After 13 days without food, Terri Schiavo died today at the age of 41.
My prayers are with Terri’s parents who gave a good fight to try to save their daughter’s life. And I condemn her “husband;” he used the “sanctity of marriage” screen for his decision while already engaged in an adulterous affair, and prohibited Terri’s parents from showing Terri as she really was, prohibited any sort of rehabilitation or stimulus for Terri and denying cameras from Terri’s room. All the way to the very end, Michael was about as offensive as he could be to Terri’s parents.
The Schindlers’ spiritual advisers said the couple had been at their daughter’s besides minutes before the end came, but were not there at the moment of her death because Michael Schiavo did not want them in the room.
“And so his heartless cruelty continues until this very last moment,” said the Rev. Frank Pavone.
It’s painfully obvious Terri’s parent did not believe Terri wanted to die, and without any sort of written instructions, we’re left with the disputable word of Michael Schiavo. I think Judge Greer made an error 10 years ago in concluding Terri wanted to die; I believe the evidence should be clearer before a horrific government-sanctioned starvation is allowed to take the life of an innocent American.
And if the government approves the taking of a life, then that life should be taken humanely. Standing by and watching somebody die does not relieve you of the responsibility for the death, so might as well make the pain of passing easier.
Update: President Bush adds his condolences:
THE PRESIDENT: Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schiavo’s families. I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time. I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life, where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others. The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak. In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life.
Chasing the Wind 
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