From jmurtari at AKidsRight.org  Fri Jul 20 14:13:23 2007
From: jmurtari at AKidsRight.org (John Murtari)
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:13:23 -0400
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] July 31 - Syracuse Rally Report/ Support Jailed in
	Georgia
Message-ID: <18080.64323.237892.513723@hammer.thebook.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

This message has info on:

1. Syracuse Rally Report - 31 July (any takers?)
2. Parent needs support in Georgia Jail - please write!
3. Syracuse - Sen. Clinton Petition Rally Plans


1. Syracuse Rally Report - 31 July (any takers?)
------------------------------------------------
I sent out a message two weeks ago (repeated at end) to announce a
firm date for a rally to help convince Sen. Clinton to meet with
parents and start a discussion on the need for a Family Rights Act. We
have a web page with all the info at:
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/clinton -- and a registration form.

How has the response been so far?  Well, this list message goes out
directly to almost 5000 email addresses (and is also redistributed by
others) -- right now we have ZERO takers?

It's summer, many of us are busy.  I've been slow responding to email
because of activity with my son.  Travel takes time & money, and is
it really worth the effort?

What to say?  As many of you know I've made a personal commitment to
NonViolent Action and personal sacrifice to help show the Senator
reform is important.  The event for July 31st was designed to be
'perfectly legal' and give more parents a chance to participate.

A good turnout (and by this I mean about 20 moms and dads) would send
a strong message locally and help demonstrate support for me and
others if future action is required.  I had also looked forward to
meeting some of you in person.

Some would say 'wait', but that is not an option.  As a parent I feel
a strong duty to 'act', and to have the Faith my personal action &
sacrifice has value.  I also know more people need to get involved in
the effort and this is why I always try to get your participation.

When I was 'caught & jailed' by support last year and responded by
'non-cooperation' and got tube fed -- many of you were wonderful in
your response and I am still very thankful.
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/support_jm.htm 

This is our chance to take the initiative.


2. Parent needs support in Jail - please write!
-----------------------------------------------
Submitted by Heidi <thecottoms at hartcom.net>

[ Please read the following and take the time to write (his jail
address is below).  If you can send a US Postal money order for a few
dollars, I'm sure it would be very welcome! ]

> My husband was just incarcerated a week ago on a contempt of court
> order for back child support.  We have been married for 7 yrs, have
> a 4 yr old little boy together, and another baby boy due in 7
> weeks. His daughter is 12, will be 13 in a few weeks.  When she was
> two, her mother took her from him and basically hid her for 2 years.
> For 2 years he never saw his baby and had no contact with her.
> After a long legal battle, and a fight to legitimize his daughter,
> his ex and her attorney father approached him with papers which he
> pretty much signed without comment because he was so eager to see
> his little girl (who by this time didn't even remember him).  He
> signed an order of $125.00 a week, which he didn't make then and has
> never made since.  He has gradually fallen behind since 1998. ...  I
> begged him to go back to court and have it modified, but he always
> said to just let him handle it.  He didn't want to stir things up
> with her attorney father, etc.  So he let it go.

> I became pregnant with my second son, even after we had decided to not  
> have anymore children, his ex found out, and called him cussing him out,  
> said we were worthless and irresponsible, along with comments about my  
> baby, etc.  She started action, filing abandonment charges first, and  
> finally a Contempt of Court charge.  We couldn't afford an attorney, so  
> he took the stand alone.  In less then 10 minutes it was all over, the  
> judge yelled, "Sheriff, cuff him and get him out of here".  He was never  
> allowed to defend himself, never even allowed to bring up the car  
> accident and his resulting health problems which have left him out of  
> work for almost a year.  He was remanded into custody and I was told he  
> has no release date, and he will not come out until he pays $49,000.  I  
> don't have to tell you our messed up legal system.  How can they put  
> loving devoted fathers in jail and basically give them a life sentence?  
> Child molesters and rapists don't even get such treatment...they at least  
> have the right to council and a jury trial, and not even as much jail  
> time....

