Tom,

I have reviewed all the videos and photographs. I don't think you can draw any conclusion from those materials that Ms. Schiavo still possesses any cognitive abilities. Keep in mind that not one medical doctor who has ever physically examined her over the course of the past 13 years has ever concluded that she is anything but effectively brain dead. Virtually every doctor, court-appointed or otherwise, has concluded she will never recover - that most of her brain is just a bunch of dead neurons. Keep in mind that nineteen different courts have agreed with this medical finding.

That being said, I agree that its a difficult choice and can appreciate why anyone might disagree with her husband's decision. What I don't think is right is for the Florida state legislature and governor to get involved. Nor do I think its appropriate for anyone to level charges of abuse against her husband.

By the way, today, in Tampa, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday denied a request by the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, which monitors the treatment of disabled adults, that Schiavo be kept alive so it could investigate whether removal of the tube was abusive.

Merryday wrote that federal courts - other than the U.S. Supreme Court - are forbidden from interjecting themselves into matters already decided by state courts. He also said the group failed to provide enough evidence to support its request. This is the twentieth court ruling in favor of the husband.

This is a terribly personal tragedy and I am sorry to see it so politicized.

Donald