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Our issue

How is it that a parent who has: done volunteer work, served our country in the Air Force, been active in his Church, demonstrated a life long commitment to the care of his family, has a loving relationship with his child, and spent a large amount of money in support of his child -- not only be labeled a 'deadbeat' by New York State? John Murtari's story is not unique at all -- there are even more horrible stories happening all over the country.

Our society has failed to recognize & protect the Civil Right of parents to nurture their own children. There ought to be a "significant barrier" the system has to cross before they can interfere with family life. Before a Judge has the ability to determine 'what is in the best interest' of your child.

We are not looking for MORE laws, but protection. That you and your spouse are both considered Fit & Equal parents (equal in terms of both physical and legal custody). If anyone (a spouse, relative, social services) wishes to challenge that, you have:

1) The right to counsel.

2) The right to be presumed a fit parent, innocent, and deserving of an equal relationship with your kids.

3) The right to protection of a jury. The "state" needs to prove you were a demonstrated serious and intentional threat to your child's safety.

How you can help.

We have contact information for various public officials below. Please write them and let them know you care about this. John can also use financial help with his Legal Defense, that info also follows.   Click here for the main summary page, here for a News Release.

The MESSAGE should not be one of anger, but merely to say to them, We love our children. We have been denied our rights. We need Congressional hearings into reform.

Please ask the Federal and County Prosecutors to examine what happened here and to make sure John is treated properly in jail. You can be sure the 'system' wants to label John as just another 'crazy' -- let's not let that happen.

If you have ideas for publicity or other actions in support, please contact both:
Terri Stoddard (PR Person): teri@AKidsRight.Org  
Kevin Purdy (Webmaster): contact@AKidsRight.Org 

Contact Info:

Legal Defense:
Mr. Charles Keller is an experienced criminal trial lawyer. He first represented John as his public defender during John's attempts to peacefully walk in the Federal Building. He had over 30 sets of charges dismissed. http://www.AKidsRight.Org/events.htm 

At that time he was the Chief of the Criminal Division for the Hiscock Legal Aid society in Syracuse, New York. He has also served as a faculty member at the Syracuse University Law School. Presently, he is in private practice.

He is not very experienced in Family Law, but became aware of John's contempt trial and volunteered to represent him for whatever John could pay (which was not much!). Your contributions, even in the range of $20-$50 are welcome. We will report them at our web site, for more details see: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/donate_jm.htm 

You can address any donation to:

Mr. Charles Keller Esq.
Att: Murtari Legal Defense
9416 Carousel Center Drive
Syracuse, New York 13290