Tweety: Terri's father looks like he's having fun.

[11 Bravo]

On Imus this morning Matthews said that he thinks Bob Schindler may be enjoying his time in the spotlight a little too much. He included the caveat that possibly the man is simply "giddy with grief", but on balance, Chris pretty much called the guy a publicity hound.

[madhat]

1. I wondered about this myself.

Poor Nick Berg's father.

[adigal]

2. I agree 100% , plus they sold the list for $$$

I had a lot of sympathy for this family, but they are milking it for all it is worth. No???

[FreedomAngel82]

5. And they were selling merchandise

Go figure. After reading more on this case and reading they would even deny her wishes if they had known that's when I was convienced of them. Plus they go on all these rightwing networks and told all these lies and crap.

[KittyWampus]

11. Selling Merchandise? Really? Hadn't Heard

[immoderate]

15. A Terri Schiavo "Action" Figure?

Feeding tube not included.

--IMM

[Ms Chicklet]

16. Stuff for kids!

The "Freddie the Friendly Feeding Tube" coloring book. The literary classics "Mommy Cries Because You're Fat" and "Don't Worry Your Pretty Head, Daddy Will Think For You." The Terri Schiavo doll with quick finger-down-the-throat action and accessories like the endless pitcher of iced tea.

[senseandsensibility]

14. I've heard about them selling the list on DU

but since I boycott the corporate media, I don't know the details. What exactly did they sell? And is this fact being discussed on the cable channels? Thanks!

[lse7581011]

3. I can't imagine...

my father, or any kind, loving person letting someone they supposedly love be so abused by the mainstream media as this man has!

[Norquist Nemesis]

10. Me either!

Except, from what I understand, he started the 'grassroots' on this one and put it into the hands of the wingers panning for the cameras. They even embraced Randall Terry and put him front and center as a spokesperson! (Not to mention Alan Keyes getting involved)

Welcome to DU!!! :hi:

[Demit]

4. At some point, after his daughter dies & the spotlight moves on

to the next cause celebre, Mr. Schindler will have a lot of time to reflect on what he did, and how he looked, during this time. I would hate to be him when it dawns on him how he made his daughter into the equivalent of a freak performer in the circus.

[FreedomAngel82]

6. If he ever does

Some people never do that. These people welcomed this. I wouldn't be surprised if they have a "lifetime" movie and book deal set up already.

[displacedtexan]

7. Astute observation, FreedonAngel82!

Unless the Schindlers make a bundle off of the rights to their story, Bob will have to try to find a job now.

[Left Is Write]

8. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.

[mondo joe]

13. If there is any justice he will realize what he's done.

But I think more likely he will go to his grave with his controlling, righteous mind rationalized to the whole thing.

[leesa]

9. I think he's a soldier for GOP Jesus and he is using his

daughter as a tool to push the anti-abortion agenda.

[Ms Chicklet]

12. The Schwindlers will rake in the cash

Between the book, movie deals (written by the "Left Behind" people and starring Kirk Cameron in a "chilling" performance as Michael Schiavo) and the Jeebus Freak rubber chicken circuit, the Schwindlers are set for life.

Ironic, isn't it, after all the lofty, holier-than-thou accusations about Michael Schiavo being "after the money."

Self-righteous, hypocritical scumbags - from the domineering, manipulative parents to their two surviving brats. Terri's probably dancing a jig somewhere in celebration of her freedom from her slimy parents and siblings.

[Batgirl]

17. Just like all the circus performers outside the hospice...

Judging by their bravura performances they all looked like they were having fun basking in the attention. People writhing on the ground, looking self-consciously devout for the cameras, chewing more scenery than bad soap actors, and apparently loving every moment. For a few weeks they were the stars of the hot new reality show everyone was talking about. And I imagine it's pretty damn satisfying to convince yourself you're the embodiment of the Divine while cavorting shamelessly in front a national audience.

[stanwyck]

18. They're part of the hot new industry

in America: professional rightwing zealots. Find a cause, get a group of unemployed folks with placards to show up, appear on any and all radio/TV shows that will have you, and hire a PR firm and lawyers. Make a book deal and schedule speaking engagements. It's not about whatever the cause is...that's just the catalyst for the cash. Cause this is about the ego and the money.
Terri's parents are the Swiftboat Liars -- will lie for food -- say her husband beat her, say her husband wanted her dead, say her husband just wanted the money, say her husband was involved with other women -- accuracy doesn't matter -- as long as the spotlight is on them.
These people will not go away quietly. Their justified grief has become something else. Greed and self aggrandizement.
I feel sympathy for them, as parents. I wish they had found a better release for their suffering than this battle.

[jswordy]

19. Rest in peace, Terry. And let the healing of the living begin. n/t