The Worst Part of Congress Interfering in the Terri Schiavo Case?

by Eric Jaffa, Monday, March 21, 2005

Terri Schiavo is practically dead due to a stroke 15 years ago. She's in a vegetative state and can't talk or think or feel. The state courts in Florida ruled that her feeding tube can be removed so that she can die. But Congress is passing a law for her alone, to move her case into federal court.

What is the worst part of Congress passing a law which applies only to Terri Schiavo?

The ghoulish exploitation of a woman's living-corpse.

The indifference of Congress to Medicaid as they focus on the sad case of one woman.

The unconstitutional entrance of the legislative branch into judicial territory for one specific case, and the disgusting abuse of power this involves.

On the matter of Congress trying to take over the function of the courts:

The 14th amendment requires the states to give people "equal protection of the laws." Congress is interfering with Florida's ability to provide equal protection by applying a law to one person.

Also the Constitution says, "No Bill of Attainder."

Literally, that means Congress can't pass a law saying someone was found guilty of a crime.

But the principle is against Congress singling people out in legislation. Especially for punishment.

While Congress is calling this "relief" for Terri Schiavo's parents ("Trial by Legislation" by Andrew Cohen, CBS News website, Mar. 19, 2005) the state courts have already determined that Terri Schiavo would want to die in this situation, as would I and most people.

Therefore, the legislation is giving Terri Schiavo punishment by prolonging her death.

While George W. Bush is eager to interfere in this judicial matter, Bush doesn't have the guts to face Terri Schiavo in person.

Otherwise, Bush would accept an invitation from Michael Schiavo, Terri's husband ("The Terri Schiavo Case: Schiavo: 'Come down, President Bush'" by William R. Levesqe, Mar. 20, 2005.)

Michael Schiavo said, "Come down, President Bush. Come talk to me. Meet my wife. Talk to my wife and see if you get an answer. Ask her to lift her arm to shake your hand. She won't do it...Terri died 15 years ago."

PINELLAS PARK - Angered by the latest political developments in Washington, Michael Schiavo said Saturday that it isn't just the Florida governor who should visit his wife to learn about the case.

Jeb Bush's brother, President Bush, should visit Terri Schiavo, too, he said.

"Come down, President Bush," Schiavo said in a telephone interview. "Come talk to me. Meet my wife. Talk to my wife and see if you get an answer. Ask her to lift her arm to shake your hand. She won't do it."

She won't, Schiavo said, because she can't.

He made a similar offer to the governor last week, saying lawmakers interfering in his wife's life know nothing about the case. So far, Gov. Bush hasn't responded to the offer.

President Bush has indicated he will sign any federal legislation to keep Terri Schiavo alive.

Weary after an emotional visit with his wife, Schiavo said he is astonished that politicians want to interfere in such a private matter.

..."To make comments that Terri would want to live, how do they know?" Schiavo said of the members of Congress who want to keep his wife alive.

"Have they ever met her?" Schiavo said. "What color are her eyes? What's her middle name? What's her favorite color? They don't have any clue who Terri is. They should all be ashamed of themselves."

Schiavo said he was going to stay at his wife's side through the entire ordeal and said he wouldn't back down in his fight to have her wishes carried out.

"Terri died 15 years ago," Schiavo said, referring to the collapse and cardiac arrest that doctors say virtually destroyed her brain. "It's time for her to be with the Lord like she wanted to be."