From jmurtari at AKidsRight.org Fri Mar 5 11:01:49 2010 From: jmurtari at AKidsRight.org (John Murtari) Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 11:01:49 -0500 Subject: Activity in Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, D.C., Chicago & New York! Message-ID: <19345.10989.248955.402908@torch.softwareworkshop.com> Good People & People of Faith, This message has some general news & upcoming events. If you have something you would like mentioned, please complete: http://www.akidsright.org/events_email.htm 1. Michigan Ballot Initiative - please help! 2. Tennessee Equal Parenting - The "Equal & Fair Parenting Act" 3. Shared parenting wording in Florida - a step forward. 4. Fighting Social Services in Florida - an active group. 5. Family Preservation Festival in DC - July 23-25, any others? 6. Upcoming Chicago Rally for reform - April 10th! 7. New York City Meeting - Americans for Legal Reform, March 24th. 8. California - nothing from the land of fruits & nuts? If you have any questions regarding an event, please contact the person associated with that message. General FEEDBACK is always welcome! 1. Michigan Ballot Initiative - please help! -------------------------------------------- From: "D" http://www.AChildsRight.Net/ Are you going to be able to help gather ballot signatures this year for the Michigan Child-Parent Relationship Protection Citizen Initiated Ballot Proposal? http://achildsright.typepad.com/achildsright/2010/02/the-michigan-2010-childparent-relationship-protection-bill-.html Could you please pass on the request for recruits and post this action on your personal and organization's blog? Have you joined your county NCP group in Yahoo Groups http://groups.yahoo.com/? We are using this format for the name of the groups: NCP-(state name)-(county name)@yahoogroups.com to organize this action and am looking for leaders, are you one? Sincerely, Darrick 2. Tennessee Equal Parenting - the "Equal & Fair Parenting Act" --------------------------------------------------------------- [ You can read the proposed Bill, called the "Equal & Fair Parenting Act" at: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB2442 and http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/106/Bill/HB2442.pdf - John] It is a step forward. A 'rebuttable' presumption that still allows a single Judge to decide what's in the child's "best interest".] From: "Darrick" http://www.achildsright.net/ March 1st story: http://www.wkrn.com/global/story.asp?s=12066750 This isn't the first time a bill proposing equal custody rights for mothers and fathers will come before the state legislature, but supporters are hoping this is the time that it passes. David W. Garrett is an attorney who focuses on family law. "The problem with it is there are many circumstances where it's not in the child's best interest to be with both parents half the time...I think instead of looking at what is best in each case for the children it's going to arbitrarily say 50/50 unless you prove otherwise." Garrett said according to the experts, children need a stable home, instead of constantly going back and forth. Wilky Fain's daughter Addison is seven-years-old. He said it wasn't until eight months after she was born that a judge let him see her. Fain, who said he still doesn't see his daughter as often as he would like, disagrees. "It's better to have both parents. Children adapt to their environment... You can burn my house, you can take my car, but why would you take my kids from me?" A House committee will hear from opponents and supporters of the bill Tuesday. 3. Shared parenting wording in Florida - a step forward. -------------------------------------------------------- [ Not sure if Florida got it right, Tennessee seems a better starting point? - John ] From: "IowaFathers.com" The State of Florida got it right, why can't Iowa? Why won't Iowa pass a presumption of joint physical care and make other changes like Florida? Parenting Plans Allow Shared Responsibilities for Florida Parents http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103119963076&s=1334&e=001xe3t-e8mfyoNHMeCFDgJU14aBn61n7pTCm1C2Lr68N1D8NuWJstCphd5xR56tAQ4wI6wGA0PCuhlo4dGqbFSiobDYmdZpYkwTrPEmuRHBdgzJEUTsFsT_GXkB4nm1Uchknndmw_6Vybx1kRcbjx8uxZll6277ZvX 4. Fighting Social Services in Florida - an active group. ------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jane Boyer" Please forward to all in your email listings and post in your websites. You can also add the blogtalk radio button to your websites to get the message out. And you can be on the show and talk about your website and work. ABUSE FREEDOM UNITED PRESENTS, THE ABUSE FREEDOM LIVE SHOW! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/abusefreedomlive The Abuse Freedom Live Show is HOSTED BY JANE, Founder and President of ABUSE FREEDOM UNITED AND JOSIE, CO-HOST http://www.abusefreedom.com/ http://www.modelfamily.org/ and http://nfps.us / 5. Family Preservation Festival in DC - July 23-25, any others? --------------------------------------------------------------- [ Looks like more activity is being planned in Washington this summer. Any clarifications about what groups are hosting which events is always welcome -- need to hear from organizers - John ] From: Leisha Tringali The 4th annual Parent Preservation Festival is being organized. Below please find the link for more detailed information. Please contact me directly if you have any questions. Please pass on the link to other groups so that the word gets out. Thanks! Please