> He has been in jail for a month today. His address is: .
  
> James Cottom-xs 
> 911 Chambers Dr 
> Conyers, GA 30012 

> Meanwhile, I'm 8 months pregnant, alone, no income, going to beg the
> government for help, raising a 4 yr old alone, and facing labor
> alone without my husband.  My baby is at risk because I've been too
> sick and depressed to eat or sleep, all I do is research on-line,
> trying to find help, an attorney that will take his case, writing
> letters to government officials that don't get responded to.  I've
> lost 14 pounds in two weeks, my Dr is concerned, and I'm now on
> anti-depressant meds.  But forget about me, since being
> incarcerated, my husband was denied transportation to a neurologist
> appointment where he was to have and additional MRI and CAT scan to
> continue trying to treat his medical problems.  He hasn't received
> any mental health treatment, he was in treatment before being
> incarcerated.  The jail told me he'd seen a Dr on Thursday and that
> THEIR Dr would decide whether or not he needed to see the
> neurologist.  They lied.  He still hasn't seen a Dr.  Still hasn't
> received any meds or mental health consultation.
 
> He's 3 hours away from me and I'm not sure I'll even be able to
> afford weekly visits because of gas....

> I appreciate your time, and everything you're doing to try to make a  
> difference.  I'm making waves of my own, as many as I can.  I write  
> government officials 2 times a day begging for help not just for my  
> family, but sending articles and documents begging for reform for every  
> other family's sake. 

> Maybe someday, together, we will all make a difference and our voice
> will be heard. We just want our family back together and the right
> to see our little girl that we both love so much. Heidi Cottom

Thanks for taking the time to write and VERY sorry to hear your
message and what has happened to your Family.  I know how insane the
support system is and how cruel the officials can be in making snap
judgements.  If your husband is still in jail, please send me his name
and jail address and I will distribute it on the list so that a few
people can write him - I know that means a lot.

> Thanks for the note of support.  We're still fighting here, though I really  
> feel like it's a losing battle.  Every attorney I've talked to who has ever  
> been before that judge says that he usually denies the hearings and just  
> lets them sit in jail.  Said if it had been ANY other judge, he'd have done  
> 10-30 days and been brought out to work.
 
> Anyway, meanwhile, we're moving in with a friend till I can get back on my  
> feet.  I asked for rent assistance, and all I got was a DFCS investigation  
> because they said I was in unstable conditions and are threatening to take  
> my children.  That's the "Help" they're giving me, and I'm nearly hysterical  
> trying to protect my boys, they're all I have left in this world.  My baby  
> is due in 4 1/2 weeks and it's pretty certain now that his daddy won't be  
> there, and I'll be alone during labor.
 
> I'm sure my husband would love to have some extra support right now.  He's  
> feeling very depressed and helpless, knowing everything I'm going through  
> out here is nearly killing him.  We talk every day, but the conversation  
> always ends in tears.  This is becoming VERY hard on our 4 yr old too.  He's  
> been sick all week, stress-related I believe, and cries nearly constantly  
> for his daddy.
 
> Please pray for us. The Cottoms- James, Heidi, Ty Daniel, and soon
> Talon Lane
 



3. Sen. Clinton Petition Rally Plans
------------------------------------
As I have mentioned before, we have been planning a rally for July
31st at the Syracuse Federal Building.  It is now 'official', we have
a signed permit from building officials, and here is the description:
(http://www.AKidsRight.Org/clinton/fedpermit3.jpg)

      "A peaceful collection of mothers & fathers holding pictures of
      their kids and asking Sen. Clinton for help in Family Rights.
      In pairs they will deliver petitions for reform to her local
      offices and those of other Members of Congress.  No shouting or
      yelling."

