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Some interesting random tidbits from the various Schiavo decisions in Florida, as archived here.

To read these decisions is to be absolutely stunned by the media coverage of this event. Literally nothing is as the media is reporting.

For instance, from the February, 2000 decision in which Judge Greer rules that clear and convincing evidence shows Terri Schiavo would chose not to receive life-prolonging medical care under her current circumstances:

"During the period of time following the incident of February 25, 1990 the parties worked together in an attempt to provide the best care possible for Terri Schiavo. On February 14, 1993, this amicable relationship between the parties was severed. While the testimony differs on what may or may not have been promised to whom and by whom, it is clear to this court that such severance was predicated upon money and the fact that Mr. Schiavo was unwilling to equally divide his loss of consortium award with Mr. and Mrs. Schindler. They have literally not spoken since that date. Regrettably, money overshadows this entire case and creates potential of conflict of interest for both sides."

Why in the world would the parents feel they were entitled to half a "loss of consortium" award?

"The record before this court discloses that should Mr. and Mrs, Schindler prevail, their stated hope is that Mr. Schiavo would divorce their daughter, get on with his life, they would become appointed guardians of Terri Schiavo and become her heirs at law. They have even encouraged him to "get on with his life". Therefor neither side is exempt from finger pointing as to possible conflicts of interest in this case.

So much for Michael Schiavo's being a cad for having a girlfriend. But, we all know he abused Terri, right? And cut off her therapy, right? The right-wing blogosphere is ABUZZ about it. There's petitions from nurses out there, for goodness sake!

"Mr. and Mrs. Schindler filed an action to have him removed as Guardian based upon numerous allegations, including abuse. ...a Gaurdian Ad Litem appointed by this court found that there was no basis to have him removed.

"It is interesting to note that Mr. Schiavo continues to be the most regular visitor to his wife even though he is criticized for wanting to remove her life support. Dr. Gambone even noted that close attention to detail has resulted in her excellent physical condition and that Petitioner [Michael Schiavo] is very involved.

So much for the abuse allegations. Out in the wacky world of right-wing conspiracies, though, the abuse is a "fact", and they've moved on to suggesting Terri Schiavo's "heart attack" was no accident, or that there's an "improper relationship" between Michael Schiavo and Judge Greer. Begging the question of why 201k is not somehow making money off these people. Oh wait, that's what Republicans do.

The Schindlers tried again with an abuse charge, by the way, earlier this month, getting the Florida Department of Children and Families to petition the court. Here's what the court had to (curtly) say about that:

"...DCF admits that it has received scores of abuse reports in this case which it has obviously investigated and found to be unfounded."

Ah-hah! So the DCF is in on the conspiracy.

On another subject, here's some interesting court opinion on the "expert" witnesses the Schindlers brought in:

"Mrs. Schindler has testified as her perceptions regarding her daughter and the court is not unmindful that perceptions may become reality to the person having them. But the overwhelming credible evidence is that Terri Schiavo has been totally unresponsive since lapsing into a coma almost ten years ago, that her movements are reflexive and predicated on brain stem activity alone, that she suffers from severe structural brain damage and to a large extent her brain has been replaced by spinal fluid, that with the exception of one witness whom the court finds to be so biased as to lack credibility, her movements are occasional and totally consistent with the testimony of the expert medical witnesses."

Oh, and there's also this one, from July of 2004:

Schindlers file new motion for relief from judgment based on Pope John Paul II speech

Sadly, the link to Judge Greer's finding on that motion is broken, so we can only imagine. In any event we strongly recommend this site for a disinterested timeline and explanation of the Schiavo case.