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[AKidsRight.Org] Action - Adventures of Spiderman / Rally in Wisconsin & Lobby in Washington
From: Webmaster (webmaster@AKidsRight.Org)
This is a message from the AKidsRight.Org mailing list. Unsubscribe instructions at bottom of message. ======================================= Good People & People of Faith, This message contains info on: 1. Marketing Family Law Reform - Are we Mothers or Fathers or Parents? 2. Reform Actions - non violence, civil disobedience, NonViolent Action? 3. Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - National news in England! 4. Attack on Prime Minister Blair for reform - what do you think? 5. Events - Reform Petition, Rally in Wisconsin & Lobby in Washington. If you are serious about reform, maybe it is useful to think in terms of your GOALS, your METHODS, and your ACTIONS. We discussed those items for the AKidsRight.Org group in the last list message: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/archive/archive2004/0019.html The common theme of this message is along those same lines and your FEEDBACK is welcome! Reform is a three-pronged advance (Legislative, Legal, and Public Action). Many of you have focused on Legislative and Legal avenues (and that is a good thing), we have seen little Public Action in the US -- but we want to share some events from England where actions for Family Law Reform are actually front page News nationwide. Imagine that! But who are WE? As you read some of the items in this message -- should WE define ourselves as parents first? What do you think of the ACTIONS taken below? 1. Marketing Family Law Reform - Are we Mothers or Fathers or Parents? --------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you for Father's rights, Mother's rights, Parent's right!, or Kids Rights? So many flavors -- so little time! In this message you'll read a lot on activity by F4J (http://www.Fathers-4-Justice.Org/) . A group based in England. About half our group members (AKidsRight.Org) are mothers. Ladies, what do you think about that name? Gentlemen, would you flock to a rally for Mother's rights? There is a lot in a name. We are trying to fix our system of Family Law and gain equality between parents, but also a system that gives a single Judge or even a social worker at CPS the power to act arbitrarily for the "best interest of the child" (another reform fallacy). Obviously, most of us accept that any new law will be "gender neutral" -- the problem is not one of father or mother, but for parents and children. Not only those going through a separation, but also those parents who lose their kids to Social/Child Protective Services. Common sense. Parent's rights obviously is inclusive of Moms and Dads. If you tell me you are for Father's rights -- then you must want some rights that are in addition to/or different from those you feel belong to Parents? Frankly, other parents may not be interested in that? Perhaps you just want equality -- but think Fathers need "top billing" in any reform effort! Sure mothers have been hurt by the system also -- but it happens to men MORE!? You don't want to call your group "Parents for Justice" or "Moms and Dads for Justice", .. just DADS FOR JUSTICE! Lastly, you may want to read the stories on our Hall of Shame page submitted by both mom's and dad's, http://www.AKidsRight.Org/shame.htm -- there are some parents who just want revenge and to get their kid back. Who cares if the other parent goes through that same pain -- after all, they really deserve it! Many aren't really concerned about Human Rights or Civil Rights or Parents Rights, just THEIR rights! 2. Reform Actions - non violence, civil disobedience, NonViolent Action? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Most people don't want to be 'violent', although a few do. A lot of people think being nonviolent is okay, or practicing civil disobedience is a good thing. In these PC "politically correct" times, it is OKAY to ridicule/humiliate someone who has been insensitive! How dare they! They should lose their jobs! We seem to accept that ridiculing an opponent is just part of "protesting". If a "riot" happens -- some folks think that is okay. It is so hard to get media attention... They think it is okay to break windows; especially if you go back and repair them after your event is over! What do you think? What do you think about the News items below? A good effort? An effort you would be ready to participate in? Why? We talk about NonViolent Action (http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil_back.htm). What about this idea? Appealing to the common sense and morality of the adversary is key: "It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honored by the humiliation of their fellow human beings." (Gandhi) 3. Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - Reform action national news in England. