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Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates - Please Support Jack Hoogendyk for Republican Party Chair

Michigan Republicans were placed on life support after the 2008 November election.  The losses were BEYOND significant.  This wave of party destruction could change significantly if Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates support Jack Hoogendyk for Republican Party Chairman.

Many Republicans at both the state and federal level feel that they no longer have a party to call home.  Ron Paul Republicans look at the Republican Party and wonder how the train wreck occurred over and over again to the core principles that the Republican Party once stood for.

Don't dismiss the significance of Ron Paul Republicans in Michigan!  Ron Paul received 54,475 votes even beating media darlings Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuilani.  In fact, ALMOST beating them both in combined votes.  The Michigan Ron Paul Republicans numbers have further increased since the launch of Campaign for Liberty in Michigan and across the country.  Keep in mind that many NEW Republicans joined the party just to vote for Ron Paul. 

There are growing reports of MANY Ron Paul supporting Republican Precinct Delegates making the decision to support Jack Hoogendyk for Party Chair in Michigan.  This is excellent news and I would ask for their continued support of Jack Hoogendyk.

In comes Jack...

Jack Hoogendyk will truly help unite a Michigan Republican Party.  Jack will  draw support of Republicans across the political spectrum and create the positive change needed for victory in Michigan.  If you review Jack's voting record it will become clear that he will bring the Michigan Republican Party back to it's core conservative principles, which is precisely how success will begin.

I also strongly believe that Jack Hoogendyk will create the same type of passion and excitement that Ron Paul did for this party.  People loved voting for Jack Hoogendyk as state representative because he was not "wishy-washy" or a Republican in name only (RHINO).  You knew where he stands and where he will take this party. 

For example, Jack Hoogendyk was a strong supporter of Michigan House Bill 4564 and did not waiver on his support of equal parenting for fit and willing parents.  To hear Jack speak about HB4564 was truly an exciting experience - his message was simple - to NOT support equal parenting for fit and willing parents is wrong for BOTH parents - BUT MOST OF ALL WRONG FOR THE CHILDREN.  Zero wavering - his position clearly defined in a way anyone could understand.

This is really what Michigan Republicans need to win big once again.  All to often, you hear people state that it is becoming difficult to differentiate between Republicans and Democrats in Michigan. 

So Michigan Republican Precinct Delegates I urge you to support Jack Hoogendyk for Michigan Republican Party Chair.  Visit Jack Hoogendyk's website and voice your support.  Be sure to also visit his blog Core Principles which has been excellent to date.

Let Jack Hoogendyk bring ALL Michigan Republicans together to create passion, excitement and most of all VICTORY!  The economy in Michigan will most likely become even more challenging than it is currently.  EVERY REPUBLICAN needs to understand the changes needed to connect with voters.  These changes and core values are clearly defined in this youtube video.  This is a must see video all the way to the end.  I pray that Michigan Republicans will support Jack Hoogendyk and also LEARN from the wisdom of Ron Paul as documented in the above video.

Consequences Of "The System" - Family Court

Many people have a system for something-they can have one at work, or at home.  It likely helps them accomplish some sort of task.

However, bureaucracy also has its systems.  Government bureaucracy, and even other bureaucratic types have their systems. Some are merely annoying. Some can be debilitating, some can be dangerous, while others can be devastating.

Allow me to offer a comparison of how two "systems" can cause harm.

I am a University of Michigan Wolverine football fan. This year, their new coach, Rich Rodriquez, has the Wolverines running what is called a "spread offense", which differs from that the team is used to running, and what the athletes were recruited to run.

This year, the Wolverines have a 3-8 record, with one game remaining.  The Michigan Wolverines have the best record in the history of NCAA football, but their program is in chaos because of Rodriguez' "system".   This season, they have the worst record in their history, and their record streak of 32 straight years with a bowl game birth has been snapped. He could, and should have been coaching a "traditional" offense, so the athletes could have been successful.  Not this coach.  It was his "system" or nothing-the record does not matter to him.  His athletes are demoralized, and play like it.  To this type of bureaucrat, the end result means nothing, as long as he is in charge, and everyone is doing things the way he wants, regardless of the consequences.

Of course, until this coach is fired, which will likely come soon, I hope!!

Michigan's bureaucrats have another "system", the family law court system. 

What can be more devastating to the state of Michigan than destroying its families and tearing children from their parents?  On top of that, Michigan is PAID to do it, by the federal government.

The result here-federal incentives under Social Security Title IV-D, totalling BILLIONS of dollars are paid to each state, to forcibly remove a child from the life of one of his or her parents simply because the parents divorce.

After all, the bureaucrats only care about the system, and those it benefits.

They don't care about the system's victims.

All of the bureaucrats responsible for the continuance of Michigan's family law court system cannot be fired.  Sure, you can vote many, or even most of them out of office, but their replacements will do the same things, resulting in the same devastation of our families and the lives of our children.

Changing the laws, and prohibiting the bureaucrats from continuing this is the only way to stop it.

EVERY DAY in Michigan, more children are forcibly removed from one of their parent's lives, and your elected officials only care about the federal dollars that roll in as their reward, and that the system continues to operate as it is.....

A FATHER OF TWO

Have you joined the Campaign for Liberty?

Obama Fund Fatherhood Now

Now that the Democrats are running DC and most of Lansing we need
to begin to communicate the need for DHS/CAPTA/VAWA/Title IV legislative
change. Looking at what has been proposed during the election we must
strike quickly to get our reform message in their ears. Obama's message of the
need for fathers and families needs to be directed towards legislative
changes that actually encourage the states to keep families intact and both
parents significantly involved with their children.
 

Here is Obama's site let him know what you think:

 

http://www.change.gov/page/s/yourvision/

 

 There is funding available and a drive by President Elect Obama to influence fatherhood so let's get busy.

 

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-s1626/text

 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

 

Congress makes the following findings:

 

(1) The most important factor in a child's upbringing is whether the
child is brought up in a loving, healthy, supportive environment.

 

(2) Children who grow up with two parents are, on average, more likely
than their peers in single-parent homes to finish high school and be
economically self-sufficient.

 

(3) Father-child interaction, like mother-child interaction, has been
shown to promote the positive physical, social, emotional, and mental
development of children.

 

SEC. 107. STATE ASSESSMENTS OF BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL
SUPPORT OF CHILDREN.