WHY SPEND THE TIME/MONEY TO ATTEND: You efforts to tell your story and
petitions for reform may have been ignored before, but this time will
be different. Three key points, see below for details:

1. You will personally delivery your story and petition for reform
to Congressional staff for not only Sen. Clinton, but also Sen. Schumer,
and Representative James Walsh.  You will show your willingness to testify
before Congress and encourage them to meet with other groups.

2. We expect good media coverage and this effort may be enough to
convince Presidential candidate Clinton that she should schedule a
trip to Syracuse and meet locally with a small group of parents in a
recorded public meeting.  As a secondary effort we will be asking the
same of Sen. Schumer and Congressman James Walsh.

3. This event is 'safe'.  No NonViolent action is planned, but if
additional public awareness is needed to convince Sen. Clinton to meet
with parents.  I hope other parents will join me in NonViolent Action
(http://www.AKidsRight.Org/checklist.htm) at a later date.  Your
presence now will help those who may sacrifice for reform later.

DATE: Tuesday, 31 July         
LOCATION: Hanley Federal Building, Syracuse, NY
TIME: 10 AM - 3 PM
REGISTER/UPDATES: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/clinton
CONTACT/QUESTIONS:  John Murtari (jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org)

PARTICIPANTS DESIRED: Agree with the goals/approach identified by
AKidsRight.Org (http://www.AKidsRight.Org/approach.htm) App. 20-30
mother and fathers.

BRING TO RALLY: A small placard with a photo of you and your kids and
the message, "Sen. Clinton, Please Help Us!", also three copies of
your story with photo (just two pages). We recommend you include words
similar to the following in your first paragraph, "I hope after review
that you will call for Congressional Hearings into the need for
national Family Law reform and the passage of a Family Rights Act.  I
also ask for the opportunity to be called as a witness by any
Congressional committee investigating this issue..."  No other posters
or banners.

PREPARE YOUR SOUND 'bite': We expect both print and TV reporters
there, have your 30 second reply ready. Don't focus on the negatives,
but on the love you have for your children, the pain of separation,
the indignity, and how we need to recognize and protect our Civil
Right to be presumed FIT & EQUAL parents to our kids.

BACKGROUND: Many of you are aware of my personal history at the
Federal Building, http://www.AKidsRight.Org/actionc_syr -- peaceful
NonViolent Action, over 35 arrests, Federal & State prosecution,
almost all charges dismissed before trial, some jail time, good (but
limited) media coverage. All in an effort to get Senator (and
Presidential candidate) Hillary Clinton to come to Syracuse and meet
with a small group of mothers & fathers about Family rights and hear
their stories.  An opportunity to put our Civil Right to be presumed
FIT and EQUAL parents on the national agenda. A meeting we could
record and share across the Internet.  A draft agenda is at
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/clinton/agenda.htm

We also plan on posting your letters/pictures at our web site, see
link above for details.  We know the Senators staff is paying close
attention to these efforts.  Your letters will not be ignored and they
will be backed up by the actions of others in the future.

PERSONALLY: Many of you know of my commitment to our efforts. I try
to follow up my words with action.  Right now I am so fortunate to be
enjoying a summer vacation period with my Son, six whole weeks!  He
will be leaving July 26th.  I hope this Petition Rally will be
successful and Sen. Clinton will decided to meet with us; if not, I am
prepared, and I hope others will join me in NonViolent Action and
accept the risk of sacrificing our freedom for what we believe in
(jail).

I certainly believe we will succeed, but the path will be much easier
the more people are involved....





-- 
                                       John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                            AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                "A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
Toll Free (877) 635-1968(x-211)        http://www.AKidsRight.Org/

From jmurtari at AKidsRight.org  Sun Jul 29 17:13:26 2007
From: jmurtari at AKidsRight.org (John Murtari)
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:13:26 -0400
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] Syracuse Rally Update/ Aug 5 Canada Parade & Your
	FEEDBACK!
Message-ID: <18093.758.942568.271488@hammer.thebook.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

1. Syracuse Rally Update & Future Plans - July 31st.
2. Aug 5th - Canadian 'Pride' Parade in BC.
3. Your FEEDBACK - on Syracuse Rally & Reform.
4. Mailbag - YOUR messages.


