Marlowe's Shade

Friday, March 04, 2005

Blogburst for Terri: Another Message for Gov. Bush

If you've emailed Gov Jeb Bush on the Terri Schiavo case, you've probably received at least one reply by now.

If you haven't received a reply, or were too lazy to send the email in the first place here's the text of the email:

Subject: Regarding the case of Terri Schiavo

Thank you for contacting Governor Bush to ask for his help in the case of Terri Schiavo. He has asked me to respond on his behalf.

The Governor shares your concern for this young woman and has pledged to do whatever he can within the laws of Florida to protect her life. The next few weeks will be very difficult ones for Ms. Schiavo, her family and all of those who care about her. The Governor asks that you keep her and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Again, thank you for writing Governor Bush about this important issue.

Sincerely,

L. O’Connor

Office of Citizens’ Services


In reading the reply, it occurred to me that sorting out who is an actual Florida voter would be a difficult if not impossible task, so every email must be treated as if it were.

Yesterday I posted the link to John Kurowski's article about how Terri hasn't received due process under the law. He had this admonition to Gov Bush at the end:

The honorable Governor of Florida has called for the protection of a jury in Terri’s case. Perhaps it is now time for him to go a step further and file a 14th Amendment due process appeal in the SCOTUS asserting Terri has not been afforded the right to be represented in court by counsel, nor afforded the protection of a jury by Florida’s Judicial system in a case in which the state has been called upon to end her life. Since there is no case law which addresses these rights as could be applied in Terri’s case, an appeal limited to these two fundamental and basic rights is an appropriate question for the SCOTUS to address.


I thought it would be a good idea to send another email to Gov. Bush urging him to explore this 14th Amendment option. Here is a sample email.

Dear Gov. Bush,

Your efforts on behalf of Terri Schiavo are greatly appreciated. I'm writing to encourage you to pursue a legal effort to file a 14th Amendment due process appeal in the US Supreme Court asserting Terri has not been afforded the right to be represented in court by counsel, nor afforded the protection of a jury by Florida’s Judicial system in a case in which the state has been called upon to end her life. Since there is no case law which addresses these rights as could be applied in Terri’s case, an appeal limited to these two fundamental and basic rights is an appropriate question for the SCOTUS to address.

I feel strongly that not only should every effort be made to save Terri's life, but to protect the lifes of thousands who are or someday will be in her situation. Our prayers and support are with you.


I hope Mr Kurowski doesn't mind my using his exact phrasing to ensure the proper legalese is employed.

Gov. Bush's address is jeb.bush@myflorida.com
papijoe 7:12 AM
|