Florida legislature gets hate mail

[Georgia]

Not surprising these messages came to some Florida lawmakers, one a Republican the other a Democrat, in response to Jeb Bush latest tactic to push Florida lawmakers to oust her husband as guardian, by creating a new law. According to Florida lawmakers there is not a "collective will" to do so right now. Both of the "well wishers" were on the side of keeping Terri Schaivo's feeding tube (unfortunately, not a surprise either). Here are the quotes:

Senator Nancy Argenzio, R-Dunnellon, said one letter came from a self identified Christian who "prayed" for Argenzio to die a painful death from stomach cancer.

Senator Rod Smith, D-Alachua, said one caller to his office said "I am Christian and I hope you will die in your own vomit".

I don't think Jesus would approve.

[Clara]

Hi Georgia,
I don't necessarily expect anyone to agree with me here, but these are my thoughts tonight. I think that either Terri Shiavo's parents love her too much, or they don't love her enough. I understand loving someone too much to be able to let go. I also understand not loving someone enough to be able to let go. Remember, as a child, we were taught that if we really loved the butterfly - we would let it go. We were taught to think about the butterfly's needs, not our own needs. It wasn't easy. In fact, it was hard, but we did it. In time, we let the butterfly go.
I hope Terri's parents will do the same.
love,Clara

[Georgia]

I agree Clara. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to let someone go who doesn't seem to be in any physical pain, whose eyes are open and makes gutteral sounds, it must be very confusing and hard to do that. BUT when it's gone on for 15 years and there is no record of ANYONE EVER having come out of a PVS, after a few years, no less 15 and the CT and MRI shows NO upper brain activity there has to be a point where one stops thinking about what their own feelings are, their own attachments and what the other person would want and I don't think there is anyone who wants to be trapped in such a body...yes, setting the butterfly free to be at peace and free from a physical body is a gesture of the utmost loving kindness. I wonder IF it was their choice, would they finally come to this decision? Are they fighting the enemy of death and grief through their anger at Michael? I don't know the answers to these questions, but I do know it's not the job of the government to intervene in such matters and it's shameless the way her dignity and her right to die has been made into a circus and used by others for political gain and to tout their own agendas and proclaim their self righteousness.
Love, Georgia

[jbro]

This is so sick and so insulting to Christians. I'm sorry that you posted this Georgia. Jeanette

[Trisha in New Zealand]

Dear Georgia and Clara,
I can hardly watch this any more.
I cannot believe all this footage of her is released - where is the dignity in that???? Of course, I have no idea what your privacy laws are.
I am very grateful my daughter made a very specific living will and am also grateful I never had to invoke it. But I know in my heart I would have let my butterfly go.
I guess, at her age with no specific illness to deal with, Terri had no reason to leave instructions. I gather her heart attack was not expected? We get half the news here, but this story has dominated the news for a few days now.
It is just too sad. Local commentary here this morning said this would/could never happen here. I hope that was correct.
Best,
Trisha

[Georgia]

Yes, it IS sickening...I read it in my morning paper. As the journalism motto goes "all the news that's fit to print", it's hateful and cruel but it happened and I think the rest of the world needs to know that there are some, not all, who declare themselves Christians who have such cruel thoughts and don't hesitate to say them.
Georgia

[janiep]

Does anyone seriously believe these people are truly Christian?I think not!
Love,
Janie

[janiep]

Not all who cry Lord Lord will enter into the Kingdom of heaven..but He that does the will of my father...and Jesus said many shall come in my name and say Lord have we not done mighty works in thy name and Jesus said depart me from me ye that work inquity..I NEVER KNEW you!Jesus knows those who are His and He said we would also..you shall know them by their fruit...these vile people do not bear the fruit Georgia and most people with any common sense at all know that..as you do .
Love,
Janie
Love,
Janie

[jean214]

Dear Georgia,
My county is filled with these degenerates right now.
love to you,
jean214

[Georgia]

These comments bring to light that there are degenerates all over the state of Florida...even riding in a car on the interstate (with my bumper stickers especially) could prove to be a risk. Now the Florida Senate is being pressured to change laws that in this case that would affect everyone....there's no stoping Jeb here, is there? When I watched the news last night, I saw how many people, guards were gathered around the Hospice and understand how that young girl had such difficulty reaching her grandfather's bedside..what a shame that by the time she did, he had passed. Can you even begin to imagine the extent of the lawsuits that will arise out of this mess?
Love, Georgia

[LindaC]

Janie,

I truly feel for you and understand how frustrating it is as a true Christian to see Christianity invoked in this disgusting manner. I can only suggest you speak out as loudly to these people who invoke religion as their vehicle of hate as you speak out for His word.

