FOX News has learned that the counsel for the House Government Reform Committee issued subpoenas to Schiavo herself, her husband, Michael, the hospice administrator and two of the patient's attending physician. FOX News has obtained copies of the subpoenas, which direct the recipients to appear at the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast in Pinellas Park, on Friday, March 25 at 10 a.m. EST.In addition to the testimony, the subpoenas require that Schiavo's feeding tube remain, stating, "No things including those things reflecting data, information, or records called for by this request shall be destroyed, modified, transferred, disconnected, discontinued, or otherwise made inaccessible to the Committee."
Further, it reads: "This request is continuing in nature and applies to any newly deployed things required for the continued hydration and nutrition of Theresa Schiavo."
"This inquiry should give hope to Terri, her parents and friends and the millions of people throughout the world who are praying for her safety," House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Government Reform Committee Chairman Tom Davis said in a joint statement. "This fight is not over."
I'll post more details as I learn of them. The bottom line is that, as a federal witness, Terri is protected until the hearing can convene, and investigation and review is complete.
If you're a praying person, give thanks. I am.
UPDATE: At this point, most of you are aware that Greer has decided to disregard the call of the House Government Reform Committee, and less than an hour after a stay was ordered, reinstated his orders to have Terri's feeding tube removed.
This post at BlogsforTerri reports that Attorney Barbara Weller told Terri what was going on, and that Terri began to cry. She was inconsolable.
This is interesting, Judge Greer. People in a PVS do not respond to external stimuli. Terri just responded to the news of impending starvation by your order. Do you, Attorney George Felos, and Michael Schiavo have a blithe response to that, or are you still determined to see her dead?
UPDATE #2: Fox has a "Breaking News" headline up: Terri's tube has been removed. A murder is occurring before our very eyes. Think about that. If she cried becaue she was told that her tube was going to be removed, what makes you think that she cannot feel the agony of starvation?
Burn up those phones, now.
posted by Linda on March 18, 2005 05:42 PMLinda,
Our prayers have been answered. I have been watching everything unfold on headline news as I have been doing my ironing. I couldn't help but cry as my heart overflowed with emotion. The tide is turning. Thank God! Lucy Stern
Don't celebrate just yet ladies, it looks as if the battle of the judges has begun.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,150797,00.html
I find it odd that Fox wouldn't say which judge, but apparently it is Greer again.
Posted by: Ethne at March 18, 2005 07:22 PMYes, I know. I'm watching to see which way this goes before I post again. I have a feeling that today will be a roller-coaster ride.
One thing is clear in my mind: Greer is blinded by ego. To deny the House's subpoena is arrogance of a high degree. It's clear that he's only interested in seeing Terri die, because he's afraid that further investigation may prove his prior rulings fallacious.
I don't have words vile enough to describe him.
Posted by: Linda at March 18, 2005 07:35 PMLinda,
I had just finished my own blog, shaking my finger at congress for having wasted so much time with their steroid "witch hunt" when they could have been working on behalf of Terri. It was my first positive trackback, at least it showed up this time.
Posted by: T. F. Stern at March 18, 2005 09:25 PMThanks, T.F. I'm still begging for a miracle.
There's lots more I could say, but I'm too angry.
Posted by: Linda at March 18, 2005 09:31 PM