A Child's Right

RADAR ALERT: "First they ignore you, ..."

RADAR ALERT:

"First they ignore you, ..."

Two weeks ago, Slate.com's short-lived
<http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote1sym> 1 publication
"Double X" published an article by Kathryn Joyce entitled "'Men's Rights'
Groups Have Become Frighteningly Effective."
<http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote2sym> 2

This was not Slate.com's finest hour. One thing this article could never be
accused of is objective reporting.

On Nov. 5th, the very same day the Double X article appeared, Salon.com's
Broadsheet published an article by Judy Berman entitled "'Men's rights'
groups go mainstream"
<http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote3sym> 3 that adds no
new information, and simply seems to be an effort to repeat the Double X
article to Salon's readers.

Since the Double X article appeared there have been several analyses of its
flaws, the most recent being Cathy Young's article in Forbes: "Feminism
should be about equality-for males too"
<http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote4sym> 4 which says:

"More than a quarter-century ago, British feminist philosopher Janet
Radcliffe Richards wrote, 'No feminist whose concern for women stems from a
concern for justice in general can ever legitimately allow her only interest
to be the advantage of women.' Joyce's article is a stark example of
feminism as exclusive concern with women and their perceived advantage,
rather than justice or truth."

In "Journalistic Misrepresentation at Slate's New Woman-Oriented Publication
'Double X'" <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote5sym> 5,
RADAR's Mark Rosenthal explained how the article had misrepresented his
comments and also took issue with the article's characterization of Murray
Straus as someone "who has written extensively on female violence," saying:

"The characterization of Straus as someone who has written extensively on
female violence is like characterizing Susan B. Anthony as someone who wrote
extensively on temperance - true but misleading because of what it leaves
out. Straus has devoted his professional career to the study of all forms of
family violence - parent-to-child, child-to-parent, sibling-to-sibling, as
well as partner violence in all its configurations - male-to-female,
female-to-male, and mutual. He has never focused exclusively on female
violence."

And in a series of articles beginning with "Slate.com & Salon.com Criticize
the Fatherhood Movement (Part I)"
<http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote6sym> 6, Glenn Sacks
critiques the quality of the reporting, saying:

"The articles discuss various aspects and actors in the [men's and fathers]
movement, and also quote and misquote me. ... I specifically, repeatedly,
and emphatically told Joyce that any linkage between the men's & fathers'
movements' grievances and Sodini is not my view, but I guess she was
determined to jam it in there anyway."

Mahatma Gandhi is reputed to have said: "First they ignore you, then they
ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." The joint Slate/Salon
attack pieces are a good indication that we're well past stage 1.
Congratulation to all RADAR supporters and allies for getting us this far.
Let's keep it up!

_____

1 <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote1anc> "Double X
closes up shop",
http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/2009/11/16/double_x_folds/index.html

2 <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote2anc> "'Men's
Rights' Groups Have Become Frighteningly Effective.", Slate.com,
http://www.doublex.com/section/news-politics/mens-rights-groups-have-become-
frighteningly-effective

3 <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote3anc> 'Men's
rights' groups go mainstream, Salon.com,
http://www.salon.com/life/broadsheet/feature/2009/11/05/mens_rights/index.ht
ml

4 <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote4anc> "Feminism
should be about equality-for males too",
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/mens-rights-feminism-equality-violence-opin
ions-contributors-cathy-young.html

5 <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote5anc> "Journalistic
Misrepresentation at Slate's New Woman-Oriented Publication 'Double X'",
http://www.breakingthescience.org/DoubleXMisrepresentation.php

6 <http://www.mediaradar.org/alert20091123.php#sdendnote6anc> "Slate.com &
Salon.com Criticize the Fatherhood Movement (Part I)",
http://glennsacks.com/blog//?p=4359 <http://glennsacks.com/blog/?p=4359>

_____

Date of RADAR Release: November 23, 2009

R.A.D.A.R. - Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting - is a
non-profit, non-partisan organization of men and women working to improve
the effectiveness of our nation's approach to solving domestic violence.
http://www.mediaradar.org

FATHERS DAY DEMONSTRATION 2009 - U.S. CAPITOL - Sunday, June 21, 2009; D.C. EVENTS THIS SUMMER

 