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ NOTE: As much as we have talked about methods and names above. Also please understand that we have a LOT OF RESPECT for David Chick and the others folks below in Fathers 4 Justice. Why? Because they have taken ACTION and demonstrated a willingness to accept the sacrifice of loss of personal freedom in jail for what they believe in -- their children! They have generated more "buzz" in England on the issue of reform than we have EVER seen in the United States. Being a back seat driver or Monday morning quarterback is easy. The action of David Chick was ONE person with other supporters. We welcome your feedback, but also tell us what action you are willing to take as just ONE person. ALSO - Note the importance of the Jury in what happened to Mr. Chick A "Jury" should be an integral part of any family law reform effort. Note the "tone" of the press coverage. WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM THIS. THE SEQUEL: Do you want to just see Spiderman or Batman in action again? Would their effort be more powerful if they were joined by Bat Girl or Wonder Woman! Ladies, get out your costumes and contact them below! - Editor] --- Submitted by: Wilbur Streett <WStreett@monmouth.com> http://www.fathers-4-justice.org/ http://homepage.ntlworld.com/f4jswansea/ http://www.andrewaitchison.com/galleries/f4j/index.html "Fathers 4 Justice (F4J) is a new civil rights movement campaigning for a child's right to see both parents and grandparents. The group comprises Fathers, Mothers, Grandparents, Teachers, Doctors, Company Directors, Policemen, Barristers - a complete cross section of society - all whom believe that Britain is needlessly creating a nation of children without parents and parents without children. Fathers 4 Justice have adopted a twin track strategy based around publicity and press. Raising awareness through publicity 'making the injustice visible' and mobilizing a 'dads army' - applying pressure to the system and MP's to bring around meaningful change & enforce the will of Parliament. All children, their parents and grandparents have inalienable rights to enjoy a meaningful, loving relationship with each other woven into our social fabric for over 6,000 years." --- From: Matthew O'Connor <> Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2004 12:48:49 'SUPERDADS CLOSE WORCESTER COURT' 4 fathers dressed as superhero's scaled the front of Worcester Court this morning in protest at their treatment by the family courts. The court was closed for an hour this morning as a result and protestors (Batman, Robin, Superman and Spiderman) are saying they will remain on the roof for as along as possible. The protest comes just days before the Dave Chick's 'Spiderman' trial which starts in Southwark Court on May 4th. The team were led by Operations Co-ordinator for the UK Jason Hatch (Batman) with Graham Manson (Spiderman), Martyn Blackwell (Superman), and Dave Pike (Robin). The move by the group comes as they plan to escalate action across the country this summer to start shutting courts down. --- <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3687669.stm> CRANE PROTESTER 'AWARE OF CHAOS' -- POLICE CLOSED TOWER BRIDGE AND SURROUNDING ROADS A man was fully aware he would cause chaos by climbing a 150ft crane in central London and staying there for six days, a court has been told. David Chick, from West Sussex, took charge of the crane in a protest at Tower Bridge over rights for fathers. At Southwark Crown Court Mr Chick, 37, has denied a charge of causing a public nuisance in November 2003. But prosecutor Anthony Wilcken said Mr Chick knew exactly what he was doing because he had climbed another crane five months earlier and had to be talked down. Nobody knew anything other than somebody in a Spiderman uniform had climbed the crane and posed an unknown threat Anthony Wilcken, prosecuting. The jury was told that no-one knew whether Mr Chick, of The Ridgeway, Burgess Hill, might be mentally ill and likely to throw himself, or other items, off the crane. > It was made quite clear that he did not intend to throw himself off > and he also offered to allow a crane driver access to the crane in > order to position it in a safe manner! I believe this was mentioned > in the media at the time. "Nobody knew anything other than somebody in a Spiderman uniform had climbed the crane, put up some banners and posed an unknown threat," said Mr Wilcken. There was also a danger he might slip off the crane's arm and hit someone else on the way down, the court heard. A specialist police climbing team was called in to speak to him and assess his physical and mental condition. But he made it clear he was staying put and would only come down when he thought it "fit to do so", the court was told. Mr Chick remained "indifferent" to the effect his protest was having, the court heard. "All he was interested in was to be provided with batteries for his phone, coffees, cigarettes and the like," said Mr Wilcken. ------ Dave Ellison 0796.333.5938 http://www.amberell.com/campaign.html Fathers for