You asked, so I'm telling...
I do not know Terri Schiavo, and I can't pretend to despite the copious amounts of information that has kept us abreast of her situation throughout the years. The whole thing seems creepy, and I feel that there are large parts of the puzzle missing that might not come to light until long after the whole thing is resolved.
I do know that she put herself in this " persistent vegetative state" by taking diet drugs; this tells me that her appearance was paramount to her, and helps me to believe that she did tell her husband that she would not want to live as she has been.
I do not know her husband's true motivations for wanting to end her life, and I can't pretend to. Again, we don't know the whole story there, and never will because one of the parties involved can't tell us her side.
I do know that I would not like to "live" this way, and neither would my husband; we have discussed it extensively and will be updating our living wills. Still, I think the only way she can pass away is cruel; surely there must be a better way to humanely end her life than starving her to death.
I know that Jeb Bush should not be granted custody of Terri Schiavo, because that would be wrong. If anything, that is something her parents should have tried if they already haven't. I feel that the Republicans see this more as a religious issue than one about Terri; I don't think they're really thinking of her at all. Congress can't get together to balance the budget or find enough money to fund educational programs, but they can all roll in off the Golf Course on a Sunday for Terri Schiavo. Not that she isn't important; but as I said, I don't feel that it's really about her.
I know that her parents love her, and that they genuinely do want what is best for their child. They love her, and for some reason feel that she can improve (although it's been made pretty clear that Mrs. Schiavo won't ever be able to be "present" and aware). But I wonder if their hatred for her husband is guiding their moves to some extent.
I want to believe in miracles, but I can't. I think Terri Schiavo should be allowed to die.
Book of the Night: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska, by Heather Lende.