 

(a) State Assessments and Reports- As a condition of the continued
approval of a State plan under part D of title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.), each State with an approved such plan,
acting through the appropriate State agencies, shall assess the State
policies with respect to the issues described in subsection (b) and
submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the
results of such assessment not later than March 15, 2008.

 

(b) (5) Identification of any other barriers to healthy family formation
or sustainable economic opportunity for custodial and noncustodial
parents that are created or exacerbated by Federal or State laws,
policies, or procedures, including an examination of the rules of
Federal and State means-tested programs, the operation of the State
workforce system, the availability of financial education services, and
the availability of domestic violence services and child support
procedures to help victims of domestic violence stay safe and obtain the
child support they are owed.

 

(c) Grants to States for Commissions on State Law Improvements in the
Best Interest of Children and Families- The Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall award grants to States to establish or support
commissions to review the State assessment conducted in accordance with
subsection (a) and to make recommendations on ways to improve State law
in the best interest of children and families.

 

Make sure that the Obama administration puts the money where their mouths are.

 

"The federal government spends $99.8 billion dollars every year on
programs - such as child support enforcement and anti-poverty efforts -
that support father-absent homes"

 

https://www.fatherhood.org/research.asp

 

Darrick Scott-Farnsworth

Executive Director A Child's Right

www.achildsright.org

2692097144

Non-custodial Parents - How YOU Can Become Involved?

Every blog post, guest opinion and letter to the editor written by parental advocates bring the same request: "HELP ME." The request that should be asked is: "I want to become involved in this fight.  My family and my children and I have been wronged by Michigan's family law court system.  I want this abuse to stop, and I want to help."

EVERYONE is either personally affected by this judicial abuse, or has a relative, friend, neighbor, or co-worker who is. If you do not, you are in a very small minority.

What can you do to become involved in this struggle?

Become ACTIVE and INVOLVED.  How?

FIRST- TELL TWO PEOPLE, EVERY SINGLE DAY, WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, AND YOUR FAMILY. Tell this to your family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

SECOND-WRITE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.  Start with your state representative, state senator, and the governor.  Do NOT just email or call them.  WRITE them an actual letter, and KEEP WRITING them, even after you have received any reply.  You can then move on to your county commissioner.  Do NOT give up after one or two letters.  Be PERSISTANT, and DEMAND answers as to why the abuses continue.

THIRD-WRITE YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER, TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS.  Tell them the abuses inflicted upon your family, your children, and yourself by our family law court system.  Ask them to investigate and report the abuse.  Again, BE PERSISTANT!!

FOURTH-WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR of your local newspaper.  Make public the abuses inflicted upon your family and yourself.  Once you have a letter printed, use it as a building block, and continue writing them.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TELL AND WRITE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE ABOUT?

1. Michigan's family law court system is inflicting child abuse daily by removing a loving, fit, able, and willing parent from the lives of his or her children.

2.  Under the financial rewards and incentives of Social Security Title IV-D, every state receives MILLIONS OF DOLLARS to strip parents from the life of their children. These taxpayer dollars come from the pockets of EVERY taxpayer in the U.S.

3.  Your local Friend of the Court is the first step in the cycle of abuse.  A FOC Conciliator will recommend which parent is to be custodial, and which will be non-custodial.  The facts of the individual case do not matter, and the FOC will choose what, if anything, they truly investigate.

4.  False allegations of domestic violence are commonly used by one party to try to gain an advantage in a custody situation.  The system encourages this, and often rewards a custodial parent for making such fradulent claims, without any proof or evidence.

5.  PARENTAL ALIENATION SYNDROME  is real.  It is NOT a fable. Children ARE being alienated and torn from a parent by the other, to reap the rewards of child custody, child support, desiring to harm the other parent regardless of the consequences to their child(ren), and an insane need to completely control their child's life, regardless of the other parent's necessary and essential input.

These are just some of the issues you can speak with others and write about.  Educate yourself on these topics if you are not already fully informed on them. The truth and the facts are publicly available.

Do NOT continue to sit there, cry, and complain.  Do NOT just try to get some relief from your personal case and then stop your activities-the system will continue, and any relief will be short-lived.

Only with CONSISTANT and PERSISTANT action and involvement will the abuses ever be corrected.

YOU must choose-will you continue to sit idly by, and continue to be part of the problem, or will you become an active and involved paticipant in this fight, and strive to be a part of the solution?

The suggestions I listed above are just a part of what you can do and should be doing.  I have done all of these, and much beyond.

IF I CAN DO ALL OF THE ABOVE, SO CAN YOU. 

A Father Of Two. 

Dave Taylor of the Oakland County FOCAC

Dave Taylor of Oakland County Speaks of the corruption  at the Friend of the Court. He let us know that the Friend of the Court has championed new laws in Michigan that will help create a greater intrusion into the family and larger money stream for them.  Learn about Title IV-D incentives Learn about the benefits of shared parenting.

If you think child custody determinations are fair in Michigan you MUST watch this video with Carol Rhodes speaking on the Michigan Friend of the Court.

Hey Dad, BACK TO COURT!!

With recent events forcing several of my friends, all fathers and fellow advocates for parental rights, back to court to again attempt to right the wrongs dealt to us by Michigan's family law court system, I am reminded of the last time I was forced there.....

A little over two years ago, my oldest daughter had to repeat Kindergarten.  I managed to change my hours at my employer, and filed a motion to increase my time with my daughters.

The initial hearing was in front of the Court Referee, where I was blamed for my daughter failing Kindergarten, because I was "not involved enough".

Try being involved enough while only seeing your children every-other weekend and four hours one day a week.

A Michigan family law court referee actually admonished a loving, caring, fit, and able father for a child failing a grade BECAUSE OF THEIR COURT ORDER limiting my time with my children.

The referee did not grant my motion, so I objected, and got in front of the judge, a COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER.

Yes, I did manage to have the motion granted, despite the furious protests from my ex-wife and her attorney.

Still, I ask, WHY is this necessary?

The Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution PREVENTS and PROHIBITS any state from doing this  to any American citizen.

Still, here they are, and they are still doing it.  They will do it again TODAY.  They will do it again TOMORROW.  They will do it again THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, and THE DAY AFTER THAT.

Still, American media continues to cry out against "deadbeat dads", and "angry fathers".  They continue to ignore the pleas of thousands of parents, showing our judiciary and  bureaucrats the truth and the facts of Michigan's family law court system.

And, again, tomorrow, it will be BACK TO COURT again for another loving, caring, fit and able father, to attempt to right another wrong inflicted upon a family by our family law court system.

