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What they're saying
By Times Staff Writer
Published March 18, 2005
"I just don't think this body has the right to go back and undo a court decision that was well founded and upheld several times on appeal. ... I have to follow the law and my conscience."
- STATE REP. EVERETT RICE, R-Treasure Island, on why he voted against the Schiavo bill.
"If the public policy reflected in our laws allows the government to order the death of a mentally disabled person, to be starved to death, then that law is defective."
- STATE REP. DENNIS BAXLEY, R-Ocala, who sponsored the House bill.
"I didn't ask any member to vote for this bill - it's a personal decision. When it comes to this, it's strictly a personal issue. And I won't be asking the Senate to do anything."
- FLORIDA HOUSE SPEAKER ALLAN BENSE, R-Panama City.
"I believe in the sanctity of human life. I think most of us feel in good conscience we can't just sit by and allow this innocent woman to be starved to death."
- U.S. SEN. GEORGE ALLEN, R-Virginia.
"I'm troubled at the prospect of setting a precedent that is going to have the Congress in effect playing medical czar in case after case."
- U.S. SEN. RON WYDEN, D-Oregon.
"If we don't act or if somebody does not act, a living person who has a level of consciousness, who is self-breathing will be starved to death here in the next two weeks."
- SENATE MAJORITY LEADER BILL FRIST, a Tennessee Republican and surgeon.
[Last modified March 18, 2005, 00:44:06]
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