Amendment I, U.S. Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

ANNUAL FATHERS DAY DEMONSTRATION -  2009 - WEST SIDE LAWN, U.S. CAPITOL , SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2009
 
ALL DAY EVENT -  Sunday ONLY this year  (See D.C. EVENTS below for Saturday 6/20/09 *)

 

ANYONE CAN ADDRESS HIS OR HER GRIEVANCES TO THE WORLD VIA THE INTERNET IN FRONT OF THE U.S. CAPITOL.  VIDEOS WILL BE RECORDED BOTH DAYS AND UPLOADED TO www.youtube.com/markyoung12 (NO CHARGE)

PLEASE PREPARE YOUR SPEECH OF UP TO 30 MINUTES TO TELL YOUR STORY, FOCUSING ON ERRORS & INJUSTICES BY THE COURTS (NOT YOUR EX) IN YOUR CASE, OR ABOUT THE DIVORCE INDUSTRY IN GENERAL.
  
Please respond if you plan to attend to give an idea of turnout, or to give ideas in general.  All individuals and groups who support equal parenthood are welcome, including mothers especially, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles - all victims of family courts. 
 
It's your Capitol, and your U.S. Constitution that's being violated.  Let The Congress know we need federal legislation for enforcement of childrens' and parents' rights, as much or more than we need a federal bureaucracy for child "support" enforcement! !!  

If you can't make it, you can submit your speech: 1) preferably video recorded in front of your state capitol or local courthouse,  or 2) in written form by email.  We will try to read submitted speeches Fathers Day week-end, time permitting.  Otherwise we can post them on the Internet.
 
Last year we had some excellent speeches but we need MORE OF THEM.  For last 2 years speeches go to www.exiledfathers.org/#VIDEOCLIPS or www.youtube.com/markyoung12 .

 

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH.  HONOR OUR FOUNDING FATHERS ON FATHERS DAY BY FOLLOWING THEIR BLUEPRINT: THE FIRST AMENDMENT. 

 

 The Declaration of Independence was a list of grievances submitted to King George of England.  If we do not speak out, CONTINUOUSLY, we are submitting to tyrrany. 

 

If you are unable to attend in D.C., or if you can do both, consider demonstrating at YOUR STATE CAPITOL on FRIDAY 19TH for the

 

2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL FATHERLESS DAY RALLIES

 

See the F4J-US website for details www.f4j.us

 

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

 

D.C. EVENTS THIS SUMMER:

 

- Tues - Fri - 6/16-19 - NPCL's 11th Annual Int'l Fatherhood Conference - www.fatherhoodconference.com

- Friday 6/19 - 2nd Annual Fathersless Day Rallies at state capitols - www.f4j.us

- * Saturday 6/20 - NPCL's Fathers Day Rally - Lincoln Memorial - www.fathersdayrally.com

- Sunday 6/21 - Fathers Day Demonstration - U.S. Capitol, West Side - www.fathersdaydemonstration.org  (website will be updated soon, disregard conflicting info)

- Saturday 7/18 9:00am & Sunday - DCRally/Family Preservation Rally - Lincoln Memorial (website?)

- Sunday 7/26 - Parents Day - Upper Senate Park (website?)

 

(If you have more info on these or other scheduled events, please let me know.  Sorry for any omissions.)

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

"Power is the great evil with which we are contending. We have divided power between three branches of government and erected checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. However, where is the check on the power of the judiciary? If we fail to check the power of the judiciary, I predict that we will eventually live under judicial tyranny." - Patrick Henry

"The germ of destruction of our nation is in the power of the judiciary, an irresponsible body - working like gravity by night and by day, gaining a little today and a little tomorrow, and advancing its noiseless step like a thief over the field of jurisdiction, until all shall render powerless the checks of one branch over the other and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated." - Thomas Jefferson

"When the people fear the government, you have tyranny. When the government fears the people, you have liberty." - Thomas Jefferson

"Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it, because it is right." - Martin Luther King

"If you see injustice and say nothing, you have taken the side of the oppressor." - Desmund Tutu.

"The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.." - Samuel Adams

"The only thing crueler than tearing children from their parents is falsely leading children to believe that they are unloved by their fathers." -Stephen Baskerville

"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." Herman Goering

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

 

www.youtube.com/markyoung12

www.ExiledFathers.org

www.profile.to/markyoung12 

Its OFFICIAL....Support? makes a Festival....in ATLANTA!

