Schiavo case is classic example of judicial tyranny

Date published: 2/14/2005

The Free Lance-Star has grossly mischaracterized both Terri Schiavo's situation and the Supreme Court's decision on the case. This is not a "right to die" case. Assuming there were any such thing as a right to suicide, Terri Schiavo has not expressed any such wish.

Her husband claims that she is unable to communicate. Her parents assert that she has used body language to indicate her desire to live.

This is a battle of medical experts. Michael Schiavo and his "experts" have much more to gain from lying than do Terri's parents, who are willing to dedicate their time and money to caring for their daughter. Michael Schiavo has spent more than a decade trying to end his wife's life, so he can marry his "fiancee," the mother of his two children.

The Supreme Court's ruling--that "Terri's Law" is an improper attempt to override a court decision--further cements the judicial tyranny under which we live.

Similarly, the media have characterized Terri's Law as a bullying tactic of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. On the contrary, Terri's Law is an embodiment of the will of the people. Thousands in Florida and throughout the country (myself included) desperately lobbied the Florida legislature to take action and save this woman's life.

Gov. Bush and the Florida legislature followed their consciences and the popular will, yet somehow a few unelected judges took it upon themselves to try to end this poor woman's life.

John Hathaway

Fredericksburg

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Date published: 2/14/2005