From jmurtari at AKidsRight.org  Fri Nov  6 17:50:54 2009
From: jmurtari at AKidsRight.org (John Murtari)
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:50:54 -0500
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] Court takes kid from obese Mom & Why risk jail &
	Shared parenting?
Message-ID: <19188.43086.787674.602489@torch.softwareworkshop.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

This message has info on:

1. Court takes newborn from obese Mother - best for the kids!
2. Why risk jail? - ask Donald Tenn.
3. What's your goal - shared parenting sounds nice?
4. Support? System Down - discounts on movie preview!


1. Court takes newborn from obese Mother - best for the kids!
-------------------------------------------------------------
[ This is a good article.  Should social services have that much power
over family life.  I don't think so (see below in #3). How about just
'offering' help from the community - no threats allowed?  

OR - How about taking kids from people that smoke at home - easy! How
about taking kids from people who: never donate to charity, never done
anything to help anyone else, and have also been convicted of welfare
fraud and are tax cheats -- just bad examples!? - John ]

Submitted by: Rev. Gregory Allen Smart Sr <cpsvictim at gmail.com>

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-27585-San-Diego-Courts-Examiner~y2009m10d29-Courts-Briefly-Take-Obese-Mothers-Newborn-Child-Overweight-Family-Raises-Issue


2. Why risk jail? - ask Donald Tenn.
------------------------------------
[ Many of you have heard of Donald Tenn <donaldtenn at yahoo.com>, he
has been active organizing F4J in the U.S. and also participated in
hanging a banner off a crane outside a Ohio State football game.  He
is now facing trial on some serious charges for that...

Why would he risk jail. I encourage you to follow the story below.
Great pictures of him and his little girl, Madison -- definitely
worth the risk! - John]

Submitted by Teri Stoddard <teri.sharedparentingworks at gmail.com>

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-15873-Family-Rights-Examiner~y2009m11d4-VAWA-facilitates-and-funds-illegal-parental-child-abduction--part-one


3. What's your goal - shared parenting sounds nice?
----------------------------------------------------

> Children should have the right to have both parents involved in the
> daily lives. With the exceptions that if either parent would harm
> the child or allow someone else to harm them, they should not be. If
> both parents love and care about their children then we believe both
> should be in their children's lives.

Maybe stronger words are needed.  One bite of the apple is 'sharing'
and so is seeing your child every other weekend, or less if we don't
think that is best.  Who is going to measure if I "love" my child or
have shown the correct amount of "caring"?  Sounds like the same
system we have now?

Should we perhaps consider, the only way to truly have 'both' parents
is two have two EQUAL parents.  Whether they are good, average, or
poor parents?  This may sound radical, but I don't have to prove my
"love" for my child to anyone to be an EQUAL parent.

Couldn't it be simpler?  We are EQUAL, unless a unanimous jury verdict
in a criminal trial finds us guilty of intentionally trying to harm
our kids with malintent?  Is this too bold a standard?  It seems it
would get rid of a lot of family court fights about who cares most or
what's best.  It would also make the noble goals of more mediation
actually work -- because you have equal parties.

http://www.AKidsRight.Org/approach.htm
http://www.NationalPLC.Org/


4. Support? System Down - discounts on movie preview!
-----------------------------------------------------
Submitted by: Angelo Lobo <info at supportthemovie.com>

Thank you for supporting this project! We Are now offering the
official T-Shirt worn at the Peach Tree Film Festival along with a 60%
DISCOUNT OFF the "Sneak Peek" DVD in hopes to raise awareness to these
issues. BUY-IT NOW and pass it to your legislators, judges, lawyers,
organization and friends.  Every thing helps.

Please use the code (supporter) for an additional discount at check out.
Thank You.

http://www.shop.supportthemovie.com/product.sc?productId=6&sourceCode=supporter

[ Very good video from a parent in New Jersey: We won't enforce you
seeing the kids, but keep paying the money! - John ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-zXaOj9bZ4

-- 
                                       John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                            AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org         A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)             http://www.AKidsRight.Org/

From jmurtari at AKidsRight.org  Wed Nov 11 14:26:57 2009
From: jmurtari at AKidsRight.org (John Murtari)
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:26:57 -0500
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] Declaration of Family Rights/ Porn star fit?/
	Murtari update.
Message-ID: <19195.4097.452046.5499@torch.softwareworkshop.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

This message has info on:

1. Declaration of Family Rights - in just a few words.
2. Porn Star vs. America's Sweetheart - custody battle?
3. Murtari NonViolent Action update - chalk & posters, what's next?


1. Declaration of Family Rights - in just a few words.
------------------------------------------------------
Here are a few paragraphs which may capture the essence of what we are
looking for.  Fundamental principles which, if recognized and
protected, would have prevented many of our family disasters.

   When a child is born, both biological parents have a RIGHT to
   know. A child has a RIGHT to both parents in their lives. Fit
   parents decide what is in the 'best interests' of their
   children. Good, average, & poor parents are Fit & Equal parents.

   You and your spouse have a RIGHT to be presumed Fit & Equal parents
   (equal in terms of both physical and legal custody).

   If anyone (a spouse, relative, social services) wishes to challenge
   these rights, you have: 

   1) The RIGHT to counsel.  

   2) The RIGHT to be presumed a fit parent, innocent, and deserving
   of an equal relationship with your kids.  

   3) The RIGHT to protection of a criminal jury. The "state" needs to
   prove you were a demonstrated serious and intentional threat to
   your child's safety and that you acted with mal-intent towards your
   children.

PDF: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/family-rights-poster.pdf

What do you think?  Your FEEDBACK is welcome!


2. Porn Star vs. America's Sweetheart - custody battle?
-------------------------------------------------------
[ Many may like the Declaration of Family Rights -- take a look at a
real world story below.  Those "rights" would seem to guarantee both
Mom (Janine Lindemulder) and Dad (Jesse James) should be Fit & Equal
parents. I don't agree with the conclusions of Ms. Brooke below. 

There was a posting at the Glenn Sacks website which seemed to support
the reasoning below and 'sole' custody to Mr. James
(http://glennsacks.com/blog/?p=4363).  Your thoughts? ]

   "Can a Stepmother Like Sandra Bullock Be a Better Parent than a
   Biological Mom Who's a Porn Star?" 
                  by "Jill Brooke" Blended Families Expert.

   Full article at:
   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-brooke/can-a-stepmother-like-san_b_348438.html


Excerpt from above article ---------------------------------------
                                         ** reference comments below

 Rarely when fathers seek full custody of a child are the facts so
 stacked against the mother as in the case between "Monster Garage"
 star Jesse James and his ex-wife, porn star Janine Lindemulder. The
 couple are battling in court for custody of 5-year-old daughter
 Sunny. Not only is Lindemulder a porn star, which is a career that
 one can argue has negative moral and lifestyle implications on a
 child's upbringing (**a), but she is married to a felon and has an
 alleged (**b) drug problem. James on the other hand is married to Sandra
 Bullock, who has been called "America's sweetheart."

 Bullock and James have had sole custody of 5-year-old Sunny for the
 past six months since Lindemulder was in jail -- yes, jail -- for tax
 evasion (**c).

 Now Lindemulder has gone from the courts to the court of public
 opinion and ... accusing Sandra Bullock of being an interloping
 stepmother who is trying to "take away my daughter."...