1. Syracuse Rally Update & Future Plans - July 31st 
---------------------------------------------------
I'm happy to say I'll have company outside the Federal Building on
Tuesday.  Katherine Nevill, a local mother & grandmother will be
joining me there.  She saw contact with her grandchildren reduced
as the 'system' destroyed her children's relationship with their kids.
Parents are still welcome to join us and hand deliver your concerns to
the offices of three Members of Congress: Sen.  Hillary Clinton,
Sen. Charles Schumer, and Representative James Walsh.  With a few more
people, we can be sure to also have the media there!

For complete details please go to:
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/archive/archive2007/0023.html

I'm hopeful we'll get enough folks to convince Presidential Candidate
Clinton that it's sound politics to meet with parents on Family
Rights.  If that isn't enough ...

After the Aug 18th DC Rally (http://www.dcrally2007.com), in late
August, I plan on returning to the Federal Building with chalk,
balloons, petitions, and more (and hopefully some of you?) and happily
accept arrest for the cause we believe in.  Why?
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/actionc_syr

A six week summer vacation with my son, Dom (now 14), ended Thursday.
We simply had a great time and are very fortunate. For some photos see
http://www.murtari.org/photoGallery -- as Coordinator I hear from many
of you and your stories are my worst nightmare of what could have
happened to Dom & I.  What would many of you trade just to be able to
spend a 'normal' summer with your kid: picnics, and movies, and games,
and ice cream, and walks, and swimming, and big hugs of affection?

I ask myself that and what I owe in return for being so lucky.  Going
to the Federal building and risking arrest to help convince
Sen. Clinton Family Rights is the MOST important issue affecting our
nation -- a pretty easy decision!  Many of you have a much more
difficult question to ask: what am I willing to risk so that other
people may enjoy rights that I may never have?

On Tuesday, if you can't make it to Syracuse, pick up the phone and
call. No need to be rude, just tell the Senator's staff that Family
Rights is important, numbers at the web site:
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/clinton



2. Aug 5th - Canadian 'Pride' Parade in BC.
-------------------------------------------
Submitted by: Robert Robinson (Burnaby Batman) <bc_courts_suck at yahoo.ca>

... On August 05/07, Sunday, F4J Canada BC teams will be participating
in one of Canada's most colourful parades, The Pride Parade in
Vancouver BC. Last years event saw more than 300,000 people in
attendance and this years parade is projected to be even bigger with
more entries added.
   
Once more the F4J mobile will be entered (27 foot stretched limo) and
more superheroes expected to participate.  This year in the line up we
will have BC Hulk, Spiderman, Superman, The Thing, Cat Woman,Burnaby
Batman,Flash, Wonder Woman and possibly Robin QC, depending on his
work schedule.
   
Also, Robin Junior - Chris Coderre - The Young man (21 year old) who
scaled the 200 foot tower crane in Vancouver with me September 05, has
returned to the nest and is back with us once more after having flown
the coup for over a year.



3. Your FEEDBACK - on Syracuse Rally & Reform
---------------------------------------------

--- jack clark <kayakjackky at yahoo.com>

> People Before Lawyers


--- Joanna Wright <hope4kidz at houston.rr.com> http://www.hope4kidz.org/

> Since I do not live anywhere near NY, and the DCRally2007 is August
> 18th, this may be why you are not getting much response.

> I think I know you well enough to know you would not attempt to
> shame people into following your lead, but this email was received
> in a very "shame on me" manner.  As if what you have done is so
> extensive and is a reflection of your commitment, then why can't we
> get off our duffs and help you.

> It was a major league turn-off.

> No response is necessary but as advocates, we do a lot that no one
> knows about and honestly, most do not care.

> I recently had a non-custodial parent tell me that they did not care
> about anyone else's child, as long as they could get their child
> returned.  I have worked with this person for many years, but the
> above statement, although honest, let me know exactly where they
> are; full of self.