Again, people ask WHY?

The bureaucrats and judges just stare back, and dream of all the millions of dollars of federal incentives they will continue to claim under Title IV-D.  Our constitutional and fundamental rights?  They don't matter! 

The Friend of the Court Conciliators will again, TOMORROW, declare more parents as "non-custodial" so they can start the funds rolling in from THAT case too, and it goes on, and on, and on.....

And again, TOMORROW, another father will have to pay out hundreds of dollars for motions, attorneys, court costs, and be admonished by a referee or a judge for not being involved enough.....

And, TODAY, Michigan's bureaucrats still choose to ignore and stall legislation that will again spell out the rights that we parents SHOULD be allowed to enjoy.

The Equal Parenting Bill, House Bill 4564, and House Joint Resolution NN, the "Parental Rights" Constitutional Amendment both sit in limbo......

Our bureaucrats have NO intention of passing these issues.

But, they will happily blame any non-custodial parent for "not being involved enough" with their children.

A Father Of Two.

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.

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.

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.

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

Michigan Judicial Candidate Brian Downs, Esq. Explains Why Michigan Needs Equal Parenting

With a sense of sarcasm Brian Downs, a Michigan Judicial Candidate, does an excellent job explaining to an audience why Michigan needs Equal Parenting.  You will be amazed when you see how dramatically child custody determinations vary by county.  Michigan children deserve better!   Benefits of equal parenting for children.

If you support equal parenting please make a donation to his campaign at http://www.downs4judge.com/

The Equal Parenting Bike Trek Cyclists Take On Goliath

Those of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s remember Jim McKay’s famous lead in to ABC’s Wide World of Sports- “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat,” as we watched the skier crashing over the top of the ramp landing awkwardly and surely breaking his leg. Less known, but of no less courage, Bill Knoellner had his own moment of agony this past week.

Bill is one of four men traveling by bike 768 miles from Lansing, MI to Washington DC. While the skier likely went to the hospital and was certainly out of the competition, Bill, undaunted, made his mandatory visit to the emergency room, but was back on the road before day’s end! What seeming insanity provoked this man to such levels of achievement? Children! Children? Yes, children!
Bill, along with Brian Downs, Rob MacKenzie and Bill Foster endured 768 miles of dangerous and mountainous terrain by bike to draw attention to one of the greatest travesties known to modern mankind. The tragedy is the state run divorce industry, also known as child kidnapping.

Children, at an alarming rate, nearly 100%, are “legally kidnapped” from one of their parents. This is due to the states’ pecuniary interest in Title IV-D Block Grant Funds. Children sold at auction for the Family Divorce Court’s filthy lucre, while the states kidnap these children, they then place the defrocked parent, which is usually dad, into involuntary servitude!

Dads across America have aligned to take on the states in a toe-to-toe battle, too daunting a task to evenly compare to the Biblical narrative of David v. Goliath. David, at least, had a weapon, albeit, a slingshot. Dads have not the legal training, have no money and are often times found fighting from a jail cell. Undaunted, they continue to flail away at the enemy- The State Courts!

As we descend on Washington DC August 15 and 16, be sure to thank Bill and the others for their heroism and do support our efforts to re-claim our children, who are our greatest love, for which we know no limits of bravery!

Big Daddy

Visit Cycling4Children.com for more updates on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek Main Page

Michigan's Friend Of The Court-How Petty!!!

Anyone who has ever been involved with Michigan's Friend of the Court knows that they are nothing more than a money-collection office.

Divorced parents, moms and dads included, have spoken out as to the ways they have been treated by the FOC conciliators and staff.  Parents have been told to "shut up", silenced with a "that's very annoying", ignored, and their words completely disregarded during conciliations and mediations.

Whenever I have the unfortunate and very frustrating necessity of having to deal with my local FOC office staff, I have always taken written correspondence directly to them, instead of mailing it.  They had always been courteous enough to "date stamp" and then make a copy for me of all that correspondence.  If more than a page, I had always made a copy for them, so both could be date stamped; one for them, and one for me. This involved no expense for them, only a few minutes of time.

A few weeks ago, that changed.  They had a notice up that copies would now cost 25 cents.  Now, the first time, as I had but one page and no copy, I paid them the quarter, and fine with that.

The next couple of times, I took a copy, and they still date stamped both-one for them and one for me.  It is a mandatory  precaution to make absolutely sure that they date stamp and "accept" your correspondence into their office, and that you have a copy for your records.   That way, you know for sure that nothing will "come up missing" at a later time, or is disregarded.

Now, the last two times, with the regular receptionist at the front window, I have taken my two copies, but they refuse to date stamp the one I keep for my records.  I firmly stood on the principle of the matter-I already have paid them for this service.

They refuse to do so, because I refuse to pay them the quarter for a copy, instead of using the copy I have brought, at my own expense.

Their receptionist told me, when I requested that she simply take my one-page, three-paragraph letter and hold both copies together, and hold them up to a window or a light to verify that both were the same, "NO.  I WON'T DO IT."

She was mortified and concerned that the copies were not the same.  I assured her that if I were going to write more grievances against them, I had more than enough facts to do so, without stooping to the level of trickery and fraud she indicated.

Now, if I had taken a multiple-page document in there, I could understand why she could say that she did not have the time to proof-read it, and accept it into the office. But a ONE-PAGE, THREE-PARAGRAPH letter?

They just want more money out of the pockets of their forcibly recruited "clients"!!

As former FOC enforcement officer Carol Rhodes has written and spoken about, only the money counts with the FOC.

Since the taxpayers of Michigan pay their salary, and the non-custodial parents pay several times more than that in fees and all else, is their time not at our disposal?  After all, we are their "clients", albeit forcibly inducted into the system.

Her attitude left a lot to be desired-very rude, and extremely confrontational.  Employees in private-sector customer-service positions get fired for less than that.  But, she won't.  I requested she speak with the head of the local FOC office on this matter, which she did, with a very nasty attitude.  She returned, and said, quite haughtily,  that she was right for "not accepting and date stamping the copy I had brought". 

They did not care about the necessary written correspondence I had for them-they just wanted more of my money.  The content of the letter was of no concern to the receptionist, or apparently to the FOC administrator.