 "What would give her the right to take away my daughter?" Lindemulder
 asked, even though she admitted Bullock is a good stepmother to
 Sunny. "This is my daughter. I'm the best mother I can be."

 ... As a stepmother and a mother, as well as a divorce coach, this is
 murky territory that must be navigated with delicacy. Again, the
 litmus test must be the best interests of the child (**d). This is
 not an issue of who has more money or status. It is an issue of
 safety. Judges, lawyers, psychiatrists and the public realize the
 benefits of both parents in a child's life. But when the issue is
 safety and a child's welfare (**e), sometimes parents have no choice
 but to go to the courts ....

 Don't you think that Sunny, as well as the other kids -- Chandler and
 Jesse Jr. -- benefit by being in Sandra Bullock and Jesse James'
 care?...

 I think as a culture we're ready to acknowledge that many stepmothers
 are great mothers too -- as tough as that may be for some Moms to
 accept. And some Moms are no saints and the child may be better off
 with the father (**f).

End of Article -----------------------------------------------------

Why I disagree:

a) "negative moral and lifestyle implications on a child's upbringing" -
I didn't know it was against the law?  What about a couple of local
women who embezzled hundreds of thousands from a charity -- take their
kids too? 

b) "alleged drug problem" - do we even have to prove it as a fact?

c) "jail for tax evasion" - she was caught.  Don't we all know many
people who cheat on their taxes?

d) "litmus test must be the best interests of the child" - who holds
the litmus paper?  Who gives you the right to conduct the test?

e) "when the issue is safety and a child's welfare" - Those broad
issues can always be raised.  They can always allow interference.
Should we leave children with parents who are ---- smokers?!

f) "some Moms are no saints and the child may be better off
with the father" -- I guess when all else fails, Dad MAY be okay,
as long as he is married to America's sweetheart.  What a slam?

Freedom is important.  Family is important.  We can always do better
and we all make mistakes.  We also change & grow as family and as
parents. The growth only stops when we are forcibly separated.


3. NonViolent Action update - chalk & posters, what's next?
------------------------------------------------------------------
As always the web site has more background and pictures of activity,
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

Regarding the principles of NonViolent Action:
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil.htm

It became clear last week that officials at the County Courthouse in
Lyons, NY, were not going to take action regarding the chalked message
I was writing on the sidewalk.

I must have covered about eighty feet of walkway with a multi-colored
message in blue, green, yellow, and red: "Mr Oaks - Help Family
Rights" It really was something to look at!  I taped about 15 copies
of the "Declaration of Family Rights" to the outside of the
building. It could have been great for publicity and a good media
story -- if only there had been other parents there?

Tomorrow I'll be returning and continuing the effort.  As always,
your help and participation is welcome!

-- 
                                       John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                            AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org         A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)             http://www.AKidsRight.Org/

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Thu Nov 12 18:13:24 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:13:24 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] Murtari arrested for writing "HELP FAMILY RIGHTS"
	on Courthouse wall
Message-ID: <90699.34910.qm@web112405.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,


[ NOTE: please send any message replies to this monitored addr:
<jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org> ]

I wanted to send out a brief message on my arrest today in Lyons, NY.
In the last few weeks I've used kid's chalk to write on the sidewalk
outside the Courthouse.  It became clear officials weren't going to
take action even though I was threatened with arrest initially.  You
can see pictures of the earlier activity at:
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

It was also clear there were no other parents yet ready to join in
this NonViolent Action.  A Mom & Dad willing to accept arrest & jail
as a way to peacefully demonstrate the depth of their beliefs. 


What Happened Today
-------------------
At 2 PM, I wrote the same "HELP FAMILY RIGHTS" message on the outside
wall of the building.  Still using kid's chalk, still very easy to
remove -- but harder for officials to ignore.

I just wrote it once and then went inside the building and told
security I'd left a message on the wall.  They took a look and in
about 30 minutes the local police showed up and I was taken into
custody.  I was charged with a misdemeanor, in violation of Section
145.60(2) of the New York Penal Law: "No person shall make graffiti of
any type on any building, public or private....."

I was released with an appearance ticket for the local Village Court
on Nov. 25th (I'll have copies of the tickets, etc.. at the website by
tomorrow morning).


The Important Stuff - Going back tomorrow!
------------------------------------------
I'm planning to return tomorrow and repeat the same activity.  Why?
I had an interesting conversation with one of the officers:

   "Do you want to get arrested? Want to go to jail?"

   "No, not at all.  My goal is to show how important Family Rights
   are.  I've been trying to get other parents to join me in writing
   on the sidewalk -- it could have been a good news story, but you
   know how it is -- a lot of people complain....It's hard to get
   people to actually do something....

   So... I have to do a little more to increase the 'drama' of the
   event -- but I'm always peaceful & courteous...."

He seemed to understand that. I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK THERE ALONE
TOMORROW!  There will be another arrest and most likely jail.


The Alternative - Group Action
------------------------------
I would much prefer to find a Mom & Dad willing to join me next week
in more chalk writing on the sidewalk outside the building.  With
three people we could turn it into a media event -- and that would
help all of us!  But there's always a risk.

They allowed me to fill the sidewalk with writing, but if more people
show up they may threaten arrest again -- we must have the quiet
courage of our convictions and Faith in the power of the love we have
for our kids.  http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil.htm

This is not about winning or what other's may do in response. Actions
such as these first convince "us" that what we want is worth the
potential sacrifice.

Folks, don't get me wrong.  I understand when people can't join the
effort. We all have a lot of personal issues to deal with.  I have
failed to respond to other requests for help because I was too busy.
But I'm also confident that with time -- parents will start to come
forward.  All I can do is ask...

I just got a notice there will be a County Board of Supervisors meeting
next Tuesday at 9AM in the old Courthouse building (right next to the
new one).  Media usually attends and we could get some easy attention
by messages on the sidewalk.

If you think you are interested, email me: jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org and
leave me a phone number & good time to call.  Maybe I won't need to go
back tomorrow...

  
The Declaration of Family Rights
--------------------------------
On Monday & Tuesday of this week I had also taped sheets of paper with
a Declaration of Family Rights on the outside wall & windows of the
County Courthouse.
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/family-rights-poster.pdf


Declaration of Family Rights - in just a few words.
--------------------------------------------------
Here are a few paragraphs which may capture the essence of what we are
looking for.  Fundamental principles which, if recognized and
protected, would have prevented many of our family disasters.

   When a child is born, both biological parents have a RIGHT to
   know. A child has a RIGHT to both parents in their lives. Fit
   parents decide what is in the 'best interests' of their
   children. Good, average, & poor parents are Fit & Equal parents.

   You and your spouse have a RIGHT to be presumed Fit & Equal parents
   (equal in terms of both physical and legal custody).

   If anyone (a spouse, relative, social services) wishes to challenge
   these rights, you have: 

   1) The RIGHT to counsel.  

   2) The RIGHT to be presumed a fit parent, innocent, and deserving
   of an equal relationship with your kids.  

   3) The RIGHT to protection of a criminal jury. The "state" needs to
   prove you were a demonstrated serious and intentional threat to
   your child's safety and that you acted with mal-intent towards your
   children.

PDF: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/family-rights-poster.pdf

What do you think?  Your FEEDBACK & PARTICIPATION is welcome!

