Latest Older This is 'less government?' 2005-03-21 - 8:41 a.m. On February 25, 1990 Terri Schiavo, 26, collapsed in her home from a potassium imbalance. Oxygen flow to her brain was interrupted for about five minutes, causing permanent damage. A court ruled that she was incapacitated and her husband, Michael Schiavo, is appointed as her legal guardian. Terri was able to breath and beat her heart on her own, but could not communicate or feed herself since her cerebral cortex had basically turned to fishpaste. Consequently, she was provided with a feeding tube. Rather than leave her in a persistent vegetative state for what could be 50 years, her husband elected to let her die by having the feeding tube removed. Her family fought and lost to obtain guardianship, and things started to get a bit squirly. Every single court that has looked at this case has decided that she should be allowed to die. I cannot imagine anyone I love ever choosing to let me live as a vegetable for decades on end, or worse, to not be a vegetable, but to be fully aware and unable to communicate with the outside world. The courts, doctors and court appointed guardians have all agreed. She needs to die. Last night, the legislative branch of the Federal government enacted 'Terri's law' , which overrides the rights, opinions and rulings of all of these entities. This is in violation of the 4th, 5th, 8th and 10th amendments of the United States Constitution. The checks and balances of government are, with this action and others, being driven roughshod over by the current administration and set a disturbing precedent for the future. If we are lucky this law with be fastracked to the Supreme Court. Terry Schiavo has either endured 15 years of psychological torment, or there is nothing of Terry left to be aware of what is going on. In either case she deserves to be set free. Can one construe removing her feeding tube as actively killing her? Perhaps. But if she had been on full life support, which would have included a feeding tube, it would not be seen that way. Why should it be any different when there is less involved in letting her go to her rest? She needs to die, and so does this law, before the constitution becomes as relevant as a roll of toilet paper. Name: Catpewk Age: 43 Status: Separated Kids: Yes Cats: Yes Fish: Yes Dogs: No Lemurs: No Profession: Geek Passion: Writer Religion: In Progress Photos Leave a Note Email Catpewk All Your Comments are Belong to Us Profile PaganNews.com Start a Diary Write a Note Previous Next