Update on the AP Story about Terry Schiavo

Dory at Wittenberg Gate clued me into something that I need to clear up.   She and I are both mentioned in the AP News story that is making the rounds.  So far I have seen it on ABCNews, MSNBC, Foxnews and Yahoo News, and a couple of local news sites.  The AP article references Dory and quotes her.  However, it references me and quotes someone else. Here's what the AP story says about me:

On JollyBlogger, maintained by Maryland minister David Wayne, a correspondent who calls himself ``Public Theologian'' presents a strictly pragmatic view:

``The overwhelming evidence is that she is not going to get any better. This business about her communicating verbally is bunk _ her physicians have testified repeatedly that this is not the case. If she could do this there would be no question in the matter _ the courts would simply ask her what she wanted. Her husband has the right, as next of kin, to make her health care decisions for her. Tampering with this right by conservatives will undo centuries of legal precedent by taking that out of the hands of families ...''

Please be aware that the quote is from a commenter named "Public Theologian," not me.  Those are not my words.   

No one has e-mailed me personally, but Dory has gotten several e-mails expressing great disappointment that I would take such a view.  She has written them back to point out that those are not my views.  This may explain some of the hostile comments that have shown up on my blog today where people are expressing their disgust at so-called Christians who want to see Terri die.  Maybe some folks think that these are my views when they aren't.

"Public Theologian's" comments are on my post Bloggers Best for Terri Schiavo, where I clearly say that neither Michael Schiavo, nor any government official or agency has the right to take Terri's life from her.  Here are my words:

I will only say that the Christian view is that we always have a bias toward's life.  Only God is sovereign, and only God has the right to say who lives and who dies.  I do believe that God has given the state the power of the sword, which would include the right to take a life under certain extreme circumstances.

The extreme circumstances which would allow the government to take a life are in the case of war or some type of particularly heinous crime.  I won't get into the capital punishment debate on this, except to point out that where capital punishment is allowed, it is only allowed in cases of the most heinous crime.

In this case, the government is intending to step in take the life of Terry Schiavo.  So the question is "what crime or act of war has she committed to warrant taking her life?"

The sad fact of this case is that the only crime she has committed is the crime of inconveniencing her husband.  This is truly a chilling development and I encourage us all to pray and do what we can to rally for Terry.

So, please don't confuse what you read in the AP story with my actual views.  Or, should I say, don't confuse what you read in the news media with the truth ;-)

Comments

[Joel Thomas]

Unfortunately a very bad use of modifiers by the reporter. I did give you something of a warning, though, because I too misread it at first, but was saved by knowing what your views are.

[Jeremy Pierce]

It looks fairly clear to me. On your site, a commenter made the comment. It's a fairly ordinary English sentence, with a definite subject, the commenter, and a definition action, the leaving of the comment. A recent study showed that many users of the internet don't read anything but just skim very quickly down the page. This is good evidence of that. I'm not sure what they're doing responding to news reports they haven't bothered to read, but I can't blame the AP writer for the faults of those who don't bother to read.

[Glynn Young]

Didn't someone else bounce from court to court, justice was denied, officials washed their hands, and then there was a death? About this time of year?

[David Wayne]

Joel and Jeremy - I figured bloggers would know what was going on but it looks like there are some readers who didn't. I agree with you Jeremy - I shouldn't grip too much at the writer.

[Joel Thomas]

Jeremy,

From a grammatical point of view you are correct. However, readers have come to associate the word "correspondent" as someone who is employed by a news agency or outlet. It would have been better for "Public Theologian" to have been identified as a commenter or as leaving a comment. Also, it seems to me that bloggers "present" views and commenters "react." Here, the commenter was put forth as "presenting."

[Ann]

Whether you believe Terri should be kept alive or allowed to die, the best way to honor her is to learn from her. What a wonderful legacy she will leave if she causes just a few of us to put our personal wishes in writting and discuss them with our families, doctors, and friends.

If you don't know where to start, there's a great form from www.agingwithdignity.org that is recognized by most states.

[David Wayne]

Joel - thanks for the further clarification. Careful though, what will people think if you and I start being nice to each other? ;-)

[Terry]

I first read the story to say that David was the "Public Theologian", comma used to clarify who David is. I'm not sure it is without ambiguity. Should I clarify?

[Joel Thomas]

David,

Yes, when people passionately believe different things, it is inevitable that some exchanges will be sharp.

Anyway, do we really disagree completely? I've shared my opinion that feeding tubes shouldn't be removed where there is no living will.

And do you really insist that it is immoral in all cases for someone to have a living will that provides for no feeding tubes in case of proved persistent vegetative state?

[Public Theologian]

David--

Sorry for the confusion. I am sure it is frustrating when you have a clear position on something to have people imagine that you think precisely the opposite. I know that you have worked hard on this blog for some time to cultivate a loyal readership and I hope that folks will not be deterred by a false report and continue to take your work and your commitment to Christ seriously.