-- 
                                                                                   John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                                                 AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                               A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)                                           http://www.AKidsRight.Org/


      

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Mon Nov 16 13:33:04 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:33:04 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] Murtari arrested for writing "HELP FAMILY RIGHTS"
	on Courthouse
Message-ID: <610805.29944.qm@web112407.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

[ NOTE: please send any message replies to this monitored addr:
<jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org> ]

We wanted to send out a brief announcement that John Murtari was
arrested again today in Lyons, NY.  This was similar to the last
arrest that occurred on November 12th (he used kid's chalk to write a
Family Rights message on the side of the building). Because this was
the second arrest, John expected he might be held in jail until his
next scheduled Village Court date on November 25th.

We don't have any details yet, but they will be posted at the web site
once we hear from John. There are also pictures of his earlier
activity.  http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

Earlier this month John had taped sheets of paper with a simple Family
Rights message to the outside wall & windows of the County Courthouse.
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/family-rights-poster.pdf

John's plan was to use a simple public message to convince local
Assemblyman Bob Oaks he should support Family Rights.  We'd like him
to sponsor a first-in-the-nation Bill that recognizes the right of
both biological parents to know they have a child at birth.

For more background and details you may also see this report at
Examiner.com:

http://www.examiner.com/x-15873-Family-Rights-Examiner%7Ey2009m10d24-Activist-Murtari-resumes-Youre-a-Parent-Notification-Act-campaign-in-Lyons

You can contact Assemblyman Oaks by:

website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=128
email: oaksr at assembly.state.ny.us
phone: 315-946-5166
write: Assemblyman Robert Oaks, 10 Leach Road, Lyons, NY 14489

You are also welcome to call/write these officials on his behalf.

* DA Richard Healey , Hall of Justice, Suite 202, Lyons, NY  14489
    (Phone: 315-946-5905 / Fax: 315-946-5911)

* Village Justice Nicholas Forgione, 79 William St., Lyons, NY 14489
    (Phone: 315-946-4565)

For the last few weeks he'd used kid's chalk to write a message about
the need for Family Rights on the sidewalk outside the building.  It
became clear officials at the Courthouse in Lyons were not going to
take action even though he was threatened with arrest initially.

It was also clear there were no other parents ready to join in this
NonViolent Action.  A mom & dad willing to accept arrest & jail as a
way to peacefully demonstrate the depth of their beliefs. After some
discussion, John decided to write the same message on some of the
outside walls of the building.  Still using kid's chalk, still very
easy to remove -- but harder for officials to ignore.

-- 
 
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                          AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                      A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)                           http://www.AKidsRight.Org/


      

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Wed Nov 18 12:24:22 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:24:22 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [AKidsRight.Org] Murtari released from jail - future plans.
Message-ID: <477070.28078.qm@web112406.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

[ PLEASE reply to this address: jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org ]

I was just released from jail a couple of hours ago.  It came as quite a
surprise.  I had expected to stay in until at least my next court date
which is the 25th.   As I was walking home I was already planning to
return to the Courthouse tomorrow afternoon with more chalk -- but
got some bad news.

A close cousin of mine died yesterday.  I knew him and his family
very well and they live in the local area.  His calling hours are tomorrow
night and the funeral is Friday morning.  I will be at those events.

It looks like I'll be going back to the Courthouse on Monday at about
2 PM.  It would be great to see some other parents there.  I haven't
had a chance to catchup on email that came in.  Ray Lautenschlager
from PACE was checking it for me, http://www.pacegroup.org/.  Thanks
to Teri Stoddard,  http://examiner.com/x-6741-SF-Family-Examiner 
for taking care of the web site and list messages.

The jail is a cold place -- thanks for your thoughts & prayers!
There will be a message in a few days with more details and your
FEEDBACK.

Background: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

 -- 
                                                                                                         John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                                                            AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                            A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)                                      http://www.AKidsRight.Org/



      

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Fri Nov 20 18:36:35 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:36:35 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Chalk Plans & Case Law/ Solid Petition for Family Rights/ Your
	FEEDBACK
Message-ID: <183513.72106.qm@web112403.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

[ NOTE: please send any message replies to this monitored addr:
<jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org> ]

This message has info on:

1. Plans for Monday, Nov. 23rd. - Lyons, NY.
2. Declaration of Family Rights - sign the petition.
3. Searching for case law - Chalk & Graffiti.
4. Chalk & Arrests - Your FEEDBACK

     
1. Plans for Monday, Nov. 23rd. - Lyons, NY.
--------------------------------------------
Submitted by John Murtari <jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org>

Timing and distance are always obstacles to participating in an event.
Mark Hough <markh8710 at hotmail.com> contacted me and is trying to get
some Mothers and Fathers to come to Lyons, Monday morning at app. 10
AM.  We have two people right now, but it would be much more effective
if we had even a couple of more Mothers & Fathers.  If we get more
parent's involved we should be able to arrange good media attention
and also have an effective visit with a local State Legislator.

We will all keep a silent picket outside the County Courthouse as a
public message of support for the effort,
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

Afterward those who wish can watch as I chalk a simple message for
Family Rights on the building and risk arrest.  As I told Mark, every
person there helps give me an extra layer of 'teflon' as I go through
the legal process.  It lets everyone know this is a "Civil Rights
Movement."

Contact Mark immediately if you think you can make it! He can fill you
in with more details.
 
For a Map:  http://maps.google.com/maps?q=lyons,ny,+14489


2. Declaration of Family Rights - sign the petition.
---------------------------------------------------
We may have found some words that give Family Law reform a firm
goal. A definition of rights which would have prevented the family
disasters many of us have experienced.

Your votes and comments are welcome. It just went up a few hours ago
and we are already seeing good activity!:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/the-declaration-of-family-rights


3. Searching for case law - Chalk & Graffiti.
--------------------------------------------
Submitted by John Murtari <jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org>

The website has copies of the actual ticket/complaint I was issued on
Nov 12th (same thing on Nov 16th),
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

I being charged with the offense of "MAKING GRAFFITI" in violation of
Section 145.60(2) of the New York State Penal Law, which states:

 1.  For purposes of this section, the term "graffiti" shall mean the
 etching, painting, covering, drawing upon or otherwise placing of a
 mark upon public or private property with intent to damage such
 property.
    
 2. No person shall make graffiti of any type on any building, public
 or private, or any other property real or personal owned by any
 person, firm or corporation or any public agency or instrumentality,
 without the express permission of the owner or operator of said
 property.  Making graffiti is a class A misdemeanor.


>From an earlier Federal Trial someone in the group pointed out a
decision from the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals which clearly
states (MacKinney v. Nielsen, 69 F.3d 1002),

   "No reasonable person could think that writing with chalk would
   damage a sidewalk."  -- http://www.kids-right.org/clinton/chalk_case.pdf

I would welcome any other case law in this area that may help in my
defense.  Many Thanks!


4. Chalk & Arrests - Your FEEDBACK
----------------------------------
Mostly positive FEEDBACK has come in and it is greatly appreciated!


--- "robert williams" <dwilliams71 at hvc.rr.com>

> good luck wish I could be there with you Why don't you come down to
> ulster county new york family court and do the same thing...


--- "Ronni Gaun" <Ronni.Gaun at voicemediagroup.com>

> Your ideas have been tried and they are all "FAILURES".