It's no wonder that our Family Law Court System wants nothing to do with Equal Parenting.  Passage of House Bill 4564, The Equal Parenting Bill would eliminate a lot of the cushy FOC jobs, and reduce the caseload for the courts. A lot of them would lose their current standard of living, and have to find a new job.  They do care about that.  They DON'T care when a non-custodial parent becomes unemployed or gets downsized!

I'm sure that many, many more of you have a FOC "horror story" to tell.  Please do-to your local newspaper, your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else who will listen to you.

A Father Of Two.

Friend of the court enemy of the family: Surviving the child support system and divorce racket

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit Cycling4Children.com for more updates on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek Main Page

Detroit News Blogger Covers Civil Rights Event DC Festival 2008 and EP Bike Trek

Detroit News Fatherhood Blogger Robert Pedersen wrote an excellent update on the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek and the upcoming DC Festival 2008.

Make sure you read the article and COMMENT in support of the DC Festival 2008 and Equal Parenting.

View Robert's other articles written for Detroit News.

Please be sure to attend the DC Festival 2008.

Visit Cycling4Children.com for more updates on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek Main Page

Michigan's Friend Of The Court; Involvement With "Child Support Awareness Month"

One of the first actions by a family law court once divorce papers for a couple with children have been filed is to schedule a conciliation conference with your local FOC.

Your local FOC staff will be only too kind to make you well aware of child support!!

In this meeting, the FOC conciliator/investigator is required, under Michigan law (MCL 552.505(g)) to "investigate all relevant facts...regarding child custody or parenting time, or both..."

Do they?

Absolutely not.

What the FOC WILL investigate is whatever they wish to.  They will listen to whomever they wish to (usually the mother), and ignore and silence whomever they wish to (usually the father). They will happily take the word of others who benefit and profit from this abusive system, including psychologists, social workers, and others who do not know you or your children, and who all claim to know "what is best" for your children.

Your local FOC is also required, under MCL 552.505(b), to "inform each party to the domestic relations matter that, unless one of the parties is required to participate in the Title IV-D child support program, they may direct the office of the friend of the court to close the (FOC) case".

Do they?

Nope. 

Your FOC conciliator has to choose one parent to be the custodial, the other (about 85% of the time the father) will be the non-custodial. 

Why?

If this is not done, no Title IV-D money will be forthcoming to that county and the state from that divorce/custody action.  Obviously, if the couple knows about the FOC "opt-out", they may choose that option, leaving the FOC staff with no profit from that custody action.

In my personal case, the conciliator told me "that's very annoying"  when I tried to inject facts and the truth into the conversation.  She also added, several times, "that doesn't matter".  The conciliator in the case did NOT investigate all of the relevant facts.  In fact, she investigated NONE of the facts or the issues I brought up.

I have personally spoken with other, amicably divorcing couples with children, who entered their conciliation with an agreed upon parenting plan and details, including support, only to have the plans ignored and tossed out by the FOC with the words "someone HAS to pay child support". In two of these cases, the parents had agreed that there would be NO child support exchanged between them. When they walked out, both fathers had been made a non-custodial and told to pay up.

Is this gender bias against the father?

Sure it is. 

You can file a grievance against your FOC staff for "gender bias", and they will simply say it was not.  That is the end of that issue, as far as the FOC is concerned.

Michigan family law court judges routinely "rubber stamp" their FOC recommendations.

Their bottom line?

Michigan's family law court system cares not about any child suffering from a divorce situation. They do care about how much profit they can rake in from that case.  They do care about forcing one parent from the life of that child, because that brings in money!!  They do care about limiting the time the child has with one of his or her parents, because that increases the Title IV-D funds coming in.

Therefore, if an essentially needed and common sense piece of legislation such as House Bill 4564, The Equal Parenting Bill was passed, this would seriously curtail the federal funds coming in from custody cases.

Michigan's family court judges, FOC staff members, plus all the family law attorneys and others who profit from the destruction of our families can't  have that now, can they?  They would all rather increase the anger and the tension between divorcing couples with children, increase the litigation time, and maximise the litigation and federal incentive fund dollars flowing to all those involved.

Your local FOC staff has no interest in dealing with matters of "denial of parenting time". Again, the more time a child is with the non-custodial parent, the fewer the dollars that come in to the system.

Your local FOC will make a fit, willing, and able parent into a mere visitor in the lives of his children, and may even be so kind as to back-date the order for you, so you will owe hundreds or even thousands of dollars when you leave your conciliation.  You may even be a felon already!!

Divorced non-custodials, you will be made very well "aware" of child support!!

A Father Of Two.

Friend of the court enemy of the family: Surviving the child support system and divorce racket

"It's billions of dollars.  It's far beyond what the mafia ever did."

2009 Equal Parenting Bike Trek - New Professionally Designed Logo

Exciting news for those who follow the Equal Parenting Bike Trek!  It is official - a professionaly designed logo for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek is already in the process and near completion.  The new logo will be revealed early September 2008!

Please attend the Parental and Civil Rights event of the year - DC Festival 2008

Equal Parenting Wins in Florida. Victory for Children!

"Mothers and fathers will have 50-50 rights to their children in a divorce beginning Oct. 1."  You can review more information about this in an article written by Jenny Andreasson of The Voice.  Ms. Andreasson should have titled the article "Victory for Children" because that is who really wins in all of this.

Benefits of Equal Parenting if both parents are fit and willing.

Who is holding Equal Parenting up in the state of Michigan?  Michigan Democrats such as State Senator Mark Schauer, Representative Andy Dillon, Representative Mark Meadows and Representative Andy Coulouris.  These Michigan Democrats and several others are holding up the benefits of Equal Parenting in Michigan.  They are not serving their constituents - poll after poll shows Michigan voters support Equal Parenting.  They support the Michigan Bar Family Law Section which opposses Equal Parenting legislation such as Michigan House Bill 4564. 

We are told during election time that Michigan Democrats serve the needs of the common person, however in this case it appears they ignore their constituents while submitting the the demands of the Family Law Section of the Michigan Bar.  So - rich attorneys and Michigan Democrats are delaying the benefits Equal Parenting brings to children, parents and society.  CONSIDER THIS WHEN YOU VOTE IN NOVEMBER!

Pecuniary Interest

Yet again!  Excellent article by Big Daddy.

Pecuniary Interest

pe•cu•ni•ar•y / piˈkyoōnēˌerē/ • adj. formal of, relating to, or consisting of money: he admitted obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

As a boy growing up in the 70’s, my father taught me a valuable lesson towards understanding, often times, the seemingly peculiar chain of events of an incident. He said,
“Just follow the money trail. Then you’ll know both why and what has and will happen.”
Sage words of wisdom from the “Ole man!” These words were not any more truthful then, than they are now!

