Tannishblog

Dear Robert and Mary Schindler,

How many time can you hear the word “no” and refuse to accept this? Exactly what part of “no” do you not understand?

From the NY Times:
Speaking to reporters Tuesday night, Governor Bush said, “Tomorrow’s the day. If it doesn’t happen then, I don’t believe there’s any other legislative fix that is possible.”

Mrs. Schindler, pausing briefly as she arrived at the hospice here in the late afternoon, said: “Please, senators, for the love of God, I’m begging you, don’t let my daughter die of thirst.”

But State Senator Tom Lee, Republican of Brandon and the president of the Senate, said he regretted that some of his members were under attack by “people who want to demonize and vilify them,” and he would not pressure them to change their votes.

“I think with every day that passes,” he said, “there is less likelihood there is going to be a legislative or legal remedy that can save Terri Schiavo’s life.”

While I understand and empathize with your pain, I do not understand your reactions to it. I am far enough removed to see that the duration of your suffering is a result of your own unwillingness to accept a difficult reality. If all this had happened 100 years ago, Terri would have died shortly after her stroke. Medical science wasn’t then up to the task of keeping her alive. A century ago, your options would have been limited to prayerful vigils until she passed. You would have asked God why, you would have picked up your life and moved on, as all people must do in the face of insurmountable tragedy.
Because of the miracle that is modern medicine, Terri, Michael, and yourselves have been suffering needlessly for fifteen years. Because of the false hope that a medical breakthrough or some other miracle will fix your daughter. This will not happen. It is time to move on, time to pray, time to begin the long healing process. Count your blessings; you still have family, friends, and a growing community of empathetic strangers who are all willing to help you heal. Take advantage of these gifts, for gifts they are, and realize what you already know in your hearts: God works in mysterious ways.

If I were Judge James D. Whitmore, I’d be asking the State of Florida for some protection. The NY Times has plastered his picture onto its latest piece on the Schiavo debacle. Now any murdering madman can find him on the street and try his luck. This, I feel, is irresponsible. Are we, by the end of the week, going to list all the judges that have “wronged” Robert and Mary Schindler? A firing squad would be more humane; at least then they would not have to look over their shoulders for weeks to come. I know - I’m old-fashion, expecting the media to think of consequences, how silly! Despite frequent disappointments, I expect most of humanity to think of the consequences of their actions before they act.

How Victorian of me!