Many citizens Decry Weaknesses in Florida's "Terri's
Law;" Lakeland
Resident Tries Untested Legal Approaches in Florida Supreme Court to
Seek Compromise


Note: This Press Release contained quotes of individuals, which, in
many cases, were editied/shortened for length; The complete quotes -
along with additional contact info on these citizens -and the text
(with source) for "Terri's Law" is provided at the following links:

http://hometown.aol.com/Gww1210/myhomepage/TerrisLawPressRelease.html

or

http://www.geocities.com/gordon_watts32313/TerrisLawPressRelease.html


You can find the (shorter) press release with edited quotes here:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/8/prweb146899.htm




Many citizens Decry Weaknesses in Florida's "Terri's
Law;" Lakeland
Resident Tries Untested Legal Approaches in Florida Supreme Court to
Seek Compromise

Many citizens demand enforcement of State and Federal laws regarding
abuse of both the elderly and disabled. They are speaking out against
bias or lack of coverage in the press. Outraged citizens give
statements and sign with full contact information to validate.

(PRWEB) August 5, 2004 -- While many parties fight over the hastily-
passed "Terri's Law" in Florida's Supreme Court, the
only court
filings in recent months to offer any protection to the person
of "Terri Schiavo" are being filed by Terri's
family's attorney, Pat
Anderson, and Lakeland resident, Gordon Watts; Even were Florida
Governor, Jeb Bush, to win his court case, a clause in
"Terri's Law"
gives any future governor the right to remove Theresa Schiavo's
feeding tube. Further, this law "expired" 15 days after
passage,
which results in the governor's inability to issue any
"stay" in the
future to any other citizen, as was done with Schiavo.

Biologist, Gordon Watts, A.S., B.S., editor of the online
publication "The Register," has filed a request in
Florida's Supreme
Court, seeking acceptance of a brief, in support of Michael
Schiavo's
petition to avoid implementation of public law 03-418, the
disputed "Terri's Law." Watts, who previously supported
the hastily-
enacted law, has made a reversal in his position due to the law's
ineffectiveness to protect, as well as the fact the dispute
over "Terri's Law" has detracted much-needed focus from
actual
abuses. The 3 Watts briefs are posted at The Register website and
posted online at the Florida Supreme Court:

http://www.flcourts.org/pubinfo/summaries/briefs/04/04-925/index.html

Many other citizens who support Watts' efforts, have spoken out
against the shortcomings of "Terri's Law," and have
consented to
providing statements with full contact data, in response to claims
that Watts was alone in his complaints. (Excerpts)

1) "Terri's Law diverts public attention away from the crimes
Michael
Schiavo, appointed guardian, has perpetrated against the ward, Terri
Schindler Schiavo. The felony offenses are as follows: the
abuse/neglect of a disabled adult, practice of medicine without a
license and seeking to cause death via the illegal withholding of
oral fluids." Lisa Ruby, Webmaster 224 Reservoir St. North
Attleboro,
MA 02760 (508) 643-3285 http://www.LibertyToTheCaptives.net

2) "While many people are glad that Governor Bush has brought
needed
attention to the problems surrounding felony abuse of Terri
Schiavo…
many Floridians and Americans, myself included, have now come to the
conclusion that the fight over 'Terri's Law', had created a
distraction, diverting much needed focus to enforce the many felony
abuse laws in Florida, and to protect the vulnerable victims…"
Doug
Guillory, Hc 1 Box 490 Gainesville, MO 65655 DGCajun101@...

3) "…Theresa (an innocent disabled)…was not afforded and it
was not
demanded that she be afforded her retained rights to rehabilitation
and therapy…While not against 'Terri's Law' per se I am of the
opinion that the Florida Legislature and the Florida Governor did not
do enough…" Juan V. Schoch, Computer Field Engineer 630
Tomlinson
Terrace Lake Mary, FL 32746 407-925-4141 jvschoch@...
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/8/prweb145909.htm (Juan's
Press
Release)

4 and 5) "…Judge Greer has limited medical knowledge. He ought
to
follow Florida Statutes, and stop legislating and practicing medicine
from the bench…" (Joint statement) Joanne Kane, RN, Registered
Nurse
jk22586@... Karen Ward, RN, Registered Nurse 459 Golfview Drive
Naples, FL 34110 239-566-1573 User204014@...

