AGENTS: BUSH OBSTRUCTED JUSTICE IN FIRINGS

This story made me sick - I want to vomit when I hear about our babies stolen then used as sex toys. What kind of person is turned on by an innocent child? Sick pigs!

How the *&^% do they get away with this?

No, I know how they get away with this they "legally" kidnap them!

What I want to know is are there any non sociopaths in upper management? because only a sociopath could sleep at night knowing this was going on and they didn't stop it!

Foggo sex ring probe linked to forged Iraq dossier, Israeli espionage, convicted lobbyist Abramoff
by Tom Flocco

Washington—March 19, 2007—TomFlocco.com

According to U.S. intelligence sources, President Bush obstructed justice last December when he had senior advisor Karl Rove and White House Counsel Harriet Miers instruct Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to fire eight U.S. attorneys who were among several others conducting ongoing public corruption and secret national security grand jury investigations connected to an espionage–linked prostitution / pedophile sex ring operating at the Washington Ritz-Carlton and other DC hotels, whose clients included U.S. senators and congressmen, elite Washington news reporters and high government officials—some of whom were named by an intelligence insider.

Central to the scandal is fired U.S. attorney Carole Lam of California who was reportedly conducting testimony before grand juries linking indicted former Bush CIA Executive Director Kyle “Dusty” Foggo and convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff to the sex ring, Israeli espionage, GOP Under Secretary of Defense for policy Douglas J. Feith, a forged British intelligence dossier used by Mr. Bush to deceive Americans into supporting war against Iraq and an attempt to plant weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq before the war via an intelligence pipeline through Dubai and Turkey.

During her House testimony before Democrat Chairman Henry Waxman’s House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last Friday, “national security” concerns were given as the reason for prohibiting covert CIA operative Valerie Plame-Wilson from revealing that her CIA energy front company Brewster-Jennings had prevented the planting of WMD in Iraq by the White House-linked intelligence pipeline, resulting in the forged British dossier being used for building an artificial case for war against Iraq.

Curiously, intelligence operatives said yesterday that Valerie Plame-Wilson recently had dinner with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Lam, widely known for recently sending Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham to prison in a major government corruption case, garnered “glowing performance ratings” along with the other fired attorneys who were career professionals according to Senate Judiciary Committee member Charles Schumer (D-NY) who declined to confirm whether sealed indictments of White House officials at the highest levels of government already existed under national security protocols.

Judiciary Committee Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) confirmed Lam’s Foggo and Abramoff probe on ABC News Sunday, while she also implicated Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-41-CA); but Feinstein also told ABC that Lam "sent a notice to the Justice Department saying that there would be two search warrants" in a criminal investigation of defense contractor Brent Wilkes and Kyle "Dusty" Foggo—and........but the next day on May 11, D. Kyle Sampson, then chief-of-staff to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, sent an email to William Kelley in the White House counsel's office saying, "Please call me at your convenience to discuss the following," referring to the "real problem we have right now with Carole Lam that leads me to conclude that we should have someone ready to be nominated on 11/18, the day her 4-year term expires."

Those Republican and Democrat members of Congress who may have been in the crosshairs of Lam and the other prosecutors can be assumed to have an important stake in facilitating presidential obstruction of justice and soft congressional hearings—if only to protect their own careers and potential criminal liability of prosecution for bribery, blackmail, compromised legislation or a corrupt vote to send American troops to die in Iraq based on lies.

Two days prior to leaving office after being fired, Lam won criminal indictments against # 3 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official Foggo and GOP businessman and top Bush contributor Brent Wilkes; but Lam’s firing due to “performance issues,” prevented her from completing her investigation which will now fall to successors hand-picked by Mr. Bush which career law enforcement officials may probe in a case against the President.


Before the scandal broke publicly, federal intelligence agents said Senate Democrats permitted President Bush to obstruct justice regarding the firings which could delay or quash indictments against former Bush CIA Director Porter Goss, who agents say is implicated in the Capitol prostitution ring with Senate Judiciary Ranking Republican Arlen Specter according to daily U.S. intelligence Special Operations Group (SOG) reports seen by intelligence authority Thomas Heneghan.

Capitol Hill sex ring

In an interview with TomFlocco.com last week, Heneghan alleged that federal agents have linked Michael Duffy of Time, John Meacham of Newsweek, George Stephanopoulos of ABC, Mike Allen, John Harris, Mark Halperin—of the Washington Post, Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune, Anderson Cooper of CNN, Matt Drudge of the Drudge Report, Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), former CIA Director Porter Goss and British Prime Minister Tony Blair to the sex ring.

Given Heneghan’s explosive allegations culled from U.S. intelligence reports, we sought additional clarification by asking the insider if it was accurate that federal agents with whom he was in contact were in possession of 1) electronic transmissions, 2) video/photographic evidence and 3) whether operatives had observed the U.S. senators, reporters and other high government officials participating in prostitution or pedophilia at the Ritz Carlton and/or other Washington, DC hotels, to which Heneghan replied, “yes—for all three.”