--- Diana Person <reelthing2001 at yahoo.com>

> These courts need to learn that when you love your kids this much
> nothing will stop us.

> Cheers to you for your efforts. Thank you.


--- "Robert Whiston" <robert.whiston at talktalk.net>

> I wish you all the best in your campaign.  Glad you are out earlier
> than you expected.  R Whiston (England)


--- Rev. Deborah L. Gibson <dlgibson at alliancecom.net>

> If I lived there I would join you!!!!!! I wish you all the
> best!!!!!!!  

> I just wish I COULD support EACH & EVERY EFFORT every person is
> doing to stop these "workers" from destroying family bonds! If I
> ever get rich.....<G>

> You keep making them NOTICE..and hopefully THINK too! I may try a
> similar action at my state capitol when its warm again here<G>.

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/endCPSabuses


---  Jack Frost <fr33j6ck at yahoo.com>

> I just wanted to send you good vibes. I like what you are doing and
> read with great interest every update you send....

> I like the style you have of not pressuring people. You have a very
> kind and peaceful approach. Too many times fathers are
> understandably angry and end up doing things that are not productive
> for them or to the cause.

> Thanks for your courage and persistence.


--- Casse Forczek <cassestar at gmail.com>

> John has started something we all should join in.  Why doesn't every
> dad in the country write on the sidewalks, streets, etc. near the
> court houses.

> There can be a special time when everyone does it -- even make a
> website to report what happened.  While John gets arrested, and we
> all look on... as long as the big tax dollars keep comin' on in.
> John puts his head on the line, versus so many who fight with
> 'words'.


--- "R. A. Dickerson" <radickerson at yahoo.com>

> Thank You for taking the stand that you have. I truly wish more of
> us would stand up for what is clearly wrong with the system. You
> have certainly taken your own unique actions to bring this to
> light. 

> I was ridiculed by a few back in 2007 at the DC Rally being one of
> those arrested for the Lincoln Statue Climbing. You can catch me on
> You Tube getting stomped on by 5 cops. I then did 1 1/2 years in the
> NH state prison for Child Support that the Family Courts only just
> within a few months ago modified. I have no regrets as I feel that I
> was one of many that had to get the ball rolling, much like you.

I really want to thank you for writing in!  I was in DC then and I
heard about the guy who got arrested and hauled back to New Hampshire
-- I did not sense any ridicule from people there, but I know what you
mean and some folks feel that way!  

It is amazing getting State Prison time over support -- especially
when basic Civil Rights are ignored in the entire process.  There is
no justice.


--- Richard <dadsofflorida at myemail.endjunk.com>

> I follow your posts and applaud your efforts.  

> I know you keep saying you don't want to be arrested, so I was wondering
> if you could alter your graffiti method.  Instead of writing
> directly on the building, what about a using a "poster" that
> you can attach to the wall instead of writing on it?  

> I'm thinking of a plastic coated material like a tarp (or something
> similar), with holes in the corners, and you could use small elastic
> tie-downs with hooks on the end that would grab the stones / bricks
> of the building.  I believe that will not meet the definition of
> graffiti, will prevent arrest, and still get the message out.

Yes, you had a good idea and I actually did do that.  I taped copies
of the Declaration of Family Rights on the outside,
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification -- but, they would
just comeout periodically and take them down....


                                         John Murtari
-- 
 
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                               AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                 A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)                     http://www.AKidsRight.Org/


      

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Mon Nov 23 09:52:58 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:52:58 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Murtari arrested while other parents present in support.
Message-ID: <252844.57500.qm@web112415.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

[ NOTE: please send any message replies to this monitored addr:
<jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org> ]

We wanted to send out a brief announcement that John Murtari was
arrested again today in Lyons, NY. (SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP BELOW) Before
the arrest occurred John had been joined by two other parents, Mark
Hough <markh8710 at hotmail.com> & Scott Rhodes. They are members of the
Equal Parents for Children group in Rochester, NY.
http://www.EqualParentsForChildren.org/

They all went to the offices of Assemblyman Robert Oaks and dropped
off personal stories of the injustice done in Family Court along with
a copy of the "Declaration of Family Rights" -- you can also sign the
petition at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/the-declaration-of-family-rights

At approximately 11 AM they went to the County Courthouse and
participated in a silent picket outside the building.  A while later
John used kid's chalk to write a Family Rights message on the side of
the building. John expects to be held in jail until his next scheduled
Village Court date on November 25th.

We don't have any more details yet, but they will be posted at the web
site once we hear from John. There are also pictures of his earlier
activity.  http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification

For more background and details you may also see this report at
Examiner.com:

http://www.examiner.com/x-15873-Family-Rights-Examiner%7Ey2009m10d24-Activist-Murtari-resumes-Youre-a-Parent-Notification-Act-campaign-in-Lyons


JOHN'S 'COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL' MADE AN ISSUE BY THE DA
----------------------------------------------------------
While jailed last week John had a brief meeting with his assigned
counsel.  She was not familiar with his efforts, but was attentive
and still had to get some details on the actual charges.  He missed
a phone call from her, but did get a letter over the weekend which
said:

   "The DA also indicated that he also planned to request a
   psychiatric examination of you, because he does not believe you are
   competent to stand trial.  I would like to discuss this further
   with you."

John is waiting to talk to her, you can read his email reply:
http://www.AKidsRight.org/parental_notification/notes.htm

This issue has never come up in the many trial proceedings John has
been involved with, including Federal Court. He doesn't have any
concerns, but it was disappointing to see local officials attempt to
'embarrass' him by this type of action.

The local Court sees many cases of robberies, domestic violence, drug
use, and other criminal behavior.  But when a peaceful person is
willing to risk jail to show the importance of a Civil Right issue --
they need to have their head examined?

Please take the time to call the officials below.  Be polite and let
them know your concerns and your support for Family rights.

TO HELP JOHN:
-------------
You can contact Assemblyman Oaks by:

website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=128
email: oaksr at assembly.state.ny.us
phone: 315-946-5166
write: Assemblyman Robert Oaks, 10 Leach Road, Lyons, NY 14489

You are also welcome to call/write these officials on his behalf.

* DA Richard Healey , Hall of Justice, Suite 202, Lyons, NY  14489
    (Phone: 315-946-5905 / Fax: 315-946-5911)

* Village Justice Nicholas Forgione, 79 William St., Lyons, NY 14489
    (Phone: 315-946-4565)


 -- 
John Murtari
_________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                                                           AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                                                 A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)                                                            http://www.AKidsRight.Org/



      

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Thu Nov 26 14:26:53 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:26:53 -0800 (PST)
Subject: F4J heroes need help/ Students Risk Arrest/ Murtari Update & Your
	FEEDBACK
Message-ID: <182077.40524.qm@web112402.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

This message has info on:

1. Student sit-in - risk arrest over tuition!?
2. Chalk effort continues - can you be there Monday?
3. Thanksgiving - in the words of Lincoln.
4. F4J Activists: Fisher & Tenn - what's it take?  Help.
5. Your FEEDBACK - pro & con!


1. Student sit-in - risk arrest over tuition!?
----------------------------------------------
I couldn't help but marvel over this report and the TREMENDOUS press
coverage it received.  There is a great strength in numbers:

    BERKELEY, Calif. -- Students occupied a building Friday on the
    campus of the University of California, Berkeley, in an escalation
    of protests over large fee increases at UC campuses statewide that
    echoed the unrest here during the 1960s. The occupation ended
    peacefully late Friday evening.