As I progressed thru my divorce proceedings, ultimately believing the judicial system would soon discover the truth about myself- contrary to how my Ex portrayed me; the truth of my ability to raise my kids- contrary to how my Ex portrayed me; and, the truth of the need for my four young children to have both parents equally involved in their lives, I became disillusioned, contrary to my formerly held belief, over the continuous Orders rendered by the Court! First in its sole custody award to my Ex. Then, its outrageous child and spousal support awards- triple the state’s mandated formula. Finally, as a death knell, an order of visitation, with my kids, for only four days per month! There were no summer vacations, only six half days of holidays and not any time on their birthdays. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe it! I fought back, only to lose again, and again.

After my third stint in the county jail, for allegedly being in Contempt for support arrearages; I guess over 80% garnishment of my check was not enough; I began to research this obvious injustice from my father’s old adage- “follow the money trail.” I soon discovered my Court’s pecuniary interest in: Making me a non-custodial parent; Ordering support triple the state’s formula; Refusing to reduce my support despite proof of my wage; Illegally editing the Official Court Record; Repeatedly incarcerating me for alleged contempt; Refusing to provide me with a Court appointed attorney as an indigent; And, Worst of all, taking my kids away from me by suspending my parenting time!

The Court had developed a racket, a term commonly applied to syndicated crime families. The law had become the mob! Back in 1995, the Federal Legislature re-worded its laws for Welfare, Food Stamps, etc. The old wording was “a mother with child(ren) who has an absent father,” to the new wording, “non-custodial parent.” The seemingly innocuous re-wording was intended to defray the huge expenses the Feds were paying out to states in Food Stamps, Welfare, etc by incentivizing states to begin collecting child support from the absent father, now called the non-custodial parent. These, seemingly were the proper things to do. Why should children be allocated tax dollars for their care instead of parents paying to care for their own children? Ah, but we missed that third variable didn’t we? “The Federal Government wanted to incentivize the states.”

The states’ incentive is called Federal Title IV Block Grant Funding. The states receive funding from the Federal Government at a 2:1 match. (There are actually additional incentives for states beyond this figure tied to their performances) These block grants go straight to the County Court. Ah ha! My father was right! “Follow the money trail.” Now the injustices made sense. Now the kidnapping of my children made sense! Now the senseless incarcerations made sense. Now the erasing of Court documents made sense. Now the falsely claimed, irrationally applied, “Best Interest of the Children” made sense! Now the state’s hypocrisy made sense!

The next time you wander into a Family Court in MI and you hear a non-custodial parent attacking the court for its pecuniary interest, remember what my “ole man” said, “follow the money trail!” Sage advice for those of us who have children!

Big Daddy

Listen in Tonight! Robert Pedersen on the Talkshow "Get Off The Bench" with Host Lary Holland

Please join us tonight at 8PM EST on the popular talkshow "Get Off The Bench".  What is this talkshow about?  Listen to this:

Call in or listen on your computer tonight as host Lary Holland interviews Equal Parenting Bike Trek Cyclist Robert Pedersen.

Call into the talkshow today at 8PM : 724-444-7444 TALKCAST ID: 43507

Or listen on your computer by getting a talkshoe account.

Be sure to also check out Lary Holland's Family Court Reports.

View the always updating list of media and new media coverage of the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

Equal Parenting Cyclist Robert Pedersen - Front Page Detroit News, Mitch Albom Show, and the Dave Jaconette Show

Beyond Incredible!  Equal Parenting Cyclist, Co-founder of A Child's Right, DaddyBlogger and Detroit News featured fatherhood blogger Robert Pedersen made the FRONT PAGE of the Detroit News. This front page story with color photo was done by reporter Kim Kozlowski of the Detroit News.  This is Michigan's largest newspaper in the state of Michigan with overlapping coverage in Indiana and Ohio.  Circulation total is well over 300,000!

The article online also reached such popular demand that Detroit News placed in on their homepage and added additional online resources to the story.  They also linked to Robert Pedersen's blog with the Detroit News - he is one of their featured fatherhood bloggers.

The article by reporter Kim Kozlowski is still, after 24 hours in their most popular section on the homepage of the Detroit News.  With this success of this article Detroit News also conducted an online survey which is overwhelmingly in favor of shared parenting.

Be sure to comment on the article and vote in their online poll.  Also be sure to visit Robert Pedersen's blog with the Detroit News and comment on his four articles with many more to come.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Today Robert Pedersen was also on the Mitch Albom Show which is nationally syndicated and has a massive audience in the state of Michigan.  Not only does Mitch have a popular radio show, but he is also author of many books such as Tuesdays with Morrie and is a frequent guest on shows like Oprah and more.

 

Prior to the Mitch Albom show Robert interviewed on the Dave Jaconette Show out of Kalamazoo.  Robert seemed very impressed with Jaconette's interviewing style.  We are hoping to get recordings of the interviews.

Shocking Documentary on Family Courts in America

Support?  System Down is making its premiere this evening in California.  The intention of the filmmaker is to bring this film to other states including Michigan.  A Child's Right and Cycling4Children are both official sponsors of this documentary.

This documentary is truly shocking and will put you through an emotional rollercoaster.  According to the film’s website, “Support? explores the fundamental flaws in America’s Family Courts regarding the Divorce and Child Support System. The film explores the problems through over 38 interviews with both custodial and non-custodial parents and the attorneys, judges and county employees on both sides of the paradigm.”

View all four shocking trailers:

Corruption

It’s About The Kids

Divorce is Ugly Business

Military Soldiers Caught in the Crossfire of the Family Court Systems

The four trailers will show you the high quality of this film. We will most certainly keep our readers informed of the upcoming release in Michigan as soon as I receive a date. If you live near the showing in California be sure to purchase tickets now!

Associated Press (AP) Photographer Takes Pictures of Equal Parenting Bike Trek Cyclist Robert Pedersen

A very interesting process.  An Associated Press (AP) Photographer took a couple hundred pictures of Robert Pedersen training for the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek from Lansing MI to Washington D.C.  This happened very early in the morning today.  We were told that other newspapers and media organizations can buy these photos from AP to utilize in their stories.  We did confirm that some of these pictures will be used by THE largest newspaper in the state of Michigan - their total circulation is over 300,000!!!  We will let you know when this will be published.  Stay tuned!