There have been no public investigations or hearings to determine the extent to which the controversial vote for war or other U.S. legislation may have been compromised by senatorial or congressional blackmail related to the sex ring or the number of important news reports which may have been diluted, slanted, or eliminated if any reporters were compromised; and given the extent of the corruption, Congress will be hard-pressed to investigate their fellow members involved:

AGENTS SAY FOLEY SCANDAL TIP OF ICEBERG

PROSTITUTES SERVICED HOUSE, SENATE MEMBERS, MEDIA HOSTS, TOP MILITARY, OTHER FEDS

Last December the San Diego Union-Tribune partially confirmed the sex ring allegations, reporting that a source close to the San Diego U.S. attorney’s grand jury investigation said lobbyist Mitchell Wade—indicted for bribery—“periodically helped arrange for a prostitute for then-congressman Randy ‘Duke’ Cunningham,” that former business associates “were present on several occasions when Shirlington Limousine & Transportation of northern Virginia brought prostitutes to suites” at the Watergate and Westin hotels which had “several bedrooms where lawmakers and other guests could ‘relax.’ ”

TomFlocco.com has also reported extensively regarding actual court testimony and state child protection agency documents linking former President George H. W. Bush and U.S. legislators to Washington, DC child abduction and pedophilia obstructed for years by Congress:


WITNESS SAYS 20-30 LEGISLATORS ABUSED ABDUCTED CHILDREN

PHOTOGRAPHER TIED TO WH CHILD SEX RING ARRESTED AFTER THOMPSON SUICIDE

“George W. Bush is trying to obstruct justice on a massive scale involving pedophilia, blackmail, homosexual whorehouses and the espionage scandal which engulfs the entire Bush administration regarding the Fitzgerald inquiry which is the conspiracy to take the United States of America to war based on a lie via the forged British intelligence dossier,” said Heneghan.

MSNBC host Keith Olbermann went so far as to say that parts of the Patriot Act have nothing to do with national security as originally designed, but have instead been used by the Bush administration to neuter Congress, in effect rendering Democrat and GOP oversight capacity as relatively inconsequential since the Act permits the Chief Executive to appoint interim U.S. attorneys without oversight or consent from Congress among other stipulations.

The legislation enabling the curious firing of eight federal prosecutors late in a presidential term was a little–noticed provision in the Patriot Act allowing interim appointments, an amendment sponsored and endorsed by then Senate GOP Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA), known historically for his lone gunman, single magic bullet theory promulgated in the John F. Kennedy assassination probe and employed by the Warren Commission to cover up substantial evidence of a government conspiracy.


BUSH 41 REVIVES LINKS TO JFK WARREN COMMISSION OBSTRUCTION

Obstructing espionage and Franklin grand jury?

Kyle Sampson, Chief of Staff for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, resigned last week after reports linking him to the firings through White House counsel Harriet Miers began to surface, even as Senator Schumer charged the White House with “a breach of trust and abuse of power,” adding, “Kyle Sampson will not become the next Scooter Libby, the next fall-guy.”

This, as Capitol news reports revealed on March 5 that Michael Battle, Executive Head for U.S. Attorneys, also resigned, perhaps to distance himself from coming repercussions forced upon Congress as more documents, allegations and resignations surface.

“Congress is reportedly considering a subpoena for Battle to testify whether he was forced to fire the Little Rock and San Diego attorneys due to the “Dusty” Foggo case and its accompanying sex ring links to espionage and ongoing investigations of criminal acts involving the Bush-Clinton crime families,” said Heneghan.

Several agents who spoke with long-time federal whistleblower Stewart Webb [StewWebb.com] said Miers’ original plan to fire all 93 U.S. attorneys was hatched because the White House is aware that other national security grand juries are hearing testimony, but Mr. Bush and Karl Rove wanted to ensure that all were either obstructed or shut down by attempting to fire everyone—a plan that ultimately gave way late in Bush’s term, likely the result of ongoing and ill-timed scandals—to firing eight who they felt would probably give Bush the most trouble politically and criminally.

SOG intelligence reports say that Douglas Feith is still being probed regarding his use of subordinate Larry Franklin, convicted of espionage and sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in 2005 for passing classified information to Israeli diplomat and American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) lobby group employee Steven Rosen from 1999 to 2003 before the Iraq invasion.

Feith has reportedly refused comment on the investigation regarding Franklin who was employed in Feith’s Pentagon office—while Feith used Franklin repeatedly for national security sensitive meetings in the Pentagon Office of Special Plans involving foreign citizens overseas which federal agents say are linked to an Israeli cell in Iraqi Kurdistan that was involved in attempting to plant weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq via an intelligence pipeline through Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Heneghan said the espionage investigations are also linked to GOP operative Mel Sembler and the Bay Point School in Florida where Choice Point software was used in the Bush-Gore 2000 election fraud ultimately endorsed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision placing George Bush in the presidency despite reportedly damaging testimony by one of the Justices and several Supreme Court clerks, some of which was reported in Vanity Fair Magazine.

Largest corruption case in U.S. history

Fired San Diego U.S. attorney Carole Lam is best known for acquiring the conviction of Republican Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham, now in federal prison for tax evasion, conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, after the GOP representative admitted to accepting $2.4 million in bribes, making his case many times larger than the next biggest public corruption case in the history of the United States—and the case indicated Cunningham participated in the Foggo and Abramoff sex ring.

Those Republican and Democrat members of Congress who may have been in the crosshairs of Lam and the other prosecutors can be assumed to have an important stake in facilitating presidential obstruction of justice and soft congressional hearings—if only to protect their own careers and potential criminal liability of prosecution for bribery, blackmail, compromised legislation or a corrupt vote to send American troops to die in Iraq based on lies.

Executive Director of the CIA Dusty Foggo ran day-to-day operations of the agency, but also had responsibility for all CIA contracts and procurements, while “occasionally hosting poker parties at his house in northern Virginia” and is under investigation by the CIA inspector general regarding CIA contracts.

Intelligence reports seen by Heneghan reveal that some taxpayer funds Foggo procured for Halliburton via the Pentagon were diverted for use in the Washington, DC prostitution and pedophilia ring instead of medical care and commissary operations for U.S. troops in Iraq, said the intelligence authority.
In a September 13, 2006 e-mail to Miers, Sampson listed one prosecutor, Bud Cummins in Little Rock, as “in the process of being pushed out.” Five others—in Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, San Diego and Seattle—were listed as U.S. attorneys “we should now consider pushing out.”