    The takeover by as many as 50 students and their sympathizers took
    place before dawn Friday, a day after the UC Board of Regents
    approved a 32% increase in student fees to cope with California's
    long-running fiscal crisis...

    Friday afternoon, an estimated 500 other students and supporters
    assembled around the building, despite a driving rain. They banged
    drums, chanted and cheered as some of the occupants of the
    building used megaphones from a second-floor window to shout
    encouragement.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125875406845357945.html

What about us as parents?  Most lost more than just a little money to
the System -- we lost our basic dignity as parents to our own kids?
We also have a lot more to lose than these students did if arrested --
funny how that math works out? Worth it?


2. Chalk effort continues - can you be there Monday?
----------------------------------------------------
I (John Murtari) was released again yesterday, for details see
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/index.htm#current

I'll be going back on Monday (maybe Tuesday if that is a better day
for people to join me).  That would make it four counts, each is a
misdemeanor with a max penalty of one year in jail?  I certainly don't
expect the max, the little chalk message probably takes all of 60
seconds to wipe off the building -- but I wouldn't be surprised at all
if the Village Judge gave me at least 30 days on each offense.

WHY KEEP GOING BACK? I keep hoping and praying for the moment when
another Mom & Dad are willing to join the effort.  Then we will be at
the threshold of a real Civil Rights movement.  It is certainly worth
the risk.  Interested?  My contact info at the bottom of this message!

CAN'T RISK ARREST?  You are welcome to join me for an hour in a silent
picket outside the building.  Let me know. See link above for details.


3. Thanksgiving - in the words of Lincoln.
------------------------------------------
We all recognize Lincoln as one of the greatest Presidents, but in
1863, when he wrote the following message, it would be fair to say he
was 'hated' by a large portion of the public.  The Civil War was
unpopular, there were anti-draft riots, and 'winning' the war was not
a certainty.

Was Lincoln perfect? No. But what made him a great man was a sense of
humility, his commitment to ideals, and even though engaged in a Civil
War -- he did not 'hate' the people of the South.  It may seem
strange, but when we embrace our own failings (as Lincoln did below),
we become more tolerant of others and more willing to sacrifice for
our goals:

  EXCERPTS FROM PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ORIGINAL PROCLAMATION ESTABLISHING
  THANKSGIVING DAY, DATED OCT. 3, 1863.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the
blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies... In the midst of a
Civil War of unequaled magnitude and severity... Population has
steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in
the camp, the siege and the battle-field... 

They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing
with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly,
reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by
the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in
every part of the United States ... to set apart and observe the last
Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our
beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend ... they do also, with humble penitence for our
national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all
those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the
lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and
fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the
wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent
with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony,
tranquility and Union.



4. F4J Activists: Fisher & Tenn - what's it take?  Help.
-------------------------------------------------------
A couple of parents, Paul Fisher & Donald Tenn, from F4J were involved
in a high-visiblity protest a few months ago:

http://www.examiner.com/x-15873-Family-Rights-Examiner%7Ey2009m8d9-Abducted-childs-father-faces-prison-for-peaceful-protest

I sent them both a message asking for some details on their experience
and how people could help (they were given a hefty fine to pay!). You
can help "chip in" at these two sites:

http://4donaldtenn.chipin.com/donald-tenn
http://fishercase.chipin.com/paul-fisher

Got the following from Paul Fisher <pfisher at pobox.com>:

> I feel that I accomplished everything I set out to do.  I did not
> intend for things to get as extreme as they did.  This was to be a
> proof of concept event.  I did not set out to become a martyr or
> even a hero, for that matter, I just wanted to see things get
> rolling.  To much talk and not enough action, as they say.  I had
> simply had enough of everything, courts, orgs, and complaints.
 
> We split the restitution costs, but I was not charged with the 4th
> day of crane rental.  That was not a factor in the plea.  If people
> are willing... I'll accept help with the costs.  I owe $2,400 +
> court costs.  I don't know the total for court costs yet, but I can
> cover some of the expense myself.
> http://fishercase.chipin.com/paul-fisher
 
> ... We proved that this type of action generates substantial media
> coverage.  We proved, from post trial conversations, that the jury
> is generally sympathetic.  I also learned that child support arrears
> can undermine that sympathy with some jurors, regardless of the
> explanation.  I learned the inner-workings of the public defender
> and prosecutor apparatus, as well as many manipulation tactics any
> future protesters should anticipate.  Above all we broke the seal,
> and hopefully brushed aside some of the fear that has prevented
> others from taking action.  We set the bar high, but not to high.
 
> The event provided a substantial gem of wisdom.  If you are going to
> engage in civil disobedience with someone, know them well and be
> comfortable with them.  Determine who will lead and who will follow,
> or if you will share the burden.  If you are not on the same page
> and motivated by the same objectives expect turbulence.  It can be a
> very slow process and involves a great deal of faith or else a great
> disregard for your own future when the stakes get high.  The two are
> not as similar as you may think.  If you can, partner with a like
> minded person, as it will matter when things heat up.  It is a very
> good idea to have a protest partner for many different reasons.
 
> Suggestions and/or lessons learned.  (I'm sure this list will grow
> and I will eventually publish it somewhere on the internet.)

[ Edited for length ]
 
> Safety first.  Cops rescuing superman is far to irresistible to the
> media.

> Photograph the scene during the event, and transmit the images to
> someone offsite. (photo messaging is easiest method.)

> Have a plan and stick to it.

> Don't cause any physical harm to anything. Be prepared to prove it.

> Public defenders are not your friends they work for the state and
> are not interested in your case.  They don't want the extra work so
> they will resent you if you go to trial.

> Remember to be pleasant to the public servants involved, some  
> actually respect what you are doing. They are just not permitted to  
> show it.

> Be gracious to your support team.

> Make a checklist of everything you need, you will get excited and  
> inevitably forget something.

> Use a short message with very big letters.  The message should leave  
> no ambiguity about your cause or your position.  This is a protest  
> sign, not a witty advertisement.

> Hire a private attorney before the event if you can, well worth the  
> money.

> Multiple short protests by multiple people send a greater message  
> than a few long ones with the same people.  However, no protests say  
> we are content with how things are.

> You don't need to be affiliated or even endorsed by an organization
> to succeed. Remember, Rosa Parks was simply fed up and the change
> came after she took action.  This movement has plenty of people to
> lend you a hand, what it lacks is people willing to step up and put
> words into actions.

> Enjoy the new experience, remember the details, even the parts that
> are not pleasant.  You will meet very few people who share your
> experience, and plenty who will want to know more.


5. Your FEEDBACK - pro & con!
-----------------------------

--- Scott Lewis <r.scott.lewis at gmail.com>

> GO FOR IT JOHN!  Best wishes...I just contacted your Assembly
> person.

> To be successful in your efforts, you must read and understand the
> book titled, "THE HOLLOW HOPE: Can Courts Bring About Social
> Change?"  by Gerald N. Rosenberg. It provides strategies for us to
> move forward. I just learned of it at JJAY.


