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Let Schiavo case come to a close
A Times Editorial
Published February 25, 2005
The Terri Schiavo case is a family tragedy that has turned into an unseemly public circus, and as another deadline looms today Gov. Jeb Bush and the Legislature should stay out of it. They intervened the last time her feeding tube was removed with a law that was obviously unconstitutional, and they have no business acting as obstructionists again in a controversy that needs to come to a conclusion.
As difficult as it may be for politicians to resist the campaign of e-mails and phone calls coordinated by Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue, the courts are the proper venue to thrash out the disagreements between Schiavo's husband, Michael, and her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. There is no room for the governor, the Legislature or the Department of Children and Families. Government restraint, a respect for the separation of powers and the rule of law should take precedence over the lobbying.
In an unseemly ploy that appears politically motivated, DCF attempted to intervene in the hearing Wednesday before Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer. The agency was trying to raise allegations of Schiavo's abuse at the hands of her husband, apparently as a way to remove him as her guardian. Greer, to his credit, refused to allow DCF into the case.
Bush has promised to "do what I can" to prevent the removal of Schiavo's feeding tube, although he says he will respect the law in the process. That is at least better than what happened in 2003, when Bush and the Legislature quickly passed "Terri's Law" to have her feeding tube reinserted. The law was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court last year.
The various schemes being talked about to remove Michael Schiavo as his wife's guardian should not be seriously entertained. The courts have been extremely careful with this case, and Michael Schiavo has won at every turn. The judicial branch is the proper place to resolve the dispute, which needs to come to an end.
[Last modified February 25, 2005, 00:51:16]
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