Read all the documents

http://judiciary.house.gov/

While some cable news reporters attempted to spin the firings by saying “Bush just got greedy, wanting to make wholesale changes,” Schumer called the firings “a blatant manipulation of the U.S. attorney system and purely biased politics, despite their glowing performance ratings,” indicating that some legislators on Capitol Hill may be aware that the real reason for firing so many at once was an administration attempt to obstruct grand jury probes of White House criminal acts.

Republican Senator Pete Domenici, who has reportedly hired a defense attorney, raised concerns with the Justice Department last fall regarding New Mexico U.S. attorney David Iglesias who told House members that Domenici called him to move forward on indictments of a high-profile corruption case involving a Democrat before the November, 2006 election.

Kenneth Gross, a Washington lawyer who specializes in congressional ethics rules, indicated that Domenici’s conduct may have violated Senate ethics rules which generally bar communications between members of Congress and federal prosecutors about ongoing criminal investigations, according to reports.

Iglesias told reporters that New Mexico GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson called him before the November, 2006 election, asking, “I want to know if there are any sealed indictments,” to which Iglesias answered, “Sealed indictments? We only do that for juvenile cases or national security cases. It’s fairly unusual,” adding later to the reporters, “I know that members of Congress should not be making phone calls about pending matters, pending investigations, indictment dates—things of that nature.”

Wilson’s question “raised red flags in my head,” said the fired prosecutor, raising serious questions as to Wilson's knowledge of congressional corruption cases serious enough to be classified under national security protocols.

This also raises serious questions regarding how Representative Wilson became aware of sealed indictments which are only sealed in national security cases and child welfare cases and whether Wilson may also have violated House ethics rules.

U.S. attorney Bud Cummins said in an email released by the Senate Judiciary Committee that Mike Elston, chief of staff to Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty, had called and expressed his displeasure that the fired prosecutors were talking to reporters about their dismissals.

John Kroger, a federal prosecutor under Clinton and Bush now teaching a Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, was quoted in reports as saying, “It’s really remarkable to have a wholesale removal of an administration’s own U.S. attorneys, particularly this deep into the term,” adding, “Clearly there was a concerted decision made to ask a bunch of them to leave. It suggests a desire to more tightly control policy.”

Original Article

AGENTS: BUSH OBSTRUCTED JUSTICE IN FIRINGS

A mother and child reunion

By Matt Loveless

Watch the video

LEWISTON - A mother and daughter are reunited after more than a decade apart.

The story gets it's start around 1996. According to court documents, Amy Lucas was abused by her husband, became addicted to pain medication, and ended up in jail.

Then, Child Protective Services came in to take away her four kids.

"These kids were (taken) everywhere," said Amy, now a Lewiston resident.

Amy said she got cleaned up, received counseling, a college education, and some time later, got her oldest three children back. But she says the word from Washington CPS was that they didn't know where the youngest, Danielle, then two and a half, ended up.

"Months went by where, no matter what I did for them, it wasn't good enough," said Amy. "I wasn't going to get my daughter back."

Karen Lee, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, said they talked with Amy in 2002, and decided that contact wasn't in the best interests of the child.

Then, the years went by, until a phone call from CPS on March 7 of this year."She said, 'Do you have a daughter named Danielle?' and I said, 'Oh, my God, yes,'" said Amy. "And, the first thing I thought was that they found her body somewhere."

Danielle was found, alive. She had been locked up for the previous three months in juvenile detention. Danielle said she had been living with her great aunt, who avoided questions about Amy.

"She was like, 'Your mom's dead, stop talking about her," said Danielle, now 14-years-old. "'Why do you need to talk about somebody that's not here?"

"Danielle was in detention as a runaway. She says she ran away to find her mom. It wasn't until March 9, 2007, after 11 years apart, that Amy got to hold her daughter again.

"I just walked up to her and grabbed her, held her, told her while I was holding her that I was her mom," said Amy.

"She told me she loved me, and I was just holding her, and we all started crying," said Danielle.

How does a mother not know the whereabouts of her daughter for 11 years?

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services says the foster family had legal guardianship, and was raising Danielle in "critical stages of her life." And, once again, they said it was in the best interests of the child to stay.

"To be honest with you, I didn't believe it," said Amy's attorney Clinton J. Henderson.Henderson says the foster family's guardianship was easier to get than you might think.

"It's easy to mislead judges if you want to take the time to do it," said Henderson. "The dependency proceedings are just pro forma, they just go through the proceedings."

Not until mid-September did a judge's ruling dismiss pending charges and state guardianship of Danielle. DSHS say they still disagree with the ruling to this day.

As a result of the litigation, Amy lost the license to the daycare she's owned for six years. She says she's now jobless, scared, but happy that she has her daughter back.

"Every time I look at her, I get tears in my eyes," said Amy. "She's so beautiful. She's so smart."

"I actually feel like I'm where I should be," said Danielle. "I don't feel empty-hearted and I don't feel like there's a hole in my heart."

"She's awesome," said Amy.

Original Article - A mother and child reunion KLEW CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Lewiston, ID - Lewiston, Idaho Local & Regional

Here's another disturbing picture

This was my baby's default picture on his "My Space"

WTF? Am I the only one that see's there is a major problem in that house?

With allegations of the live in girlfriend being a child poronography potographer, and then seeing this kind of &%$ !!

Lets not forget the estranged husbands connections to the CYO and a Supreme Court Judge.

What are your opinions?

Need Opinions

If this were a picture of your children that you have been "legally" kept from for years would it bother you and why?

This is my daughters My Space default picture and I'm very concerned with the fact that the baby appears to be naked and drugged.

