to the Terri Shiavo fiasco.

You have the power as Governor of Florida to order a special session of both houses of government; at least I would hope you do. If I am wrong, then today is a good day to start such a program. Congress has the power to subpoena anyone as a witness. Direct these embattled folks to a special session while at the same time directing them to subpoena all of the parties directly involved with the Terri Shiavo case. The list would have to include Judger Greer and all the members of the Florida Supreme Court so that they could be questioned regarding any and all opinions that they have espoused regarding Terri Shaivo, death by starvation, and the right to life. Also to be on the subpoena list would be all the doctors who have treated Terri or anyone else involved.

Once all of these fine folks have been screened for weapons prior to being permitted to enter the chambers they would be led to a room where they could await their turn to testify before all those representatives and senators who have, up until now, only gotten their information second hand. Did I mention that there were to be no snacks, no water and no meals permitted once anyone entered the building; to include the representatives, the senators, the lawyers, the doctors, the judges and even the governor of the great state of Florida. The doors to the building would not open until these fine folks had gone without food or water for however long it takes for them to agree that starving anyone to death, for whatever reason they originally may have thought was permissible, is a crime in and of itself. At that point it should be fairly easy to have at least a majority vote to write a law that would cover any and all Floridians, to include Terri Shiavo, from the threat of being starved to death for her own good or for the good of society.

Respectfully

T. F. Stern

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