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The Circus Was In Town-I Wonder If Friend Of The Court Employees Took Their Kids....

The Barnum & Bailey-Ringling Bothers Circus was at Grand Rapids' VanAndel Arena from Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21.

My daughters and I did not go.  I could not afford to take them, even with a discount offer on tickets I received in August.

I did manage to scrimp and save enough to take them to a performance last year, but could not this time.  Everything else costs more now, and we have not received a cost of living allowance.

I do wonder if  Michigan Friend of the Court employees, judicial employees and judges took the time to take their own children to a performance. Nah-they were probably too busy tearing other kids away from their fit and able parents, and gloating over the millions of federal dollars they get via the Title IV-D incentives for doing so.

It is such a travesty and a waste-a system that no one asked for(except those who profit from it), no one wants (except the members of the system), and one that commits this level of abuse, and not only gets away with it, they get REWARDED for it!!

If EQUAL PARENTING were the norm, as it should be, many more parents would have the cash available to take their kids to such an event as a circus. Fit, willing, and able parents would be taking care and providing for their own children when their kids are home with them, instead of providing the same standard of living for all of these attorneys, custody evaluators, psychiatrists, social workers, and others. 

I do believe some of them took their children to the circus, and WE paid the bill!! After all, Michigan state employees got THEIR cost of living increases, at OUR expense.

Michigan's family law court system-its actions are in its own best interests,  NOT in those of children of a divorced or otherwise broken home. Yet, they are still here, still  decimating our families, and raking in millions of taxpayer dollars that we could use to make a house payment, put food on the table, or take our children to a special event, like a circus.

Hey, other divorced, non-custodial fathers-did you take your kids to a circus this year?  Could not afford to?  Thank the Michigan legislature for NOT passing EQUAL PARENTING, House Bill 4564.

Thank our family law judges and all the lawyers too.  You keep their standard of living intact, so they can take their kids to  special events, and can bond closer with them.  YOUR children will just have to do without, and the system does not care if you bond with them or not.

A FATHER OF TWO.

Fathers4Justice Duo on 100 Feet Tall Crane Educate 100,000 People During Football Game

Fathers4Justice Duo climb boom crane in front of 100,000 Ohio State and Minnisota football fans. Hanging is a 40 foot banner that was hauled up the crane in the middle of the night without incedent.
The mobile police headquarters was unknowing set up under the crane while the superheros hid on a platform to wait until the crowd below grew from large to huge.

Alec Baldwin - A Promise to Ourselves. New book by Alec Baldwin getting rave reviews!

A MUST BUY book by Alec Baldwin about his experience with family courts, divorce, Parental Alienation, and fatherhood.  Alec Baldwin's A Promise to Ourselves is getting rave reviews and is further exposing the truth of what happens in today's family court systems. 

Please buy A Promise to Ourselves through Amazon.com now or your local favorite bookstore.  Be sure to give Alec Baldwin's A Promise to Ourselves to someone else when you are finished reading it so that even more can hear the truth.  Alec Baldwin's A Promise to Ourselves is now a part of my recommended "Must Read" books, along with Dr. Stephen Baskerville's Taken Into Custody.  Both books are money well spent.  Be sure to educate yourself on Title IV-D to truly understand the problem which ALL tax-payers are funding.  Also, be sure to review the research in support of shared parenting.

Please take the time to thank Alec Baldwin for sharing his personal story in A Promise to Ourselves for the sake of change; to protect our children from the family law industry.  Visit Alec Baldwin's website and leave your message in his guestbook.

Amazon.com A Promise to Ourselves Book Description:

“I have been through some of the worst of contentious divorce litigation,” Alec Baldwin declares in A Promise to Ourselves. Using a very personal approach, he offers practical guidance to help others avoid the anguish he has endured.

An Academy and Tony Award nominee and a 2007 recipient of Golden Globe, SAG, and Television Critics Association Awards for best actor in a comedy, Alec Baldwin is one of the best-known, most successful actors in the world. His relationship with Kim Basinger, the Academy Award–winning actress, lasted nearly a decade. They have a daughter named Ireland, and for a time, theirs seemed to be the model of a successful Hollywood marriage. But in 2000 they separated and in 2002 divorced. Their split---specifically the custody battle surrounding Ireland---would be the subject of media attention for years to come.