> I would love to go to NY and would stand behind you, but I cannot
> because I have committed to being at the DCRally. Are you planning
> to be there?

Sorry for the delay and thanks for the message.  I had consciously
tried to avoid the 'whining' factor and acknowledged my own
pre-occupation with personal stuff myself.  Looks like I missed on
that!  I do plan on going to DC, look forward to meeting you in
person.


--- "Paul C. Clark" <clark at global101.com>

> In my opinion Hilery clinton is basically a communist and could not
> possible care less about your concerns, they do not fit her personal
> agenda and never will. You apparently can not learn and refuse to
> try, Read her history of corruption and communist beliefs, wake
> up!!!!

You may be right about not fitting a 'personal agenda'.  But she also
wants to be President and is a good 'politician'.  In the past Civil
Rights movements have always enjoyed broad based support.  If she does
not see 'us' as a movement -- what does that say about our efforts?

> ... As I have repeatedly explained to you many times in the past,
> Read the laws on the books. We do not need new laws, we need the
> laws on the books enforced as they are written... There are very
> good laws on the books getting the corrupt courts to apply them
> correctly is the problem.

> ... the big problem is the judiciary and the lawyers that are
> benefiting from the current way ..., completely out side of the law
> and as they see fit rather than what the laws require.

> If you continue to waste your time and effort on Senator Clinton,
> all I can say is you deserve what you get, which will be absolutely
> nothing. She and her kind are the problem, You can not change them
> you may hang them but you will never change them. The simple fact is
> the laws are good, the people responsible for enforcing them are
> bad.

> Wake up to the reality and read the laws.


--- Bryant <bcsvirtual.msg at juno.com>

> Might want to check out: http://www.indianacrc.org/index2.html

Yes, I'm familiar with these arguments that we already have the
'right' and a lot of them make sense; however, it is also clear that
in practice we 'don't have it' or it is ill-defined.  Again, I think
we can go back to the women's rights movement regarding the vote --
for over 50 years they also thought they 'had the right' in the
Constitution, and tried Court challenges, etc..., but it didn't
work. Finally, the 'amendment' to the Constitution made the right
clear and well defined.  You can look at some history on that at
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil_back.htm

What we want as parents is not the 'first' time' this has been done,
but we may be using approaches that just aren't effective and there is
plenty of history to look at.


>> 3. This event is 'safe'.  No NonViolent action is planned, but if
>> additional public awareness is needed to convince Sen. Clinton to
>> meet with parents.  I hope other parents will join me in NonViolent
>> Action (http://www.AKidsRight.Org/checklist.htm) at a later date.
>> Your presence now will help those who may sacrifice for reform
>> later."

> ..................and here I was expecting something that would
> demand attention. I STRONGLY DOUBT that approaching Clinton will
> have any affect at all!
        
Yes, could your please give me some more details as to the type of
event that would 'demand attention'?  It may be worth considering.


--- Phil <pstanley at carolina.rr.com>

> You started this in 1999 but have failed to get in implemented
> anywhere.  Correct

> Have you sat down and thought about the brick walls that you have
> hit over the past 8 years?

> What have you learned that does not work? What have you learned that
> does work In bringing this closer to fruition?

You ask some good questions.  Not sure how long you have been on the 
list, but I have certainly learned that NonViolent Action does 'work' 
very effectively in changing how people think.  It is hard to get
people to join in embracing more pain & sacrifice when they already feel
abused by a system -- but as history shows, it can happen, and I believe
we are moving in that direction.

> I think that all the splinter organizations need to come together
> instead Of everyone doing their own thing.  That is the only way we
> can prevail.

Yes, you make a good point, but right many of us differ on fundamental
goals and we still have not differentiated ourselves.  This happened
in other Civil Right's movements, and we are no different.  For
example, do you believe good, average, or poor parents are still FIT &
EQUAL parents to their children (only BAD parents found guilty of
criminal conduct are not)?  Do you feel a child has a 'right' to
express which parent they prefer to live with?  When does the 'state'
have the right to determine a division of time, or what is best for
your child?