Especially since I've been kept from them for no reason.

Could it be my estranged husbands connections to the Church via CYO and the State via a marraige between Director of CYO Jospeh Panepinto and Acting Supreme Court Judge Barbara Panepinto.

This picture forces me to remember the sex scandal within the Catholic Church and panic.

What's your opinion?

When I showed this to my therapist, her first question was "Why is he naked?"

Then she asked "Why does he look so malnurished?"

Questions I can not answer!

Mainstream Examples of the Current World Wide Pedophilia Epidemic

This is just SICK! There isn't any other word for it, I found this reasearching "when government officials refuse to investigate child porn" Since finding Aggie Panepintos name being mentioned by an innocent third party in relation to using her camera for child porn, I've pleaded with authorities to investigate the allegations- so far nothing!

Examples of Pedophilia Epidemic

May 3, 2004

http://www.drcarley.com/,

web site by former Dr. Rebecca Carley, who lost her licence because of her local TV show on which she tried to expose pedophilia, including among medical professionals. An activist against all forms of abuse including bad vaccines.

The importance of news about the world's pedophilia epidemic is that this epidemic demonstrates that brutal and severe human rights atrocities can and do happen without much or any exposure in the media.

Submitted by Abuse Activist Lynne Moss-Sharman:

Los Angeles Times, Gayle Pollard TerryApril 18, 2004

Secrets in Bakersfield - Rumors of a powerful cabal were whispered for years.

Then the local newspaper investigated.

By Gayle Pollard-Terry,

Times Staff Writer 1/27/03

"For more than a generation," the story said, "Bakersfield was run by a cadre of men who led double lives. To the public, these men were members of the community's most visible institutions, its justice system and the media. "But in truth ... these men -- a sprinkling of county executives, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, even the newspaper's publisher -- were part of a loose-knit, secretive network. "Some were homosexuals who preyed upon young men and boys, then used their positions of power and influence to protect one another from possible ramifications.

Occasionally, however, the preyed-upon lashed out, leading to a string of murders involving young gay men and their prominent older male suitors." In the late 1970s and '80s, the victims included two millionaires, one of whom was on a county crime commission; the Kern County personnel director; the owner of a fashionable hair salon; and a 14-year-old girl who attended parties thrown by Bakersfield's one-time police commissioner, who committed suicide after being charged with providing marijuana to minors. With the exception of the girl, whose case was never solved, the murders were committed by teenage or young adult men who said they had had sexual relationships with the victims."


http://www.calendarlive.com/cl-et-gayle27jan27.storylatimes.com

AND ANOTHER ARTICLE:

Judge won't let convicted Bakersfield child molester post bail
by Brian Skoloff, AP Writer 3/15/04

"In Bakersfield alone, 46 people were arrested in eight alleged child molestation rings. Thirty were convicted, eight had their charges dropped and eight struck plea deals that kept them from prison. Twenty two of the 30 convictions were later reversed for reasons including legal technicalities, prosecutorial misconduct or faulty jury instructions."

Link (copy and paste):http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2004/03/15/state1714EST0111.DTL

AND MORE:

two fwds from L Moss Sharman - Child Porn Hearing Opens - South County husband and wife are accused of 90 felony counts each, including videotaping and molesting a 5-year-old girl.

By Mai Tran 4/9/04

"The videotape gave authorities a roadmap that led to a locked chest stored in a bedroom closet of the couple's home containing 216 videotapes and CDs, many of them depicting the couple having sex with children, investigators said. Investigators said they did not know who sent them the tape or who had the access or time to record snippets from so many movies.

Thursday's testimony offered a first glimpse into the case against David Hwang, 31, and his wife, Sheila Sikat, 23. The hearing, which was continued until April 20, will determine whether the couple should stand trial. Orange County sheriff's investigators contend the tapes and CDs reveal six children being molested."

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-molest9apr09,1,3749389.story?c oll=la-headlines-california

Man accused of killing family members had mass suicide plan Brian Skoloff,

4/8/04 AP

"Marcus Wesson devised a plan nearly a decade ago for his children to kill themselves if authorities came to retrieve the clan, according to a police detective testifying at a preliminary hearing on charges Wesson murdered nine of his kids. Wesson maintained strict control over his many children and would inflict "weeklong spankings" if they broke his rules, which included *NOT* talking to men outside of the family, Fresno homicide detective Carlos Leal testified that one of Wesson's adult daughters told him. The 20-year-old girl said the family was forced to study the King James Bible twice a day and listen to Wesson preach, Leal said, adding that she claimed Wesson began molesting her and her sisters when they were as young as 5."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2004/04/0 8/state1703EDT0122.DTL

From American Journal of Public Health -

The Economic Burden of Hospitalization Associated With Child Abuse and Neglect Posted 04/02/2004 Sue Rovi, PhD; Ping-Hsin Chen, PhD; Mark S. Johnson, MD, MPH Abstract and Introduction Abstract Objectives: This study assessed the economic burden of child abuse-related hospitalizations. Methods: We compared inpatient stays coded with a diagnosis of child abuse or neglect with stays of other hospitalized children using the 1999 National Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Costs and Utilization Project. Results: Children whose hospital stays were coded with a diagnosis of abuse or neglect were significantly more likely to have died during hospitalization (4.0% vs 0.5%), have longer stays (8.2 vs 4.0 days), twice the number of diagnoses (6.3 vs 2.8), and double the total charges ($19266 vs $9513) than were other hospitalized children. Furthermore, the primary payer was typically Medicaid (66.5% vs 37.0%)." http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/472527

ABUSERS KEEP CUSTODY OF THEIR VICTIMS 70% OF THE TIME:

When Children Tell And No One Listens - October 1997 - By Sherry A. Quirk, Esq. "...some of the worst cases are those where authorities were notified of abuse and had determined that the child was at risk, but nevertheless left the child in the care of the abuser....Studies show that batterers have been able to convince authorities that the victim is unfit or undeserving of sole custody in approximately 70% of challenged cases."

http://www.yesican.org/articles/childrentell.html

White washing complaints

Say it aint so ...

