c/o Software Workshop Inc.
55 East Genesee Street
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
July 22, 2002
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
United States Senate
476 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Clinton:
I am a coordinator for a group of parent’s seeking National Family Law reform (http://www.AKidsRight.Org/) A group of us will be outside your offices in Syracuse, on Monday, July 29th, in a continuing effort to petition you and get your support and guidance in this reform effort.
Unfortunately, one or more parents may be arrested in this very peaceful effort — and it all seems so unnecessary. For over a year now we have attempted contacts with your local and Washington offices, some of us have even made the long drive to Washington (on our personal time and money) and no one from your staff could meet with us. We have written many letters to you and staff, but have just been unable to get a meaningful dialog started. Our web site documents our past efforts to reach you and what the response has been. We would like to schedule a personal meeting with you and parents effected by our system.
The issue is Civil Rights
We believe recognizing parents have a basic Human Right to participate in the lives of their children is obvious – but is the time right? We are asking you to take the time to listen and see what is really happening – and to also draw analogy to the past, as you consider the many Members of Congress who have proceeded you in this Nation’s history.
Have you ever wondered what those members were thinking of TWENTY years before:
- Slavery was ended.
- Women were granted the right to vote.
- Segregation was ended.
What would the response have been by you and your staff to:
- A slave coming to your office and asking you to protect their right to be free?
- A women coming to your office and asking for the simple right to vote?
- A black coming to your office and asking to sit in the front of the bus?
Would you have told them to go back, get better organized (and maybe – you have to wait, we are in the middle of a war or other crisis?). We all like to be “proactive.” Would you have taken the risk and lead on the issue before the rest of the Nation was ready to follow? The “Freedom Riders” sat in the front of the bus and were hauled off to jail. Do we have to make that same Sacrifice for the Love of our children also? We are parents asking you to recognize the God given right we have to be with our children, for protection from well intentioned government interference. Will you meet with us?
Protection of Family Rights
We have a DRAFT Family Rights Act at our web site, http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ . It is an attempt to restore balance in Family Law nationwide. Each state had the ability to establish its own criminal code and procedures, but was still required to remain within the U.S. Constitutions guarantees of: a presumption of innocence, real proof, and the protection of a Jury. There has been an explosion in well intentioned Family Law produced in each state, but without the firm guidance of our Constitution. The words “best interest of the child” have been used to justify any state action. WE ARE NOT calling for MORE FEDERAL INTERFERENCE, but less. The recognition of established constitutional protections to protect families
We only ask the same principles used to protect liberty, also protect the bond between parents and children (probably an even more valued freedom) – the presumption of equal parenting, real proof, and the protection of a Jury.
I have attached a copy of a recent list message which may help you better understand the event.
Respectfully yours,
John Murtari
jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org
315-635-1968,x-211
CC: Kathy Calhoun, Senator Clinton Regional Rep.
CC: Catherine Brown, Senator Clinton Legislative Aid
CC: Hanley Federal Building Manager