--- Chris Carter <cc_sc5150 at yahoo.com>

> In my opinion, John Murtari is a publicity hound. Do you like being
> arrested? You are not gonna beat cps. They are ba$tards, but they
> are powerful. I wish nothing but bad things for social workers, they
> took my son, and I hope they all burn in Hell, but I think you are
> doing nothing but improving your long rap sheet. Please take me off
> of your email recipient list. I am very sick of hearing about your
> MLK like crusade. They are the government, and they suck, but God
> will judge them, and you are only hurting your self.

You may be right in what you say and a lot of people probably agree
with you that it is hopeless.  But I try to have Faith that things are
going to turn around, but it's going to take loving sacrifice for what
we believe in.  It worked in the past,
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil.htm -- maybe it will work now?


--- Americas Children <americaschildren at yahoo.com>

> your a hero john as u know. I L.O.V.e your sacrifice and all calls
> were made on your behalf 2 the persons listed. Believe me bro your
> children and this cause is worth every BIT of the sacrifices you
> make. See U later Hero


---  Mark A. Adams JD/MBA <markadamsatty at hotmail.com>

> I applaud your efforts to raise awareness about corruption in the
> family courts.  I couldn't open the email that you sent yesterday
> about being arrested.  Please send it again, and I'll spread the
> news of your action.


--- Dan <danvandyke at peoplepc.com>

> Fight the power and good luck to you. There are more men than you
> know standing behind you and your beliefs.


--- Israel Lettelier <privateeye4justice at yahoo.com>

> John doesn't get it yet does he?  If the state can get John declared
> mentally incompetent, they can keep him from putting up with him
> everytime they let him out of jail, because, then, they can commit
> him and sedate him until he is completely out of his mind.  What
> surprises me the most, is that John, a man that complains the system
> is unjust, but yet cannot understand, or rather, is shocked, that
> the DA, state, lawyer, or judicial system would go to these lengths.

> ... I think John is misconstruing the principles of Ghandi and Martin
> Luther King, Jr., when he tries to justify his actions and his
> approach to reform.  First, it was to get the attention of Hillary
> Clinton, who, of all people, is so fake, and all about herself and
> no one else, and is a feminist of feminists.  Where did any of it
> get John?  What child has it helped, or father?  How has it stopped
> injustice?

> ...Why can't John, come up with, or support a different approach
> that is working?  Yes it is true and happens everyday, that someone
> does something off the wall or corny enough for a long enough
> period, that someone might just write a book about it and then make
> a movie.  Will this happen, and if it does, will it happen before
> John's son Dominic is an adult, or John is in a mental hospital or
> in the ground?


> John, you are now unemployed.  You are intelligent.  Go to law
> school, and let the government pay for it.  Practice some law; then
> become a trial judge, and make some rulings that will put an end to
> injustice.....make the case law...you could have already graduated
> from law school, while you have been wasting your time chalking.
> Let's hope, that you are not now prevented from attaining a law
> degree or license, because of your behavior.


--- Jon Firor <exponent at telus.net>

> Hats off to John.I am Canadian but our laws are as archaic as
> yours. I'll keep my story short but in the end I got "justice". my
> son was born in 1992. His mother and me were not a good match. While
> I was paying her money under the table, she was collecting welfare
> the Govt decided that I should be taken to court for child
> support. There was an immediate order for interim support payments
> pending the final hearing. I have no problem paying my child support
> and believe that we all must meet our obligation. When I went to
> court the court would not grant my any deductions for credit card
> receipts, receipts for child clothing etc. Fine, no big deal I moved
> on. In 1995 I got a call from my sons daycare who refused to keep
> him as they believe he was drugged. They could not contact the
> mother and that was why I got the call. The daycare told me his half
> brother was on Ritalin and they believed the mother gave it to my
> son. On the day in question I picked up

> two kids who were zapped on Ritalin from daycare. I took my son to
> my doctor who tested him (after great hesitation) for Ritalin and he
> was positive despite having no prescription for it. I called the
> Ministry of Children and Families and launched a complaint. I also
> contacted my mother for advice who said I had no choice I must get
> custody. I hired a lawyer, the very Ministry to whom I complained
> paidf for her lawyer and now the accusations flew. I was accused of
> sexual abuse and immediately had all my visits cutoff. Reports from
> professionals were ordered on myself (hold it here she is the one
> that gave kid Ritalin). I had to pay for these expensive reports
> which in the judge's terms were inconclusive. I eventually got my
> visitation back. I did nothing wrong.  Fast forward to 2000. I was
> sick of the legal bills and by now the original facts were all
> buried under 100s of pages of legal mumbo jumbo. At this point I had
> spent 180,000 with some of it

> being lent to me by my mother. Even my mother was weary by this
> time. The other side approached us with an offer which was pay my
> son's mother 100 dollars a month and cover all dental and activities
> expenses (I was currently paying 500). My son needed major
> orthodontic care and at least with this deal I could ensure it got
> done. I bailed and took the deal wanting to get it over, I was bust
> by this point. Fast forward 2005. I get a letter from the Ministry
> saying that I have child support arrears of 20,000 plus change. It
> turns out that my sons mother had assigned her support rights to the
> Ministry and was not legally entitled to enter into an agreement
> with me. The judge tells me that legally the court order is
> invalid. The Ministry tells me that even though they were paying the
> mother's legal bills that it was up to her and her lawyer to inform
> me of this outside binding agreement. I go after the other lawyer
> and as you would expect get nowhere. A judge

> rules that although the mother misled me the child should not be
> harmed by being denied child support. In 2006 my son left his
> mothers and said he was not going back. He has lived with me since
> May 2006 and I have a custody order from a judge date Sept. 2006. I
> have applied to have my child support obligations terminated and to
> have the mother pay me. I still owe 8000 in arrears. I have found
> out that my sons mother has claimed tax credits, tax deductions and
> even collected welfare for a few months for him (while she was also
> working). I got this information under the Freedom Of Information
> Act by getting my son to sign the authorization. I now defend myself
> and after 3+ years I have no order (not even an interim one) to
> receive support. In Canada the Ministry will help the custodial
> parent with legal bills.i make too much they say so they wont help
> me but guess what they are funding the mother fully. I have written
> letters of complaint and have

> filed motion after motion which all get delayed for one reason or
> another. My son turns 18 in a few months and I have been in court
> for 16 years. What I have learned is that as a man you ARE
> discriminated against in the courts. I don't know how it is in the US
> but from what I have read it is similar. From all of this I have
> learned you are in this battle by yourself against every agency you
> can imagine, men are not equal, and last but not least if you can
> keep a level head and do the "right" thing you will persevere. I am
> truly happy to be sitting here watching Monday night football with
> my son.

... What a nightmare!  So many people just don't believe this type of
stuff goes on every day.  Knowing your child is being 'medicated' is
just frightening.  Glad to hear you are together and things are stable
for your son... 


 -- 
                                                         John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                       AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org         A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)             http://www.AKidsRight.Org/

-


      

From murtarij at yahoo.com  Fri Nov 27 08:17:33 2009
From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari)
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:17:33 -0800 (PST)
Subject: F4J heroes need help/ Students Risk Arrest/ Murtari Update & Your
	FEEDBACK
Message-ID: <650044.27590.qm@web112419.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Good People & People of Faith,

This message has info on (apologies if this is a duplicate! There were some
technical problems with an earlier transmission) :

1. Student sit-in - risk arrest over tuition!?
2. Chalk effort continues - can you be there Monday?
3. Thanksgiving - in the words of Lincoln.
4. F4J Activists: Fisher & Tenn - what's it take?  Help.
5. Your FEEDBACK - pro & con!


