Parents use "NonViolent
Action" outside office of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 26, 2002
Syracuse, NY (Hanley Federal Building) - On Monday, July
29th, a small group of mothers and fathers will try to encourage Senator Hillary
Rodham Clinton to take a personal interest in their search for National Family
Law reform. After attempts spanning over a year involving many letters and faxes
-- they are upset that no real dialog has taken place. Their only reply from the
Senator was a simple form letter. A personal meeting with the Senator is their
goal.
A few of the group members plan to spend some time quietly
walking in the hall outside of her office, not making any noise, but simply
carrying a picture of their children. This was described as the use of
NonViolent Action to demonstrate their willingness to make sacrifice our of
their love for family. This has resulted in over 18 arrests in the past, but all
those charges were dismissed by both Syracuse City and US District Court Judges.
A spokesperson for the group expressed frustration that even after several
letters and a meeting with staff, Senator Clinton had refused to acknowledge
their plight and the need for Federal protection of parents and families. One
person stated, "her staff won't even talk to us about civil rights
protection for parents..."
While the group acknowledges their small size they feel
they speak for millions of parents and children across the nation who's lives
have been affected by the present system. "Everyone knows someone hurt, but
the 'monster' is so big, everyone feels helpless when it comes to positive
change. We pray that our example will provide a model for a grass roots effort
for reform. That even a single good person, acting with sincere conviction, can
be a catalyst for change."
In contrast to the bitterness and anger which is normally
associated with protest efforts and family issues -- these people expressed a
positive attitude. The spokesperson was careful to note they were 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 they were there to show their concern over the issue and to
increase her sensitivity to their cause. Risking arrest and jail is a tremendous
sacrifice for anyone and their hope is that public pressure will cause Senator
Clinton, and then other Members of Congress, to take time to meet with concerned
parents.
They would like Congressional Hearings into Family Law
reform so that the many parents affected by the present patchwork of laws across
the nation will have a chance to tell their stories. The group wants to see
strong protection to the parent/child bond. Recognition of their right to an
equal relationship with their children, and the protection of a Jury when that
relationship is threatened by either divorce, separation, or the action of child
protective services. They seek Federal Civil Rights action to recognize these
protections across the country.
For more information: contact: John Murtari, a group
coordinator, at (office: 315-635-1968,x-211)(cell: 315-372-4830). Background
information at the web site: http://www.AKidsRIght.Org/
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