Mrs. TF Stern, who is a fabulous researcher and the wife of the TF Stern of TF Stern's Rantings found two compelling articles, which both bear review.
Others in the blogosphere have mentioned their concern or conviction that Michael Schiavo may have had something to do with Terri's collapse in 1990. I was hesitant to make mention of it, because it is certainly unproven.
Yet, in light of the data Mrs. Stern found, I think that in addition to rallying together to save Terri, we should also call for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her brain injury.
The Empire Journal has a detailed argument for investigation, which includes a copy of Terri's bone tests, indicating that she had a history of skeletal trauma predating or coinciding with the injury which left her brain damaged. The article also contains a chilling affidavit signed and sworn by Carla Sauer Lyer, an RN who cared for Terri from around April of 1995 until August of 1996. The affidavit includes testimony of altered medical records, withheld care, intimidation, and comments made by Michael to the effect of "When is that bitch gonna die".
Also hyperlinked is a report by neurologist Dr. William Hammesfahr, who reveals that tests conducted after Terri's 1990 collapse did not show any evidence of a heart attack. This is telling, for Michael Schiavo has long contended that Terri collapsed because of malnourishment resulting from extreme dieting. He would have us believe that she fainted because of a potassium imbalance.
Yet, if she simply collapsed, and if there's evidence that she didn't have a heart attack, how was oxygen cut off from her brain for five to eight minutes? It may be that Terri was the victim of strangulation. Until an investigation is launched, we will not know for sure.
In the article, "Terri Schiavo and the soul of America", columnist Lisa Fabrizio writes that
"...No matter what evidence the Schindler family has presented, Michael Schiavo, Judge Greer and noted euthanasia lawyer George Felos are determined that Terri must die for her own good. This despite numerous reports by nurses and others that she is a vital and responsive young woman of 41 who smiles at and recognizes her family; regardless of the fact that her feeding tube is only inserted at mealtimes and she needs no other life support; even though she is a Catholic whose religion forbids euthanasia.The lengths to which those who wish her slow death by starvation have gone are truly appalling. They have, at various times refused medication for routine infections which could prove fatal if untreated; withheld dental and gynecological tests and treatments for periods of up to seven years; restricted visits from her family and worse, visits by her parish priest, even refusing to allow him to administer the Host during the Last Rites the last time her tube was removed, claiming it would constitute "sustenance."
Both articles also make mention of something equally as disturbing: the reported conflicts of interest excused by Judge George Greer. These allegations are mentioned here.
"...Michael successfully secured the support of Judge George Greer who has consistently ruled against Terri's parents denying Terri's civil rights and ignoring Florida state laws protecting the disabled. Greer has shrugged off serious conflicts of interest on Michael's part including inheriting Terri's remaining money and the fact he has been in an adulterous union since 1992. Michael has ignored court orders to submit a guardianship plan required under Florida law or to appear for depositions. These abuses have all been swept under the rug by Judge Greer. His bias is less baffling when viewed in the light of judicial activism around the country that consistently violates the rule of law and the civil rights of the weak and helpless."
As if that isn't enough, an article posted by CNS News in September, 2003 discusses conflicts of interest on the part of Michael Schiavo's attorney, George Felos, in the context of evidence that he had a prior relationship with Terri's court-ordered physician, Dr. Peter Bambakidis.
Why won't Michael do the right thing and divorce Terri so that her parents can care for her? It would be the "right thing" in more than one sense: how about legitimacy for the children he has by his live-in lover? What is he hiding with all this obfuscation, stonewalling, and litigation? Why has Terri never had independent legal representation?
There needs to be an investigation into the events surrounding Terri's injury. Medical records need to be made available to investigators. A Grand Jury needs to ask Judge Greer some very probing questions, and George Felos needs to tell us about his exact relationship with Terri's court-appointed physician.
Most of all, we must put an immediate end to a runaway process which thrives while Terri and her family must face the horrific possibility that the job will be finished -- not by Michael -- but by judicial fiat, and that very soon.
Get in touch with Gov. Jeb Bush and other members of the Florida legislature right now:
Reach the Governor
Rep. Allan G. Bense
Florida Representatives for Regular Session 2005
You ask good questions. I would think its time for someone outside of the Florida judicial system to get involved. That would mean that some back bone would have to be shown and so don't hold your breath. And Yes, Mrs. Stern is awesome.
Posted by: T. F. Stern at February 25, 2005 12:52 AM