See-

Two New York Judges Censured....(MORE, CLICK HERE)

No wonder I haven't been able to get justice in my case!

Maybe now I can get my babies back- maybe just maybe the guards at the gate are being watched!

Child Protective Services faces legislative changes, may see its funding cut

By Josh Brodesky
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 11.27.2007

After nearly a year of intense public scrutiny following the deaths of three Tucson children, Child Protective Services faces the prospect of legislative changes and possible funding cuts.
The agency is in the midst of public hearings about its handling of cases involving three Tucson children who allegedly were killed by their parents.

Legislators want to hold a hearing in December on how CPS handled the case of 5-year-old Brandon Williams, an autistic boy who was killed in March, allegedly by his mother and a friend. That follows a September hearing on how the agency handled the case of 4-year-old Ariana Payne and her 5-year-old brother, Tyler, who were killed last year, allegedly by their father and his girlfriend

Some of the legislative changes under consideration would make CPS case records more open, allow CPS workers to file missing persons reports, give them greater access to criminal history records and open state employee records to the public in the same way as municipal and county employee records.

But with the state roughly a billion dollars in the red, there is also the prospect that the beleaguered agency will take a funding hit, even as it tries to meet public expectations for improvement.

"The governor has indicated it is her intent to hold children's services harmless from the majority of the reductions that would have to occur in agencies to meet the budget deficit," said Ken Deibert, deputy director of the Department of Economic Security, which oversees CPS.

"Any significant budget cuts for our services would certainly have some very concerning repercussions," Diebert said.

State Rep. Jonathan Paton, a Tucson Republican who has taken the lead in the legislative hearings on CPS, said he expects cuts across all state agencies, but he does not want to see a reduction in CPS workers.

"I don't necessarily think things are going to be improved if you lose more caseworkers," Paton said.

Low morale, high turnover

Against that backdrop of controversy and scrutiny, CPS workers continue to push on, handling roughly 35,000 reports a year.

For workers in Pima County, the year has been marked by high turnover and low morale, said Ilene Stern, a program supervisor and investigator.

"Morale is … seriously affected by workload, by media, by criticisms, by high turnover," she said. "It hasn't been good for a while."

Stern mostly handles reports involving children who have been placed with relatives or in foster care. She also oversees an investigator in Ajo and picks up reports on the side, partly because of staffing shortages.

CPS currently has 13 openings in Pima County.

"There are very few of us here for more than five years," Stern said. "I'm here 17 and a half, and I will retire here."

In that time the agency has evolved. Workers have less family contact and more case management, she said. Methamphetamine is prevalent in many cases. There is also an emphasis on in-home services, essentially referrals to family services such as counseling and parenting classes, as a way to keep children with families.

This emphasis on family is also seen in the agency's push for workers to take a more global approach to investigations, essentially looking beyond the black-and-white world of allegations to see what services or needs a family might require.

A recent independent review of the agency's handling of the Payne and Williams cases faulted CPS workers for being too focused on whether the allegations were true rather than the broader family situations and risks that existed.

To encourage a shift in philosophy, the agency has adopted a new assessment tool, which some workers have criticized because of its length. A sample version is roughly 80 pages.
Stern was diplomatic about the new tool, saying that while it took more time to fill out, the fieldwork didn't change, or at least it shouldn't.

"Your face-to-face time shouldn't be affected by your documentation," she said.

In her own handling of cases, Stern adopted this broader investigative approach.

The ride-along

On a warm, late October morning she treks out to White Elementary School on Tucson's far Southwest Side to investigate a report from the school of a young boy with a cut on his ear. Reportedly his father shot him with a disc gun, a small toy gun that fires plastic discs.

Stern interviews the boy about the cut, as well as his two older brothers, who are also students at the school. Her focus, however, quickly shifts from the cut, which is fairly small and clearly accidental, to concerns about a gun in the home and the employment situations of the parents.
After about an hour and a half interviewing the three children separately, she heads to the parents' house.

Neither parent is working full time. The mother goes to beauty school. The father works construction jobs but has been staying home to watch their young daughter. Stern gives them a referral for day-care services, which would allow the father to work more.

"They were very cooperative," she said. "This job is often sorting through who is pointing the finger at who. Part of my job is to put that information together."

In the public eye

There is no doubt public pressure about the handling of the Payne and Williams cases affected morale at the agency.

During the ride-along, Stern remarked that the Arizona Daily Star's coverage of the cases did not reflect the personal side of the work, or the workers.
And this summer, after the Star ran an article quoting state Rep. Steve Farley — a Tucson Democrat who took a ride-along with a CPS worker and has been supportive of the agency — a number of CPS workers forwarded the article by e-mail, commenting on how they had found a supporter.

"So often we only get the very negative media, and while some of that is included here, we now have someone supporting us," wrote Karin Kline of the DES public information office.
Lillian Downing, who heads CPS in Pima County, remarked via e-mail that perhaps the comments from Farley would help "turn the tide."

But Paton said the public scrutiny has brought about some needed changes to the agency, notably the requirements for workers to check court records and not to date clients or former clients — policy changes that he hopes to make law.

"You can see the results of an agency that's kind of been hidden away, and there have been some really bad things that happened," he said. "At the end of the day you see that because of the public's attention on what's going on, that scrutiny ultimately led to changes that they've made in their policies."