1. Student sit-in - risk arrest over tuition!?
----------------------------------------------
I couldn't help but marvel over this report and the TREMENDOUS press
coverage it received.  There is a great strength in numbers:

    BERKELEY, Calif. -- Students occupied a building Friday on the
    campus of the University of California, Berkeley, in an escalation
    of protests over large fee increases at UC campuses statewide that
    echoed the unrest here during the 1960s. The occupation ended
    peacefully late Friday evening.

    The takeover by as many as 50 students and their sympathizers took
    place before dawn Friday, a day after the UC Board of Regents
    approved a 32% increase in student fees to cope with California's
    long-running fiscal crisis...

    Friday afternoon, an estimated 500 other students and supporters
    assembled around the building, despite a driving rain. They banged
    drums, chanted and cheered as some of the occupants of the
    building used megaphones from a second-floor window to shout
    encouragement.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125875406845357945.html

What about us as parents?  Most lost more than just a little money to
the System -- we lost our basic dignity as parents to our own kids?
We also have a lot more to lose than these students did if arrested --
funny how that math works out? Worth it?


2. Chalk effort continues - can you be there Monday?
----------------------------------------------------
I (John Murtari) was released again yesterday, for details see
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/index.htm#current

I'll be going back on Monday (maybe Tuesday if that is a better day
for people to join me).  That would make it four counts, each is a
misdemeanor with a max penalty of one year in jail?  I certainly don't
expect the max, the little chalk message probably takes all of 60
seconds to wipe off the building -- but I wouldn't be surprised at all
if the Village Judge gave me at least 30 days on each offense.

WHY KEEP GOING BACK? I keep hoping and praying for the moment when
another Mom & Dad are willing to join the effort.  Then we will be at
the threshold of a real Civil Rights movement.  It is certainly worth
the risk.  Interested?  My contact info at the bottom of this message!

CAN'T RISK ARREST?  You are welcome to join me for an hour in a silent
picket outside the building.  Let me know. See link above for details.


3. Thanksgiving - in the words of Lincoln.
------------------------------------------
We all recognize Lincoln as one of the greatest Presidents, but in
1863, when he wrote the following message, it would be fair to say he
was 'hated' by a large portion of the public.  The Civil War was
unpopular, there were anti-draft riots, and 'winning' the war was not
a certainty.

Was Lincoln perfect? No. But what made him a great man was a sense of
humility, his commitment to ideals, and even though engaged in a Civil
War -- he did not 'hate' the people of the South.  It may seem
strange, but when we embrace our own failings (as Lincoln did below),
we become more tolerant of others and more willing to sacrifice for
our goals:

  EXCERPTS FROM PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ORIGINAL PROCLAMATION ESTABLISHING
  THANKSGIVING DAY, DATED OCT. 3, 1863.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the
blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies... In the midst of a
Civil War of unequaled magnitude and severity... Population has
steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in
the camp, the siege and the battle-field... 

They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing
with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly,
reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by
the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in
every part of the United States ... to set apart and observe the last
Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our
beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend ... they do also, with humble penitence for our
national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all
those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the
lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and
fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the
wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent
with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony,
tranquility and Union.



4. F4J Activists: Fisher & Tenn - what's it take?  Help.
-------------------------------------------------------
A couple of parents, Paul Fisher & Donald Tenn, from F4J were involved
in a high-visiblity protest a few months ago:

http://www.examiner.com/x-15873-Family-Rights-Examiner%7Ey2009m8d9-Abducted-childs-father-faces-prison-for-peaceful-protest

I sent them both a message asking for some details on their experience
and how people could help (they were given a hefty fine to pay!). You
can help "chip in" at these two sites:

http://4donaldtenn.chipin.com/donald-tenn
http://fishercase.chipin.com/paul-fisher

Got the following from Paul Fisher <pfisher at pobox.com>:

> I feel that I accomplished everything I set out to do.  I did not
> intend for things to get as extreme as they did.  This was to be a
> proof of concept event.  I did not set out to become a martyr or
> even a hero, for that matter, I just wanted to see things get
> rolling.  To much talk and not enough action, as they say.  I had
> simply had enough of everything, courts, orgs, and complaints.

> We split the restitution costs, but I was not charged with the 4th
> day of crane rental.  That was not a factor in the plea.  If people
> are willing... I'll accept help with the costs.  I owe $2,400 +
> court costs.  I don't know the total for court costs yet, but I can
> cover some of the expense myself.
> http://fishercase.chipin.com/paul-fisher

> ... We proved that this type of action generates substantial media
> coverage.  We proved, from post trial conversations, that the jury
> is generally sympathetic.  I also learned that child support arrears
> can undermine that sympathy with some jurors, regardless of the
> explanation.  I learned the inner-workings of the public defender
> and prosecutor apparatus, as well as many manipulation tactics any
> future protesters should anticipate.  Above all we broke the seal,
> and hopefully brushed aside some of the fear that has prevented
> others from taking action.  We set the bar high, but not to high.

> The event provided a substantial gem of wisdom.  If you are going to
> engage in civil disobedience with someone, know them well and be
> comfortable with them.  Determine who will lead and who will follow,
> or if you will share the burden.  If you are not on the same page
> and motivated by the same objectives expect turbulence.  It can be a
> very slow process and involves a great deal of faith or else a great
> disregard for your own future when the stakes get high.  The two are
> not as similar as you may think.  If you can, partner with a like
> minded person, as it will matter when things heat up.  It is a very
> good idea to have a protest partner for many different reasons.

> Suggestions and/or lessons learned.  (I'm sure this list will grow
> and I will eventually publish it somewhere on the internet.)

[ Edited for length ]

> Safety first.  Cops rescuing superman is far to irresistible to the
> media.

> Photograph the scene during the event, and transmit the images to
> someone offsite. (photo messaging is easiest method.)

> Have a plan and stick to it.

> Don't cause any physical harm to anything. Be prepared to prove it.

> Public defenders are not your friends they work for the state and
> are not interested in your case.  They don't want the extra work so
> they will resent you if you go to trial.

> Remember to be pleasant to the public servants involved, some  
> actually respect what you are doing. They are just not permitted to  
> show it.

> Be gracious to your support team.

> Make a checklist of everything you need, you will get excited and  
> inevitably forget something.

> Use a short message with very big letters.  The message should leave  
> no ambiguity about your cause or your position.  This is a protest  
> sign, not a witty advertisement.

> Hire a private attorney before the event if you can, well worth the  
> money.

> Multiple short protests by multiple people send a greater message  
> than a few long ones with the same people.  However, no protests say  
> we are content with how things are.

> You don't need to be affiliated or even endorsed by an organization
> to succeed. Remember, Rosa Parks was simply fed up and the change
> came after she took action.  This movement has plenty of people to
> lend you a hand, what it lacks is people willing to step up and put
> words into actions.

> Enjoy the new experience, remember the details, even the parts that
> are not pleasant.  You will meet very few people who share your
> experience, and plenty who will want to know more.


5. Your FEEDBACK - pro & con!
-----------------------------

--- Scott Lewis <r.scott.lewis at gmail.com>

> GO FOR IT JOHN!  Best wishes...I just contacted your Assembly
> person.

