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Littlest Chalker makes her feelings known!
Hanley Federal Building, Syracuse, NY. We've left messages with Kid's chalk on the plaza to encourage U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to take action on reform. Had some new people make the trip. Mr. Jack Frost, from the Albany area, has been active in reform for many years  and is currently President of FAFNY. Mr. Alex Haas came with his family from Ohio and also helps with NPO.
Talking with Senate Staff
Jack and Alex had a chance to talk with aids for both Schumer & Gililbrand, here are Jack's thoughts on what meeting them was like:
We wanted to drop by the offices of New York’s Senators, Schumer & Gillibrand, to speak to any available staffers and voice our support for AKidsRight Family Rights bill.
We were told by security at the entrance that someone from both offices would come down to speak to us. Not allowed into the building. We met them outside the entrance. This didn't upset me at the time, as we are not protesting the right to meet with our legislators in their public offices that are paid for by taxpayers. We were there seeking assistance and support for basic parental rights. I was just happy someone was taking time out of their day to come talk to us....
The guy from Schumer's office took the standard line... that he was not our representative. I've talked with many legislators and their staff and this is a standard technique they use to misdirect you when they don't want to talk about your issue. The issue was not new to them.... We were there to support John and his efforts. For him to rely on a basic brush off tactic was disappointing; especially given the fact of the personal sacrifice John has and continues to undertake for his efforts to get some basic Civil Rights protection for parents in the United States. Obviously the hot topic today is parental rights for illegal immigrants not basic parental rights for U.S. citizens; a fact that certainly does not escape me. I looked at him in disbelief; not really knowing what to say.
The staffer from Gillibrand's office was very nice and we talked about some specific instances of parental rights. I talked about some situations in my life and the lives of others who would have been positively impacted had these basic parental rights protections been in place. Everything was going fine until a higher level staffer from Gillibrand's office caught us talking outside when she was returning to the building. She wanted us to have a better "more formal meeting" at "another time". Never mind the fact I was 3 solid hours away from my home nor was it our choice to be meeting outside... We took everything in stride and said thank you several times and they hurried into the building and our pleasant conversation abruptly ended.
Upon reflection the whole experience reeked of disdain and I feel we were being treated as unworthy. At the time I was more focused on me not being disrespectful to them and trying to stay on message. I certainly didn't want to undo any progress John had already made. Just think ....John subjects himself to this every week - every Friday. If you are thinking about coming out to support him; He sure could use the help. The more people who speak up the less this issue will remain disrespected and unworthy of even entering the publicly tax payer funded federal building.
Overall, I'm glad I went and was able to get a small look at what past civil rights leaders like MLK may have endured. While being treated that way was somewhat traumatic it also felt strangely patriotic. It was nice to think we were standing up for our Parental Rights and the Parental Rights for all parents in the United States" -- Jack Frost (fr33j6ck@yahoo.com).
NOTE --> We did check with staff and got a phone call from Sen. Schumer's Regional Director. They've had a problem with how some people were acting when visiting their offices. Security took it upon themselves to do some 'screening' at the door. He said if we just call ahead, no problem in entering.
Make a brief phone call and support Family Rights. If you haven't yet, please take a few minutes & call the local Senate offices and let them know you care about Family Rights and want a response (Schumer - 315-423-5471, Gillibrand - 315-448-0470). If no one picks up, leave a message. Let us know you called and we'll add your name to a list we're preparing of callers. EVEN BETTER - they have offices in many cities across New York, visit your local office. Live in another state? Visit your US Senator's office....
Real change will require new laws. Fundamental Family Rights should be a standard across our country and that means a Family Rights Act passed by Congress. What influences Members of Congress is you making a personal effort to call them, visit a local office, or organize a peaceful demonstration outside local offices. Not sure what to say -- we have a Contact Kit with all the info.
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