Justice: http://www.fathers-4-justice.org Homepage: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mad-dogs/ --- <http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2882648> FATHERS' RIGHTS CHAOS 'CAUSED DELIBERATELY' COURT TOLD - By Melvyn Howe, PA News A ³maverick² dad deliberately caused chaos during a six-day crane-top protest over fathersı access rights to their children, a court heard today ... The 37-year-old, who had carried out a similar protest before, not only ³knew what he was doing² but repeatedly ignored police requests to come down and end the disruption, said Anthony Wilcken, prosecuting. ³To some it may seem amusing, to some it may raise feelings of sympathy for the defendant,² he told Londonıs Southwark Crown Court. To others it may equally raise sympathy to members of the public who were seriously inconvenienced ... by this manıs activities.² But, said counsel, sympathy had no part to play in deciding whether the defendant caused a ³public nuisance² between October 31 and November 5 last year a charge Chick denies. ³Let there be no doubt this man knew what he was doing and was deliberately doing it,² the barrister maintained. . . . Mr Wilcken told the court that Chick, of The Ridgeway, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, began his ³Fathers for Families² protest about 5am one Friday after somehow gaining access to a large Taylor Woodrow construction site next to St Katharine Docks. He then scaled the ³very high crane² and unfurled a number of banners ³protesting against various organizations for not giving fathers of families, who had been separated for one reason or another, sufficient access to their children². Said Mr Wilcken: ³Indeed, in itself, you may think, or some of us may, that was not an unlaudable exercise or belief. ³But we say ... he went way beyond any means of legitimate and lawful activity in support of his cause.² --- From: graham manson Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 17:43:36 -0000 SUBJECT: [FATHERS4JUSTICE] TODAY IN COURT Dave Chick's charismatic QC (whom isn't being paid) tore the police apart and made it clear to everyone that closing Tower Bridge was a huge overreaction... At the very end Dave took the stand and was questioned on his personal battle to see his daughter. The jury heard how Dave has not seen his daughter since March 2003; how prior to then he had a court order stating that he could see her only four times a month. And how when that court order was ignored by his ex-partner he went back to court only to have it reduced to twice a month - as the judge felt there was more possibility of her adhering to this ( no suggestion of him maybe trying to enforce it - after all it's only a court order). "And did this make any difference, Mr.Chick.?" "No, none whatsoever." The jury heard how Dave Chick had been to court more than 25 times in two years and had spent approximately £20,000.00 in solicitor's fees in an attempt to see his daughter. By the end those jurors who knew little or nothing of family law were shocked by what they heard and some were even moved to tears.... ---- From: "grahammansonpooh" Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 19:28:34 -0000 SUBJECT: [FATHERS4JUSTICE] HIGH DRAMA IN COURT First of all thanks to all those people who turned up today from all parts of the country to support Dave Chick. Today was the most dramatic so far with comments from the judge on family law being greeted by a huge coughing epidemic and shouts of "RUBBISH!"' from the gallery. Dave did himself and father's rights campaigners everywhere proud by repeatedly emphasising the reason for his protest was the child abuse being inflicted on his daughter and thousands of children in this country by the family courts. "Isn't it true, Mr. Chick that if you hadn't been arrested on this occasion as in June, you would have done this sort of thing again?" "Yes, and I'll continue to fight for my daughter with every last breath in my body" A huge round of applause from the gallery prompted the judge to threaten: "Another outburst like that and I'll throw you all out." ... Tomorrow it's the turn of the defense team. The powerful and charismatic Nadine Radford will go to work. ------- <http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/londonnews/articles/10707228?source=PA> SPIDERMAN PROTESTER BLAMES POLICE - 12 MAY 2004 A father who dressed as Spiderman during a six-day crane-top protest today blamed police for the widespread chaos he is accused of causing across central London. David Chick, who was trying to draw attention to his battle for access rights to his daughter, said officers closed roads to "turn the public against me". He told London's Southwark Crown Court it was clear the authorities were playing a "psychological game" in a bid to paint him a "reckless idiot". The 37-year-old, who had earlier staged three similar protests, said he had repeatedly made it clear to specialist negotiating teams scaling his 150ft high perch that