Bobby Shindler Remembers Sister Terri Schiavo on Anniversary of Her Death

March 31, 2016

Writer

March 31st, 2005. A woman in Florida was starved to death by her husband.

Glenn was originally on the wrong side of this battle. Before he moved to Florida, he'd never heard the name of Terri Schiavo. When he learned her story, he didn't put much forth much thought before coming out in favor of the "free Terri Schiavo from her suffering" point of view.

Glenn’s Transformation

A listener called during Glenn's radio program with a special request.

"Glenn, I want you to really think about these particular things this weekend," the caller said.

After really doing his homework and really thinking about it, Glenn came back on the air the following Monday with a change of heart.

"I'm on the wrong side," Glenn said. "We have to change."

This was in direct conflict with the prevailing notion at the radio station that Glenn should just "shut up" and not say anything about it. Just leave it alone. But the thought if remaining silent kept Glenn awake at night. He felt compelled to tell the truth.

Remembering Terri

Terri Schaivo's brother, Bobby Schindler, joined Glenn on radio Thursday, discussing memories of the difficult time they shared together.

"We fought alongside with the Schindler family for many years and tried to be a voice nationally after we were picked up nationally for people in Terri's condition. And there's a lot of them. She eventually was starved to death," Glenn said.

"Since that time, I can't tell you the number of people that have been in Terri's exact situation that have revived out of the coma, that for no reason --- doctors don't understand it, and they talk about how they were present and they heard everything in the room."

Despite their own painful experience, the family they took what happened on March 31st, 2005 and became a voice for the voiceless, working to uphold human dignity for those who are medically vulnerable through the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network.

Glenn said he thinks this is going to become more and more important as we progress through technology and understanding what life really is.

More from Glenn's interview below.

Memorial Mass

GLENN: Are you having the Philadelphia dinner tonight?

BOBBY: Yes. We're having a memorial mass as we did last year. This year, we're going to have more of a cocktail-type reception following the mass, rather than a dinner. But we're getting a good turnout. And so we're excited. And obviously it's to, not only to remember Terri, Glenn, but also to remember, as you just said, you know, all the other vulnerable people out there that really are at risk of dying the same way Terri died.

GLENN: Which is a -- which is a horrible, horrible way to die. I mean, starving people to death, not giving them food and water is cruel and unusual. I mean, it is -- it's beyond cruel.

BOBBY: Well, and for our family to have to walk in for two weeks and watch my sister die this way and watch my -- have to the experience, my parents having to watch their daughter die this way is something that I can probably never describe. And I got to tell you, Glenn, and I think I might have mentioned this to you before, but my dad died 2009. And he died really holding himself responsible for not being able to stop this madness, this insanity from happening to my sister.

Recognizing Those Still Fighting

GLENN: Bobby, tell me how many people in the country are going through this right now with their families?

BOBBY: Well, it's hard to know, Glenn, because there's a lot of dynamics involved. They're having a real strong push by those in the medical profession to convince people that the best thing to do, that people who have any types of brain injury -- and even others who are medically vulnerable -- to end their lives.

So we -- we just get calls from the families that are fighting against these types of determinations. And families that know we're out there in a position to help them with the resources we have.

So it's really hard to know, you know, how many families are experiencing this, the pressure to end certain treatment. But we do know this, we do know that with the changes in our health care system over the past ten, 20 years or longer than that, that hospitals are making decisions that are in the best interest of the hospital, rather than the best interest of the patient. And this is all, I believe, I think you would probably agree, that it's all money-driven.

And diagnoses are being made in a relatively short period of time to end life, without giving families and the patient a chance for any type of meaningful recovery. So the system -- I think you mentioned it in the beginning, I don't think people realize just how insidious people behind this issue, how much they are really controlling our health care system today and the medical treatment people will or will not receive.

Fighting For the Defenseless

GLENN: So, Bobby, what does the network do that you've started? What does your -- your charity do?

BOBBY: Well, after Terri's death, our family really recognized the need because of what happened with Terri and her battle. And really the arrogance of the people behind this issue and how relentless they are and the changes that they're making. So we wanted to really be the organization that we couldn't find when we were looking for help trying to defend Terri. And we really have built an enormous amount of resources.

So when families help us -- we've had an incredible amount (inaudible), whatever the situation might be, of stopping whatever it is that the hospital might be trying to do, as far as stopping treatment, we've been able to stop that process and be able to help these patients get the treatment that the families are trying to get for their loved ones.

GLENN: I met last year when I was up in Philadelphia with you, I met a family, a mom and a daughter that you guys had gotten involved with. And they were at the poor end of the scale of life. And the hospital just took over and wanted to kill -- I believe it was the son. Right?

BOBBY: Yeah. In fact, they're still dealing with that case, Glenn, believe it or not.

GLENN: Bobby, I have never seen a family endure what you guys did in the Schindler family. I have watched you over the years, and I've watched your family, and I have such profound respect for your mom and dad and your sister and you. And we just wanted you to know that we're thinking about you today. Today is Terri's Day, in honor of Terri Schiavo.

Getting Involved

And if you would like to get involved and you would like to find out more, go to lifeandhope.com/Beck. You can donate there to help. You can get involved. The biggest thing you can do -- if you know somebody that is in this situation, is connect with lifeandhope.com. If you care about this -- this is as important as abortion is, this is as important as the Nazarene Fund is, we don't crucify people for their religious belief, we don't kill babies in the womb, and we certainly don't kill people that we think have an inferior life. We don't let these hospitals and these insurance companies make this kind of decision for people, when the families are there fighting for them.

Featured Image: Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network Facebook page

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

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I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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