February 24, 2005
Schiavo: Jeb! scores political points with his base
Yesterday, it was reported that know nothing busybodies were praying to God Jeb! to intervene in the Terri Schiavo case. It seems their prayers have been answered.
State officials again tried to step into the legal drama over Terri Schiavo's life Wednesday by filing an 11th-hour motion to block the removal of her feeding tube. A judge rebuffed the move, although he extended an order barring the tube's removal until Friday.Posted by Norwood at February 24, 2005 05:10 AMThe unexpected filing by the Florida Department of Children and Families to investigate reports of abuse against Schiavo was reminiscent of lawmakers' passage of a 2003 law forcing doctors to resume feeding Schiavo after she went six days without food and water.
The DCF move capped yet another day of political and legal intrigue in a case with no shortage of dramatic developments throughout its seven-year history.
Just as in 2003 when lawmakers were spurred to action by thousands of communications from people wanting to keep Schiavo alive, e-mails and phone calls once again flooded Gov. Jeb Bush and lawmakers.
Bush pledged to do "whatever I can within the law" to keep Schiavo alive, but he sent a blunt message to those who oppose removal of her feeding tube by declaring he will obey "the rule of law."
"I'm not going to grandstand," Bush said. "I'm not going to do something that would be completely inappropriate and disrespectful of the laws of the state of Florida."
George Felos, a lawyer representing Schiavo's husband, Michael Schiavo, protested DCF's motion. "This reeks of political arm twisting," he said. "The governor and Legislature are trying to make an end run around the court system."
Schiavo's parents praised the DCF help and said the judge's order preventing removal of the feeding tube, unrelated to the DCF action, was another "miracle" to extend their daughter's life.
......(Pinellas-Pasco Judge George) Greer appeared irritated as Kelly McKibben, a counsel for DCF's Orlando office, stepped forward during the hearing to speak on a motion to intervene in the case as a crowd of up to 80 people, most of whom support Schiavo's parents, stirred. Some mumbled, "Amen."
Greer would have none of it, saying DCF was not a proper party to the hearing.
......DCF officials refused to comment and declined to say who ordered the move to intervene.
Bill Spann, chief of staff at DCF, said the agency could not provide any information because state law prohibits the disclosure of abuse allegations.
If abuse is proved, Spann said, a report is made to law enforcement and custody of the victim can be transferred away from an alleged abuser.
A copy of the DCF motion was not immediately released. The motion does not note who has made the "abuse and neglect" reports and contains little detail of the allegations.
Schiavo's family has previously complained that they believe husband Michael Schiavo had abused his wife.
......Felos said DCF has previously investigated "scores" of abuse allegations, though none, he said, have ever been substantiated.
Asked if Bush and state lawmakers were behind the DCF action, Felos said, "It's so transparent. I think the general public realized that."
