Zogby Poll: Americans Not in Favor of Starving Terri Schiavo

[UDawg]

http://www.zogby.com/Soundbites/ReadClips.dbm?ID=11131

Zogby Poll: Americans Not in Favor of Starving Terri Schiavo

Polls leading up to the death of Terri Schiavo made it appear Americans had formed a consensus in favor of ending her life. However, a new Zogby poll with fairer questions shows the nation clearly supporting Terri and her parents and wanting to protect the lives of other disabled patients.

The Zogby poll found that, if a person becomes incapacitated and has not expressed their preference for medical treatment, as in Terri's case, 43 percent say "the law presume that the person wants to live, even if the person is receiving food and water through a tube" while just 30 percent disagree.

Another Zogby question his directly on Terri's circumstances.

"If a disabled person is not terminally ill, not in a coma, and not being kept alive on life support, and they have no written directive, should or should they not be denied food and water," the poll asked.

A whopping 79 percent said the patient should not have food and water taken away while just 9 percent said yes.

"From the very start of this debate, Americans have sat on one of two sides," Concerned Women for America's Lanier Swann said in response to the poll. One side "believes Terri's life has worth and purpose, and the side who saw Michael Schiavo's actions as merciful, and appropriate."

More than three-fourths of Americans agreed, Swann said, "because a person is disabled, that patient should never be denied food and water."

The poll also lent support to members of Congress to who passed legislation seeking to prevent Terri's starvation death and help her parents take their lawsuit to federal courts.

"When there is conflicting evidence on whether or not a patient would want to be on a feeding tube, should elected officials order that a feeding tube be removed or should they order that it remain in place," respondents were asked.

Some 18 percent said the feeding tube should be removed and 42 percent said it should remain in place.

Swann said her group would encourage Congress to adopt legislation that would federal courts to review cases when the medical treatment desire of individuals is not known and the patient's family has a dispute over the care.

"According to these poll results, many Americans do in fact agree with what we're trying to accomplish," she said.

The poll found that 49 percent of Americans believe there should be exceptions to the right of a spouse to act as a guardian for an incapacitated spouse. Only 39 percent disagreed.

When asked directly about Terri's case and told the her estranged husband Michael "has had a girlfriend for 10 years and has two children with her" 56 percent of Americans believed guardianship should have been turned over to Terri's parents while 37 percent disagreed.

(4/1/2005)
- By Steven Ertelt, Life News

Yet the MISLEADING questions before her death made us think the opposit was true. This pole was spot on. It dealt with the core of the issues. I rest my case.

[DiscipleDOC]

Reason why people were in favor of end Terri's life:

She's in a persistant-vegatative state--FALSE
She's brain-dead--FALSE
She's not responsive to any stimulant--FALSE

There are more questions that were circulated about the poll that said that alot of Americans were in favor of putting "her out of her misery". People fail to realize that this woman WAS alive, and that she was not in favor of dying.

[Nemezer]

Believe me or not fellows, but I fell as if I have been fed so much misinformation from both sides that I'm going to be sick. Is there anyone I can trust?

[oldsk00l]

Reason why people were in favor of end Terri's life:

She's in a persistant-vegatative state--FALSE
She's brain-dead--FALSE
She's not responsive to any stimulant--FALSE

There are more questions that were circulated about the poll that said that alot of Americans were in favor of putting "her out of her misery". People fail to realize that this woman WAS alive, and that she was not in favor of dying.

Where's the credible evidence backing that up? Got any?
I'm really open to it, serious, but to date what I've read is that it's all second-hand examination of things like video-tapes, examinations of medical records, and no firsthand examination that shows to the contrary.

[UDawg]

Both sides have not been completely honest, that is true. This case brought out the worst in almost every one.

[netviper13]

Wait until the autopsy results are released, then we'll at least have public records of the state her brain was in. Of course that won't be good enough for certain people, but for most it will answer any remaining questions.

[Nemezer]

I guess so. But it still is not the way I would have prefered things to be. It's like, "drown the witch, if she dies, she wasn't a witch after all!".

[oldsk00l]

Both sides have not been completely honest, that is true. This case brought out the worst in almost every one.

Especially Tom DeLay, what a freaking IDIOT.

"Those responsible will be held accountable" - George Bush in response to 9/11, and Tom DeLay in response to Terri's death.

[UDawg]

Get on topic or leave the thread.

[DaveW]

Wait until the autopsy results are released, then we'll at least have public records of the state her brain was in. Of course that won't be good enough for certain people, but for most it will answer any remaining questions.

I heard on the radio this morning that they cremated her body already so there will be no autopsy?

[Riptide]

They already did the autopsy. The results aren't public yet or they aren't complete at this point.

[DiscipleDOC]

Where's the credible evidence backing that up? Got any?
I'm really open to it, serious, but to date what I've read is that it's all second-hand examination of things like video-tapes, examinations of medical records, and no firsthand examination that shows to the contrary.

