Yet another post on the Schiavo case. You'll just have to bear with these until the case is resolved, then I'll let off.

I have seen a lot of respondents to the countless blogs question the level of knowledge of the article writer. Well, allow me to divulge.

I worked for 5 1/2 years in group homes for developmentally disabled adults. Four of those years were as management. I have worked with individuals at or near Ms. Schiavo's level of functioning, including a 69 year old with downs syndrome, and other individuals at varying levels of functioning. I have seen firsthand the political maneuvering that goes on between a county and these individuals' guardians, including illegal closed door meetings regarding the placement of some of these individuals.

Long story short: when a county wants to take over guardianship of a nonverbal individual, it will. A court appointed guardian in my experience ALWAYS sides with the county.

So,how does this bear relevance to the Schiavo case? Simple. This case because of its potential precedents, stands to undermine the rights of thousands of nonverbal, disabled adults. In extreme (but foreseeable) cases, the county can and may take guardianship and order food and water withheld from these individuals, causing their demise. This is extremely possible in a county that is looking to cut costs.

So when I speak for Ms.Schiavo, I DO speak with authority. I speak for the many voiceless, imprisoned by the limitations of their minds and bodies, who cannot speak in their own defense. I speak for seriously deformed babies who should be granted a chance to live rather than subject to the whims of a county social worker who determines the cost of care will outweigh the benefits to society. And I speak for me, should I ever be in a position where I can't speak. I ask that God, not an MD,determine when my life is through, and speak for countless others to be able to do the same.

I speak because they have NOT come for me, but I want to be on record once they do.