All the Best,

Tim Simpson aka Public Theologian

[Jeff]

David,

I read it the way Terry read it ... and thot, man, I never knew David called himself the "public theologian". I found it so odd that I did a double take ... only to see that it was a commenter who claimed that title.

It struck me as odd that a reporter would report on a comment rather than on the blogger ... kind of the tail wagging the dog. Very odd.

Anyway, I was thrilled that your blog was plugged by the AP ... I cannot think of a blog I would rather see get national exposure than JB. I was glad to see the "Michael Schiavo and the Gospel" post was your leading post when that AP story broke ... I don't consider that an accident. What a convicting post.

[DestinationDawn]

When the Unthinkable Becomes the Acceptable; Anything is Possible... by Destination Dawn
by DestinationDawn

It is hard to believe in this free country that the LAW cannot protect an innocent, incapacitated woman from being starved to death. Not only this, but also that this injustice has occurred based on heresay evidence (which was provided by an adulterous husband) Yet, this is the exact ruling that has come down from the kangaroo courtroom of Judge George Greer. When did heresay become admissable evidence in a courtcase to begin with?

When can the Judge be both ruling justice and acting guardian ad-litem. Yet this injustice went on, and Judge Greer didn't even file his appropriate guardian papers with the court in the timely fashion as required. Judge Greer has thumbed his nose at the United States Congress and the President. He has issued restraining orders against the Department of Children and Families and the Governor of the state of Florida, Jeb Bush. Just what are you hiding, Judge Greer?

Moreover, how is a non-terminal person residing in a Hospice house anyway? Probably when attorney for Michael Schiavo, George Felos has his dirty little hands in the deed.(Didn't he serve on the board of directors?)

Furthermore, Michael Schiavo, who won't allow medical tests, therapy, visitors, music, sunlight, fresh air, and now even food to be given to his wife that he so 'claims' to love. Based on truth, I feel free to call him a liar.

1Corinthians 13:4-8 sheds true light:

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud, it is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

Your "love" has failed, Michael Schiavo!

Proverbs 6:16-19 states:

There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to Him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

You are found guilty, Michael Schiavo!

Finally, the Judicial Branch of our government has failed Terri Schiavo. The great laws of our land of liberty has allowed legalized murder by inhumane measures. Convicted criminals and animals have more rights then the incapacitated who can't speak for themselves. The unthinkable has become the acceptable; now anything is possible...

Babylon is falling, falling...

[PaulinTexas]

Did the sin of bulimia started this whole story for Terry? If it's true, sin sure has consequences and reprocussions.

[Jeff]

"Not only this, but also that this injustice has occurred based on heresay evidence (which was provided by an adulterous husband). "

There was no hearsay evidence. Under rules of evidence in Florida, testimony about the a persons state of mind can be admissible.

---
"Yet, this is the exact ruling that has come down from the kangaroo courtroom of Judge George Greer. "

Judge Greer is a republican and southern baptist. He has already been kicked out of his church. This court case has been going on since 1997, and has been reviewed and appealed countless times - if there was anything kangaroo about it, it would have been found out.

---
"When can the Judge be both ruling justice and acting guardian ad-litem."

This is true under Florida law, you would have to ask the florida legislature that question. But in fact two different guardian ad litums have been appointed - one by Judge Greer in 1998 and one by Jeb Bush in 2002.

---
"Yet this injustice went on, and Judge Greer didn't even file his appropriate guardian papers with the court in the timely fashion as required."
?????

---
"Judge Greer has thumbed his nose at the United States Congress and the President."

I would suggest that many see it as the other way around - Congress and the president thumbed its nose at Judge Greer with its passage of law in the middle of the night in an attempt to specifically overthrow a particular decision of a state court. Its not a precedent that is comforting and many consider it a huge breach of seperation of powers and federalism.

[Ashley Horne]

David,

Don't worry about it. We should all have learned by now not to believe what we read and see in the media. All the best to you!

[prying1]

It seems to me it was bad sentence structure. Jolly Blogger, David Wayne should have been in one sentence or even left out of the article altogether. But that would not have brought the extra traffic. (:-)
Public Theologian, Tim Simpson could have easily been identified by the reporter by simply clicking on his name. Takes everyone and anyone directly to his site where he expresses his views clearly. Perhaps it was inexperience on the reporters part. I do think 'commenter' would have been better used than 'correspondent'. After all. The line above this box I am writing this in says 'Post a comment' not 'Insert correspondence'...