6) "Terri's Law wasn't necessary. Existing laws are in
place…" Sheila
Fogarty 506 E. Douglas St. Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 402-289-9662
sheilamsdlf@...

7) "Just because he is a 'judge' does not make him right…"
Sylvia
Scott 6560-82nd Ave. N. Pinellas Park, Fl 33781 Leister2222@...

8) "As a citizen of The United States of America and a nurse,
with
over twenty-three years of experience, I have closely followed the
Terri Schiavo case…[Terri has been denied antibiotics several
times
for what could have been life threatening for someone in a
debilitated state of health. She has been denied socialization and
contact with others, including her own family…" Donna J.
Blosser, RN,
Registered Nurse 1617 King St. South Charleston, West Virginia 25303
304-543-0481 Dbg949@...

9) "Whether or not Terri's Law is followed is immaterial; Terri
Schindler-Schiavo is being abused because she is not getting
rehabilitation. I had a severe brain stem injury in 75 and have since
graduated from grade school, high school, and college. I have a BA in
journalism, French, and English and a liberal arts degree. I had good
rehabilitation therapy. If we do not protect Terri, who is next?"
Catherine Elaine Critz, BA, Traumatic Brain Injury survivor 122
Avalon Creve Coeur, Illinois 61610-4013 309-698-9451
ccritz@...

10) "'The Governor may revoke the stay upon a finding that a
change
in the condition of the patient warrants revocation.' (Selection from
Terri's Law)…'Terri's Law' diverts attention away from the crimes
Michael Schiavo, a neglectful…husband…" Dr. Dee Rohe,
Acupuncture
Physician, Hon. Dr. of Div. 10170 S.W. 199th St. Miami, FL 33157-8625
305 232-6182 ; 305-238-5298 drrohe@...
http://4lifeshaperite.com/rumbles/health.html
http://4lifeshaperite.com/rumbles/globalrumblings.html

11) "…Terri is kept as a caged animal…" Janet Goulet,
Journal
Webmaster Middleburg, Florida JanetHappyGirl1@...
http://journals.aol.com/janethappygirl1/TerriSchiavo

12) "…I want to say that never in this country do we starve and
dehydrate people to death. That is a long, painful process and
absolutely barbaric. We don't do it to murderers; we don't do
it to
POW's: Why would we do it to disabled people?" Angie Harsh, Child
Therapist Hagerstown, MD 301-790-0241 Stutz619@...

13) "…I have been very concerned about this case for several
reasons,
first, because I am a nurse, and am all too familiar with Futile Care
Policy, which seems to be sweeping our nation…With the high
misdiagnosis rate for PVS, of 43%, I would think [more testing of
Terri Schiavo would be mandated by the court…" Julia K. Endsley,
RN,
Registered Nurse 4253 Hwy. 64 W. #11 Henderson, TX 75652
Brokenangel1957@...

14) "My interest in this case is to support a patient's right to
seek
and receive life preserving and life improving treatment. Physicians
commonly take the oath of Hippocrates in the process of receiving
their medical degree. That oath promises to save life and promote
health…" Dr. Russ Hills Ph.D., Author, "THE PRO$PERITY CULT" 145
Gregory Ln. S.E. Salem, Oregon 97302-5006 hillsralive2007@...

15) "…[Mike Schiavo's abuse of this disabled woman, with the
permission of Law Enforcement, Political leaders, and Nursing Home
and Healthcare Officials is criminal…" Devorah Hoger, Psychology
researcher, Author, "Mark of the Beast" © Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
19148 215-708-2287 Motb52@...

16) "#1 Terri's Law is not strong enough to save Terri
Schiavo, and
#2, no one can participate in what under these circumstances would
constitute a judicial homicide, and at the same time retain a claim
to property, liberty, or life…" Robert J. More, Truck Driver
2008
South Blue Island Chicago, IL 60608 312-455-8385 CrxTLx@...
http://www.geocities.com/ThirstForJustice

17) "…As a Texas nurse, I feel that, while Governor John Ellis
"Jeb"
Bush did a great thing in getting 'Terri's Law' passed, this is
insufficient. Giving the governor the power to revoke the stay in
case of change of condition is equal to granting him permission to 1)
practice medicine & 2) be an accomplice to murder. 'Terri's Law' also
diverts attention away from the crimes committed against Terri
Schindler Schiavo including abuse, neglect, & malpractice."
Vanessa
J. Webb, LVN, Licensed Vocational Nurse 180 Van Zant County Road 2117
Canton, TX 75103 903-848-9322 Flutterby9322@...