NewsMax (http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/29/203024.shtml)

The poll started out by falsely claiming that Mrs. Schiavo was on "life-support."

Wrong. Terri was on a feeding tube. She can breathe without "life support," and her parents – backed by professional caretakers – believe that she can ultimately chew and swallow.

Another article is this one:
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/30/144422.shtml
Read it when you get a chance. It's from a Neurologist's report.

[UDawg]

The reply I keep getting DD is that "she is basically brain dead and is basically on life support" then the symantics card was played. So it is a dead end.

[oldsk00l]

NewsMax (http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/29/203024.shtml)


Another article is this one:
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/30/144422.shtml
Read it when you get a chance. It's from a Neurologist's report.

I'm reading through this and, kind of getting a really sick feeling.

The patient continued with no physical therapy, communication or speech therapy, or routine medical screening evaluations and treatment such as dental care, mammography, gynecological exams or pap smears during this time.

Ok, I'm sorry but for ALL patients they should receive regular exams...this sh1t was just WRONG....ugh...man.....that is .... that is just DISGUSTING that they would neglect someone like that - braindead or not/comatose or not...there's just no dignity there at ALL..

:(

I have not seen this article at all, still reading, but omg this is horrible.

[oldsk00l]

Ok, read the article. I don't really have a conclusion different from before, except her whole "braindead" thing. She did appear to be limited in her conscienceness, however it doesn't go into "from here on out, here are the options" it's more like "She could do this, can't do this" "If we want to find out about this, etc"

All that aside, and all the court decisions aside...I think there is one real issue that SHOULD be on the forefront even ahead of Michael's decisions - is the treatment she received during her stay as a patient. YOU DO NOT neglect ANY patient, and I think this is a HUGE issue. She was treated HORRIBLY, and I am freaking PISSED AS HELL about it!

This is TERRIBLE, and why dept of health/human services in Florida hasn't investigated this is APALLING. Is this how all comatose/vegetative patients are treated?!?! It's as if they were trying to kill her without Michael's input at all. Bacteria in the urine???? I'm printing this article and giving it to a friend of mine (he's a family practice physician that I owned a business with, been in practice for about 10 years now, and I am going to see if he can get a colleague of his to look at it as well - who happens to be a neurologist as well).

If that happened at the facility I worked at, there'd be some lawsuits. Not from the family but from the facility after the former-dickhead-employee-who-got-his-dumbass-fired-for-liability-issues for violation of both HIPAA, EMTALA, and Jhaco laws!

This is the most apalling thing I've seen in a long time, and I don't think too many people are aware of this.

[bknblk]

Ok, read the article. I don't really have a conclusion different from before, except her whole "braindead" thing. She did appear to be limited in her conscienceness, however it doesn't go into "from here on out, here are the options" it's more like "She could do this, can't do this" "If we want to find out about this, etc"

All that aside, and all the court decisions aside...I think there is one real issue that SHOULD be on the forefront even ahead of Michael's decisions - is the treatment she received during her stay as a patient. YOU DO NOT neglect ANY patient, and I think this is a HUGE issue. She was treated HORRIBLY, and I am freaking PISSED AS HELL about it!

This is TERRIBLE, and why dept of health/human services in Florida hasn't investigated this is APALLING. Is this how all comatose/vegetative patients are treated?!?! It's as if they were trying to kill her without Michael's input at all. Bacteria in the urine???? I'm printing this article and giving it to a friend of mine (he's a family practice physician that I owned a business with, been in practice for about 10 years now, and I am going to see if he can get a colleague of his to look at it as well - who happens to be a neurologist as well).

If that happened at the facility I worked at, there'd be some lawsuits. Not from the family but from the facility after the former-dickhead-employee-who-got-his-dumbass-fired-for-liability-issues for violation of both HIPAA, EMTALA, and Jhaco laws!

This is the most apalling thing I've seen in a long time, and I don't think too many people are aware of this.


The care, or lack therof, that Teri received was a direct result of specific directives given by Michael Schiavo. He specifically stated that she was not even allowed to have her teeth brushed for the last five years of her life, as well as depriving her the other basic care that people that have not been de-humanized by a right to die judge. The health care facilities were all operating within the scope of the law and committed no illegal acts in the care of Terri Schiavo. Her care was dictated by her "guardian".

[DiscipleDOC]

The care, or lack therof, that Teri received was a direct result of specific directives given by Michael Schiavo. He specifically stated that she was not even allowed to have her teeth brushed for the last five years of her life, as well as depriving her the other basic care that people that have not been de-humanized by a right to die judge. The health care facilities were all operating within the scope of the law and committed no illegal acts in the care of Terri Schiavo. Her care was dictated by her "guardian".
Who, did not have her best interest at heart. This man has fathered 2 children by another woman, and has a life separate from her's. How can he have her best interest's at heart?

