I realize I have been posting on the Terri Schiavo issue with a certain amount of bias. This I have to own up to, as I have a strong opinion on this issue. I lost my Mother a few years ago after she fell, and was on life support for six months. After fighting the good fight, she started having problems that we, as a family knew she would not want to live with. So as a family, we made the decision to stop the support, and she passed away days later, quite peacefully, I might add.
That said, I really feel I need to comment on something other than the case, but still very much a part of what you see on your TV nightly. The points the different reporters bring up concerning the crowds, those who send their children to the school down the street from the Hospice and the general inconvenience for those who live and work around there.
I can understand the emotions are high, but there is very little consideration given by those protesting, in fact, living out in front of the Hospice. I am so very glad I no longer have any children in school, I know there would be a real problem if I had a child going to the school down the street, and because of those protesters, all the children have been shipped to a school miles away. Understand, here in the area we have kids constantly being left off at the wrong stop, children getting off, thinking they are at the right place, only to wander around for hours. I have given a nice ending because of the issue, but there have been many not so nice endings to this type of thing, especially lately. The children are being shipped away because of the crowds, as well as some of the vulgar things written on the signs. The children should not fall victim to those camping out in front of the hospital.
The problem seems to have gotten a bit better, but for the first week or more, the drums, singing, chanting, trumpet playing, etc. got quite old. Considering they are parked out in front of a hospital, full of patients that are, for the most part, living out their last days, should not be subjected to any of that. For that matter, neither should their families. The stress is high enough for all those in the Hospice without having to put up with religious zealots constantly making noise in front of the place. In addition, the fact that everyone trying to go on the property, i.e. the families of those with family as patients, has to subject themselves to searches, I.D checks, etc.
All this just so you can see your family. There was a woman who did not get through the checks in time, and her sister passed away before she could make it in to see her. Remember, those in a Hospice quite often take a turn for the worse very quickly, giving little time to get to them. The families, nursing staff, and patients have to deal with this because of people claiming they are there for the rights of the patients. Sorry, cannot prove that one by me.
Lastly, not even getting into the hassle it is just getting down the street, but the street is full of small businesses that depend on the drive in traffic. This is non-existent, as there is absolutely nowhere to park anywhere for blocks. The crowds, media, and protestors have sucked up every space as far as the eye can see. Therefore, these poor family owned businesses are pretty much out of luck as long as this goes on. Again, not much consideration given by those who claim to be sensitive to the needs of others.
The locals will be very happy when they are gone. I am certain those who work out of city hall are delighted this is going on, as the majority of those out there are from out of state, which means revenue. In addition, every time they see, or hear the words, “Pinellas Park Florida” they rub their hands together. Nothing like free advertising, good or bad.
So when you see them praying, crying, or pleading into the camera, asking for the state, Feds, or Executive branch to get involved, remember they may be praying for a miracle, but their car is likely in my driveway.