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Robert Pedersen - Featured Blogger for Detroit News

76.208.62.105 Thanks for visiting. REMEMBER 6 days a month is child abuse. A child's right = equal time with both fit and willing parents.

Michigan House Bill 4564 - Michigan Shared Parenting

Michigan House Bill 4564 Hearing

Children have a fundamental right to be loved, guided, educated and nurtured equally by both fit and willing parents.  To deny this is wrong.  To deny this is child abuse.

Please help us reform Michigan's antiquated and harmful child custody laws join the A Child's Right Meetup group:

Click here to check out
The A Child's Right Meetup Group!

Shared Parenting Facts and Fiction by Dr. Linda Nielsen - Professor of Women Studies Wake Forest University.

Derek Bailey, MSW Dance4Equality

Jim Semerad Dads and Moms of Michigan

Murray Davis National Family Justice Association

Dr. Mike Ross Family Rights Coalition

Minister Ronald Smith Children Need Both Parents, Inc.

Bill Reisdorf, Esq.

Dave Taylor

Please bookmark this page using one of the bookmarking services below. Thank you.

HB4564 Michigan House Bill 4564 Shared Parenting Equal Parenting Joint Physical Custody Joint CustodyMichigan Father's Rights Fatherhood Fathers Men Divorce children's rightsFather's Rights A Child's Right Dads of Michigan Dads and Moms of Michigan Family Rights Coalition National Family Justice AssociationDance4Equality Derek Bailey Dave Taylor Delete Jim Semerad Mike RossMurray Davis Bill Reisdorf Family Law Reform Michigan Family Law Reform

Michigan House Bill 4564 Testimony by Derek Bailey, MSW of Dance4Equaltiy

A Child's Right had the pleasure of urging Derek Bailey, MSW and Dance4Equality to attend the hearings for Michigan House Bill 4564.  American Indian Shared Parenting Organization, Dance4Equality was present outside of the House Building Office performing their spiritual dance in support of Michigan House Bill 4564.  Derek Bailey, Tonia Bailey, Robert Pedersen and myself (Angela) had an excellent time the night before the hearings learning much about the culture of Derek Bailey's tribe which is located in Michigan.  We experienced an amazing connection with the couple and are so proud to call them close friends.  To see some of the members of Dance4Equality walk into the hearing room was breathtaking to say the least!  A Child's Right is proudly affiliated with Dance4Equality.

Derek Bailey, MSW did an outstanding job outlining how shared parenting would positively impact his tribal community.  He also did an incredible job explaining his viewpoint as a state of Michigan licensed clinical social worker and MSW.  Dance4Equality CLEARLY "put themselves on the map" in Lansing as a leading shared parenting organization in Michigan.  There was a tremendous sense of pride by all who supported Michigan House Bill 4564 when Dance4Equality was present.

Michigan Child Custody

Michigan Child Custody. Michigan Father's Rights. Michigan Equal Parenting Rights. Michigan non-custodial parents. Michigan Grandparents. Michigan step-parents. All are welcome.

Click here to check out
The A Child's Right Meetup Group!

ABOUT.COM, A Top 15 Content Provider, Covers the Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Last week we had the incredible experience of having Instapundit, one of the world's top ranked news and political blogs, cover the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek. This single post by Instapundit exposed thousands upon thousands of people to this inspirational story.

So many news blogs are covering the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek that we are finding new coverage on a daily basis.  OVER One Hundred blogs have already covered this event.

ABOUT.COM, owned by the New York Times and recognized as a top 15 content site, just covered the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.  In less than 24 hours, thousands of readers have visited the main event page for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek! 

Please take the time to thank author Wayne Parker for covering this important human interest story.  Commenting does NOT require you to sign up for an account so it is very easy.  If you utilize Stumbleupon, Digg!, Mixx or other social bookmarking please do so on Wayne Parker's story.

Carol Rhodes, Former Michigan Friend of the Court Officer, Speaking at the Barry County Equal Parenting Symposium

A Child's Right recently organized a successful Equal Parenting Symposium in Barry County Michigan.  Following is Carol Rhodes, a former Michigan Friend of the Court officer, who blows the whistle on the bias and corruption in Michigan's family court systems.  Special Thanks to Phil Wurm for organizing this event and Special Thanks to the Barry County Democrats for allowing the use of their facility. 

A Child's Right will be bringing Equal Parenting Symposiums throughout all of Michigan.  If you would like your county to have a symposium please contact Darrick Scott-Farnsworth at [email protected].  This is part one of Carol's speech.  We will have many more videos from speakers at this event in the near future on DaddyBlogger.com. 

Also -

PLEASE review the incredible media and blog coverage that is already occuring over the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.  Instapundit, About.com, Dr. Helen, Protein Wisdom and many more of the world's top ranked news blogs have already covered this.

Blogger's News Tip: Instapundit Covers the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Literally thousands of new and unique visitors will be exposed to the exciting story of the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek thanks to the world famous blog Instapundit!  Instapundit brings more exposure to this event/story than any traditional media source possibly could.  This news and political blog averages between 250,000-500,000 visitors a day!!  Truly stunning by all comparisons.

Are you one of the few on planet earth that has not heard of Instapundit?  You might want to review this summary.  Ok...now you see why this is so huge?  I actually gave up tracking my visitor count on the main page for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek because there were literally thousands of people viewing it at once.

Currently over 95 blogs are buzzing about the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.  See our always updating list.

Blog News Tip: Over 85 Blogs Buzzing About the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Blog News Tip:  Over 85 Blogs Buzzing About the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

Truly amazing new media buzz over the five fathers that are pedaling 758 miles for their children!!!

Some of the word's top ranked blogs have already covered this event/story.  What is even more exciting is that these are blogs that cover different topics; we have fatherhood, cycling, and news blogs covering this event for a good cause.  There is much excitement over the upcoming departure event in Lansing Michigan at the Capitol.

Here is just a sample of the blogs covering this exciting event:

Protein Wisdom

Protein Wisdom #2

Dr. Helen

Instapundit

Cycling Dude

Bicycling Magazine

Akindele Unleased

Murdoc Online

and many many more!

Help us spread the word about this event and if you know a blogger ask them to kindly cover this incredible story.

 

News Tip: Over 70 Blogs Buzzing Over The Equal Parenting Bike Trek

The blog coverage of the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek has been incredible!  Some of the world's top blogs have already covered this amazing event:  Instapundit, Protein Wisdom, Dr. Helen, Murdoc Online and many, many more!  See the incomplete and always updating list.