check out this link for more details. http://familypreservationfestival2010.yolasite.com/ NO Longer Silent, Leisha Tringali co-organizer, Family Preservation Festival 6. Upcoming Chicago Rally for reform - April 10th! -------------------------------------------------- From: Ian http://illinoisfathers.org/ I confirmed the schedule for the upcoming rally that I mentioned previously. It will be held on April 10th from 9am to noon on the corner of Randolph and LaSalle in downtown Chicago. We need hundreds to show up, preferably with signs that say stuff like, "We Care", or "Can I see my Kids?", or other similar signs.The Illinois Family Law Study Committee will be meeting in the building at that corner on the 6th floor and they will be discussing Custody for the road ahead in Illinois. This is where the rubber hits the road and where the laws will be drafted. This is not going to be marketed as an Illinois Fathers event, per say. It is more important that this be a unified front from every organization out there that cares about shared parenting, parental rights, or reform in family law that can touch Illinois. It's highly recommended that as many people as possible be out there. I would expect we may be able to pull 50 people from IF, but a crowd between 100 and 200 would be best. This location is right across the street from City Hall, so let's make Mayor Daley scratch his head. We will work on the necessary permits and have proper notice in place to the right organizations. 7. New York City Meeting - Americans for Legal Reform Mar. 24th --------------------------------------------------------------- [This is a very active group in the New York City/Long Island area. A very knowledgeable group of people with members who aren't afraid to risk arrest. They specialize in judicial corruption. The web site has a lot of graphics, but a very solid group of people. - John] Contact: Carl Lanzisera http://americans4legalreform.com/meetings.htm -- John Murtari _______________________________________________________ Coordinator AKidsRight.Org jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org Kid's Right to BOTH parents (315) 944-0999(x-211) http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ From murtarij at yahoo.com Sun Mar 14 15:38:42 2010 From: murtarij at yahoo.com (John Murtari) Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:38:42 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Canadian Superheroes in Court, Chalk for Family Rights, Equal/Shared in state activity. Message-ID: <713994.30391.qm@web111710.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Good People & People of Faith, This message has info on: 1. Canadian Superheroes appear in Court 2. Chalk for Family Rights - Facebook & thanks for contributions! 3. Louisiana Equal Child Custody Legislation - really, just shared? 4. Georgia State Senator - on video, CPS is corrupt. 5. New Virginia group - Judges should consider equal/shared parenting. 6. Rotary presentation of Family Rights - some ideas. 7. Michigan Bill -- require training for grandparents, aunts & uncles? 8. Shared and/or Equal parenting - what do YOU support, poll? Please send any replies to this list moderator address: jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org 1. Canadian Superheroes appear in Court --------------------------------------- From: "Burnaby Batman (aka Rob Robinson)" Greetings everyone from Vancouver BC. This message is to provide you an update on the status of the 4 members of F4J Canada who had their first court appearance in North Vancouver BC this morning, March 10/10, over the Lions Gate Bridge Stunt on Feb.17/10 in West Vancouver. With the eyes of the world watching and with the greatest police forces across Canada gathered in one place, Fathers 4 Justice Canada commandeered the Historic Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver BC in the wee morning hours before the sun arose. The BC Hulk (Kevin Christiaens) chained himself to the bridge deck after hanging his banner on the bridge rail. David Millar was also on hand that morning taking pictures as the stunt was being executed. The Burnaby Batman (Rob Robinson) and Robin QC (Hal Legere) scaled the ominous super structure and placed their banner and Canadian flag high upon the structure and remained upon the structure for just over 4 hours before peacefully ending the action. One lane on the bridge deck was closed to accommodate the many police vehicles present. The hulk was removed of his chains after about an hour and taken into custody. David Millar was also arrested for being on scene as well as The Bat and Robin. All four were charged with mischief... To view this monumental action that garnered much media attention to our cause at a time when the media's attention was clearly Olympic focused was an astounding achievement indeed. Please visit this action and check out the news links on the page at - http://www.f4jcanada.com/BCPages/F4J_Canada_Olympic_Action_BC.html There are many pictures, news links and music attached to the page. This morning [March 10th] at 9:00 am Hal Legere (Robin QC), Kevin Christiaens (BC Hulk), David Millar & Rob Robinson (Burnaby Batman) made their first appearance at the North Vancouver Provincial Court to answer to a charge of mischief in a matter relating to Feb.17/10 and a minor disruption that occurred on the Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver during the Winter Olympics which allegedly disrupted the lawful enjoyment and use of a public bridge inconveniencing