[AKidsRight.Org] Petitioning Senator Clinton: Murtari Sentenced to jail

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Good People & People of Faith,

This message contains info on:
1.  News Release -- Murtari Sentenced to Jail
2.  How to contact Senator Clinton and Officials

1.  News Release -- Murtari Sentenced to Jail
---------------------------------------------
Here is a news release.  John's address isn't available yet, but the 
web site will be updated once we have his mailling address.  Check
for updates at http://www.AKidsRight.Org/actionc_syr/.

You are welcome to write to John, but we do ask that you please 
contact him directly through mail at the jail.  His address will
be available soon.

A news release summarizing recent events is below.  Check 
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/actionc_syr/ for further updates.

LYON'S PARENT SENTENCED TO JAIL BY FEDERAL JUDGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,  September 24, 2004

Syracuse, NY (Hanley Federal Building) -- Federal Magistrate Gustav J.
DiBianco today sentenced John Murtari, Lyons, NY to serve 44 days in
jail after being tried 'in absentia' for 4 counts of trespass at the
Syracuse Federal Building.  Local and national members of the group
AKidsRight.Org have been calling and faxing the offices of Senator
Clinton, a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families,
regarding the recognition and protection of their Civil Right to raise
their own children.  A focus of activity has been the actions of their
coordinator, John Murtari (Lyons, NY).

Group members encouraged that building officials no longer arrest
Murtari (instead try to push/block him from entering the building) and
hope that the staff of Senator Clinton may be unwilling to see this
peaceful and persistent parent arrested and jailed -- and a meeting
may be near.  He had been allowed to peacefully walk outside the
offices of Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman James Walsh.
Murtari objects to being pushed away as he petitions his government
for Civil Right's protection and remained outside during his trial.
Officials were reluctant to 'pull' him into the building.

Outside the 14th floor offices of Senator Clinton,  Murtari has faced
numerous Federal charges for his attempts to quietly walk in the halls
carrying a picture of children with the words, "Senator Clinton,
please help us."  The charges resulting from over 30 past arrests have
been dismissed in local courts.  Federal prosecution started in 2002
and there have been 20 more arrests, several convictions, and some
jail time.

The National Parent's group (AKidsRight.Org) is attempting to use the
methods of Martin Luther King in its search for reform.  The Group
would like Senator Clinton to respond to their petitions for
Congressional Hearings into the need for National Family Law reform
and potentially a Family Rights Act, by meeting with local parents.

The Group's web site highlights the NonViolent philosophy and practice
Martin Luther King used to break the grip of segregation.  It hopes a
similar attitude will help bring reform and also healing to parents
who are often involved in bitter child custody disputes with each
other or social services; if the nation can observe loving mothers and
fathers making personal sacrifice to call attention to their unjust
separation from their children -- positive reform can happen.

Mr. Murtari, a native of Lyons, New York and a former Air Force pilot
and Academy graduate is a local coordinator for the group.  He is the
President of a small Internet startup company located in
Baldwinsville, NY.  Murtari had been defended in local courts by
Mr. Charles Keller, an SU Law School professor, formerly in charge of
the Criminal Division of Hiscock Legal Aid.  Mr. Keller has made
strong arguments that this unique activity is Constitutionally
protected.

In contrast to the bitterness and anger which is normally associated
with protest efforts and family issues -- Murtari plans a positive
attitude.  He says he is NOT there to condemn Senator Clinton as a
"bad person" or as someone who doesn't care about family or children's
issues; however, as a natural part of the political process he wants
to show his concern over the issue and to increase her sensitivity to
their cause. The Group is hoping for Congressional Hearings into
Family Law reform so that group members affected by the present
patchwork of laws across the nation will have a chance to tell their
stories.

For more information:

John Murtari, Group coordinator, (office: 315-635-1968,x-211)(cell: 315-430-2702).

Mr. Richard Southwick, Asst US Attorney Northern District of NY: 315-448-0672
Mr. Charles Keller, SU Law School Prof. familiar with case: 315-443-4582
Ms. Cathy Calhoun, Regional Rep. for Senator Clinton:  315-448-0470

Ms. Joan Grennan, Syracuse Federal Building Manager: 315-448-0603

Background information at the web site:  www.AKidsRight.Org

2.  How to contact Senator Clinton and Officials
--------------------------------------------------
Please send a fax or make a phone call to the Senator's offices both
in Washington and Syracuse.  They are paying attention to what is
going on here. The Senator is a member of the Senate Subcommittee on
Children and Families.
http://labor.senate.gov/committee_members.html#ChildrenFamiles

You don't have to be a resident of New York to call her offices.

Syracuse Local rep, Cathy Calhoun,
tel: 315-448-0470, fax: 315-448-0476

Washington Scheduling Office, Lona Valmoro (Senior Advisor to the Senator),
tel: 202-224-4451, fax: 202-228-0121 

Most of all, you don't have to express anger. Just let her staff know
that you care about Civil Rights protection for families and the
Senator should meet with parent's groups regarding the need for
National reform...  Let them know being a parent is one of our
GREATEST rights. It needs official recognition and protection.

If you take the time to send a fax, try to send copies to the Judge
and US Attorney (also email us a copy or tell us about your phone
conversation).  Let them know you care.

Honorable Gustav J. DiBianco 
US Magistrate Judge 
RE: United States v. Murtari 
P.O. Box 7396 
Syracuse, NY 13261-7396 

US Attorney Glenn T. Suddaby 
RE: United States v. Murtari 
Hanley Federal Building, Room 900
100 S. Clinton Street
Syracuse, NY  13261

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