Dear Friends,

I hope this email finds you all well.  It has been a while since emailed all of you so for that I apologize.

After much clawing, scratching and a little begging( lol J) long after hundreds of submissions--------

It’s OFFICIAL!   Our first festival ACCEPTANCE!

 SUPPORT? (the movie!) has finally been Accepted to a film festival for this September 2009 in Atlanta GA.

 Peachtree Village International Film Festival
4 Annual from September 24, 2009 to September 27, 2009

Please  go here:  https://www.withoutabox.com/03film/03t_sta/03t_sta_curr.php?film_id=1275898

We are also being considered for 2 Major Festivals in Australia with help of a friend and supporter there. (Thank you)  Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers high and enthusiastic.

Not sure how things will turn out or where this movie will go from here. All I can do is be honest and tell you I am still working on this project in my spare time to be sure it gets out somehow. Thank you for trusting me. I believe this project will be successful and change lives  in more ways than one. It has for me…….all positive. One day many of you will know why if you don’t already.

 It could be great if we can bring the movie to LA and NY for the 7 day screenings so Ill keep praying on that and hopefully you do the same. If you have any suggestions please let us know.

PLEASE if you or  someone you know can be in ATLANTA those dates please email us. It would be great to have AS MANY PEOPLE THERE AND AS MANY PEOPLE show up 3 days there for the support…..….support…….  SUPPORT?.

We have more T-Shirts now and will be having White ones up soon so it would be cool to have them on that week and please remember we have the Sneak Peak available. GET YOURS TODAY. You get the credit on the full film at the release date on our website. SO BUY-IT NOW if you haven’t already.

Whatever support you can help us with it is greatly appreciated $5,10,15,20 or $100  please pass it on! Thank you. We have to make this really work.

Thanks for all the support and more to come. So now you can really stay tuned!

All the best and may God Bless.

Warmest Regards,

Angelo Lobo

HELP  THE MOVIE :SUPPORT? system down get marketing today.

 www.shop.supportthemovie.com  

DONATE HERE: www.paypal.com  send to [email protected] to support the press releases and advertising.Be a sponsor.

Email: [email protected]

Follow-Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/supportthemovie
Website : www.supportthemovie.com
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/user/SupportTheMovie
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/supportthemovie
FaceBook: Supportthemovie

=======================================
http://www.AKidsRight.Org/   
A Kid's Right to Both Parents!
------
Newsletter mailing list
[email protected]  subscribe/unsubscribe info below:
http://kids-right.org/mailman/listinfo/newsletter

Dads and Moms of Michigan eNewsletter Nov 08

Having trouble viewing this e-mail? Click here to see the complete version.

6632 Telegraph Rd, Ste 110 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 248-559-DADS info@... Sign up for our newsletter and Forum! Click here

