feminist4fathers (and mothers)

International Child Abduction-Child Found, Corruption Exposed

When I first introduced you to Karl Hindle last September he was frantically searching for his missing daughter Emily. Emily has been found, and Karl has been enjoying unsupervized reunification visits with her, but this story doesn't have a happy ending, yet. Karl continues to deal with false allegations of abuse, he doesn't have custody of Emily yet, and the people (and government agencies) who

Fathers4Justice Protest in Wales

Fathers4Justice-Wales
Thirty fathers protest in Cardiff.
"We wanted to show that we're still alive and to send a message to the courts."
icWales.co.uk article

Two Canadian Fathers4Justice Activists Charged

Hal Legere, aka Robin, September 2004

On Tuesday, February 21, Hal Legere, a Fathers4Justice activist, was charged in Surrey Provincial Court with mischief for his September 2004 protest on the Patullo Bridge . Legere was given two years probation, 50 hours of community service work and ordered not to be a pedestrian on any motor vehicle bridge in the province of BC Canada.

Yesterday, February 23, Steven Hodges Whittaker appeared at the Victoria Supreme Court for scaling a tower crane in downtown Victoria dressed as Spiderman and hanging a 40-foot banner over Yates Street in May 2005.

Fathers4Justice Superheroes; Robert Waters aka The Flash, Doug Hanlon aka Superman, Steven Hodges Whittaker aka Spiderman, and Robert Robinson aka Burnaby Batman, converged upon the Victoria Supreme Court with signs warning the general public of the extreme gender bias that lie within the court.

When I asked why he chose to become an F4J superhero Whittaker replied:

"In October 2003 I had sole custody of my 13-year-old daughter, R. Note that despite many accusations of being abusive, I won sole custody in Dec 2000. While R was visiting her mother, D, in October 2003 one weekend (the right to overnight visits had been recently won by D) I received the fateful phone call.

Prior to that I realized that our Family Judicial System was flawed but I had hopes for it, after all, I had sole custody. On the phone D told me that R wasn't going to come home. Simple, flat & just like that, "She's going to live here, now." So, I called the police.

If your daughter had been abducted by an abuser what would you do? Call the police, of course. They're response was that I needed a court order. I had a court order giving me sole custody but they said that they needed a court order to enforce that court order.

I went to the Ministry of Children & Families (MCF), the people who had removed R & her sister, G, from D because D was so abusive. They wouldn't touch it & they would not assist me in contacting the original caseworkers. Their attitude & their statements all said that teenagers are not children & fathers have no rights as parents.

So, I got a lawyer & we took it to court. Guess how far that flew! Fathers should be grateful if they get to even visit their children! The Criminal Code of Canada states that if a child under the age of 14 has been abducted the stated wishes of the child are not to be taken into account.

The Judge, the MCF workers & the police all the issues with R. The judge was nice enough to allow me to spend $5,500.00 on a psychologist to study the problem; unfortunately, he turned out to be as sexist as the rest of them. D's place was so messy one could not walk there, my place was a "pigsty", D was "loveable." That's supposed to be unbiased? Loveable?

Now that R has been in "joint" custody & living with her mother I no longer get any visits, I do not get to see report cards, I do not get phone calls. I have been cut completely out of R's life.

Ask yourself, what would happen to ANY man, let alone one who had previously been falsely accused of being a child abuser and abductor? I had been working already on the MESH Project, trying to get a Men's Transition House in Victoria, and had therefore been in contact with various men's groups, but this was too much. If working slowly but legally was going to leave the children vulnerable to damage then obviously I needed to step up the pace: hence Spiderman. S. Hodges-Whittaker"

Whittaker was found guilty of mischief and given 1 year probation with an unconditional discharge at that time. He was also ordered to pay $750 restitution to Farmer Construction for the costs of inspection to the crane. After being promised he'd have the opportunity to read a short letter he had written to explain why he did what he did, a letter that shows the love of a father for his daughter, the opportunity never came. He promised his fellow superheroes he'll keep strong and continue to fight for the rights of children.