In his own life and others’, Baldwin has seen the heavy toll that divorce can take---psychologically, emotionally, and financially. He has been extensively involved in divorce litigation, and he has witnessed the way that noncustodial parents, especially fathers, are often forced to abandon hopes of equitable rights when it comes to their children. He makes a powerful case for reexamining and changing the way divorce and child custody is decided in this country and levels a scathing attack at what he calls the “family law industry.”

When it comes to his experiences with judges, court-appointed therapists, and lawyers, Baldwin pulls no punches. He casts a light on his own divorce and the way the current family law system affected him, his ex-wife, and his daughter, as well as many other families. This is an important, informative, and deeply felt book on a contentious subject that offers hope of finding a better way.

Purchase Alec Bladwin's A Promise to Ourselves now at Amazon.com.

Michigan Equal Parents Week Rally Sept 23 2008

PLEASE ATTEND

Preserve and Protect Our Parent-Child Relationships

Equal Parents Week Rally
Tuesday September 23rd, 2008
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
East Side Capitol Lansing, Michigan

Contact: Darrick Lynn Scott-Farnsworth (269) 209-7144 [email protected]

Dads and Moms of Michigan, the Family Rights Coalition, A Child’s Right, Children Need Both Parents, Fathers for Equal Rights, Fathers-4-Justice and Children’s Rights Council invite you to join us in defense of the traditional American family at this historic rally at our State Capitol during Equal Parents Week.

Over 40% of Michigan’s population is being micro-managed by the family court system with disastrous consequences to our children, families and the state economy. Help transform Michigan from a wasteland of broken families into a promised land of healthy families and community renewal.
House Bill 4564, a bill to ensure equal parental responsibility, will result in a presumption of joint custody for fit parents and equal access for children to both their mother and father. Another hearing on this bill is expected this fall if enough public desire is expressed. 2008-House Joint Resolution NN Fundamental Parental Rights constitutional amendment has been supported by 80 representatives but has not had a hearing. It too will be supported and discussed at the rally and needs your attention. Your attendance at this rally will send a strong message in support of HB 4564 and HJR-NN will serve as a demonstration of our will to be equal and have parental rights to our children.

The Equal Parents Week Rally has been organized to bring to the attention of our legislature, our executive branch, our judiciary and the general public that Equal Parental rights are a civil rights issue whose time has come. America’s success was built on strong family bonds and the recognition that both a mother and a father are essential to raising healthy, moral and well adjusted children.
Rally speakers will include nationally-known family advocates, legislators, VIPs, community leaders and parents.

• Contact your legislator to show your support for HB4564 and HJR-NN.
Primary signs and literature will be provided by the rally organizers.
• Print a map, car pool and plan to arrive before 11:00 am for assembly or 10:00 am for setup if you are bring.
• Bring change for meter parking or consult the maps for the location of a public parking structure.
• Dress for the weather with walking shoes and bring a water bottle.
• Bring personal signs, pictures, and regalia.

Need people to use the Lansing area white and yellow pages and invite people to show up. Also let us know if you know any band who would like to perform some tunes for free. Need you to print out or have printed some parental rights and equal parenting handouts to give out. Does anyone have tables they want to setup for material?

Time Slot Speaker

11 AM State Rep Jones

11:15 State Rep Dean

11:25 State Rep De Roche

11:40 State Rep Kim Meltzer

11:50 State Rep Stahl

12:00 PM State Rep Hoogendyk

12:10 State Rep Candidate David Irons

12:20 Chrissy Chrzanowski Split-n-Two

12:40 Drew Thompson of Dads and Moms of MI

12:50 State Rep Polidori

1:00 David Taylor Oakland County FOCAC

1:15 State Rep Candidate Scott Hudson

1:30 Ingham County Comm Candidate Kerr

1:45 Get Off the Bench Lary Holland

The Fourteenth Amendment To The United States Constitution.

