Coalition Asks Gov. Bush Priorities: Governorship or Terri's Life

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., March 29 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Paul Schenck, L.H.D., has issued the following statement on behalf of the 11th Hour Coalition to Save Terri Schiavo's Life:

"It is unconscionable that Gov. Bush has not taken executive action to save the life of Terri Schiavo, an innocent woman being brutally murdered in a manner not witnessed publicly since the Nazis in World War II. Frankly, we are baffled by the governor's recent assertion to the Associated Press that, '(he has) not seen any means by which the executive branch can get involved.'

"This is particularly confusing given the contents of a letter sent to the governor by the Thomas More Law Center at his request. In response to Gov. Bush's query of the law center as to whether he had the executive authority to take Terri Schiavo into protective custody, the Thomas More Law Center stated, '...we conclude that you do have that authority. As the Governor of the State of Florida, you are vested with the supreme executive power.' The letter goes on to detail, statute by statute, how and why Gov. Bush can and should take custody of Terri Schiavo. The response concludes, '...you should take immediate custody of Ms. Schiavo, provide for her life support needs, including food and hydration, and medical care, (and) direct the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct a full investigation of the facts and circumstances of this case...'

"Given this compelling information, Gov. Bush's claim seems disingenuous. He is the chief executive officer of the Florida state government, and therefore does not need the permission of the judiciary-especially one so blatantly out of control-or of the legislative branch to protect the innocent life of a citizen. Are we really to believe that the governor can commute the death sentence of a hardened criminal, but cannot stop the dehydration and starvation of a disabled American?

"We all appreciate the work that Gov. Bush has done to this point to help Terri, but this is not a situation when half measures or political maneuvers will suffice. This is literally a matter of life and death, and the governor has the power and authority to defend life.

"In the end, the governor is faced with this question: Would he prefer to maintain his power as governor at the expense of an innocent woman's life, or is he willing to ascend to the highest level of leadership, integrity and courage by saving Terri's life no matter what the personal consequence?"

COALITION MEMBERSHIP: Dr. Paul Schenck, National Pro-Life Action Center on Capitol Hill; Stephen G. Peroutka, Esq., Face the Truth TV & Radio; Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, Human Life International; Joe Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League; Michael A. Peroutka, Esq., Institute on the Constitution; Rev. Greg Cox, Faith and Action; Chris Slattery, The Evergreen Association, Inc.; Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life; Rev. Stephen Cox, Gospel of Life Ministries; Rev. John Vandenberge, National Clergy Council; Pat Monaghan, Catholics United for Life.

Since last Thursday, I have sent 4 faxes, called twice, and sent 3 or 4 emails...

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