[oldsk00l]

The care, or lack therof, that Teri received was a direct result of specific directives given by Michael Schiavo. He specifically stated that she was not even allowed to have her teeth brushed for the last five years of her life, as well as depriving her the other basic care that people that have not been de-humanized by a right to die judge. The health care facilities were all operating within the scope of the law and committed no illegal acts in the care of Terri Schiavo. Her care was dictated by her "guardian".

Actually there are several ethical guidelines set by Jhaco that ALL medical providers are to adhere to (credentialed under Jhaco or not). It falls under the same predication that say, my son were to be hospitalized and was unconscious (whether or not he had %0 prognosis for recovery, or %100) I literally have no choice about certain hygene and physical requirements. In the report, the lack of certain care was directed by the physicians in question. Specifically look at the part about the Dr. saying the bacteria in the urine is not to cause concern.

The hospital, upon receiving a directive that is viewed as unethical, or illegal are obligated to discharge the patient with an acknowledgement of refusal to follow medical recommendations. This removes liability from the facility, and puts the burden for humane/adequate medical care to be given by the guardian or provisioned for by the guardian with medical approval from an outside Dr.

The Dr's in question cooperated with Michael illegally, and the facility apparently has no compliance officer, or an incompetent one. Either way, I think this is a much larger issue than her death. argh

This death was indignifying, and I am seriously wondering why state officials aren't heavily involved in this case.

[Zelda_fan]

Where's the credible evidence backing that up? Got any?
I'm really open to it, serious, but to date what I've read is that it's all second-hand examination of things like video-tapes, examinations of medical records, and no firsthand examination that shows to the contrary.

http://www.terrisfight.org/

click on multimedia. They have videos of everything you are asking for proof for.

[aaahhh52]

*edit* nm, ill wait till the autopsy

[Zelda_fan]

Who, did not have her best interest at heart. This man has fathered 2 children by another woman, and has a life separate from her's. How can he have her best interest's at heart?

Exactly. Something smells rotten about that guy. Personally, I think there is a special place in hell reserved for people who starve a handicap person to death.

[sabersix1]

Starving a person to death after existing in the state they were in for 15 Years is the absolute worst of any human behavier I've seen. The jerk of a husband was in a common law marriage with another woman and even had 2 children with. That should have ended His control as a conflict of interest. I believe that the Jerk has fought so hard to KILL this Innocent Women and keep any measures of rehab from her because He put her in this state to begin with. and oldSKool Don't Bash Tom Delay for Standing up for this person. At least He had the Balls to try to save her from this wrong.
I think the Liberal Judges did this to get back at America for Electing GW and for no other reason. Well wait till 2008, The DemoRats don't stand a Chance. They are the Party of Sodomy and Baby Murders and they are scared silly if Heaven forbid, the US becomes an Ownership Society. That is why they are so fervently against the Young people of this country being able to volunteer for Private Investment Accts in SS. They were all for Clintons Plan, but they will in no way let GW get any credit for enacting a good program.
But back to Terri, May God Bless her Parents and Siblings and I Know he took Terri to make way for John Paul. :angel: Keep It Cool and Go Easy SaberSix1

[oldsk00l]

reading that neuro-report has been very interesting, afaik, it's the most detailed public record of her medical info that I have seen.

The court decisions aren't what enrages me, it's the treatment given to her. The simple fact is that the cattle being prepared for slaughter get better medical examination/attention than she got for a good 5 year period. Even if she was dead, what happened is a gross failure to give her body any kind of dignity. Vegetative indefinitely or not, medical facilities and physicians have legal and ethical obligations to treat a human body better than that, even if it is just an empty shell. This horrifies me, so help me, if I were in any way affiliated with that facility and treatment team I would have spread word to every human that would listen about this abuse and neglect.

I'm still aghast.

btw, I faxed/emailed and phone that physician friend of mine (Dr. Ryndfleisz actually, and the neurologist that he is forwarding it to is a Dr. Kinder, out of Steamboat Springs, CO). His initial reaction was horrifying as well, he thinks all the physicians involved that allowed this to happen should be stripped of their license and sent to prison.

[CybrSage]

http://www.zogby.com/Soundbites/ReadClips.dbm?ID=11131



Yet the MISLEADING questions before her death made us think the opposit was true. This pole was spot on. It dealt with the core of the issues. I rest my case.


That pose is very misleading, in that she was NOT starved to death, and was NEVER in any danger of starving to death. She thirsted to death. Yet, thirsting to death does not have the impact of starving to death, so those against it ignored the truth and used the lie to meet their ends.

Neither side was, or even attempted to be, entirely truthful.

[Zelda_fan]

That pose is very misleading, in that she was NOT starved to death, and was NEVER in any danger of starving to death. She thirsted to death. Yet, thirsting to death does not have the impact of starving to death, so those against it ignored the truth and used the lie to meet their ends.

Neither side was, or even attempted to be, entirely truthful.

I was under the impression that they took away both food and water.