Tower Bridge could safely be reopened because "he was not a danger". "Basically the police were trying to turn people against me and inconvenience the public and have them stuck in traffic jams for one to two hours," he said. "I worked out they were playing a psychological game. I was told the public may turn against me and my cause. I was listening to the radio. It was all about the road closures, nothing about the protest... trying to turn people against me and make me look like a reckless idiot basically," said Chick. The former window cleaner of the Ridgeway, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, denies one count of causing a public nuisance between October 31 and November 5 last year. The Crown has branded him a "maverick" and claimed he was solely responsible for the road closures, and the extensive traffic jams they caused, as well as the "very grave" knock-on effects to local businesses. Anthony Wilcken, prosecuting, insisted the police had no option but respond in the way they did because of the "potential threat" to passing traffic and pedestrians. It was an "unacceptable risk" that could not be ignored. "Anything could have happened," he said. ---- From: "graham manson" Date: Thu, 13 May 2004 16:27:03 -0000 Subject: JUDGEMENT DAY Tomorrow is the final day of the trial of Dave `Spiderman' Chick, a man whom spent six days up a crane in a desperate attempt to see his daughter and highlight the plight of thousands of fathers throughout this country. His actions brought unprecedented publicity to the issue of father's rights and catapulted it to the top of the political agenda. The man who stands in the dock tomorrow will, recognize it or not, someday be labeled as a hero of the father's rights movement, instrumental in changing the law and helping to bring about the downfall of the family `justice' system. Dave Chick has put his liberty on the line not only for himself but for every father who has ever seen the inside of a family court. Now is the time to show your gratitude. If you cannot do it for Dave then do it for your children. It is not only Dave Chick on trial here but the right to peaceful protest itself, in a society where all our hard-won civil rights are slowly and steadily being eroded by the day. Friday 14th May is JUDGEMENT DAY. You must make a stand! This is our most high profile trial to date and requires maximum attendance from Fathers4Justice members countrywide. The press and media will be in attendance and whatever the outcome of this historic trial we must show them that we are behind this man en masse! We must show them that F4J is here to stay! The attendance at the beginning of this trial was at best abysmal. Since Monday it has steadily grown. Those who have had the privilege to attend have heard how the police steadfastly refused to re-open Tower Bridge despite Dave pleading with them to do so. They have heard how police logs made at the time recorded that they didn't open the bridge as they didn't want to `weaken the prosecution case against him', hoping to put an end to `this type of protest'. The jury have heard in detail of all F4J protests and their peaceful non-violent nature. They have heard us compared to the Suffragettes and civil rights movements throughout history. Their eyes have been opened to the injustice of family law in this country as Dave recounted how he had spent twenty thousand pound in solicitor's fees prior to his protest and had been back to court over 25 times in 2 years to have his original court order enforced - only to have it reduced! They have been shocked and even moved to tears in learning of the lengths this man went to too see his daughter, exhausting every legal avenue open to him before finally dressing up as Spiderman and climbing a crane. They have heard how judges themselves have begun to speak out against the injustice in family law. For family law is not only FAILING - it is FALLING. Thanks to Dave Chick and men like him who will risk life and liberty to change this evil system so that you can see your children. But it has not fallen yet. There can be no room for complacency, nor can we afford apathy among our ranks. Without men and women like YOU to hammer on the doors this issue can find itself on the back-burner far faster than it took to ignite. Tomorrow is judgment day not only for Dave Chick but for all of us. For if he doesn't have the support in court that he deserves then no activist can ever expect it. So do not leave it to someone else. DO NOT think this is not aimed at YOU. It is aimed at each and every one of you, whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever you have done in the past. Take a day off work if you have to. Call in sick if necessary. Wear an F4J t-shirt if you have one. Bring pictures of your children with you. By hook or by crook get yourself down to Southwark Crown Court by 10.00a.m. ------ <http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2926679> FRI 14 MAY 2004 (UK) SPIDERMAN CLEARED