DADS and MOMS of Michigan eNewsletter November 2008   DADS and MOMS of Michigan and Dads and Moms University are focused on delivering services to help families succeed.    We educate over 200 families each month and growing with more than 20,000 constituents.   Dads and Moms of Michigan has grown its focus on education to expand education programs around the state.  We have partnered with some new groups. For information and to help, call 248-559- DADS (3237).  Sign up for our eNewsletter at www.dadsofmichigan.org   Dads and Moms University Presents:    DADS AND MOMS OF MICHIGAN FAMILY FORUM MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2008, 7PM   BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY HOUSE 380 S BATES BIRMINGHAM , MI 48009   GUEST SPEAKERS: Family Court Referees PAUL JACOKES and DIANE ALFAFARA and caseworker/family counselor PATRICIA MOORE from  the Macomb County Friend of The Court   7pm-730: DADS/MOMS PRESENTATION 730-830: GUEST SPEAKERS 830-930: LEGAL ROUNDTABLE WITH ATTY BILL REISDORF and other invited counsel   FOR MORE INFO CALL 248-559-DADS   Drop Dad a Line – National Fatherhood Initiative Send a message to your Military Dad! https://www.fatherhood.org/dropdadline.asp   Kids: Get an adult to help you fill in this form to send a special message to your military dad. When you "Click Here to Submit" your dad will get an e-mail telling him that you have posted a message for him on our website! If you want everyone to see how proud you are of your dad, make sure the box at the bottom is checked and your message will go on a special page with all of the other messages that other kids sent to their dads! If you want only your dad to see your message, uncheck the box and only he will see your message.   National Fatherhood Initiative Research National Fatherhood Initiative conducts research on fatherhood-related topics and on marriage. In addition, National Fatherhood Initiative also conducts evaluations on the effectiveness of its products and programs. The One Hundred Billion Dollar Man: The Annual Public Costs of Father Absence (NEW) 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. Download Full Study (1.7 MB) Great Link For MOMS http://www.iparenting.com/bookshelf.php?cid= Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a mother who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a woman and a mother. Above all, the Mom of the Month is dedicated to her children. Rich or poor, famous or not, she shines as an example of what mothering is all about.  http://www.iparenting.com/mom/6116.php Shared Parenting Forum http://www.sharedparenting.com/ Shared Parenting Assistant A secure online service designed to assist in Shared Parenting, communication and share custody management; children’s activities, homework, friends and contacts, school info and photos. Family and Marriage   http://www.heritage.org/research/family/index.cfm?CFID=45668626&CFTOKEN=98223847 The family is the building block of society. When marriages and families are healthy, communities thrive; when marriages break down, communities break down. A Portrait of Family and Religion in America - Study illustrating the intact family that worships weekly is the greatest generator of human and social goods and least generator of social ills, and that the broken family that does not worship is the greatest generator of social ills and the least generator of social goods. Lighting Candles World Wide A Project of Three Sides to Every Story, Inc.   http://www.lightingcandlesworldwide.com/ Imagine for a moment Lighting Candles World Wide and all at the same time. Imagine your child knowing we are Lighting Candles World Wide just for them. We have given this a lot of thought and we have come to the conclusion that everyone can light a candle at their home or in their home town at a designated place. You can be apart of Lighting Candles World Wide to show a united front for the children and their need to have both parents and grandparents in their lives. We have chosen December 18, 2008 at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (more time zones below) for our first annual Lighting Candles World Wide which is exactly one week before Christmas. This is the hardest time of year for those missing their children, but especially for the children who are missing a parent or grandparents or in some cases siblings and of course their extended family.   Dr. Steven Baskerville on Child Support   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvizPUBVi2E   Michigan Supreme Court Administrators Office (SCAO) Child Support Review (SPER) Report from 12/18/2006 online http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/focb/CSPR12-06ReportAndRecommendations.pdf     The attached document, page 36 of the Model Policy for Law Enforcement of Personal Protection Orders in Michigan . NOTE ON CHILD CUSTODY WITHIN PROTECTION ORDERS: The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that a Michigan PPO can restrict a parent’s contact with the parent’s minor child(ren) and/or award temporary custody or temporary possession of children. Brandt v. Brandt, 250  Mich  App 68 (2002). Although a child custody provision within a  Michigan PPO is not common, it is legal, and it is enforceable as any other provision in the PPO. Child custody provisions within protection orders are safety provisions. Forty-four states, including the  District of Columbia , specifically provide for award of temporary child custody in a protection order.   Fatherhood Issues on Myspace   http://www.myspace.com/familyrights   DADS Merchandise http://www.dadsofmichigan.org/merchandise.html Consider ordering some DADS merchandise for your favorite DAD this holiday season. Soon we will be adding MOMS merchandise. Sorry Moms, Stepparents and Grandparents, you are as important. Cut here Please consider making a monthly contribution via credit card. 6632 Telegraph Rd, Suite 110 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 559-DADS (3237) phone Fax 248-559-5427 http://www.dadsofmichigan.org/ info@... I authorize DADS and MOMS of Michigan and The Village Secretary to keep my signature on file and to charge my Visa, MasterCard or American Express account for recurring monthly charges for a period of (example 1 year) __________ beginning (date) ___________ in the amount of $________. I will give Dads and Moms of Michigan through The Village Secretary 30 days written notice to cancel the use of my credit card for this purpose. Customer Name: __________________________________________________ Cardholder Name: _________________________________________________ Cardholder Billing Address: __________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________ Credit Card Number Expiration Date: __________________________________ Cardholder Signature Date: __________________________________________ Cut here Fax to: 248-559-5427   Dads and Moms of Michigan (http://www.dadsofmichigan.org/) includes Dads of Michigan, Moms of Michigan, and Dads of Michigan PAC. These are volunteer responsible parenthood education organizations for fathers and mothers. They instruct on the importance of involved biological parents to the successful development of their children. Dads of Michigan PAC is an independent volunteer political advocacy group dedicated to legislation keeping both biological parents actively engaged in the lives of their children despite divorce and custody, in most instances. They believe men and women should be viewed equally under the law and their credo is: "fathers are responsible parents too...because the best parent is both parents." Dads of Michigan, the Michigan affiliate of the American Coalition for Fathers and Children, is also the developer of the Dads and Moms University of responsible education for teenage, divorced, and unmarried parents. This educational program employs several features to either directly or indirectly benefit nearly 2 million men, women, and grandparents and just under one-half million children each year in Michigan. For more information, please contact us at (248) 559-DADS (3237) or email info@.... DADS and MOMS of Michigan Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.   "Fathers are responsible parents too...because the best parent is both parents"   UNSUBSCRIBE

