Blog #4: What involvement should US government (state and federal) have in a case like Terri Schiavo's.

The case of Terri Schiavo is a very interesting to look at because of the intricate legal process that followed after being her lifeline was removed. As a background,Terri Schiavo, a middle aged woman, was in a coma since the early 90's. In 1998, her husband made a decision to take off her feeding tube, an essential lifeline, so that she could die a "dignified death". A court order in March of 2005 finally ordered the tube to be removed after seven years of on and off court battles. It is at this moment where the parents of Terri appealed the decision fighting to keep their daughter alive. After this appeal, the case really takes off as it goes through a remarkable 26 court decisions in a matter of weeks. Personally, I feel as if the state should not have a decision in the matter. Yes it is nice to know that it is comforting that both federal and state governments are looking after the personal liberties of its citizens and protecting their rights, especially the 14th amendment concerning her due process rights in court. However, i feel as if the issue is more of a personal decision. And as a personal decision you have to "put yourself in the situation". Maybe it is just me, but what is the point of living if you aren't living a life. However, the point of the case is that it is able to test the balance of powers in the constitution. After losing in the courts (judicial branch), the parents appealed directly to governor Jeb Bush (Executive) only to be sent back to congress (Legislative) who was able to pass a new law. The case goes "full circle" and later ends up dying. I don't know about you but it sounds like a dignified death to me.