The Fourteenth Amendment is actually quite lengthy, comprising several sections, and addressing  separate topics.

However, the second sentence in Section 1 is of relevance to this post:  "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws".

Please read that sentence again.

The Fourteenth Amendment was drafted and ratified a long time ago, and was done for very specific reasons.

Michigan's family law judges obviously cannot read.

Michigan's Friend of the Court conciliators and custody evaluators obviously cannot read, either.

Maybe all of these judicial bureaucrats, elected and otherwise, have forgotten the Oath of Office that they all swore to uphold.  At least, all of them were SUPPOSED to sign and swear to an oath supporting the Constitution of The United States, and that of the state in which they are taking office or appointment.

Why, then, are the 14th Amendment rights of EVERY parent and EVERY child in nearly EVERY child custody hearing in Michigan violated and ignored?

Even the U.S. Supreme Court, in the case of Troxel  vs. Granville (2000), has upheld the liberty interests of parents.  Justice O'Connor stated, in The Court's opinion, "the liberty interest at issue...the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental interests recognized by this Court", and "it cannot now be doubted that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children." 

Family law judges have sworn to uphold the Constitution of this country.

THEY HAVE FAILED.

Citizens of The United States of America, are you going to allow this to continue, or are YOU going to take action, NOW?

A Father Of Two.

Child Support is More Than Simply Money, Says Filmmaker Angelo Lobo

Child Support is More Than Simply Money, Says Filmmaker Angelo Lobo  - Reuters

Dr. Stephen Baskerville, author of Taken Into Custody, coming to Okemos Michigan Oct 4 2008

A must attend event in Okemos, Michigan on October 4 2008 10-11:45am.  Dr. Stephen Baskerville, PhD., author of Taken Into Custody, will be at the Okemos Holiday Inn Express to discuss family courts in America. 

There will be a lengthy Q and A session and also a book signing.  Dr. Stephen Baskerville's book, Taken Into Custody, is a MUST READ and a very shocking review of child custody determinations and the family court system.

Angry Fathers?!! Angry Over Child Abuse - Indeed!

Hey, non-custodial dad, have you ever been called an "ANGRY FATHER"?

Do such exist?

They sure do.

HOWEVER, according to Michigan's family law court system and American media, "Angry Fathers" are those who never bothered taking care of their children when they were married, don't care about their kids now, don't pay their child support, don't deserve to have custody of their kids now, and are those who contest the system for taking away their kids.

Well, they got the last one right, anyway.

Yes.  Absolutely.  ANGRY FATHERS do indeed exist.

In fact, I am one of them.

I am angry with the Michigan family law court system, and its entourage of others who presume to think they know what is best for my two daughters, and those who make their living off of destroying our families.

I have been termed an ANGRY FATHER, because:

1:  I know that I am a loving, capable, and fit parent, who wants to raise my children in the proper manner, as they deserve. I demand to do so, and be left alone by our government so I can.

2:  I contest, and fight, the family law court system because they have committed child abuse-on my daughters, and thousands of other sons and daughters in Michigan.

3:  The system has violated our guaranteed, fundamental rights, under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  The 14th. PROHIBITS a state from doing what they do hundreds of times every day-remove a child from the life and home of a loving, caring, and fit parent. I personally resent this.

4:  My personal income, the very source I need to support my children as well as myself is forcibly taken from me on a weekly basis.  This paid ransom brings in federal dollars, from Title IV-D, to reward Michigan for removing my daughters from the only safe, stable and secure home they will know as children. These federal dollars are taken from EVERYONE'S paycheck, as social security withholdings.  YES-including YOURS!!!

5:  I have been reduced to a "visitor" in the lives of my daughters.

6:  EVERYONE seems to have a vested interest in deciding when I see my children, how long I see them, if I even see them at all, and even used to determine how I saw them. My daughters and I had to endure "supervised parenting time" for six weeks after the custody fight, in which I had to PAY to see my daughters for a one-hour period.

7:  We have a government that routinely turns its head away from us, closes its ears, refuses to listen, refuses to see what is happening, and gives us occasional "lip service" in an attempt to pacify us, withhout any real desire or intent to change the system.