THIS IS JUST THE START!

National Fatherless Day - June 13 2008

National Fatherless Day Rally - Nationwide Events on June 13 2008

Leadership Provided by Fathers4Justice and Families4Justice

Email/Blog/Print the following National Fatherless Day Rally Flyer

Be sure to order a high quality flag for your event!

Barry County Michigan Parental Rights Symposium April 6 2008

PRESS RELEASE
April 4, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Angela Pedersen, R.N.
A Child's Right
269-420-3203

Barry County Michigan

Parental Rights Symposium

April 6 2008 2pm
The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Hall
328 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI, 49058
Hastings, Michigan - April 6 2008 - The Barry County Michigan Parental Rights Symposium will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2 PM, at The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Hall, 328 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI, 49058

Dynamic and experienced speakers will be present to discuss Michigan's family law court systems and how their actions adversely affect Michigan's families and children.  Michigan House Bill 4564 (Equal Parenting) and Michigan House Joint Resolution NN (2008) will also be discussed.  All Michigan citizens and members of the Michigan media are encouraged to attend.

Featured Speakers Will Include:

Jack Hoogendyk, State Representative(R), District 61, U.S. Senate candidate, 2008.

Rick Jones, State Representative(R), District 71.

Mr. Scott Hudson, Democratic candidate for State House District 43 seat, 2008.

Mr. Brian Downs, Esq., Kent County Circuit Court Judicial candidate, 2008. 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek cyclist, Cycling For Children.

Ms. Carol Rhodes, former Calhoun County Friend of the Court Enforcement Officer. You will not want to miss her speech as she exposes the corruption of Michigan's child custody evaluations and family court systems.

Mr. Robert Pedersen, Co-founder of "A Child's Right", 2007 Men's Health Best Life magazine's "National Hero Dad" contest runner-up, 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek cyclist, 2008 cyclist, Cycling For Children.

Mr. Lary Holland, Michigan family rights advocate, national expert on Social Security Title IV-D, the financial incentives behind denying children the love, care, guidance and nurturing of both of their fit and willing parents.  Host of the popular talk show "Get Off The Bench".

Mr. Mike Saxton, Dads and Moms of Michigan District Advocate, 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek cyclist, Cycling for Children.

Topics of discussion will include The Equal Parenting Bill, House Bill 4564, House Joint Resolution NN, the proposed "Parental Rights" Constitutional Amendment, and the Barry County Friend of the Court.

We are inviting parents and grandparents to come and learn the truth about Michigan's family law court system.

Learn why children have a fundamental right to be loved, guided, educated and nurtured equally by both fit and willing parents.

Media - Please accept this invitation to participate in the coverage of this incredible community event.



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Attend the August 7th Departure of the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

World's Top Blogs Covering the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

WOW!  Some of the world's top blogs are already covering the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek! 

Instapundit, Dr. Helen, Protein Wisdom, Dean's World, Murdoc Online, Gun Pundit and many more. 

See the updating list of coverage now.

This truly is amazing and we appluad the five fathers that will be pedaling 758 miles for their children.

Senior Citizens Organization for Parental Equality (SCOPE)

When it comes to the divorce of two parents that have children people think of the two parents and the children in the middle of the divorce.

In order for the state and the court system to make money through Title IV-D federal incentives, one of the fit and willing parents must be forced into the role of the non-custodial parent.  Sadly, children go from seeing this parent on a daily basis and then suddenly the typical 4-6 days a month.  Children have the fundamental right to be loved, guided, nurtured and educated equally by both fit and willing parents after a divorce.  To deny this is child abuse.

The pain of this child abuse also affects the parents of the non-custodial parent.  Grandparents are then forced to see less of their grandchildren.  This is abusive not only to the children but to the grandparents as well.  Grandparents, from both sides of the family tree, play an important role in the development of their grandchildren.  How do grandparents in this situation deal with all of this pain?  The pain of seeing their child become a non-custodial parent and being forced away from their child by no choice of their own or the child's.  Grandparents must also endure the pain of seeing less of their own grandchildren.

Grandparent are increasingly becoming involved in the Shared Parenting movement and are joining in the fight against child abuse that is sponsored by a bitter spouse and the court system. 

I encourage all grandparents to visit SCOPE - Senior Citizens Organization for Parental Equality and become involved in what is in the best interest of their grandchildren.  Another organization that I can personally recommend is Three Sides to Every Story, Inc.  Grandparents!  There is a place for you to make a difference.

Online Buzz Increasing for the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

The 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek is an event worth supporting.  Bloggers know an interesting and unique story.  Over 4 months away and the online buzz is picking up!  The five cyclists truly appreciate any help in spreading the message of this event.  It is not easy to pedal over 758 miles  physically or mentally for that matter.  Special thanks to all bloggers that have picked this story up.

Here is a sample of some of the most recent blogs covering the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek:

1)  Dean's World

2)  Murdoc Online

3)  Family Court Reports

4)  Cycle South Dakota

5)  Angry Harry - UK

6)  Figli Negati Italia - Italy

7)  Gun Pundit

Robert Pedersen and Robb MacKenzie at 43 mph in Pennsylvania during the 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek - Max Speed during trek 54 mph!

Wife Tries to Drive Over Husband 20 Times With Child in Back Seat

So sad!  Imagine being a next door neighbor and seeing this.  I wonder what she will do once the child custody dispute starts!  Hopefully she will stay in jail for trying to kill her husband and putting her child at risk.  Someone once told me that there is no such thing as domestic violence against men.  I have always know that to not be true.

Well over 166 studies showing that women and men are equally violent in their personal relationships!  Please support Stop Abuse For Everyone

Be sure to check out the upcoming 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.  Things are already picking up and this incredible event is over 4 months away!  Spread the word!

New Prototypes Being Tested for the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek :)

Information on the upcoming 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek - 758 Miles - Lansing Michigan to Washington, D.C.

The 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek was a smashing success!  Review the complete media coverage of last year's event.  Pictures from the 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.

The 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek is already shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before! 

Media inquiries please contact Robert Pedersen 269-420-4688 or Angela Pedersen 269-420-3203

Do not miss this incredible event which is already gaining traditional media and blogger coverage! 

A grueling 758 mile cycling trek to raise awareness of a child's fundamental right to be loved, guided, educated and nurtured equally by both fit and willing parents.

