A Child's Right

Michigan Parental Rights Resolution HCR 45 Action

Dear Friend of Parental Rights in Michigan,

Through your phone calls and the diligent efforts of our allies at
Citizens Alliance for Life and Liberty (CALL), a resolution calling
for the Parental Rights Amendment has made significant progress in the
Michigan legislature. Currently, the resolution - HCR 45  - has 60
cosponsors in the 110-member House, a clear majority.

However, HCR 45, championed by Rep. Dave Agema, must pass the House
Judiciary Committee to reach the floor for a vote, and that committee
is headed by Rep. Mark Meadows. As the chairman, Rep. Meadows has the
authority to decide whether the resolution will receive a hearing, and
whether or not it will be put to a committee vote.

We believe HCR 45 will pass if we can get it to a vote, so we need
your help to pursuade Rep. Meadows to give it that chance.

Next Thurs., April 29, at 11:30 Director Steven Dennison of CALL has a
30-minute appointment with Rep. Meadows to discuss this issue. April
29 is also Rep. Meadows' birthday.

Here, then, is what we need you to do:

Send a card as soon as possible wishing the Representative a happy
birthday;
Include in it a cordial request that he grant HCR 45 a vote in the
Judiciary Committee
Forward this email to as many friends and family members in Michigan
as you can and ask them to join you.
Please send your cards to:

The Honorable Representative Mark S. Meadows
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514.

Rep. Meadows may not be your local representative, but he represents
all of Michigan as the chair of the Judiciary Committee, especially in
deciding on matters like HCR 45. Your efforts are invaluable in
helping Michigan to pass this resolution in support of parental rights.

Sincerely,

Jason Heki
Regional Coordinator

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

The Truth about Domestic Violence

The use of a white male child as the abuser and black female child as the abused by Family Place http://www.familyplace.org/Page.aspx?pid=270 and DART http://www.dart.org/about/contactdart.asp is a blatant example of gender and race bias. The truth is that even in Big D women are just as likely to abuse as men are, it's just that men are ten times more likely to take it without complaining to the government. It amazes me that a supposed journalist would take the word of the self promoting Family Place Red Neo-Fems' for the truth about DV. The truth is that they are using the victimization of both women and minorities to increase the size and scope of their program and tax payer funding. If they where truly interested in ending "family" violence they would have portrayed a group of people of varying races and both genders along with a large note of how bad it is to falsely accuse fathers of abuse to gain an advantage during custody battles! Remember, you reap what you sow, if our society keeps promoting men as bad and women as victims and denying men the justice they deserve then our society will never actually solve DV just keep perpetuating it. It is time to reform DV by starting with changing the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) by Joe Biden to End Family Violence Act with equal funding for both genders with a demand that states sanction those who use false DV charges in Family Court cases. Even better, abolish the federal component, reduce federal taxes, legislate presumed equal parenting unless there is clear and convincing evidence of abuse so that false abuse claims are reduced which will allow the states to deal with the issue on their own.

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.

Sept 23 Michigan Equal Parents Week Rally - PLEASE ATTEND

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

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

Michigan House Bill 4564

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 Deletece4Equality

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

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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 AssociationDeletece4Equality Derek Bailey Dave Taylor Delete Jim Semerad Mike RossMurray Davis Bill Reisdorf Family Law Reform Michigan Family Law Reform

State Rep Hoogendyke at Hastings EP Symposium