OF PUBLIC NUISANCE CHARGE By Melvyn Howe, PA News A desperate dad, whose six day crane top vigil dressed as Spiderman triggered traffic chaos and cost business an estimated £50 million, was cleared today of causing a public nuisance. David Chick, who blamed the police for the ³unnecessary² disruption, launched his 150ft high building site demo near Londonıs Tower Bridge to protest at being refused access to his four-year-old daughter. Officers, who said he could fall on pedestrians or cars, promptly halted work on a £45 million office block development and sealed off surrounding streets.... But Chick, a veteran of three similar crane top protests staged to publicize his grievances, insisted police had been responsible for the disruption during his latest stunt. The five men and seven women trying the case also heard excerpts from police logs making it clear senior officers not only treated the road closures as a ³bargaining tool² to get him to come down, but felt the prosecution case could be ³weakened² if they were lifted. As the not guilty verdict was announced, the father of one grinned broadly while some 20 supporters mostly men wearing Fathers4Justice t-shirts cheered and applauded. Outside court the clearly delighted 37-year-old, who lives with his mother in Burgess Hill, west Sussex, pulled on a Spiderman mask and indulged in several changes of top. One t-shirt read: ³Police spin version exposed², while another declared: ³Family law fails children and dads.² Asked for his reaction he said: ³Common-sense verdict.² When someone asked whether he intended to stage another protest his response was equally brief: ³Watch this space.² 4. Attack on Prime Minister Blair for reform - what do you think? ----------------------------------------------------------------- From:: "Zorro" <kidshelp@cogeco.ca> http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=514180§ion=news FLOUR BOMBS HIT BLAIR WED 19 MAY, 2004 18:42 ENGLISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR By Katherine Baldwin LONDON (Reuters) - Protesters have penetrated the heart of democracy to throw condoms filled with purple flour at Prime Minister Tony Blair as he spoke in a packed House of Commons. In the second security lapse this week, shocked lawmakers brushed the flour off Blair's left shoulder and hurried him out of the chamber amid fears the substance may have been noxious.... The protest renewed concerns about security in parliament, just weeks after a screen was erected in the public gallery in response to a specific intelligence warning that attackers could release anthrax or ricin into the chamber. "This was a serious incident. I have asked for an immediate report on the circumstances and what additional security provisions may be necessary," said government minister Peter Hain. The Conservatives called the protest "profoundly disturbing" and said in a statement that the chamber should have been sealed until the thrown substance had been identified. Blair was unruffled by the protest, according to a senior aide, and parliament resumed after a break of about 70 minutes. A fathers' rights pressure group claimed responsibility for the incident, which happened around 12:20 p.m. as the chamber was full for the weekly prime minister's questions session. Two men were arrested. THREAT OF CHEMICAL ATTACK "Fathers 4 Justice", which campaigns for equal rights of access to children for divorced fathers, said the stunt was one of a series of protests it planned in the run-up to Father's Day on June 20. Purple powder is the international colour for equality, a spokesman said. "Tony Blair should appreciate what it would be like without children because he himself is a father," he added. The two men, dressed in suits, gained access to the historic debating chamber from the VIP area of the gallery, which is not protected by the security screen. MPs or members of the House of Lords must sign visitors in to the privileged gallery. Martin ordered the immediate suspension of the rights of Lords to sign people into the House of Commons. Baroness Golding, a peer from the Labour party, said she had signed the men in and apologized. Droves of tourists who flock to the Houses of Parliament are subject to airport-like screening before going in to the chamber but metal detectors would not pick up a powder ball. "All the committees will now have to reconsider how detailed the searches are on distinguished guests," said MP Derek Conway.... "If an al Qaeda group managed to throw a phial of anthrax or ricin into the chamber, or maybe even worse a suicide agent released it without anybody noticing, which we're advised is quite feasible, the particles would immediately begin spreading throughout the chamber," Hain told parliament in April.... 