thousands of motorists. After waiting but only an hour in a comfortable waiting area with about 30 other individuals we were escorted into a small chamber where we were to be met by crown counsel, a justice of the peace and 2 other court appointed clerks. We then asked for the necessary disclosure documents and adjourned the matter until March 24/2010. On this note we were able to obtain video evidence from the official police file that we will be posting on the net very soon and it will be added to the web page that pertains to this stunt also, compliments of West Vancouver's finest. One victory did present itself today when charges against David Millar were stayed, thanks David for all your help. David was merely taking pictures on the bridge and other than not complying to the officers repeated requests to leave the scene so they could secure it he was eventually taken into custody. In fact after having read over the police report David"s incompliance to the officers wishes takes up more than half the report,lol,don't figure. In fact there is a paragraph from the official police report that indicates when David was further asked if there was anyone he would like to call he is quoted saying "Steve Martin", "As this whole situation is quite comical". Bravo to you David. As it stands crown counsel is asking that the three charged be made to pay a possible fine, community service, probation, and to not be a pedestrian on any bridge in BC. Needless to say Hal, Kevin and myself have our next hearing on March 24/2010, same Bat Place and same Bat Channel. 2. Chalk for Family Rights - Facebook & thanks for contributions! ----------------------------------------------------------------- From: John Murtari http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=646290380 is where you can find me, pictures, links, and other reform activity. Any friend requests are welcome. Also, I'm very happy four parents have contributed a total of $245 toward the effort! http://www.AKidsRight.Org/familyrights There was a good suggestion about adding a PayPal link to make it easier. To see the donation log and names of contributors, http://www.AKidsRight.Org/donation_log.htm Whatever the amount, it means a lot! Thank you! Hopefully this message gives a little more of an explanation: http://www.akidsright.org/archive/archive2010/0003.html 3. Louisiana Equal Child Custody Legislation - really, just shared? ------------------------------------------------------------------ From: "Darrick Scott-Farnsworth" HB 74 http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=677675 Please share this bill with your friends and family in Louisiana and have them contact their state politicians and tell them to support the bill now. 4. Georgia State Senator - on video, CPS is corrupt. --------------------------------------------------- From: "Paul Clements" pclemsc at charter.net Folks, This video is a recording of a speech made in the Georgia legislature by Sen. Nancy Schaefer, regarding the operations of CPS agencies across the nation. This video is a MUST to watch http://oak4change.ning.com/video/nancy-schaefer-on-cps Paul Clements, with thanks to Barbara Johnson and Walter Graff -- "All that is necessary for evil to succeed, is for good men to do nothing." Sir Edmund Burk 5. New Virginia group - Judges should consider equal/shared parenting. --------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Thea Artis" f4vahr at yahoo.com We are now official. Thanks to Kirk Schroeder and Wesley Weeks, Virginia EQUAL Parents is now incorporated. This makes VEP the only official active organization in Virginia focusing on EQUAL shared parenting, judicial reform and child/spousal support reform. Now we need to build our membership. In this year's General Assembly session, our lobbying team successfully helped to defeat the College Child Support bills. However, we were unsuccessful at getting the bill for Electronic Recording of Court Proceedings passed. For politicians to take us seriously, we need numbers. We plan to succeed where others have failed by organizing our efforts and making this a mainstream, grassroots movement similar to the Tea party movement. We will gain public support by educating them about how our problems affect their taxes and their lives. Judicial accountability, big government, government incompetence and government intrusion in our personal lives hurt all of us. Recent events make this a great time for changes that we support. Our new Governor, Lt. governor and Attorney General all support judicial reform. Ken Cuccinnelli has been a big supporter of shared parenting. The economic collapse and the government's response have the public mistrusting the government more than at any time in recent history. Budget cuts are putting the squeeze on courts and government programs. Now we need YOU. *Please visit out new website (http://www.va-ep.org/)to officially become a member *. We need numbers and we need people willing to come together and work with us. I hope ALL OF YOU sign up and bring your friends. We currently have chapters in Hampton Roads, Northern VA, and Richmond. Contact info is available at the website. If you are in another part of the state, contact us about setting up a chapter there. If you're serious about EQUAL shared parenting, judicial reform, or spousal and child support reform in VA, join us today. Thanks, -- Mr. Thea Artis VA EQUAL Parents, Inc. (http://www.va-ep.org/) 6. Rotary presentation of Family Rights - some ideas. ------------------------------------------------------ From: John Murtari A friend of mine invited me to make a presentation to the local Rotary group at one of their weekly meetings. I'd heard of Rotary and knew it was a service organization, but that was about it... Very nice group and a good channel to get the word out to local people. Below is a link to a handout I distributed. Got through the whole thing in 20 minutes! http://www.AKidsRight.Org/familyrights/rotary1.pdf I mentioned the proposed Michigan Bill as an attention getter -- "How many of you believe there is legislation pending in the State legislature to require 10 hours of state certified annual training for grandparents?" It made big brother real to them. 7. Michigan Bill -- require training for grandparents, aunts & uncles? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Doug Dante" HB 5838 - Grandma is a relative care provider. http://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/House/htm/2010-HIB-5838.htm HB 5242 - Grandma must be trained to our specifications. http://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/House/htm/2009-HIB-5242.htm HB 5934 - It's a crime not to do as we say. We're not even going to put bill on on the web site so that the public can see it. http://legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=home 8. Shared and/or Equal parenting - what do YOU support, poll? ------------------------------------------------------------- A lot of people like the words "equal shared parenting." I understand being an equal parent (which I am not) and being a shared parent (which I guess I am since I got one bite of the apple). What do they mean when combined - clarification or confusion? http://www.AKidsRight.org/poll/pollvote.php Please review & consider signing "The Declaration of Family Rights" http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/the-declaration-of-family-rights -- John Murtari _______________________________________________________ Coordinator AKidsRight.Org jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org Kid's Right to BOTH parents (315) 944-0999(x-211) http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ From jmurtari at AKidsRight.org Sat Mar 20 12:07:44 2010 From: jmurtari at AKidsRight.org (John Murtari) Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:07:44 -0400 Subject: Crosswalk around the Court in Racine, WI /Chalk for Family Rights/ Lent? Message-ID: <19364.62160.286874.870481@torch.softwareworkshop.com> Good People & People of Faith, This message has info on: 0. The SECRET to achieving protection of Family Rights - shhhh. 1. Cross walk around the Courthouse in Racine, WI - literally! 2. Chalk for Family Rights in Lyons - resumes April 31st. Intro & The Season of Lent -------------------------- From: John Murtari I'm getting a ride to the Airport to pick up my son for Spring Break in about an hour (still a suspended license). I can't express how blessed & fortunate we are to have navigated the family law interference minefield. He's now 17 and we've been able to keep a loving and close relationship all these years! Next week, March 31st, I'll be resuming my "Chalk for Family Rights" campaign (recent legal updates below). I still look forward to the day when another loving Mom & Dad will join me -- maybe we'll meet next Wednesday! http://www.AKidsRight.org/family_rights We are in the Christian season of Lent, a time for reflection on our failings and a 'turning around' in our behavior (which is actually the underlying Greek word 'metanoia' commonly translated as 'repent'). Critical thoughts before action ------------------------------- Maybe it's the legal system, but we all want to portray ourselves as PERFECT victims of that evil-system, evil-former-spouse, evil-social-worker, evil-judge, evil-etcetera... Really? I know the pain I watched my son go through all these years -- was it inevitable? Could it have been avoided? Maybe yes. Did I always act with PERFECT love, PERFECT honesty, PERFECT confidence in my own worth, PERFECT Faith? Sorry, I didn't, and even sorrier, there were times when I gave up trying.... How about you? This is not a call to "wallow in our guilt" and live in the past. What's done is done, get over it! But let's look at the past with reality and admit our own failings (small or large). Yes, the system failed to recognize our fundamental right to be presumed FIT & EQUAL parents. By definition, the legal proceedings were flawed by failing to recognize that right -- but could it have been avoided? We'll never know. But certainly for me (and for others), the acknowledgment that I could have done better and maybe prevented the suffering my son went through causes two things: 1. I'm a little more understanding with the faults of others around me. 2. I'm a little more willing to make personal sacrifice to correct the terrible system we became trapped in. How about you? 0. The SECRET to achieving protection of Family Rights - shhhh! -------------------------------------------------------------- I got the following message yesterday morning. I chose to leave the sender anonymous because I just couldn't understand the point? Are we 'preaching to the choir' among ourselves? Does anyone out there not think there is a serious problem with family law??? > We must hold all family judges lawyers, children aid societies and > politicians accountable for acts of genocide committed to one > million children and families in Canada. Hitler did not kill anyone > he just gave orders and exactly the same