And let's not forget the ones that REALLY PISS OFF THE SYSTEM:

8:  I write letters to newspapers, educating the people of Michigan as to the realities of the Michigan family law court system.

9:  I take part in rallies, meets, and other events.  Some are demonstrations.  Some are protests.  Others are educational in nature.

10:   I write my county commissioners, state elected officials, and federal elected officials, in complaint of what is happening.

11:  Finally, I take whatever further action that I, solo, or in agreement with others, determine will be of benefit to the Equal Parenting cause/movement.

But, let's not forget the biggest reasons why some of us are called ANGRY FATHERS.  It is because we refuse to roll over, refuse to accept what the FOC and judges do, fight handing our income over to bureaucrats as ransom and extortion money, and we actually and actively stand up for ourselves, our rights as parents, and for our children.

The system does NOT like this.

For those of you who are truly an ANGRY FATHER, in the fight such as myself, I applaud you.

In my humble opinion, if everything that has happened to you and your children since the begginning of your divorce/custody case does NOT make you angry, there is something seriously wrong with you.

The next step is to properly earn the title of ANGRY FATHER.

Stand up, become actively involved, stay actively involved, and tell our government bureaucrats NO MORE!

Tell EVERYONE that a child has the right to the love, care, guidance, education and nurturing of both of their fit, able, and willing parents.  To deny a child this is CHILD ABUSE!!

A Father Of Two.

Parents-Divorced, Divorcing, Or Unmarried-An Open Letter To You

Divorced, divorcing, unmarried, or separated parents, YOU have an important choice to make!

You can choose to believe the anti-family and anti-father biased rhetoric from Michigan's Friend of the Court and the rest of the family law court system with its judges, attorneys, custody evaluators, psychologists and social workers...

OR...

You can choose to educate yourself as to the truth, facts, and realities of HOW and WHY there MUST be a "non-custodial" parent chosen by the FOC and courts, AND why a child's time  with a non-custodial is  limited, normally to every-other weekend and a couple of hours one night a week.

Ever heard of Social Security's Title IV-D?

Do you know that Michigan, and every other state too, is REWARDED for removing a FIT, WILLING and ABLE parent from the lives of his or her children?

Perhaps you thought your social security taxes went only to retirement and disability funds....

Perhaps you thought that the mother gets physical custody in about 85% of divorce/custody matters in Michigan because of gender bias, or perhaps you really believe what "the system" and todays media says about American fathers.

Perhaps you can get some answers from your attorney, but usually all he or she does is take thousands of your dollars, and you and your children still lose.

You can, and should, contact the parental and family rights organizations listed below.  Neither can provide attorneys, or legal advice.

What they can provide, though, is essential information, for YOU to become enlightened and educated as to the truth, facts, and realities of what has, and is, happening to you and your children, and WHY!

A Child's Right, PO Box 119, 30 E. Columbia, Ste F1, Battle Creek, MI  49015, www.achildsright.org, (269)-704-5937

Dads And Moms Of Michigan, 6632 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 110, Bloomfield Hills, MI  48301, www.dadsofmichigan.org, (248)-559-DADS (3237).

You have NOTHING to lose, and A LOT to gain, by contacting these folks, visiting their websites, and VOLUNTEERING your time and efforts to help.

This is not just YOUR fight.  Alone, the system will devastate you. Become a part of the TEAM EFFORT to stop the destruction wrought on our families by the Michigan Family Law Court System.

YOU can choose to make a difference, or you can choose to sit there, and cry.  Which is it going to be?

A Father Of Two

Benefits of Equal Parenting

Minister Ronald Smith Has Passed - Parental Rights Legend

A tragedy.  A shock.  Extremely sad news for all who knew this special man.  Minister Ron Smith was one of the best friends I have ever known.  Minister Ronald Smith passed away on Friday September 5, 2008 from a heart attack.  I am still very shook up from this news and will let our readers know more as soon as I get it.  He was such an incredible man and just recently brought the 2008 Million Man March to Michigan.  Minister Ronald Smith was also the founder of the National Fatherhood Summit and was one of the co-founders of the Family Preservation Festival.  Minister Ronald Smith was co-author of the book Cheated.  Minister Ronald Smith was the CEO of Children Need Both Parents, Inc.   Most of all Minister Ronald Smith was an amazing father and husband!