These are fundamental questions.  We all know the system is need for
reform, that it is profoundly flawed -- but what is our goal?

> Hopefully, someone will put forth this same message at the DC Rally
> this year I suspect it may be Torn House or F4J with their drive to
> ride the UK Groups Success.  It's still debatable whether F4J can
> accomplish anything but, it's Going to be fun seeing how far they
> will go to get media attention.  Hope to see you and your group in
> DC on Aug 18th!


--- Dave Nevers <dave at nevers.us>

> As a single parent myself, I have to make lots of hard choices about
> where to spend the money I have available.  Sometimes I go the extra
> week or two before getting a haircut because there's something one
> of my kids needs more than I need good grooming.  The prospects of
> taking unpaid time off of work and traveling to Syracuse doesn't
> seem justified to me.

> I do work with several groups here in IL, mostly in the Chicago
> area, and I can honestly tell you it's tough to raise gas money to
> drive a group of parents 250 miles downstate to Springfield to meet
> with our own state legislators.

Yes, I quite understand and agree.  There are limits to what we can do
both in time & money.
 
> John, I don't think anyone questions your personal commitment.  What
> you need to understand, or at least accept, is that while all of us
> are committed to a goal, not all of us agree with the methods you've
> chosen.  And there are others who might agree with the method, but
> lack the means to stand beside you when you exercise that method.

> Personally, I think a demonstration/march/protest of the size you're
> talking about would be like a fly buzzing around the government's
> head.  A minor annoyance, but no real effect.  I don't say that to
> dull your passion, I just feel there are other things I did
> yesterday, today, and will do tomorrow that will have a bigger
> effect on our state's flawed system.

Well, you may be right.  But time will tell regarding effectiveness.
So far we haven't really excited a national discussion about Family
Rights....

> There are initiatives going on all over the country, in almost every
> state.  We're down to county-wide initiatives when we find a single
> county court that is particularly egregious toward non-custodial
> parents.

I'm not sure how effective we are when focusing on individuals, or
even focusing on a state legislature?  This all gets back to what is
our goal?  What defines our right to be a parent to our children?  If
we feel it is a basic human/civil right, then perhaps we need a
Federal focus to our efforts?

> All of us are glad you're a part of our movement, but sometimes all
> we can offer each other is moral support, since the legal system
> seems bent on taking everything else away from us.


--- Neil Pollicino <spirgroup at yahoo.com>

> When a father cries alone, we all cry with him and that sound you
> hear is en masse advocating.  Thank you, John, you are a true hero.



4. Mailbag - YOUR messages.
---------------------------

--- Erica Sansbury <esansbury29 at yahoo.com>

> Please write me and let me know how I can help, I am currently a NCP
> and I would like to help in getting this bill passed.

We are trying to get a Family Rights Act passed, details at
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/approach.htm

Your feedback is welcome and we could use people ready to visit the
local offices of Members of Congress, see
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/legislative.htm -- let me know after you
have had a chance to review.


--- Paul jakemedes <pjftw01 at yahoo.com>

> Thank you for all that you do sir. My prayers are with all those
> alienated from their children . When I mentioned that it was fathers
> day my 4 year old daughter she was quick to correct me and mentioned
> that there is no such day " It is called Parents Day" she said to me
> . nice bit of brain washing Thank you Tara Keys I feel so sorry for
> you but I refuse to hate ! Our daughter will hear nothing but
> positive things about you from me and God will take care of the rest
> . It is sad that my own daughter can not be close to me it is sad
> that she is being brainwashed I do feel for all of you here who
> hurt. Please have faith in God ,for I have lost total faith in our
> corrupt system of so called justice. Take care.

-- 
                                       John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                            AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                "A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
Toll Free (877) 635-1968(x-211)        http://www.AKidsRight.Org/