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Fathers/Mothers Day 2000 -> 2001

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We would like to present some pictures and reflections from the rally held in Washington, D.C.  There are some important ideas for next year's event.  We must continue to define who we are and what we want for our children. 

John Murtari, a Kids-Right.Org coordinator, made the trip to the rally.  He was able to carry the same picture he has used for protests in Syracuse. 

"It was an exhilarating experience marching right down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the U.S. Capitol Building.  For many people there it was their first time marching.  Once you get over the initial feelings of hesitation and embarrassment, almost all of them felt good from the experience.   They were finally doing something to make things better." 

There are three important issues that we need to recognize: 

a) Low Participation - There were about a hundred people there.  Much more than last year, but considering the number of families destroyed by the present system of family law--not as many as you would expect.  This is not a reason for despair. 

Just think back to segregation in the South in the 1950's.  It had been a way of life for generations.  If you were black, you sat in the back of the bus, you used a different bathroom, you even drank out of a different water fountain.  Imagine that!   There were laws that enforced this;   appellate decisions that upheld it as good law.  "That's how it is, just accept it and go on with your life."  Sound familiar?

Not too many people even tried to protest.  Why bother?  But suddenly in Montgomery, Alabama, thousands and thousands of people wanted to participate.  They now had leaders, a clear goal, and a common approach.  What about us and family law reform?

b) Who are we and what are our goals - John had a chance to talk to many people at the DC rally.  There were moms there also.  He was trying to encourage folks to hold this as a dual rally for next year on both Mothers & Fathers day.  Moms and dads would be helping each other.   Many people like the idea, but a few people actually said, "I WON'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP MOTHERS."

Can you believe it?  John was left speechless and would just walk away.  I WON'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP MOTHERS.  Wow!  How many of us feel that way?  Is a mother deprived from a Court of seeing her child less deserving of help?  Is her pain any less? 

c) Let's get ready for next year - Who are we?  What are our goals?  We are parents who have been deprived of our Civil Rights.  In every Non-Violent Action we take, we demonstrate that we love our children--but we won't sit in the back of the bus any more.  We want a presumption of equality in raising our kids and the protection of a jury when that right is threatened. 

Let us all try to plan and participate in a joint event next year.  Try to remember we are parents working together for our children.   If you would like to help, please contact us.  Also take the time to register at the site.  Please contact us.