California Dads Bonding with Babes and the Great Outdoors

I'm always happy to see fathers and their children enjoying each other's company. I'm even more excited when I see fathers supporting each other in their journeys from diapers to girl scouts to graduation. Today's Contra Costa Times has a refreshing article about the Grateful Dads , a group of men who take hikes with their tikes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Though some are married and see this as giving their wives a break, others are single dads. I can see this being a huge support for noncustodial fathers. The Grateful Dads are happy to expand:

East Bay GRATEFUL DAD hikes start at 9 a.m. sharp. Maps and details at www.gratefuldads.com

• Feb. 25 -- Joaquin Miller Regional Park, Oakland

• March 18 -- Garin Regional Park, Hayward

• April 15 -- Sunol Wilderness, Sunol

• April 29 -- Iron Horse Trail, Danville, Family/Friends Bike Outing

• May 20 -- Mt. Diablo, Danville

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And for moms:

www.eastbaymoms.com

Feb. 17 -- Hike at Redwood Bowl, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland

Feb. 24 -- Stroller Walk at Marina Bay, Richmond

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Show some Love for these Canadian Superheroes

Robert Stone will be appearing before the BC Human Rights Tribunal at 9:30 am on February 14, Valentines Day, fighting for Canadian fathers' rights to participate in the naming of their children. Please show Rob your appreciation at 1170-605 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC. (MAP) (PDF hearing schedule)

This case was decided in Trociuk vs. HMTQ at the Supreme Court of Canada in June of 2003. The BC Government is still not in compliance with the SCC order. You can also send Rob an email by clicking here.

Hal Legere (Robin) will be appearing before the Surrey BC Provincial Court on February 21 and 22 at 9:30 am. Hal is facing mischief charges for scaling the Pattullo bridge in Surrey BC on September 25, 2004. Please show him your appreciation, and support children's meaningful relationships with both parents by showing up.

Steven Hodges Whittaker (Spiderman) will also be facing these charges at 9:30 am on February 23 in Victoria BC for scaling a tower crane on May 10, 2005 for children's rights. Please show up in Victoria and make Steve feel appreciated.

Canada's first Batman (Burnaby Bat - Rob Robinson) will be in attendance all three days in two different jurisdictions. How about you?

Epsom Protest Photo 3

Epsom Protest Photo 2

Epsom Protest Photo 1

You just can't keep good Superheroes down!

When Matt O'Connor, founder of the original Fathers4Justice, put away his schemes, banners, and loyalities, he must have forgotten about the passion that drives fathers to don Superhero costumes and risk life, limb and liberty. Did he really think these hurting, frustrated fathers would suddenly be satisfied staying quietly out of the limelight? It was, after all, O'Connor himself who showed them how these protests and demos were getting media and government attention. It was that fact, and the hope that went with it, that drew so many to his campaign. Men denied their children for years started thinking they might someday be reunited. It is that passion that keeps them donning capes and risking their own lives for the lives of their children, and they don't need O'Connor's permission to do that.

People who once proudly proclaimed their membership to F4J are now reorganizing (Real F4J and F.A.R.T. are examples) and many feel a burden has finally been lifted. More than once we've heard of unrest among F4J members and skepticism about O'Connor's leadership abilities. It's even been reported that O'Connor himself sabotaged a protest because he hadn't planned every detail, then slandered the organizer. This is just one of many complaints I've heard. At some point you start to wonder - is his cause fathers and children, or is it Matt O'Connor himself?

So now the world knows about the movie and book deals. Funny how the facts keep changing. We were told by O'Connor that there was a 2-year battle to win the rights. We were also told the deal was just recently signed. I have an email from O'Connor himself from last summer telling me that Disney had already signed. Yet now we're hearing conflicting reports that both Disney and another company have signed. What exactly is the truth, Matt?

I'm concerned about the movie. I'll be thrilled if it ends up an accurate portrayal of these fathers' injustices, but I don't have faith it will. O'Connor is proud to say the movie isn't about Fathers4Justice, it's about him. I understand he feels betrayed by those who opened unsanctioned branches, and feels angry due to things said about him. Hurtful things have been said and done by many, including O'Connor. I can only pray the bad feelings subside to the point he decides to help the cause, not hurt it.

