From A Kids Rights Org

Eric87443 writes "Good People & People of Faith,



I wanted to bring you up-to-date on what has been happening in Syracuse regarding our efforts to get a meeting between Senator Clinton and parents. I will be returning to the outside of the Syracuse Federal Building at 9am on Tuesday, Sep 21st, and my trial (open to the public) is scheduled to start in Federal Court at 10 am.



It would be nice to see a few of you there and have a chance to talk before the time for Trial. If you are new to the group or need more background, you will find a complete history at:

http://www.AKidsRight.Org/actionc_syr
"

Rest under Read More section.Eric87443 continues...


"When I returned to the building on Sep 2nd I was very surprised to see the extent security went to - to keep me out of the building. After again 'pushing' me out of the entrance two officers kept watch as I attempted to move between the doors to enter. They would 'push' me farther away if I go to close, but then I would just come back. This went on for two hours and I couldn't help feeling 'silly.' The effort appeared to be coordinated by the US Attorney's office and the Judge didn't seem to care what was happening . . . what could I do next? What could WE do next?



I couldn't help but feel 'flashbacks' to the way things are in Family Court. The way all of us were simple 'pushed' out of the way when it came to our children. The silly allegations and the simple indiginity of the entire process. The Judges and Lawyers and staff -- just too busy for us and ready to get on with it - NEXT!



I've had some thoughts on how to proceed (and I welcome yours) and you may see some different NonViolent Action next Tuesday. In a another attempt I wrote to Senator Clinton, the Judge, and the US Attorney's office (below). I certainly appreciate the efforts of those of you who have written and called - it has made a difference. I have repeated the contact information for all these people at the end of this message -- your personal contact with them would be a great help both to me and our effort.



Best regards!


John Murtari



===================== From the letter ==========================



Mr. Richard Southwick, Assistant United States Attorney


RE: United States v. Murtari


P.O. Box 7198


100 S. Clinton St


Syracuse, NY 13261-7198



Dear Mr. Southwick and Ms. Clinton: (13 Sep 2004)

Events at the Federal Building in recent weeks have caused me to

reconsider my methods. I never expected to be `pushed' away from

the building as I attempted to contact a Member of Congress (but

not charged with a crime). Physical force has been used to

resolve an uncomfortable situation. This has placed me in a

difficult position. I had to review all that has happened:

I am a peaceful and respectful parent trying to communicate with

my Member of Congress about recognizing and protecting the Civil

Right I have to be a parent to my own child. I have been:

* Arrested and tried unjustly. Found guilty of violating rules that

don't exist or of actions that did not happen. I was surprised to

find how `weak' building rules were, but GSA has a giant staff and

they should have rewritten their rules.

* Reported unjustly to the Secret Service (by my Member of Congress)

for investigation and have staff use that as an excuse for no

meeting to take place.

* Pushed around a Federal Building without arrest and had a Federal

Judge aware of the situation offer no protection.

* Subjected to a 'broad' stay away order that prohibits me from

peacefully visiting the offices of ALL my Members of Congress in

that building.

The 'overwhelming' physical power of the State separated me from

my Son (and didn't care of the love we had), it has ruined my

personal life and it is difficult for any parent to respond. I

have no animosity toward the individuals, but what happened then

(and now) is just plain wrong. I am being (was) treated like some

kind of 'bag lady' that just needed to be pushed away....

Between the Offices of Senator Clinton and the US Attorney, and

myself - we need to resolve this, but no one appears ready to

reconsider. I know there are accommodations that can be reached in

the `interest of justice.' As a minimum, to allow a constituent

to peacefully petition outside her offices on the 14th floor - if

the Senator is still not ready for a meeting. But I think we need

to "write things down" - that peaceful conduct will not be

disturbed; I will not be `pushed' away from the building again -

that reporting a peaceful constituent to the Secret Service was a

mistake.

Both of you are in positions of great power and authority. I

hardly think to pull back a bit would be seen as a sign of

weakness. It would certainly be seen as a sign of compassion and

graciousness. It would send a positive message to the many people

watching this situation and who are cynical about government.

As the `weakest link' I am hardly in a position to withdraw. It

would too easily be seen as cowardice and lack of conviction

(especially now that physical force is being applied). I would

have to deny my belief in NonViolent Action and in the power of

peaceful voluntary sacrifice in major social reform. What could I

say to the loving parents of the AKidsRight.Org group - `it all

sounded good in theory, but didn't work out too well in practice?'

Most of all, what could I say to my son, Domenic. I have talked to

him about Faith, and Love, and a God that loves each of us dearly

(more than any parent loves their own child). He is old enough now

to understand what Daddy `does' to try to change things and I have

talked to him about the Civil Rights struggle to break

segregation. That people had to sacrifice and there was a lot of

pain (and it is hard for him to understand why - it still is for

me). But I have told him that `good things will happen' and that

`someday' we will have a normal life together - how can I ever

just walk away?

Please, I do ask you to act quickly and before the Court date next

week. There is no need for more jail time here. Because of the

change in `schedule' I was able to plan a trip to see Domenic for

the weekend with my mother - we even got a good deal on the

fair. I am thankful for that time and so is Dom.

Respectfully yours,

John Murtari
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/



315-635-1968, x-211


315-430-2702 (cell)


CC: Federal Magistrate Gustav J. DiBianco


CC: Washington & Syracuse Offices of Senator Clinton
==============================================================



==================== Contact Information =====================



Please send a fax or make a phone call to the Senator's offices both in Washington and Syracuse. They are paying attention to what is going on here. The Senator is a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families.

http://labor.senate.gov/committee_members.html#Chi ldrenFamiles



You don't have to be a resident of New York to call her offices.

Syracuse Local rep, Cathy Calhoun,


tel: 315-448-0470, fax: 315-448-0476


Washington Scheduling Office, Lona Valmoro (Senior Advisor to the Senator),


tel: 202-224-4451, fax: 202-228-0121



Most of all, you don't have to express anger. Just let her staff know that you care about Civil Rights protection for families and the Senator should meet with parent's groups regarding the need for National reform... Let them know being a parent is one of our GREATEST rights. It needs official recognition and protection.



If you take the time to send a fax, try to send copies to the Judge and US Attorney (also email us a copy or tell us about your phone conversation). Let them know you care.



Honorable Gustav J. DiBianco


US Magistrate Judge


RE: United States v. Murtari


P.O. Box 7396


Syracuse, NY 13261-7396



US Attorney Glenn T. Suddaby


RE: United States v. Murtari


Hanley Federal Building, Room 900


100 S. Clinton Street


Syracuse, NY 13261


=====================================================================


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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Newsletter@kids-right.org subscribe/unsubscribe info below:

http://kids-right.org/mailman/listinfo/newsletter"

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