From: John Murtari (murtarij@yahoo.com)
Date: Thu Nov 12 2009 - 18:13:24 EST
AKidsRight.Org - All the information in our messages if FREE for reuse as you desire. Subscribe/unsubscribe info at end of this message. ========================================= Good People & People of Faith, [ NOTE: please send any message replies to this monitored addr: <jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org> ] I wanted to send out a brief message on my arrest today in Lyons, NY. In the last few weeks I've used kid's chalk to write on the sidewalk outside the Courthouse. It became clear officials weren't going to take action even though I was threatened with arrest initially. You can see pictures of the earlier activity at: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification It was also clear there were no other parents yet ready to join in this NonViolent Action. A Mom & Dad willing to accept arrest & jail as a way to peacefully demonstrate the depth of their beliefs. What Happened Today ------------------- At 2 PM, I wrote the same "HELP FAMILY RIGHTS" message on the outside wall of the building. Still using kid's chalk, still very easy to remove -- but harder for officials to ignore. I just wrote it once and then went inside the building and told security I'd left a message on the wall. They took a look and in about 30 minutes the local police showed up and I was taken into custody. I was charged with a misdemeanor, in violation of Section 145.60(2) of the New York Penal Law: "No person shall make graffiti of any type on any building, public or private....." I was released with an appearance ticket for the local Village Court on Nov. 25th (I'll have copies of the tickets, etc.. at the website by tomorrow morning). The Important Stuff - Going back tomorrow! ------------------------------------------ I'm planning to return tomorrow and repeat the same activity. Why? I had an interesting conversation with one of the officers: "Do you want to get arrested? Want to go to jail?" "No, not at all. My goal is to show how important Family Rights are. I've been trying to get other parents to join me in writing on the sidewalk -- it could have been a good news story, but you know how it is -- a lot of people complain....It's hard to get people to actually do something.... So... I have to do a little more to increase the 'drama' of the event -- but I'm always peaceful & courteous...." He seemed to understand that. I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK THERE ALONE TOMORROW! There will be another arrest and most likely jail. The Alternative - Group Action ------------------------------ I would much prefer to find a Mom & Dad willing to join me next week in more chalk writing on the sidewalk outside the building. With three people we could turn it into a media event -- and that would help all of us! But there's always a risk. They allowed me to fill the sidewalk with writing, but if more people show up they may threaten arrest again -- we must have the quiet courage of our convictions and Faith in the power of the love we have for our kids. http://www.AKidsRight.Org/civil.htm This is not about winning or what other's may do in response. Actions such as these first convince "us" that what we want is worth the potential sacrifice. Folks, don't get me wrong. I understand when people can't join the effort. We all have a lot of personal issues to deal with. I have failed to respond to other requests for help because I was too busy. But I'm also confident that with time -- parents will start to come forward. All I can do is ask... I just got a notice there will be a County Board of Supervisors meeting next Tuesday at 9AM in the old Courthouse building (right next to the new one). Media usually attends and we could get some easy attention by messages on the sidewalk. If you think you are interested, email me: jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org and leave me a phone number & good time to call. Maybe I won't need to go back tomorrow... The Declaration of Family Rights -------------------------------- On Monday & Tuesday of this week I had also taped sheets of paper with a Declaration of Family Rights on the outside wall & windows of the County Courthouse. http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/family-rights-poster.pdf Declaration of Family Rights - in just a few words. -------------------------------------------------- Here are a few paragraphs which may capture the essence of what we are looking for. Fundamental principles which, if recognized and protected, would have prevented many of our family disasters. When a child is born, both biological parents have a RIGHT to know. A child has a RIGHT to both parents in their lives. Fit parents decide what is in the 'best interests' of their children. Good, average, & poor parents are Fit & Equal parents. You and your spouse have a RIGHT to be presumed Fit & Equal parents (equal in terms of both physical and legal custody). If anyone (a spouse, relative, social services) wishes to challenge these rights, you have: 1) The RIGHT to counsel. 2) The RIGHT to be presumed a fit parent, innocent, and deserving of an equal relationship with your kids. 3) The RIGHT to protection of a criminal jury. The "state" needs to prove you were a demonstrated serious and intentional threat to your child's safety and that you acted with mal-intent towards your children. PDF: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/parental_notification/family-rights-poster.pdf What do you think? Your FEEDBACK & PARTICIPATION is welcome! -- John Murtari ____________________________________________________________________ Coordinator AKidsRight.Org jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org A Kid's Right to BOTH parents" (315) 944-0999(x-211) http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ ========================================= http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ A Kid's Right to Both Parents! --- Newsletter mailing list Newsletter@kids-right.org http://kids-right.org/mailman/listinfo/newsletter
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