Also glad to see Tim's comment concerning the mixup. Very gracious of you Tim. - Paul -

[David Wayne]

Thanks for all of the helpful comments - may I remind those of you who are arguing the merits of the case that I have other posts you can wail away on. This was just a post clarifying the AP story.
Thanks to everyone who told me how they read the story. I confess that when I originally read it I read it through my bloggers eyes, just figuring people would read my blog and figure things out for themselves. It didn't dawn on me till sometime later the confusion that could have happend.
And thanks for the kind words from everyone also.
And extra thanks to Tim, the public theologian. I agree with prying1 - very gracious of you Tim.

[Tim]

I must confess that I am deeply confused by this whole affair. I just read that a 10 year old boy and two 13 year old girls were arrested for trying to bring her water. Can she drink on her own? I've not kept up with the events so I'm not sure I have my facts straight. If our government is approving the murder of this girl, why aren't there 100's of thousands of militants fighting for her life? Aren't we given the right to bear arms, to form a militia, to fight against a government like this? If there are enough people willing to donate their time, money and energy to keep this young woman alive, what does the government have to do with it? As far as I'm concerned it's none of their business.

Sorry for the long post but I first read of the story here so I thought I would rant here.

[Terry]

Just to mix things up, I see a lot of this confusion to be the result of a clash of cultures, journalism who does not understand blogging and perhaps the other way around too. The group think of the bloggers versus the group think of the journalists.

[gleskes]

Did the sin of bulimia started this whole story for Terry? If it's true, sin sure has consequences and reprocussions

-----------------------
http://www.putosprogramas.com

[bob]

WE ARE WITNESS TO THE MOST BLATANT CRIME AND EXECUTION IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY AND THIS CRIME IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY AN OBVIOULSY OUT OF CONTROL JUDICIARY. AND WORSE, THE OTHER TWO BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT WHICH HAD THE POWER AND AUTHORITY FAILED TO ACT TO DEFEND THIS INNOCENT PERSON AS PROSCRIBED BY THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE AND THE NATION. THIS IS MURDER BEING COMMITED BEFORE OUR VERY EYES BY OUR OWN TYRANNICAL GOVERNMENT. MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON OUR NATION'S SOUL, IF IT IT EVEN HAS ONE ANYMORE

[Dory]

Well, David, we had a fun day in the sun, eh? I dare say I got more vicious hate mail than you did, though, since though we share an opinion on this, a casual reader of the piece might think otherwise. I have now been informed that I am a nincompoop, brain dead, a vulture, a ghoul, a fascist,...well, you get the idea. (Such cogent arguments.) The traffic was nice, though, and it has given me some very interesting opportunities to reach out to some folks. It also caused two old friends with whom I had lost touch to contact me. Blessings abound.

[bilbo bagins]

I have been watching the Terry Schiavo case for the last 2 or 3 weeks. The only time I recall unhooking someone from life support
is when they are totally dependant
on the devices to live, (Lung machine, etc), or in a coma for a
long time -- and even this I am beginning to question. Terry is in
neither of these cases, she merely
needs food through a tube.

LET TERRY LIVE.

[Phil]

While I agree that the wording of the AP story leaves much to be desired, I read it correctly that "Public Theologian" was not the same person as "David Wayne". At the very least, there is enough confusion that Christians should have practiced charity and actively sought clarification from Pastor Wayne. Bad Writing + Jump to Conclusions = Bad Actions.

Of course, the statement was so un-Jollyblogger...

[Phil Aldridge]

WE ARE WITNESS TO THE MOST BLATANT CRIME AND EXECUTION IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY

THIS IS MURDER BEING COMMITED BEFORE OUR VERY EYES BY OUR OWN TYRANNICAL GOVERNMENT

Gee I can't imagine why people think us Christians are overreacting...

As a Christian, I can only say that the fanaticism surrounding Terri is embarrassing and it has brought a morbid and ghoulish tenor to the entire thing.

Terri may have slipped through a legal loophole that allowed some people to act unethically. But it was all within the law and we have to respect our system. If you don't like the way it was handled, change the system the way it's meant to be changed. Beyond that, we did the best we could and we lost. It's not the end of the world and this veneration of Terri like she is the second coming of Mary is getting really annoying.

No, Jeb and GW are not going to have the Navy Seals rescue Terri from death. They are sworn to uphold the law of the land, not to go off on some half-baked caper catering to the latest cause of the month. Instead of tearing your robes and pouring ashes on your head, you should be getting your living will and your power of attorney squared away. No one can do anything for Terri, it's over, and no one will care in a year except the family.

This has been going on for 15 years, it's interesting that only now does anyone care about it. If this was such a pivotal moment in American History, people should have squawked about it 15 years ago. Instead a desperate family decided to whip up impressionable people into a frenzy with obviously phony claims. Hundreds of doctors have said Terri's brain is utterly defunct, yet the family would have you believe that she gets up and tap dances when everyone leaves. It's insulting.

I'm sad that a woman may die in a less than legitimate manner, but I'm even more eager for this story to disappear before we get even more embarrassed.