● Contact reporter Josh Brodesky at 807-7789 or jbrodesky@azstarnet.com.

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Child Protective Services faces legislative changes, may see its funding cut www.azstarnet.com ®

THE CORRUPT BUSINESS OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

From the legislative desk of Senator Nancy Schaefer 50th District of Georgia

November 16, 2007

THE CORRUPT BUSINESS OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

BY: Nancy Schaefer

Senator, 50th District

My introduction into child protective service cases was due to a grandmother in an adjoining state who called me with her tragic story. Her two granddaughters had been taken from her daughter who lived in my district. Her daughter was told wrongly that if she wanted to see her children again she should sign a paper and give up her children. Frightened and young, the daughter did. I have since discovered that parents are often threatened into cooperation of permanent separation of their children.


The children were taken to another county and placed in foster care. The foster parents were told wrongly that they could adopt the children. The grandmother then jumped through every hoop known to man in order to get her granddaughters. When the case finally came to court it was made evident by one of the foster parent’s children that the foster parents had, at any given time, 18 foster children and that the foster mother had an inappropriate relationship with the caseworker.


In the courtroom, the juvenile judge, acted as though she was shocked and said the two girls would be removed quickly. They were not removed. Finally, after much pressure being applied to the Department of Family and Children Services of Georgia (DFCS), the children were driven to South Georgia to meet their grandmother who gladly drove to meet them.

After being with their grandmother two or three days, the judge, quite out of the blue, wrote up a new order to send the girls to their father, who previously had no interest in the case and who lived on the West Coast. The father was in “adult entertainment”. His girlfriend worked as an “escort” and his brother, who also worked in the business, had a sexual charge brought against him.


Within a couple of days the father was knocking on the grandmother’s door and took the girls kicking and screaming to California.

The father developed an unusual relationship with the former foster parents and soon moved back to the southeast, and the foster parents began driving to the father’s residence and picking up the little girls for visits. The oldest child had told her mother and grandmother on two different occasions that the foster father molested her.


To this day after five years, this loving, caring blood relative grandmother does not even have visitation privileges with the children. The little girls are in my opinion permanently traumatized and the young mother of the girls was so traumatized with shock when the girls were first removed from her that she has not recovered.


Throughout this case and through the process of dealing with multiple other mismanaged cases of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), I have worked with other desperate parents and children across the state because they have no rights and no one with whom to turn. I have witnessed ruthless behavior from many caseworkers, social workers, investigators, lawyers, judges, therapists, and others such as those who “pick up” the children. I have been stunned by what I have seen and heard from victims all over the state of Georgia.


In this report, I am focusing on the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). However, I believe Child Protective Services nationwide has become corrupt and that the entire system is broken almost beyond repair. I am convinced parents and families should be warned of the dangers.

The Department of Child Protective Services, known as the Department of Family and Children Service (DFCS) in Georgia and other titles in other states, has become a “protected empire” built on taking children and separating families. This is not to say that there are not those children who do need to be removed from wretched situations and need protection. This report is concerned with the children and parents caught up in “legal kidnapping,” ineffective policies, and DFCS who do does not remove a child or children when a child is enduring torment and abuse. (See Exhibit A and Exhibit B)


In one county in my District, I arranged a meeting for thirty-seven families to speak freely and without fear. These poor parents and grandparents spoke of their painful, heart wrenching encounters with DFCS. Their suffering was overwhelming. They wept and cried. Some did not know where their children were and had not seen them in years. I had witnessed the “Gestapo” at work and I witnessed the deceitful conditions under which children were taken in the middle of the night, out of hospitals, off of school buses, and out of homes. In one county a private drug testing business was operating within the DFCS department that required many, many drug tests from parents and individuals for profit. In another county children were not removed when they were enduring the worst possible abuse.

Due to being exposed, several employees in a particular DFCS office were fired. However, they have now been rehired either in neighboring counties or in the same county again. According to the calls I am now receiving, the conditions in that county are returning to the same practices that they had before the light was shown on their deeds.


Having worked with probably 300 cases statewide, I am convinced there is no responsibility and no accountability in the system.

I have come to the conclusion:


* that poor parents often times are targeted to lose their children because they do not have the where-with-all to hire lawyers and fight the system. Being poor does not mean you are not a good parent or that you do not love your child, or that your child should be removed and placed with strangers;


*that all parents are capable of making mistakes and that making a mistake does not mean your children are always to be removed from the home. Even if the home is not perfect, it is home; and that’s where a child is the safest and where he or she wants to be, with family;


*that parenting classes, anger management classes, counseling referrals, therapy classes and on and on are demanded of parents with no compassion by the system even while they are at work and while their children are separated from them. This can take months or even years and it emotionally devastates both children and parents. Parents are victimized by “the system” that makes a profit for holding children longer and “bonuses” for not returning children;

*that caseworkers and social workers are oftentimes guilty of fraud. They withhold evidence. They fabricate evidence and they seek to terminate parental rights. However, when charges are made against them, the charges are ignored;

*that the separation of families is growing as a business because local governments have grown accustomed to having taxpayer dollars to balance their ever-expanding budgets;

*that Child Protective Service and Juvenile Court can always hide behind a confidentiality clause in order to protect their decisions and keep the funds flowing. There should be open records and “court watches”! Look who is being paid! There are state employees, lawyers, court investigators, court personnel, and judges. There are psychologists, and psychiatrists, counselors, caseworkers, therapists, foster parents, adoptive parents, and on and on. All are looking to the children in state custody to provide job security. Parents do not realize that social workers are the glue that holds “the system” together that funds the court, the child’s attorney, and the multiple other jobs including DFCS’s attorney.