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F.A.R.T Causes a Stink
(Fathers Against Rough Treatment)

Tony Sykes (dressed as Robin), a father denied his three children for 2 years, and a 16-year-old boy denied his father for many years, climbed up on the rooftop of the Epsom County Courthouse Tuesday to protest:

...the abuse perpetrated on Children by the Family Courts in this country and against the corrupt system, operated by the government SS, CAFCASS, and their child psychologist cohorts, who are not properly qualified, wrongly given the title, ‘expert,’ or ‘professional,’ who continue to violate the role of parent, (mostly Fathers), to be estranged from their children, for no good reason...In a press release announcing this protest it states:

The Legal Aid system is one of the biggest gravy-trains in the UK and the tax-payer foots the bill to the tine of £1.2 billion per year. This £1.2 billion is just in the Family Courts alone.And it goes on:

The 16 year old youth has not seen his Dad for years and cannot understand why the Courts do not allow him contact with his Dad. He remembers his dad is good man and has never done anything to warrant the rough treatment in the Corrupt UK Courts.The young man was able to get away without incident. Mr. Sykes was assisted in his descent with a cherry-picker after 5 1/2 hours on the rooftop.

For more information about Fathers Against Rough Treatment (F.A.R.T) write to fathersagainstroughtreatment@hotmail.co.uk

Photos are posted here, here, and here.

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Can the Equal Custody Movement become truly gender-neutral?

When I first got involved in child custody reform it became clear to me that the Equal Custody/Equal Parents Movement was overshadowed by the Fathers' Rights Movement and/or Men's Movement. Not only is the Equal Custody Movement just a tiny part of the larger movement, but many saw it as a sell-out. Some still do.

I felt alone, floating on a raft in The Sea of Testosterone. Not only were there very few women activists, but most of us were received with suspicion. So many of these men who had been wronged in the worst possible way by the partners they loved, simply no longer trusted women.

During the last three years I have seen noticable changes. For one, there are many women involved now. Also, leaders in the Equal Custody Movement have made headway into the mainstream media, (Ned Holstein of the MA group Fathers & Families was recently interviewed for the NPR show The Tug Of War Over Children). Activists have networked across the globe, (this blog is read in over three dozen countries), shared resources and become a stronger political force.

Some in the Fathers' and Men's Movement don't accept the work being done by Equal Custody activists. They see bandaids being requested when what they want is full-scale surgery on the status of family in society. After reading what they have to say about the causes of the destruction of the nuclear family I can't say I disagree with them, at least for the most part.

But this is where we part ways. I disagree that we should reject new Equal Custody laws, instead pushing for a larger transformation to a more conservative political landscape, one where the 2-parent heterosexual family is the only accepted option. I'm an egalitarian, but that's beside the point. I'm not passing judgement on those who hold different opinions, not at all. I'm just impatient.

The way I see it, it will be a lot easier to get the Equal Custody that we want, by itself, as one simple issue. We don't need to change everyone's political affiliations and beliefs. We only need to unify all those who know that every child deserves both parents equally active in their lives. This includes liberals, democrats, and women.

My wish is that the Fathers' and Men's Movement will support the Equal Custody Movement. Many participants are in both after all. I'm asking them to help us to get the justice our children and grandchildren deserve. In doing so they will be getting more supporters for their movement.

I also think not only do we need to take the focus off of fathers, but off all parents. We're really fighting for children's rights. I know when it comes to law, we're talking about parents' rights. What I mean is when we talk about this issue, when we write about this issue, we need to focus on the children. The Fathers' Movement has always been criticized for being selfish, for putting men's desires above that of their children. I know it's not true, but many do not.

I've been criticized for trying to change men. This is simply not true. In the last three years I've come to know, understand and honor men more than any other time in my life. I know exactly how much men can love their children, how responsible they can feel for them, and how raped they feel by not being able to raise them. My goal all along has been to change the public's opinion of fathers. That hasn't changed.