Minister Ronald Smith was actively involved with Michigan House Bill 4564 (shared parenting) and Michigan House Joint Resolution NN (2008) (Parental Rights)

My thoughts are with Ron and his family right now.

Below is a very well known video of Minister Ronald Smith. Incredible speech which I had the pleasure of filming and watching live in Iowa.

God Bless Ron - We ALL love you!  "My brother from another mother"

Robert Pedersen

(Readers can comment in memory/honor of Minister Ronald Smith at the bottom of this page)

From the Family of Minister Ronald Smith

Your Brother in Christ Minister Ronald Smith called Home to be with Yahweh

It is with a heavy heart, and deep sympathy, that I announce to you today that Minister Ronald Smith was called home to be with the Lord. Minister Smith passed away from an apparent heart attack on September 5, 2008.

We are currently making arrangements and would ask you to stand by for further communications with regards to a memorial.

Children Need Both Parents mourns the loss of it's founder and CEO. We praise God that Minister Smith finished all that God charged him with, and is re-united in Heaven with his son Richmond. We vow to press on with the vision God gave him. Everyone here appreciates your love and support through this most difficult of times.

May God continue to shine upon you.

Minister Ronald Smith believed in a proper accounting of God's resources. In our efforts to honor his memory, and honor his principles of stewardship, we humbly request that donations be sent in lieu of flowers. This will enable us to more effectively continue the work God began in him.

Official Announcement from Ronald Smith’s wife, Sherry Shabazz Smith:

Please be advised that there will be two services for Ronald Smith.

Many of you know that Ronald Smith passed away on Friday September 5, 2008.  Thank you for your kind thoughts, considerations  and prayers at this time.

The first service is coordinated by Ron’s sister and mother.  Ronald will be laid to rest in Chicago.  The wake and funeral specifics are listed below.

Minister Ronald. Elijah Smith
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Woodlawn Union Baptist Church
6359 S. Eberhart
Chicago, IL 60637
10:00 -11:00 visitation
11:00 - 12:00 funeral

The second service is a Celebration Of Ronald Smith And His Life. 

This celebration is coordinated by Sherry and will be held on Wednesday September 17, 2008  at 6:00 pm at the:   

Abundant Life Ministries
1725 Division SE
Grand Rapids
Michigan
616-301-2325.

Sherry asks that NO cut flowers be sent.  Live plants are welcome. Most importantly Sherry has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Children Need Both Parents, Inc.  Ronald did not have medical insurance nor did he have any life insurance.  Again,  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Parents-It's Back To School Time!!

Students (and parents, too), welcome back to school!

Some kids are yelling "yes".  Others are crying "no!!".  Parents are relieved, with a "finally".

I have some words of wisdom for all of you parents, especially for the non-custodial ones amongst us.

Please, please, please, make sure that all the paperwork for all of your children is properly filled out, and returned directly to the school office as soon as possible.  The contact information, with the correct phone numbers, complete with emergency numbers, is essential.  Also of great importance is WHO can pickup your children from school, and if your child will be picked up, or will ride a bus home.   Release forms, allowing your child to travel in-district to events, plays, field trips, and the like are also included in the packages this time of year.

For all of you non-custodial parents, double-check the following, PLEASE!!:

1.  That the PROPER contact information is on the form for your child(ren), including that for BOTH you and the custodial parent, if you share joint legal custody, including name, relationship, home number, and work number.

2.  That only the PROPER people to pick up your child(ren) from school are on the "approved" list.

3.  Please check to make sure that BOTH of you sign and date the release forms, including any "medical release" or "medication at school" forms. 

4.  Double-check EVERYTHING-every single form, if they have been filled out by the custodial parent, just to be absolutely sure.

Why double check everything?