*that The Adoption and the Safe Families Act, set in motion by President Bill Clinton, offered cash “bonuses” to the states for every child they adopted out of foster care. In order to receive the “adoption incentive bonuses” local child protective services need more children. They must have merchandise (children) that sell and you must have plenty of them so the buyer can choose. Some counties are known to give a $4,000 bonus for each child adopted and an additional $2,000 for a “special needs” child. Employees work to keep the federal dollars flowing;

*that there is double dipping. The funding continues as long as the child is out of the home. When a child in foster care is placed with a new family then “adoption bonus funds” are available. When a child is placed in a mental health facility and is on 16 drugs per day, like two children of a constituent of mine, more funds are involved;
that there are no financial resources and no real drive to unite a family and help keep them together;

*that the incentive for social workers to return children to their parents quickly after taking them has disappeared and who in protective services will step up to the plate and say, “This must end! No one, because they are all in the system together and a system with no leader and no clear policies will always fail the children. Look at the waste in government that is forced upon the tax payer;

*that the “Policy Manuel” is considered “the last word” for DFCS. However, it is too long, too confusing, poorly written and does not take the law into consideration;

*that if the lives of children were improved by removing them from their homes, there might be a greater need for protective services, but today all children are not always safer. Children, of whom I am aware, have been raped and impregnated in foster care and the head of a Foster Parents Association in my District was recently arrested because of child molestation;

*that some parents are even told if they want to see their children or grandchildren, they must divorce their spouse. Many, who are under privileged, feeling they have no option, will divorce and then just continue to live together. This is an anti-family policy, but parents will do anything to get their children home with them.

*fathers, (non-custodial parents) I must add, are oftentimes treated as criminals without access to their own children and have child support payments strangling the very life out of them;

*that the Foster Parents Bill of Rights does not bring out that a foster parent is there only to care for a child until the child can be returned home. Many Foster Parents today use the Foster Parent Bill of Rights to hire a lawyer and seek to adopt the child from the real parents, who are desperately trying to get their child home and out of the system;

*that tax dollars are being used to keep this gigantic system afloat, yet the victims, parents, grandparents, guardians and especially the children, are charged for the system’s services.

*that grandparents have called from all over the State of Georgia trying to get custody of their grandchildren. DFCS claims relatives are contacted, but there are cases that prove differently. Grandparents who lose their grandchildren to strangers have lost their own flesh and blood. The children lose their family heritage and grandparents, and parents too, lose all connections to their heirs.

*that The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in 1998 reported that six times as many children died in foster care than in the general public and that once removed to official “safety”, these children are far more likely to suffer abuse, including sexual molestation than in the general population.

*That according to the California Little Hoover Commission Report in 2003, 30% to 70% of the children in California group homes do not belong there and should not have been removed from their homes.

FINAL REMARKS

On my desk are scores of cases of exhausted families and troubled children. It has been beyond me to turn my back on these suffering, crying, and sometimes beaten down individuals. We are mistreating the most innocent. Child Protective Services have become adult centered to the detriment of children. No longer is judgment based on what the child needs or who the child wants to be with or what is really best for the whole family; it is some adult or bureaucrat who makes the decisions, based often on just hearsay, without ever consulting a family member, or just what is convenient, profitable, or less troublesome for a director of DFCS.

I have witnessed such injustice and harm brought to these families that I am not sure if I even believe reform of the system is possible! The system cannot be trusted. It does not serve the people. It obliterates families and children simply because it has the power to do so.

Children deserve better. Families deserve better. It’s time to pull back the curtain and set our children and families free.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy” Proverbs 31:8-9

Please continue to read:
Recommendations
Exhibit A
Exhibit B

RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Call for an independent audit of the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) to expose corruption and fraud.
2) Activate immediate change. Every day that passes means more families and children are subject to being held hostage.
3) End the financial incentives that separate families.
4) Grant to parents their rights in writing.
5) Mandate a search for family members to be given the opportunity to adopt their own relatives.
6) Mandate a jury trial where every piece of evidence is presented before removing a child from his or her parents.
7) Require a warrant or a positive emergency circumstance before removing children from their parents. (Judge Arthur G. Christean, Utah Bar Journal, January, 1997 reported that “except in emergency circumstances, including the need for immediate medical care, require warrants upon affidavits of probable cause before entry upon private property is permitted for the forcible removal of children from their parents.”)
8) Uphold the laws when someone fabricates or presents false evidence. If a parent alleges fraud, hold a hearing with the right to discovery of all evidence.

To read the Exhibits and thank Senator Nancy Schaefer
Click here Senator Nancy Schaefer: ...because integrity matters.

REFRESH - Go to Home-Page

Open Letter to Senator Diane Savino on behalf of ACS targeted parents

I sent the letter below along with a copy of this story- Click here: The Toccoa Record: Top Stories to Senator Savino, I suggest all targets of abusive CPS practices alert their Senators and ask for the same.

November 29, 2007

Senator Diane Savino
36 Richmond Terrace,
Suite 112
Staten Island, New York 10301
Tel: (718) 727-9406
Fax: (718) 727-9426

Good afternoon Senator Savino:

Last week I sent you copies of letters I had written to the DOJ, the D.A. and Judge Minardo asking for a special prosecutor to investigate the “legal“ kidnapping of the children in the Uccio v Argenziano apparent politically connected case.

I also sent you before and after pictures of my children, I am sure it was clear these children need someone to intervene.

Due to ACSs fraudulent practices, as well my estranged husband’s apparent political connections to Judge Panepinto, my children have been emotionally abused repeatedly for the last five years.