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Listen to this new National Public Radio show

The Tug of War Over Children

If moved to archives, look HERE.
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New Hampshire Scandal

Friend and fellow activist Marc Snider has made the headlines. In this Concord Monitor article opposing lobbyists are said to feel "threatened" by his video camera. Threatened? These people have no problem saying they speak on behalf of New Hampshire families. Why then are they afraid these same families will see exactly what they're saying to legislators?

From the article:

"If you're going to throw it, you've got to be able to receive it. And if they're on the receiving end, they don't like it," said Rep. Karen McRae, vice chairwoman of the committee and a Goffstown Republican. Any lobbyist afraid to be videotaped "should get out of politics right now," she said.

Rep. David Bickford, a committee member who has sponsored several bills that Snider supports, called the complaints about discomfort a last-ditch tactic used by lobbyists to divert attention from the merits of legislation. "They're trying to play that they're the victims," said Bickford, a New Durham Republican. "I find that underhanded. I don't believe for a minute they're intimidated."~!~

And in a letter to the writer of this article Snider adds:

WWW.NHCUSTODY.ORG

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Krights Radio

Krights Radio is looking for state representatives to call in and report on family law reform efforts. If you're interested, write to direct@krightsradio.com. Be sure to listen to their Fathers4Justice special. Now LIVE HERE.

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Problems with FOC of Michigan?

Need to file a complaint against the Friend of the Court (FOC) in Michigan? Lary Holland of Stand Up Today describes the steps you need to take HERE.

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California Ballot Initiative

The organizers of the California Ballot Initiative have about a month left to collect petition signatures. They're willing to pay. For more information visit Child's Right.

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Fathers & Families - MA

I'd like to congratulate Dan Hogan for taking over the Presidential position from Ned Holstein at Fathers & Families. If I lived in MA I'd already have my resume submitted for the vacant Assistant Director of Operations position.

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"To Have Your Child Taken...Rips The Soul Out"

Fathers4Justice members and supporters include parents who exist in a living nightmare. Many of the UK members were fathers who for no good reason had their children completely removed from their lives. Some of them are my friends.

I know fathers who had been stay-at-home parents while their wives worked, until they visited family court. There are fathers who have been jailed for waving at their children. One father watched as his children passed in front of his house on their way to school each day, yet he couldn't talk to them or even wave through his window.

Other fathers are professionally licensed to provide care or education to children, but can not see their own. These parents love their children greatly and are devoted to them. They feel raped of their responsibility to raise their own flesh and blood. It's not natural to lose your children this way.

We've read that one of these UK parents, a member or supporter of F4J, may have said something along the lines of wondering what the Prime Minister would do if he had to feel their pain. If this was said, and that is yet to be determined, I wholeheartedly believe it would simply have been pain erupting from a broken heart.

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Think something you write on an internet board won't be used against you? According to Lary Holland at Stand Up Today:

more...

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Josef Cannon, Fathers4Justice member, spoke about his daughter's parental abduction on an Irish talk show about a month ago. You can view the Quicktime video HERE.

Hollywood Actor/Writer Josef Cannon describes how his ex-wife kidnapped his four-year-old daughter in 1998. In this shocking story of Parental Abduction, we learn how an Irish mother stole names and identities from gravestones to hide with her daughter as fugitives in England. Josef, a member of Team H.O.P.E in the USA had a law passed and named after his daughter Shelby in America.

In response to the Granada TV's Dad's Army: Inside Fathers 4 Justice he wrote:

To have your child taken or kept away from you rips the soul out of these men and it's ironic that a country that brags about how the men in England/UK don't show their emotions. How they keep them bottled up inside. Then why in heavens name can't they see that the actions of these blokes are not of one of TROUBLE MAKING DADS WITH AN AGENDA, but heartbroken fathers not knowing where to turn to express their anger!

The entire letter is on the Amberell Campaign website.

Please support Amberell Photography and Digital Imaging , for supporting fathers' and family rights. You can see some of their beautiful images HERE .

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Listen to the
Krights Radio
Fathers4Justice Special
Wednesday January 25, 2006

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