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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/
=======================================
Newsletter mailing list
Newsletter@kids-right.org subscribe/unsubscribe info below:
http://kids-right.org/mailman/listinfo/newsletter"
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