From a voice of experience-when my first born daughter was enrolled for kindergarten four years ago, our public school district did NOT even know she had a father.  My ex- had DELIBERATELY left off ANY and ALL contact information for me, and we share joint legal custody.  It took over two months of conversations with the school administrators, and several PROMISES as to what was going to happen if they did not rectify the situation IMMEDIATELY.  Also, never make any threats whatsoever.  Make true, sincere, promises of what actions you WILL take to correct the "oversights" if they happen, AND THEY WILL.  School administrators tend to listen when they see a determined, honest, and sincere parent in front of them.  When my youngest daughter was enrolled in school two years ago there were no such problems.

Also, make sure that you are properly informed of picture days, so you can order your own, and not rely on the other parent.  Make sure you are on the school's mailing list, for monthly newsletters and the like.  Make absolutely certain that you are notified of ALL parent-teacher conference dates, and set an appointment for them!  I had to "inconvenience" them the first year, insisting that I also meet with my daughter's teacher.  They very quickly got used to this involved father, and I now have a good relationship with the school principle and the teachers.

If you possibly can, VOLUNTEER at your child's school.  Many options are available for this, and few fathers take advantage of them.  Most PTO's and other school organizations are largely made up of women-and the kids are missing out on the "male perspective" on things.  Besides, volunteering to read to a class, perhaps put on a special presentation based upon your career or employment, or go as a chaperone on a field trip is NOT gender-exclusive.  And, yes, they have special forms for this too, to make sure that only respectfull, well-meaning, and SAFE individuals can get anywhere near YOUR children.

Regardless of the relationship with your ex-spouse, this is your child(ren)'s education.  Put aside the differences, and work together, to provide your child a productive, happy, safe, and educational school year experience!

By the way, non-custodial parent, you SHARE your child(ren) pick-up responsibilities with the other parent, RIGHT?  If not, pick that as an essential goal, work for it, and make it happen! 

Do NOT make the mistake of expecting the courts or your local FOC office to enforce "joint legal custody" guidelines.  They won't.  My advice-deal directly with the school first, if you encounter any problems.  Show them you are sincere, and mean business.  Earn their respect, if you can.

After all, children deserve the right to the love, care, guidance, EDUCATION, and nurturing of BOTH fit, willing, and able parents.  Denying a child any of this is child abuse!

A Father Of Two.

Who is best for fathers? Barack Obama or John McCain?

Governor Sarah Palin revived John McCain's campaign from the dead.  This will without a doubt make the race very competitive in November.  Governor Palin has a positive track record in reducing government intrusion into familes.  The National Organization for Women (NOW) ironically does not support Gov Palin.  No surprise there!  General common sense would lead you to think that if NOW doesn't like her then she must be great for us dads!

Placing the brilliant VP pick by McCain aside.  Who is best for fathers?  McCain or Obama?

In our opinion neither are ideal and both seem to be clueless as to the plight of today's fathers.  However, Obama may talk alot about fathers but he has to be the worst candidate of the two.  Obama's Responsible Fatherhood Act fails to recognize that fit and willing fathers are removed from their children's lives for the states to maximize Title IV-D funds.

“The federal incentives drive the system. The more divorces, and the higher the child-support guidelines are set and enforced (no matter how unreasonable), the more money the state bureaucracy collects from the feds. Follow the money. The less time that non-custodial parents (usually fathers) are permitted to be with their children, the more child support they must pay into the state fund, and the higher the federal bonus to the states for collecting the money. " - Phyllis Schlafly

Obama's Responsible Fatherhood Act mentions child support 65 times and fails to mention parenting time, custody, visitation time or access denial. Not only is this hostile to fathers but it also fails children by ignoring the numerous benefits of shared parenting for children.  Dads are more than paychecks!  Obama's Responsible Fatherhood Act is not only bad for fathers and children, but it will also significantly increase the size of government and the intrusion into our families. 

Phyllis Schlafly did an excellent article on this very point.  This article also mentions equal parenting advocate Robert Pedersen.  Another excellent article on Obama'a Responsible Fatherhood Act was written by Glenn Sacks and Mike McCormick.

We hope that John McCain and Barack Obama will address the issues noted in this incredible Youtube video on Men's Issues.

john mccain barack obama obama 2008 election sarah palin fatherhood