thing can be said about > these corrupt sadistic and pervert NAZI institutions. > child abuse is child abuse no matter which way you look at it.. we > don't need judges or lawyer who cannot raise their own children but > we do need family mediators who understand needs of children... Shouldn't we be careful in using such strong words. If you really think millions of kids are being seriously abused -- what are YOU doing about it (I mean besides sending email?). Please let me know WHAT YOUR GOAL IS FOR REFORM and what personal sacrifices you are willing to make to help make those goals a reality. Honestly, most of us aren't willing to risk much. Perhaps we should be a little less vocal in our criticisms, since we, in our timidity and lack of Faith (that change can happen), are part of the problem? The SECRET to achieving protection of Family Rights -- shhhh! Stop talking and begin demonstrating by your actions how important Family Rights are... http://www.ThePetitionSite.com/3/the-declaration-of-family-rights http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil.htm 1. Cross walk around the Courthouse in Racine, WI - literally! ------------------------------------------------------------- [ I was really impressed with what this parent was willing to do for what he believed in. Great idea! Carrying an actual wooden cross around the Courthouse. I do wish we could talk about FAMILY RIGHTS and have both MOTHERS & FATHERS joining in these types of efforts - John ] For the entire news story: http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_08c6e276-2d74-11df-853b-001cc4c002e0.html Read a Letter to the Editor from Dr. Malcom Hatfied (MD) which was also printed in the paper: http://www.akidsright.org/images/martinez_cross.jpg MAN CIRCLES COURTHOUSE WITH CROSS TO ADVOCATE FOR FATHERS' RIGHTS Reporter RACINE - (Mar 11, 2010) Ricardo Martinez had a heavy load as he walked around the Racine County Courthouse this week. The 33-year-old Racine man moved slowly and it was no wonder given the 12-foot tall wooden cross he carried on his shoulder, dragging one end along the sidewalk.... Martinez said he spent a few hours each day this week walking with his cross along the four-block perimeter of the court house, at 730 Washington Ave., as a way to advocate for the rights of fathers in divorce and child custody cases. ... When Martinez and his now ex-wife divorced, joint custody of the couple's six- and seven-year-old sons was granted, he said, adding that means he sees his boys Wednesdays and some weekends, an amount of time he says is not nearly enough. That's why he walks. "I'd rather be at home with my sons enjoying them," he said. "I've already missed ... years of their lives." Martinez said he knows his walking won't change his case but hopes he raises some awareness that fathers deserve to see their kids and that, in some cases, dads may be fit to get custody of their children. He picked the courthouse to walk around because that's where family court is held, he said. ... Passersby looked at Martinez, many craning their necks over their shoulders as he passed. Martinez said some are cruel, telling him to get a life and a job - he's currently looking for one - while others show support. One man told Martinez of his similar child custody case while some police officers have told Martinez they're glad he's standing up for his kids... 2. Chalk for Family Rights in Lyons - resumes April 31st. --------------------------------------------------------- The DA agreed the pending graffiti charges should be dismissed. All the currently remain are two charges for trespass. I filed a complaint both with Wayne County Undersheriff Richard House and Wayne County DA Richard Healy regarding alleged lies told by a Deputy during my arraignment on Feb 18th. In a bit of a surprise, the very next day I got an acknowledgment signed by the DA. http://www.AKidsRight.Org/family_rights/index.htm#current You can check the links above to read the details. When I was arraigned the Deputy told the Judge the DA wanted my bail set at $2500 (pretty high for a little chalk!). He even confirmed who he talked to in the DA's office. It was all made up and easy to prove a lie! Many of you have experienced the same thing as you fought to keep a relationship with your children -- this is one reason I feel so strongly that parents have a right to a jury of their peers and a unanimous verdict (which is what any criminal gets). Sometimes we misdirect so much energy toward people that mistreated us: Judges, Lawyers, Psychologists, Social Worker, and Police officers who either did negligent jobs or actually were malicious in their duties. Yes, they should be punished -- but, THEY ARE NOT the problem with our Family Law System. When an individual person has that much power over your life, these types of abuses happen. That is why our Founding Fathers protected our valued freedoms with a 'jury of your peers.' We are all liable to petty biases and a desire to short-circuit procedure to due the "right" thing. Having to convince twelve people taken off the street based on evidence presented in an open trial -- is a pretty good barrier to abuse. http://www.ThePetitionSite.com/3/the-declaration-of-family-rights -- John Murtari _______________________________________________________ Coordinator AKidsRight.Org jmurtari at AKidsRight.Org Kid's Right to BOTH parents (315) 944-0999(x-211) http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ -- 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/