18) "…[Terri left no written instructions that she would want to
be
starved to death…Thomas Jefferson said 'The care of human life
and
not its destruction is the first and only object of good
government'." Joyce Buskirk 25391 BeJoal St. Barstow, CA
92311-3411
760-253-2297

19) "I am a Florida citizen and have followed this case and
extensively researched everything I can find regarding Terri
Schindler-Schiavo for over a year now. I am extremely glad the
attempted murder of Terri by starvation and dehydration was stopped
after her feeding tube was removed on two separate occasions,
however, I believe Terri's Law was written and passed into law for
political purposes. I also feel that the Florida Supreme Court will
rule Terri's Law unconstitutional, not that I am saying I believe it
is unconstitutional. I just do not believe that ignoring existing
state and federal laws which would protect Terri, if they were
upheld, while passing Terri's Law at the last minute, was the best
measure to take. On October 15, 2003, Governor Bush asked for legal
assistance in saving Terri Schindler-Schiavo's life. At least five
(5) expert attorneys wrote letters to Governor Bush emphatically
informing him that he already had the power to stop Terri's
dehydration and starvation and to begin an investigation into the
alleged abuses of this vulnerable, disabled adult. Governor Bush
chose to totally ignore and disregard everything about which they had
advised him. I implore you to read what two Constitutional experts
recommended the Governor do at that time, without delay. Read the 2
attorneys' letters here:"
http://www.societyfortruthandjustice.com/new_page_5.htm
Melissa Roxanne Stanley, Online Researcher 925 Hunters Creek Dr.
# 202 DeLand, FL 32720 (386) 734-7049 saveterrislife@...
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/saveterrislife (Or, go to
http://www.groups.yahoo.com and once there, type in terri schiavo
into the search box,look for saveterrislife and click on the link)
Yahoo! Group: saveterrislife Owner: Melissa Stanley

20) "I feel that Terrie's Law takes away power from other laws
that
might be better used in situations like the one that she in presently
in. I hope that you will reconsider the use of this law, and use some
of the other felony statutes that apply…" Virgil Fritz,
Biologist
10848 Taylor May Rd. Mantua, Ohio, 44255-9516 Home Phone, 440-543-
6531 ; Cell Phone, 440-289 0801 AllNightVI@...
http://www.geocities.com/AllNightVI

21) "When there are laws that protect disabled people, and a
disabled
person, such as Terri Schiavo is a victim of abuse, the right thing
to simply do would be to follow the laws, no matter what a judge
says. If a law says it, there shouldn't even have to be a
judge."
Robert F. Watts, Owner, "Bobby Watts Speed Shop" 833 North
Lake
Parker Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801-2044 863-686-3411 ; 863-687-6141

22) "When considering what to do with a disabled woman like Terri
Schiavo, people should ask themselves how they or their loved ones
would want to be treated. Even if some disabled person would be
better off dead, I don't think anyone would want their method of
being killed to be slowly starved or dehydrated over a prolonged
period." Anne M. Watts, Supermarket Cashier 2046 Pleasant Acres
Drive
Plant City, FL 33566-7511 813-754-7889 (home) ; 813-789-1654 (cell)

Biologist and Chemist, Gordon W. Watts, who is filing suit in the
state's Supreme Court weighs in:

23) "When I first heard about the planned starvation, a
`purported'
assisted suicide of disabled Clearwater resident, Theresa Schiavo, I
couldn't believe they'd allow that, after all the hoopla over
"Dr.
Death," Dr. Jack Kevorkian's recent failed attempts. As well,
we all
recall how Clearwater, Fla. Rock band, "Hell on Earth" also
attempted
a "staged suicide," –and, like Kevorkian, promptly got
run out on a
rail by the local police, the state's attorney general, and
others –
and stopped in their tracks cold. Of course, citizens routinely are
charged with very serious crimes, be it wardens letting a suicidal
criminal starve himself, or the occasional horror stories we hear
about how someone starved their granny or crippled brother. And,
everyone knows better than to starve a dog or you'll be facing
big
jail time! So, I was stunned into silence when I heard that local
police were not only allowing this, but also enforcing it: They told
me when I inquired that were she to moan for water, and I giver her a
little (should I have visited her), I'd promptly get arrested,
jailed, and charged. This, they said, was to protect her from choking
to death, as I recall.

