The following letter was sent to Governor Jeb Bush

Easter Monday, 2005

VIA UNITED PARCEL SERVICE

The Honorable Jeb Bush
Governor of Florida
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Fl. 32399

Dear Governor Bush:

Like many, I entertained the natural hope that federal or state authority would intervene to stop the barbarous act underway at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas County: the killing of an innocent, disabled, and defenseless woman by court order.
As the attached TFP statement "Saving Terri Schiavo" explains, no court, no legislature, can legitimately deprive an innocent human being of the right to life. Man does not receive his fundamental rights from government; these rights stem from his rational and free nature. Consequently, no government may strip man of his right to life without just cause.

Terri’s case defies logic, common sense, and all human sentiment. Since she is innocent of any crime, her killing is a grave violation of natural law and a stain on the nation’s honor. Her death is as incomprehensible as it is shameful.

Over the generations, America has gone to war repeatedly for the cause of freedom. Our soldiers generously shed their blood to liberate millions from tyrants abroad. Yet Terri Schiavo, after being denied an independent counsel and, more importantly perhaps, an independent guardian, is now being deprived of life itself.

Even a child would see a conflict of interest in a estranged husband making decisions that are supposedly in the best interests of an incapacitated wife. The courts apparently see none. Meanwhile, those invested with legitimate authority to intervene feel powerless, or worse, simply choose not to, abandoning Terri to her fate.

Our nation’s shame in Terri’s case is compounded by the fact that her unjust execution is so inhumane. It is slow and painful death by starvation and dehydration – the terror of any sailor lost at sea.

The absurdity of Terri’s nightmare also engulfs her distressed parents and siblings. Family ties of sincere affection bind them to Terri’s side in this tragic hour. Consequently, they share in her protracted martyrdom as Terri’s life slowly ebbs before their anguished eyes.

In view of the above, and with due respect for law and the established order, I feel compelled as president of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, to register TFP’s total rejection of Terri’s unjustified killing.

Terri’s death affects not only her family and friends but millions of stunned and concerned Americans as well. Concerned, yes, since who knows what is the next absurdity to be perpetrated in the name of justice?

Given that the courts of the land have failed Terri in this supreme moment, my intention in addressing you as Florida’s chief executive, is to register for history TFP’s indignant protest and heartfelt mourning at Terri’s killing.

Beyond that, the only thing left for TFP members to do as Roman Catholics is to raise their eyes to Heaven, beseeching Mary’s motherly intercession, and asking God to have mercy on Terri, on Florida, and on America.

Respectfully yours,

Raymond E. Drake President