Yesterday a businessman offered a million dollar payment to the husband of Terry Schiavo, the Florida women whose family is at odds on whether to allow her feeding tubes be disconnected and let her die. The husband has been fighting Schiavo's parents through the courts, legislature and executive branch in Florida with Jeb! leading the pack seeking to prolong Schiavo's "life". Also it was reported yesterday that new US Senator Martinez introduced as his first bill in Congress a law that would support Schiavo's parents. The Florida legislature passed a similar law but it was found unconstitutional by the Florida Courts. As well, a Florida judge yesterday ruled that Florida's Department of Children and Families could not intervene in the fight to disconnect the tubes; they had raised suspicions of abuse by the husband. At this point, the feeding can be stopped on March 18.
The irony? below the fold
Statement from Robert Herring, Sr.:
I became interested in the Terri Schiavo story some two years ago, and have followed the ups and downs in this tragic situation closely. After viewing video of Terri on television, I came to the belief that there was hope for her. As events have proceeded in the legal battle, it became clear to me that if something was not done for Terri, that all hope for her would be lost.
It was at this point that I decided to take action to try and bring a positive resolution to a very distressing situation. I therefore have made an offer to Terri's husband in the amount of $1,000,000 to relinquish his custodial rights to Terri's parents in an effort to keep the hope for Terri alive.
I believe very strongly that there are medical advances happening around the globe that very shortly could have a positive impact on Terri's condition. I have seen miraculous recoveries occur through the use of stem cells in patients suffering a variety of conditions.
I decided to contact Gloria Allred to assist me in keeping this hope for Terri alive due to her long history of protecting and being an advocate for those in need of help. I believe that by making this public offer it will encourage people around Mr. Michael Schiavo to help him with a decision that will be most beneficial to Terri. This is a decision that must be made immediately to keep Terri alive.
I have had no contact or association with either Mr. Michael Schiavo or Terri's parents or family. I am a neutral party as it relates to any dispute between them. I am not a medical expert, and do not have opinions on her specific condition. I am however aware that her condition, and potential for recovery is in dispute amongst learned medical professionals.
I am not affiliated or associated with any cause or organization. I am a private individual who is looking to bring hope to Terri's family.
It appears that the court battles may be coming to an end. With a date of March 18th quickly approaching, and no other viable hope for Terri to be able to keep her feeding tube, I felt compelled to act.
Robert Herring
March 10, 2005
... an advocate for Stem Cell Research puts his money where his mouth is and joins with Jeb! Perhaps someone should share this with our anti-stem cell President. *******
Update [2005-3-11 15:35:25 by route66]:****
Schiavo's husband rejects monetary offer, says it's insulting...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7150458/