Five Michigan fathers will pedal their bicycles 758 miles from Lansing, MI to Washington, D.C.

Robb MacKenzie - Upper Penninsula of Michigan - EPBT Founder - 2007 cyclist

Robert Pedersen - West Michigan - 2007 Runner-Up Winner in Best Life Magazine's National Hero Dad Contest - 2007 cyclist

Brian Downs, Esq. - Grand Rapids MI - Running for Judge in Kent County MI in 2008

Derek Bailey, MSW - Traverse City MI - American Indian.  Founder of Dance4Equality

Mike Saxton - Lansing MI

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Chase Vehicle Crew

Also present at the August 7 2008 departure of the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek:

1) Dance4Equality, an American Indian shared parenting organization, will be present performing their Pow Wows, dance, drums and songs!

2) See the MASSIVE CRISPE bus up close and meet the crew!

Event:  2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek

When:  Departure - August 7 2008 Noon 12PM-2PM

Where:  Lansing Michigan Capitol Area Lawn

Please show your support and attend this amazing event being held at the Lansing Capitol in Michigan.  ALL ARE WELCOME!  A large crowd will help energize our cyclists!  We already have confirmation of media coverage (TV, Newspaper & Radio) for the departure!

We Need Your Support and Help Now! 

Ways you can show your support for this event:

1)  Please donate for this amazing event - no amount is too small or too large.  It is very expensive to pull off such a large event over 758 miles with 5 cyclists and chase crew.  Donating early will allow us to advertise this event, hand out brochures along the route, gas expense for the chase vehicle, a bed to sleep in at night for the cyclists, etc.

2)  Blog about this event and link to this page.  Blog on MySpace and more!  Post on Facebook! 

3) Social Bookmark this page on StumbleUpon, Digg!, Del.icio.us, Reddit and more.  Digg! and Del.icio.us can be used via the links directly below this page.

4) Email this page to everyone you know and tell them about this wonderful cause for children.

National Fatherless Day Rally - June 13 2008 Fathers4Justice

National Fatherless Day Rally - Nationwide Events on June 13 2008

Leadership Provided by Fathers4Justice and Families4Justice

Email/Blog/Print the following National Fatherless Day Rally Flyer

Download national_fatherless_day_rally_flyer.pdf

Be sure to order a few high quality flags for your state's event!

Excellent example of Fathers4Justice in action along with

the Equal Parenting Bike Trek Crew and CRISPE

National Fatherless Day Rally Fathers4Justice F4J F4JUSA Families4Justice A Child's RightChildren Need Both Parents, Inc United Civil Rights Councils of America ACFC Donald Tenn Fathers4Justice US child custodyFathers Fatherhood Dad Men divorce family court If you found this post to be interesting or helpful please bookmark using one of the services below.

Wal-Mart thief: 'Child Support Made Me Do It'

Excellent find by Lary Holland.

Wal-Mart thief:  'Child Support Made Me Do It'

While we certainly do NOT agree with theft in any way there are major issues with the child support system in all states throughout America. 

Welfare For the Affluent

The Multiple Scandals of Child Support

Corruption

Social Security, Welfare, and Child Support Enforcement

How federal welfare funding drives judicial discretion in child-custody determinations and domestic relations matters

Stop Welfare for the Affluent

The Secret Alimony Hidden in Child Support

Too many mistakes are made with child support accounts.   

The Robert Parker case out of Genessee County Michigan is a perfect example in the State of Michigan!

If you found this post to be interesting or helpful please bookmark using one of the services below.

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Departure, CRISPE and Dance4Equality - August 7th 2008 12Noon-2PM Lansing MI Capitol Lawn

The must attend shared parenting event of the year! 

August 7th 2008 12 Noon - 2PM Lansing Michigan Capitol area lawn.

Equal Parenting Bike Trek Departure - Cheer our cyclists as they start their 758 mile journey pedaling on bicycles!  Robb MacKenzie, Robert Pedersen, Mike Saxton, Derek Bailey, MSW and Brian Downs, Esq. (running as judge in Nov 08 election)

Dance4Equality - Watch this American Indian shared parenting organization perform their pow wows, dance, sing, drum and more!

CRISPE - See the massive CRISPE bus up close and meet their crew!

This will be a huge event and will certainly receive large media coverage!  Be sure to attend this exciting event.

equal parenting bike trek dance4equality CRISPE CRISPE bus Lansing Lansing Michigan cycling cycling4children Robert Pedersen Robb MacKenzie Michigan House Bill 4564 Michigan House Joint Resolution NN (2008) Brian Downs Mike Saxton Derek Bailey DaddyBlogger bike trek fatherhood

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Robert Pedersen on KSCO AM 1080 with Steve Ashley of the Divorced Fathers Radio Network

Robert Pedersen will be on KSCO 1080AM, covering central California, to discuss the Equal Parenting Bike Trek and the 2008 Family Preservation Festival. 03/14/08 5PM EST

The interview is today on the Divorced Fathers Radio Netowrk with Steve Ashley on Talk Back Radio KSCO 1080AM at 5PM EST/2PM PacificTime.  If you do not live in California you can listen live via your computer!

Derek Bailey, MSW and Robert Pedersen on the "Children Need Both Parents" Talkshow

YESTERDAY'S SHOW!  Dance4Equality's Derek Bailey MSW, Tonia Bailey and Robert Pedersen on the ultra-popular Children Need Both Parents Talkshow with Ronald Smith and Robin Denison.  You can download all prior shows including this one on the shows homepage.

Derek Bailey, MSW and Robert Pedersen on Minister Ronald Smith's Popular Talkshow

Be sure to tune in on 03/13/08 Thursday at 9PM EST!

Derek Bailey, MSW - founder of the American Indian shared parenting organization DANCE4EQUALITY.

and

Robert Pedersen - Co-Founder of A Child's Right and one of the 2007 Equal Parenting Bike Trek Cyclists

BOTH will be on Minister Ronald Smith's ultra-popular Talk Show "Children Need Both Parents".  Tune in for this special show to find out how Robert Pedersen and Derek Bailey, MSW are forming an incredible coalition in Michigan.  The link below will take you to the homepage for this show where you can acquire the phone number to call in and more.

CRISPE and Dance4Equality will both be present at the departure for the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek on August 7th 2008 12 Noon-2PM at the Lansing Michigan Capitol.  Ask off of work now for this special shared parenting event.