[AKidsRight.Org] Standoff at Syracuse Federal Building - How to proceed with Senator Clinton?

jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org

Good People & People of Faith:

A short message. I just wanted to bring you up-to-date on what
happened at the Syracuse Federal Building today as our effort
continues to get Senator Clinton to meet with parents. There is a LOT
of background here. I'll be looking for some advice and you will be
able to help the best if you review the 'blog' at
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/actionc_syr

I arrived at the building a little before two o'clock and had the
chance to speak with a writer and photographer from a student
magazine at Syracuse University (http://www.jerkmag.net/). They asked
me if other parents would be there? I had heard from a couple of
people, but had no firm committments. I waited till two in case
someone might show by suprise -- no one did. What does that say?

I went into the building, was met by Federal Police, and pushed out
of the building. I tried to get back in, but they would either block
the doors or push me out if I did get in. It was a cold day in the
Northeast, I think the temperature was about 5 degrees -- I was
outside, they were inside. I tried for about 45 minutes and then told
them I was leaving and would be back on Thursday. What does that say?

What is next?
---------------
I really need some quick advice from folks on this (before Thursday).
It seems clear that a new action is required.  Federal authorities
seem willing to allocate the manpower to prevent an arrest from
happening inside the building.  I thought perhaps they might get
tired, but that is not the case -- they can outlast me -- especially
as only one person.  So....what do I do next that would be consistent
with what we have said is NonViolent Action (personal sacrifice) and
will move us toward our goal with Senator Clinton?

It should provoke an arrest, but without violence or disturbing the
public.  It should be the 'minimal' action you think will get the
authorities there to act and should require only ONE person (since
that is all we have to work with at present).  What do you think?

Also, please do not write me about other types of actions such as
letter writing, lobbying, law suits, more coordinating.  They are
valid things to do -- but so is NonViolent Action and that is what we
are trying to pursue and demonstrate as also useful for reform.

If you have time check the background material we have on NonViolent
Action at http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil_back.htm

NonViolent Action works.
------------------------
When I told folks several years ago that I would keep trying to
carry a picture of parents inside the halls of the Federal Building
no matter what -- people would say they are going to throw you in
jail and throw away the key!  Well, I have been to jail a few times
-- but clearly the authorities have been very reluctant to pursue
prosecution.  Do you think Senator Clinton's staff is involved in
some of these decisions? Maybe. I never thought they would dedicate
staff just to keep me out of the building and prevent an arrest.
Why?

Because they can't help but see me as a dedicated parent? A parent
who loves his child very much and is willing to sacrifice.  I treat
ALL the people I meet with courtesy. I don't hassle the security
people.  I don't accuse prosecutors or the judges of being
insensitive to family issues.  I see them as good people and they
see me the same way.  Imagine that!

If we are having a problem getting a meeting with Senator Hillary
Clinton and getting Family Rights on the National agenda -- the
trouble is not with her or with other officials.  The trouble is with
us as parents.

Many of us think that talk and words alone will bring about real
reform.  That we can get that great RIGHT protected (to nurture our
own children) without real sacrifice.  Has that ever happened in the
past?

I welcome your thoughts and the kind words of support that many of
you have written.  I think we are getting closer to our goal!

Best regards!
-- 
                                         John Murtari
____________________________________________________________________
Coordinator                            AKidsRight.Org
jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org                "A Kid's Right to BOTH parents"
Toll Free (877) 635-1968(x-211)        http://www.AKidsRight.Org/

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