Michigan State Representative Hoogendyk on Parental Rights

State Rep Hoogendyk on Parental Rights

Representative Hoogendyk has been an equal parental rights supporter for families in Lansing and is running for US Senate to be our champion in Washington DC.

Parental Rights Leader Minister Ronald Smith Has Passed

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!

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 watching live in Iowa.

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

Robert Pedersen

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.

2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek Cyclists Recognized at the DC Festival 2008

Excellent video captured by Bill Gibbons of PA FACE. 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek cyclists recognized at the DC Festival 2008. For updates on the Equal Parenting Bike Trek please visit Cycling4Children.com. Congrats to all four cyclists!

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 JUDICIAL CANDIDATE RIDES BICYCLE FROM LANSING TO DC IN SUPPORT OF FAMILY COURT REFORM

Press Release
August 6th 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Minister Ronald Smith
616-301-2325
or
Robert Pedersen
269-420-4688

Grand Rapids, Michigan August 6, 2008  - Brian Downs, a Kent County attorney and candidate for Judge in the Kent County 17th Circuit Court in the November election is riding his bicycle 758 miles from the Capitol in Lansing to the nation's Capitol in Washington DC.  Downs along with 3 other riders are signaling a message that Family Courts throughout the nation are not family friendly.  The Equal Parenting Bike Trek has been organized to bring attention to what he believes should be reform in the nations court system.

Brian Downs, who has been a family advocate for the past 7 years, believes that it is the duty of our nation to protect the parent child relationship and repair this relationship when necessary so that children maintain a loving relationship with their entire biological family.  Downs believes that the nation's family court system does more splitting up of families than protecting and maintaining this most important and primary relationship.

Minister Ronald Smith, CEO of Children Need Both Parents, Inc, a non-profit group located in both Chicago and Grand Rapids stated, "Our family court judges pay little attention to the damage being done to our children removing one or both biological parents from a child's life without making a concerted effort that no stone is left unturned to repair and maintain this God Given relationship."

Downs is scheduled to leave Lansing at 2:00pm EST August 7th and scheduled to arrive at the Family Preservation Festival in DC on August 15-16.

###
For Interviews Contact:

Minister Ronald Smith                     
Tel:  616-301-2325
Cell: 616-874-8662
Email:   [email protected]
or
Robert Pedersen
Tel:  269-420-4688

2009 Equal Parenting Bike Trek. Cycling 800 Miles for Family Preservation and Equal Parenting Rights

2009 Cycling4Children - Equal Parenting Bike Trek - Cycling 800 miles for Family Preservation and Equal Parenting Rights. 

**A New Route**

**A Greater Focus on Media Coverage**

**A More Successful Event**

**New Sponsorships**

**New Logo**

**Cyclists Dedicated to More Than Just Pedaling Their Bicycle - Driving Media Coverage and Legislation for Equal Parenting is Top Priority**

/>/>

2009 Cyclists *More to be added after review*

Robert Pedersen - A Child's Right.  2007 Cyclist.

Mike Saxton - F4J 

Derek Bailey, MSW - Deletece4Equality 

NANCM Cyclist - to be named soon.