5. Events - Reform Petition, Wisconsin Rally & Washington Lobbying ------------------------------------------------------------------ To submit an event from your group, please use our submission form at http://www.AKidsRight.Org/events.htm --- Reform Petition Submitted by: "marilyn trevino" <plaintuff@msn.com> Subject: PETITION TO REQUEST CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRIES ALL STATES Everyone is doing great! We now have 350 signatures as of 11:30 am=20 (eastern) today so far! Petition for All Victims to Request Congressional Inquiries of HHS Child Protective Services in ALL STATES http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/253404476 This will be sent to our Congressmen. I'd very much like to see how many signatures we can get in the next two weeks to get it onto the National Congressional Record of HHS Child Protective Services Inquiry. Please remember, all members of your family/extended family that are registered voters or those eligible to register to vote - can sign the petition, they just need their own email addresses (can get a free email address on yahoo or hotmail). Please forward and cross post widely. This is very encouraging, if we keep this up we will have a good number of signatures to present to our congressmen. Remember, we are trying to get as many signatures as possible within the next two weeks. Group website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/childprotectionreform --- Wisconsin Submitted by: Steve Blake steveblake53@yahoo.com Summary:: Rally for Fathers' Rights in Madison Wisconsin Date-Time:: June 12, 2004-11:00AM Location:: State Capitol bldg. State Street side Madison Wisconsin Group-Name:: Wisconsin Families for Children and Families Web-Site:: http://wisconsinfathers.org/ Description:: Wisconsin Fathers for Children and Families and Wisconsin Women for Equal Family Law will be sponsoring a rally for equal parenting rights and responsibilities. The rally will begin at 11:00AM on June 12, 2004 on the steps of the Capitol Building in Madison .We will be protesting the unequal treatment of fathers in the Family Court System and demanding our constitutionally protected rights to equal parenting of our children. We will have speakers who are knowledgeable in the field of father's rights. Scheduled to appear are: - Jeffrey Leving, attorney and author of "Father's Rights" - James Novak, Co-founder and past president of WFCF, author of "The Wisconsin Father's Guide to Divorce and Custody" - Jeffrey Wood, State Representative - Mike Ellis, American Parents, Elmwood, WI - Warren Higgins, Advocates for the Justice System and Legal Reform, MN - Robert Lorge, attorney, candidate for US Senate Wisconsin law requires maximum placement with each parent yet the family courts routinely ignore fathers in favor of mothers when awarding custody. This denies the rights of fathers to be with their children, in violation of the Constitution. We will be demanding that the Wisconsin Courts comply with the intent of the legislature and grant equal placement to each parent unless there is a finding, by full due process, that a parent is unfit. The right to be a parent is a constitutionally protected fundamental liberty right and cannot be denied simply because parents are divorced. The United States Supreme Court noted that a parent's right to "the companionship, care, custody and management of his or her children" is an interest "far more precious" than any property right. For additional information contact Wisconsin Fathers for Families and Children <wisconsinfathers.org/rally> 608-255-3237. Wisconsin Fathers for Families and Children is a state-wide non-profit 501(c) (3) organization composed of fathers, second wives and grandparents dedicated to the idea that the best parent is both parents. Wisconsin Women for Equal Family Law is dedicated to the creation of family law that promotes equal rights for all parties affected by divorce or establishment of paternity. CONTACT INFORMATION Stephen Blake, WFCF Rally Committee Chair 608-584-6508 <steveblake53@yahoo.com> --- First National Men's Congress Submitted by: Daniel Lee <president@childsbestinterest.org> June 18-19 Childs Best Interest is supporting a family law reform lobby day/conference in Washington DC. Glenn Sacks and Steve Baskerville, and other notable family law reform advocates will be present. You are invited to come out and visit your congressman's office, and support the federal legislation we'll be pursuing. See the front page of our website for more info on this, as well as the best family law resources you can use if in litigation. Also please forward this to any other family law advocates and lists you know. Daniel Lee President, Childs Best Interest ACFC State Affiliate http://childsbestinterest.org/ Webmaster ___________________________________________________________________ webmaster@AKidsRight.Org "A Kid's Right to BOTH parents" Toll Free (877) 635-1968(x-211) http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ ======================================= Newsletter mailing list Newsletter@kids-right.org subscribe/unsubscribe info below: http://kids-right.org/mailman/listinfo/newsletter
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