Michael Schiavo: How Much Lower Can He Sink?

By Manuel Roig-Franzia
Washington Post Staff Writer
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., March 25

...As it became more apparent that Terri Schiavo may die soon, Michael Schiavo's legal team began to disclose plans for her burial. The courts have rejected requests by the Schindlers to block Michael Schiavo from having her cremated. The parents say cremation would violate the religious beliefs of their daughter, who was a practicing Catholic. Felos said Schiavo would be cremated and buried in a plot owned by Michael Schiavo's family in Pennsylvania, where the couple grew up.

"All week, my heart has been waiting for that angel to come in and save her again, just as it has in the past," Sue Pickwell, a childhood friend of Terri Schiavo's, said during a phone interview from Pennsylvania that became halting and emotional when the topic turned from the past to the present. "But I know, eventually, if all their attempts just don't work out, I have to come to terms with it."

Some Catholics have marveled at the weighty symbolic possibility that Schiavo, 41, could die between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the holiest period on the church's calendar. "That's the kind of convergence no one could have planned," said Richard M. Doerflinger, an opponent of ending Schiavo's feeding and vice president of the Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "People will say, 'Terri Schiavo died for our sins in a society that does not care enough for the helpless.' "

...Randall Terry, founder of the antiabortion group Operation Rescue and a Christian activist, served as family spokesman, recounting the wrenching details of their bedside visits. "She looked like she just came from Auschwitz," he said Schiavo's sister, Suzanne Vitadamo, told him after visiting Schiavo. He told reporters that Mary Schindler became ill after leaning toward her daughter, who has been without food or water since Friday. "It was as if Terri was begging her for help," he said.
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This guy won't give an inch, even when it comes to his plans for Terri's burial. This hard-hearted man won't allow Mary and Bob Schindler to have a say in their beloved daughter's funeral or final resting place!

Where does this wretchedness come from?

Schiavo's legal team and the judicial tyrannts in his corner have once again completely disregarded the wishes of Terri's parents. Why? Because this man is her husband, her guardian?

What kind of husband lives with another woman and is the father of her two children? This man is NOT Terri's husband. To me, he gave up those rights long ago when he engaged in his adulterous behavior. If he wanted to move on with his life, I completely understand that. However, he should have divorced Terri before embarking on his new relationship, his other "marriage."

He keeps yapping about the vow he made to Terri, his promise to her. Schiavo is disgracefully selective in the "promises" he keeps. What about his wedding vows? He had no problem tossing them aside.

I can't bear to hear this man referred to as Terri's husband.

Schiavo may have Felos, Greer, Whittemore, and a slew of judicial tyrants in his camp, delivering all of the pro-death decisions he requests.

He can celebrate in his court victories for now. One day, he and the others will face their final judgment.

Then, justice will be served.