Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schiavo's families. I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time. I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life, where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others. The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak. In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life.
President Bush

After an extraordinarily difficult and tragic journey, Terri Schiavo is at rest. Columba and I offer our condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Schindler, Bobby Schindler, Suzanne Vitadamo and to all those who offered their prayers and support to Terri's family over these past weeks, months and years. Many across our state and around the world are deeply grieved by the way Terri died. I feel that grief very sharply as well. I remain convinced, however, that Terri's death is a window through which we can see the many issues left unresolved in our families and in our society. For that, we can be thankful for all that the life of Terri Schiavo has taught us.''
Gov. Jeb Bush

We are against the death penalty, and that was practically a death penalty that was inflicted on her. That was not a natural death. It was an imposed death. When you deprive somebody of food and water, what else is it? Nothing else but murder.
CARDINAL RENATO MARTINO
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

Never miss an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and friends; never let a day pass without telling your parents and children that you love them; cherish each day as a gift from God, and keep your hearts fixed on that day when you will see God face to face.
BISHOP ROBERT LYNCH
Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg

The law gives you the right to make your own medical treatment choices. This case demonstrates more than anything could demonstrate that if you don't take personal responsibility ... then your wishes may not be carried out, not only to your own personal harm, but to the destruction to your family and loved ones.
GEORGE FELOS
Attorney for Michael Schiavo

I'm deeply saddened by Terri Schiavo's death, and I'll always remember what was remarkable about her life … this quiet, shy woman who shunned the spotlight educated everyone on the importance of filling out a living will.
U.S. SEN. BILL NELSON
D-Tallahassee

I was saddened to learn that during Terri's last moments she was not surrounded by those family members who loved her most. This is a distressing chapter in American history that should make us re-examine what we mean by declaring ourselves a compassionate nation.
U.S. REP. DAVE WELDON
R-Palm Bay

On this very sad day, I join millions of Floridians and Americans in offering my thoughts and prayers to the family of Terri Schiavo as they struggle through this difficult time.
U.S. REP. JIM DAVIS
D- Tampa

My sincere hope is that Terri has finally found peace.
U.S. SEN. MEL MARTINEZ
R-Orlando

I don't feel responsible or bothered. She died 15 years ago.
STATE SEN. MIKE BENNETT
R-Brandenton

I believe I did all I could. I have a clear conscience about what I did. We just didn't quite get there. For government to inject themselves into bringing about an innocent person's death is a sad day. It's one thing to die naturally, it's another thing to have it forced upon you.
STATE SEN. DAN WEBSTER
R-Winter Garden

It's a sad situation. It's just unfortunate insight into what probably happens all too often in families that don't show up in the media. It's just sad.
STATE SENATE PRESIDENT
TOM LEE
R- Brandon

I am thankful that God has mercy on the souls of the innocent, and I pray that he will forgive the rest of us. Terri Schiavo is now a martyr. Her death is not in vain. We have a cultural crisis.
STATE REP. DENNIS BAXLEY
R-Ocala

This issue will now slowly fade from the front pages of our newspapers and the news tickers at the bottoms of our TV screens. However, I hope the concerns it raises remain at the forefront of our public consciousness so that more people will see the need for clearly expressing their desires on end-of-life issues.
STATE HOUSE SPEAKER
ALLAN BENSE
R-Panama City