> To be successful in your efforts, you must read and understand the
> book titled, "THE HOLLOW HOPE: Can Courts Bring About Social
> Change?"  by Gerald N. Rosenberg. It provides strategies for us to
> move forward. I just learned of it at JJAY.


--- Chris Carter <cc_sc5150 at yahoo.com>

> In my opinion, John Murtari is a publicity hound. Do you like being
> arrested? You are not gonna beat cps. They are ba$tards, but they
> are powerful. I wish nothing but bad things for social workers, they
> took my son, and I hope they all burn in Hell, but I think you are
> doing nothing but improving your long rap sheet. Please take me off
> of your email recipient list. I am very sick of hearing about your
> MLK like crusade. They are the government, and they suck, but God
> will judge them, and you are only hurting your self.

You may be right in what you say and a lot of people probably agree
with you that it is hopeless.  But I try to have Faith that things are
going to turn around, but it's going to take loving sacrifice for what
we believe in.  It worked in the past,
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil.htm -- maybe it will work now?


--- Americas Children <americaschildren at yahoo.com>

> your a hero john as u know. I L.O.V.e your sacrifice and all calls
> were made on your behalf 2 the persons listed. Believe me bro your
> children and this cause is worth every BIT of the sacrifices you
> make. See U later Hero


---  Mark A. Adams JD/MBA <markadamsatty at hotmail.com>

> I applaud your efforts to raise awareness about corruption in the
> family courts.  I couldn't open the email that you sent yesterday
> about being arrested.  Please send it again, and I'll spread the
> news of your action.


--- Dan <danvandyke at peoplepc.com>

> Fight the power and good luck to you. There are more men than you
> know standing behind you and your beliefs.


--- Israel Lettelier <privateeye4justice at yahoo.com>

> John doesn't get it yet does he?  If the state can get John declared
> mentally incompetent, they can keep him from putting up with him
> everytime they let him out of jail, because, then, they can commit
> him and sedate him until he is completely out of his mind.  What
> surprises me the most, is that John, a man that complains the system
> is unjust, but yet cannot understand, or rather, is shocked, that
> the DA, state, lawyer, or judicial system would go to these lengths.

> ... I think John is misconstruing the principles of Ghandi and Martin
> Luther King, Jr., when he tries to justify his actions and his
> approach to reform.  First, it was to get the attention of Hillary
> Clinton, who, of all people, is so fake, and all about herself and
> no one else, and is a feminist of feminists.  Where did any of it
> get John?  What child has it helped, or father?  How has it stopped
> injustice?

> ...Why can't John, come up with, or support a different approach
> that is working?  Yes it is true and happens everyday, that someone
> does something off the wall or corny enough for a long enough
> period, that someone might just write a book about it and then make
> a movie.  Will this happen, and if it does, will it happen before
> John's son Dominic is an adult, or John is in a mental hospital or
> in the ground?


> John, you are now unemployed.  You are intelligent.  Go to law
> school, and let the government pay for it.  Practice some law; then
> become a trial judge, and make some rulings that will put an end to
> injustice.....make the case law...you could have already graduated
> from law school, while you have been wasting your time chalking.
> Let's hope, that you are not now prevented from attaining a law
> degree or license, because of your behavior.


--- Jon Firor <exponent at telus.net>

> Hats off to John.I am Canadian but our laws are as archaic as
> yours. I'll keep my story short but in the end I got "justice". my
> son was born in 1992. His mother and me were not a good match. While
> I was paying her money under the table, she was collecting welfare
> the Govt decided that I should be taken to court for child
> support. There was an immediate order for interim support payments
> pending the final hearing. I have no problem paying my child support
> and believe that we all must meet our obligation. When I went to
> court the court would not grant my any deductions for credit card
> receipts, receipts for child clothing etc. Fine, no big deal I moved
> on. In 1995 I got a call from my sons daycare who refused to keep
> him as they believe he was drugged. They could not contact the
> mother and that was why I got the call. The daycare told me his half
> brother was on Ritalin and they believed the mother gave it to my
> son. 

> On the day in question I picked up
> two kids who were zapped on Ritalin from daycare. I took my son to
> my doctor who tested him (after great hesitation) for Ritalin and he
> was positive despite having no prescription for it. I called the
> Ministry of Children and Families and launched a complaint. I also
> contacted my mother for advice who said I had no choice I must get
> custody. I hired a lawyer, the very Ministry to whom I complained
> paidf for her lawyer and now the accusations flew. I was accused of
> sexual abuse and immediately had all my visits cutoff. Reports from
> professionals were ordered on myself (hold it here she is the one
> that gave kid Ritalin). I had to pay for these expensive reports
> which in the judge's terms were inconclusive. I eventually got my
> visitation back. I did nothing wrong.  Fast forward to 2000. I was
> sick of the legal bills and by now the original facts were all
> buried under 100s of pages of legal mumbo jumbo. At this point I had
> spent 180,000 with some of it being lent to me by my mother. 

> Even my mother was weary by this
> time. The other side approached us with an offer which was pay my
> son's mother 100 dollars a month and cover all dental and activities
> expenses (I was currently paying 500). My son needed major
> orthodontic care and at least with this deal I could ensure it got
> done. I bailed and took the deal wanting to get it over, I was bust
> by this point. Fast forward 2005. I get a letter from the Ministry
> saying that I have child support arrears of 20,000 plus change. It
> turns out that my sons mother had assigned her support rights to the
> Ministry and was not legally entitled to enter into an agreement
> with me. The judge tells me that legally the court order is
> invalid. The Ministry tells me that even though they were paying the
> mother's legal bills that it was up to her and her lawyer to inform
> me of this outside binding agreement. I go after the other lawyer
> and as you would expect get nowhere.

>  A judge rules that although the mother misled me the child should not be
> harmed by being denied child support. In 2006 my son left his
> mothers and said he was not going back. He has lived with me since
> May 2006 and I have a custody order from a judge date Sept. 2006. I
> have applied to have my child support obligations terminated and to
> have the mother pay me. I still owe 8000 in arrears. I have found
> out that my sons mother has claimed tax credits, tax deductions and
> even collected welfare for a few months for him (while she was also
> working). I got this information under the Freedom Of Information
> Act by getting my son to sign the authorization. I now defend myself
> and after 3+ years I have no order (not even an interim one) to
> receive support. In Canada the Ministry will help the custodial
> parent with legal bills.i make too much they say so they wont help
> me but guess what they are funding the mother fully. I have written
> letters of complaint and have filed motion after motion which all get 
> delayed for one reason or another. 

> My son turns 18 in a few months and I have been in court
> for 16 years. What I have learned is that as a man you ARE
> discriminated against in the courts. I don't know how it is in the US
> but from what I have read it is similar. From all of this I have
> learned you are in this battle by yourself against every agency you
> can imagine, men are not equal, and last but not least if you can
> keep a level head and do the "right" thing you will persevere. I am
> truly happy to be sitting here watching Monday night football with
> my son.

... What a nightmare!  So many people just don't believe this type of
stuff goes on every day.  Knowing your child is being 'medicated' is
just frightening.  Glad to hear you are together and things are stable
for your son... 

 -- 
John Murtari
________________________________________________________
Coordinator                                                                    AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org                                A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
(315) 944-0999(x-211)                                        http://www.AKidsRight.Org/