Besides being illogical (deprivation of water for a few days is
usually fatal, so what harm would there be in trying?), this was also
illegal, a crime under chapter 825.102(3), which makes it a felony to
deprive the elderly or disabled of food or needed medical care,
including, I would guess, water. They said there was a `court
order'
or something. So, I did a little research, and discovered the court
order only dealt with a feeding tube, not standard food or water,
and, even if it had, a judge can't order something illegal
–or else a
judge could simply say `Yeah, you all can rob a bank and shoot up
some people'. So, naively, like Forest Gump, I simply asked the
authorities (police and then courts) to comply with the law. What I
discovered is that the courts routinely deny the `little
person',
even if he is right, unless he/she get clout from the likes of big
news media –and the news media doesn't expose corruption in
the court
and give coverage –unless either I'm a "rich and
powerful" celebrity –
or, if I "win big" in court. (So, the little guy is in
`catch-22', so
to speak.) This is not right, and I speak out against bias in the
news media:

When I jumped in to save the "drowning" Theresa Schiavo after
authorities followed suit from other oppressive countries'
"state
police," I did not expect the bystanders in the press to make fun
of
me, but that is just what they did. Normally, if the lifeguard is
going under and needing help, as is here (I barely have time to look
for a job, much less work one, and court fees are piling up), you
expect the bystanders to call 911 (the functional equivalent of doing
news coverage), or jumping in and helping the rescue attempt (the
functional equivalent of helping my court petitions). The news media
is biased: The Tampa Tribune is probably best local paper and has
published a letter of mine, but is racially biased: (#1) After I saw
an excellent story on a Black couple who were denied entry into a
hotel based presumably on race ("Travelers Say Motel Lied About
Being
Full" By JOSHUA B. GOOD , jgood@...; Oct 17, 2002 -
Tampa
Tribune), I recalled that I had encountered similar treatment
–except
that I had documentation for the police actually admitting my race
(Native American) wasn't welcome because of offensive attire (a
small
feather), and I had even gone to court, but the Tribune refused to do
news coverage, even after I spoke to news managers and Gil Thelen,
their publisher. My skin was the wrong color: The Tribune was
prejudiced. (#2) Also, Florida routinely has elections problems, and
I saw some stories to that effect: Tampa Tribune, Nov. 09,
2002:"Ambler Still Faces Election Challenge" ... Tampa
Tribune, Oct.
25, 2002: "Suit Tries To Oust GOP Candidate" WFTS-TV-Channel 28
also
did a story. While these voters did not get far with their suit and
gave up, mine went all the way to the Fla. Supreme Ct., yet I got
less coverage: Local media was prejudiced against "small"
people.
Then, (#3) I asked local media for news coverage, and Rick Berry of
the Tribune said I would have to win big in court for Terri Schiavo
before I got any help from the media. They were prejudiced again
against little people, as others get news attention for doing nothing
but talking about the case: (#4) George Tragos, the "Manual
Noriega"
criminal defense attorney got on FOX News for merely talking about
the case, but I actually took action and got ignored. The Tribune is
talented and well-equipped, so it has no reason to yell at me when I
call on the phone to give a news tip about, say, a pending Supreme
Court case.

While this may not go over well with the news media, and such a press
release is a little long, it is justified because so many persons
contributed quotes, and the truth must be told about press bias
–or
blackout, as it were: We Americans are under a censor of press, by
catch-22: No justice in court without media pressure; and, no press
coverage without that elusive "big win" in court. Will the
"little
man" ever get a fair shake anywhere in contemporary America? The
answer is "yes" if this news release goes out and exposes the
truth.

