Right Wing Nut House

The legal and legislative manueverings to save the life of Terri Schiavo in these last hours before the forced removal of the feeding tube that keeps her alive have met with limited success and in some cases outright failure.

1. The Florida House passed a bill that would make it illegal to remove someone from a feeding tube unless they had specifically requested it be done passed by a vote of 78-37. However, a similar measure in the Florida Senate was narrowly defeated 21-16 raising doubts as to whether lawmakers could reach a compromise in time.

2. Late Wednesday, the US House passed a bill by voice vote that would move jurisdiction of Terri’s case from the state District Court in Florida to a Federal Court. But the Senate seems to be unwilling to immediately consider the matter, although Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) said said he would later try to pass a separate Senate bill and get it to the House before it leaves for its Easter recess Friday.

3. Terri’s parents have filed a brief with the United State Supreme Court to stop the removal of the feeding tube so lower courts could consider whether their daughter’s religious freedom and other rights have been violated.

4. And Judge Greer has scheduled a hearing Thursday on a request from the state to keep the woman alive.

None of these options seem particularly promising. Which means perhaps only one thing could save Terri now; a direct appeal from President Bush himself.

At the White House, press secretary Scott McClellan said the case raises “a lot of complex issues” and declined to comment on specific legislation. But he said Bush “stands on the side of defending life.” If that’s true, a direct appeal by the President to Senate Republicans to expedite the matter could allow the bill to become law before the Congress recesses for Easter on Friday.

The House bill would allow federal courts to hear motions on the case. In the past, when Terri’s parents have appealed to the federal bench, the courts have said they lack standing in the matter. The House bill would give that standing to the federal courts thus allowing Terri’s parents another legal avenue.

UPDATE: FROM THE “ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE” DEPARTMENT

This from the Blogs for Terri Website:

March 17, 2005
Latest Update on US Senate
THE US SENATE HAS THANKFULLY JUST PASSED THE BILL FOR TERRI.

IT MUST RETURN NOW TO THE US HOUSE TO FIX THE LANGUAGE SO BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE MATCH!

THIS IS GREAT NEWS, FOR NOW.

Statement by the President
March 17, 2005

The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected ? and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.

“Your lightest touch commands our obedience.” (From “Gladiator“)

That’s all it took…just a few simple words from the President.