It's rather sad when they start eating their own!....
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/22/Northpinellas/Local_Republicans_bac.shtml Local Republicans back Greer
Accused of "murder" in the Schiavo case by U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, the judge is defended at home.
By MICHAEL SANDLER, Times Staff Writer
Published March 22, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEARWATER - Many local Republicans shuddered last weekend when U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay accused a Pinellas judge of "murder" and "terrorism."
Such labels, troubling in any context, are particularly grating when they involve two members of the same political party.
"I was absolutely so disgusted with what he said," said County Commissioner Bob Stewart.
Pinellas County Property Appraiser Jim Smith, a former state legislator and Republican state committeeman, called DeLay's remarks "a disgrace."
Local Republicans had their own words for Judge George Greer, who, as presiding judge in the Terri Schiavo case, ordered the removal of her feeding tube on March 18.
Conscientious. Honest. Compassionate. A good Christian. An outstanding lawyer.
"Those folks that are saying anything bad about Judge Greer, they don't know him, and apparently they don't understand the law and the separation of powers," said state Rep. Everett Rice, R-Treasure Island, who stood behind Greer's decision last week in Tallahassee.
In Washington, Republican lawmakers worked through the weekend after Greer refused to let congressional subpoenas interfere with his order. Today would be Schiavo's fourth ful l day without nourishment.
Leading the way was DeLay, the House majority leader, who used inflammatory language while marshaling congressional Republicans to swiftly force a federal judge in Tampa to hear a request by Schiavo's parents to reinsert her feeding tube.
"Right now, murder is being committed against a defenseless American citizen in Florida," DeLay said.
He also said, "Schiavo's life is not slipping away - it is being violently wrenched from her body in an act of medical terrorism."
DeLay's office did not respond to requests for comment.
Greer, who declined to comment for this story, has been the subject of verba l attacks from religious and right-to-life groups since his ruling on Schiavo. He has als o received at least one death threat.
His Republican colleagues in Pinellas are saddened by DeLay's statements in the already emotional debate.
"I personally don't agree with Judge Greer's decision," said Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and an active Republican. "But I respect the way he made it. I think those are inappropriate comments on DeLay's part."
"We need more judges like Judge Greer, not fewer," said Bruce McManus, a Largo probate lawyer who specializes in elder law.
McManus has found himself in a particularly difficult position. He's a member of groups that have been critical of Greer, such as the Southern Baptist Convention. But he also specializes in the area of law that Greer is interpreting.
McManus said Greer has done his best to make a tough decision, and called DeLay's comments "ridiculous."
"Judge Greer is an evangelical Christian man," McManus said. "He believes in the right to life as much as some of the people who are criticizing him so harshly. But he also believes in the rule of law, which he was sworn to uphold. To the best of his ability, that's what he is trying to do."
Rice is also a lawyer and last week opposed a bill in Tallahassee that would have blocked the removal of Schiavo's feeding tube.
"I can safely assume Judge Greer did the right thing in this case," Rice said. "And those people trying to vilify him about this are wrong. They are screaming and hollering for political gain. That's the only reason I can figure."
Rice said the comments have to hurt, but he knows the judge is taking them in stride.
"I think one of the most telling things about Judge Greer's integrity is that he could have dumped this case many times," Rice said. "He would not shirk his responsibility and he would not dump it on a fellow judge."
For Tony DiMatteo, the chairman of the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee, the Schiavo case is "an emotional issue" that has brought out a variety of opinions in the party. DiMatteo has chosen to keep his to himself. He offered a few words from a former Republican president.
"Ronald Reagan had the 11th commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican," DiMatteo said. "I wish more would follow the commandment of Ronald Reagan."