Our fine laws, so many of them, which are veritable promises made to
the people, may not be upheld and enforced; If this happens, citizens
will not be afforded the protections necessary to maintain our
freedoms and liberties, most prominent of which is life itself, a
gift we can not give ourselves, and which is resultantly precious,
and you might be the next victim of this type: "Marjorie Nighbert
signed an "advance directive" before she was hospitalized for
a
stroke in 1996. This document stated that she desired no "heroic
measures" Based on this, her family requested that her feeding
tube
be removed. When Ms. Nighbert begged for food, the courts deemed
her 'not medically competent to ask for such a treatment,' and the
hospital physically restrained her in bed so that she could not
pilfer food from other patients. She died ten days later." [Note:
This citation from the Catholic Culture website was verified as
correct from numerous independent sources, not the least of which is
Focus on the Family. Source:
http://www.CatholicCulture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=5524

Therefore, I want a fair day in court –which may only be possible
if
I get a fair day in the court of public opinion: It can't hurt
the
press to at least try. Please see below for links to the unedited
version of the quotes of the concerned citizens above –edited for
length and grammar here."

Gordon Wayne Watts, A.S., B.S., Online Editor 821 Alicia Road
Lakeland, FL 33801-2113 863-688 9880 Gww1210@... ;
http://GordonWatts.com Electronic Technologist, Biologist, Chemist,
Online Editor, and civil rights activist; A.S. United Electronics
Institute, class of 1988, Electronics Technology (UEI now DBA Florida
Metropolitan University, 3924 Coconut Palm Dr. Tampa) B.S. The
Florida State University, class of 2000, Biological and Chemical
Science, double major, Honors: Golden Key Nat. Hon. Society

Note: This Press Release contained quotes of individuals, which, in
many cases, were editied/shortened for length; The complete quotes -
along with additional contact info on these citizens -and the text
(with source) for "Terri's Law" is provided at the following links:

http://hometown.aol.com/Gww1210/myhomepage/TerrisLawPressRelease.html

or

http://www.geocities.com/gordon_watts32313/TerrisLawPressRelease.html

All rights reserved © The Register
http://hometown.aol.com/Gww1210
http://www.geocities.com/Gordon_Watts32313

# # #



CONTACT INFORMATION
Gordon Watts
THE REGISTER, NON-PROFIT WEBPAPER
Visit Our Site
863-688-9880
Email us Here

ATTACHED FILES


Amicus in Terri's Law
Friend of the court brief; The Fla. Supreme Ct. also posted a copy on
their site.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name: AmicusWATTS_SC04-925.doc

Appendix to Terri's Law Amicus
"Appendix" to the Friend of the court brief; The Fla. Supreme Ct.
also posted a copy on their site. (If you read this large filing, you
should get "up to speed" without a doubt -as it is "comprehensive to
the situation.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name: AppendixWATTS_SC04-925.rtf

Motion for Amicus
Motion (request) to file a Friend of the court brief; The Fla.
Supreme Ct. also posted a copy on their site.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name: MotAmicWATTS_SC04-925.rtf

Motion for clarification, rehearing
This motion for rehearing relates to a diferent case Mr. Watts filed
seperately and is seeking to consolidate with the Terri's Law case.
It is an active case and is pending disposition on the motions.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name: SC03-2420ClarReh.doc

Petition to the UN regarding Terri Schiavo
This is just what its title implies; Mr. Watts petitioned the U.N.
regarding the inhumane treatment of Theresa Schiavo buthas yet to
receive a response.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name:
Complaint_Form_of_URGENT_Nature_before_Petitions_team_Ofc_of_HCHR,_UN_
@_Geneva.mht

Court Cases web page
This was downloaded of The Register website and is a reminder of all
the abuses that necessitated litigation -and a testimony to Watts'
determination and legal abilities.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name: Pending_Court_Cases.mht

Health research by Mr. Watts
This web page documents health research by Mr. Watts, and, while
not "related" to the legal battles the subject of the release, it
shows professional ability, diversity, and may even help reverse the
trend of degenerative diseases in the U.S.
Uploaded: Aug 4, 2004
File Name: Consumer_Advisory__The_Register.mht