Religion has always been used as a vehicle to whip up the masses and stir up people's passion. It is up to each one of us individually to refuse to succumb to this tactic. You're as intelligent a woman as I have ever met Janie and I'm sorry you take any of this personally. Where's that great sense of humor? I know it's there!

Love to you Janie,

Linda

[jbro]

Dear Trisha,
We are hard pressed to get the actual facts of this case, here in America, as well. There is a huge furor in our country now and this case has mainly to do with the wrongful power of our judicial system. There are many unanswered questions re: her heart attack. Some of her nurses have appeared on "talk shows" and if what they are saying is true, then there should be a criminal investigation. Her husband will not allow an autopsy and she will be cremated.
The first thoughts to pop into my mind this morning, were "Justice will be served in the end." That is a comfort to know. Love, Jeanette

[Jane in MN]

This really makes me sad, Janie. But as long as these people have labelled themselves as Christian, you know they (and all the people reading this crap) believe it is so.

They will get theirs on Judgment Day, believe me...until then, they are doing a grave disservice to the vast majority of good people of any faith out there.

xoxox Jane

[janiep]

Thank you Jane,
I do agree,a few rotten apples makes the whole barrel smell sour so to speak
Thank you for youe input here.
Love,
Janie

[janiep]

Thanks Linda..you are right I do have a great sense of humor..I guess I take this fight for Terri's life so seriously that the lighter side of me has not prevailed.Sorry about that but thats what you get with a MelSan temperament.Sometimes our darker melancholy side sucombs to our lighter Sanguine nature.
as to speaking out...the right to freedom of speech comes in question but yes I would love to squelch them all..sometimes I would like to wring their necks! Just joking I am not a violent person by nature..unless someone or something is attacking my children or grandchildren...thats permissable right?
Love,
Janie

[LindaC]

No permission needed Grandma! I'm with 100% on that one!

Glad to see that smile return! This too shall pass Janie!

Love,

Linda

[Jane in MN]

Jeanette, don't be sorry that it was posted. It makes me mad, too, even though you can't imagine that I would pop out of the woodwork and defend Christians.

These few mean-spirited, anything-but-Christian people have managed to further denigrate a whole lot of good, loving, peaceful folks, who would no sooner wish harm on anyone than they would blow up a clinic. I'm sad for them, and for all those who are tainted by stupid stuff like this. It's a sad day for all of us, really.

xoxox Jane

[jbro]

Thank you Jane. You have made my day! I guess I'm taking all of this craziness to heart and it's getting to me. I appreciate the fact that you are not lumping us all together...you lifted my spirit today. Love, Jeanette

[Clara]

Hi Jeanette,

I know you're worried about our judicial system right now.
I hope it helps to remind you that the reason our country works so well is because of the very important checks and balances of our three branches of government - Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Also, lets not forget the Fourth Estate - Freedom of the Press.
I have hope and confidence that all will workout best for the future of us and our country. I care about Terri Shiavo, just as I care about each American soldier who dies in Iraq. I guess sometimes, unfortunately, we have to think about the total picture, even if we don't agree with the specifics.

Just philosophizing,
love,Clara

[Georgia]

I posted this to let people know how hateful this is becoming and how some religious zealots can disconnect from their Source and cause harm to others. Which is what happens with terrorists. Of course I know that all Christians are not this mean spirited and aren't represented by such people who kill abortion doctors. Just as I know all Muslims are not terrorists. But in their own twisted minds, I think the people that threatend these legislatures do believe they are Christians and what does it matter if they do or not, if they are making such statements? Emotions are running high here in Florida and unfortunately, these comments are only the tip of the iceberg. There are many good people, in the legislature, judicial and medical systems who, in doing their jobs, are risking their lives and the lives of their families over this situation for a long time to come. Last night there was a potential bomb left outside the Tampa courthouse and a threat from the leader of the Right to Life movement to politically down Gov. Jeb Bush because he now says his hands are tied. I'm beginning to think that it should be a law that everyone should have Advanced Directives after the age of 18...and of course those Advanced Directives could express a wish to have a feeding tube forever under any circumstance. No one should leave their families or loved ones in such a position because we see what can happen. I worked in a nursing home for 10 years and saw how these types of situations tore families apart which is why I had one before I ever got bc thankyou GOD, but now the world knows and maybe that's Terri's purpose, I truly believe that every life and every death has a purpose, a teaching, for others. Just so you and others know THAT'S why I posted this, not to be mean spirited about Christians, I happen to be one.
Love, Georgia