Now my Divorce/custody case is before Judge Panepinto and she is refusing to recuse herself, while acting like a street thug on the bench using arm gestures more likely to be found in a gang fight. Judge Panepinto is claiming there is no connection and that after 17+ years of working under Jospeh Panepinto; he and my husband have never met, nor does Mr. Panepinto know my estranged husbands last name. Judge Panepinto also stated my estranged husbands live in alleged child pornography photographer girlfriend Aggie Panepinto is not a relative to Judge Panepinto’s husband.

The system is broken, and I know that you are aware of this.

I also know that you are aware of the Amber James ACS “legal” kidnapping case. The targets of ACS have come together, [including an ex case worker] and have been exposing the fraud destroying our families. Please help us with your powerful and respected voice; as the Senator in the enclosed article has helped those targeted in her district.

I respectfully ask that you begin an investigation by a special prosecutor with these two cases [Uccio v Argenziano] and [Amber James] into the fraudulent practices of ACS and give our families a chance to become the next generation of functioning healthy Americans.

There are many other families that are victims of the rampant abuse of power in our country today, please be a voice for these children, and say enough is enough.

Respectfully Submitted



______________________
Louise Uccio

Marital Rape and Abuse Victim Seeks Justice From Oregon's Governor

This story reminded me of my nightmare, so what's the story "connected" abusive fathers are not only allowed but guided and supported when they decide to further abuse their victims by "kidnapping" their children?


This is a disgrace,and like the woman in this story I've asked the Governer to please open an investigation into this apparent political "legal" kidnapping of my babies!

This is a special plea for justice from an abuse survivor to Oregon's Governor. Does hope exist in Oregon's legal system? This is a story every one should know. Part One in a special series.


(DALLAS, Ore.) - After surviving years of childhood and marital abuse and neglect, a woman suffers a physical collapse and severe mental/nervous breakdown. While in a near catatonic state, the woman is physically assaulted and raped. She becomes pregnant.


Toward the final stages of her pregnancy, she fully recovers from her breakdown. She births her baby, and mother and baby enjoy bonding and breastfeeding. The mother cherishes her newborn son. After undergoing several psychiatric tests and evaluations, her physicians state that she is well.

Her abuser, the father of the child, manipulates the judicial system and seeks custody of the baby. With intervention from the religious community and testimony about the mother's prior mental history, the father is awarded custody of the nursing infant. The mother is ordered to pay her rapist/abuser exorbitant child support while suffering from homelessness and disabilities. She is no longer allowed contact with her child. When the baby is abruptly taken away, the mother goes into shock.


The 'father of the child' has committed crimes against the mother according to Oregon statutes and laws (Chapter 743, Oregon Laws 1971, 163.375), but is embraced and rewarded in our judicial and religious system. The victim becomes the criminal. I am this woman; this baby is my child; and the father of this child is my ex-husband.


November 26, 2007

Dear Governor Ted Kulongoski, Attorney General Hardy Meyers, Governor’s Council on Domestic Violence, Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force, citizens and lawmakers of Oregon:

I am writing you because something has gone terribly wrong in your backyard, specifically: The Polk, Marion and Wasco County courts and district attorney offices. When I sought safety and help in Oregon’s judicial system, I was not prepared for the horrors I experienced these past 12 years. I am requesting that the acts of disrespect, dishonesty and violence against me be acknowledged and resolved.


The ideology and belief system in Oregon’s judicial system have given power and legal rights for certain individuals to act inhumanely, including judges and district attorneys. This power must have checks and balances. In my case, there are no checks and balances. I cannot find help to correct this injustice. I repeat, no help.

This “Open Letter” is intended to demonstrate that wealthy perpetrators, supported by Oregon’s judicial system and attorneys, can continue to commit crimes of violence against their victims by harassing them and stalking them through the courts. My case history supports this fact. When you do not have monies for your own legal defense, you can be victimized indefinitely. Oregon’s legal system has given numerous individuals the legal right to commit criminal, depraved and inhumane acts against me.


According to Euro-American history, women and children were considered legal property, the chattel, of the father or husband. By taking his name, the wife 'belonged' to her husband.


Today, women and children are not legal property, but attitudes have been slow to keep up with the law and many men still believe it is their right or privilege to control women. I experienced this first hand, when I sought safety from my ex husband, Mr. Marty Warner, in Polk County, Oregon in 1995.


In 1999, I wrote a letter to Governor Kitzhaber that was included in the first chapter of my published book and true-life story, BONSHEA: Making Light of the Dark. I asked him “where should I go for help? I never received a response.

Today, I am not asking you “where I should go for help,” because I know, now, that there is “no help” elsewhere. So I am simply asking you “to help.”


I want to be free from the ongoing “legal stalking” by my ex husband who has been supported by what I believe is a corrupt Oregon judicial system. My health is frail and can no longer continue to endure this systematic form of legal terrorism. I want emancipated from my former husband, Mr. V. Martin Warner, and the Oregon judicial system.


I want my children to have access to psychological help as was recommended by Judge Paula Brownhill at the 2003 court hearing. I am distraught over the fact that I have been forced to give up my children so they can remain in a dysfunctional household fraught with abuse. I believe if there is no intervention for them in the near future, my children will learn the art of manipulation and lies to survive. They will be conditioned and will learn to keep family and church secrets. I want the cycle of violence to stop.

I have extensive documentation, including affidavits from physicians, co-workers and neighbors, court transcripts of nearly 42 court related hearings, tapes and videos, medical and mental reports and witnesses to substantiate and elaborate on this story. I believe when this case comes to light, someone will have to answer for the abuse and silent violence I have suffered in the Polk, Marion, and Wasco County courts. Martial and ritual abuse has evolved into legal abuse.

My “Open Letter” is also an effort to expose the fact that the advocacy system, as is, can offer no help or assistance in cases like mine. I have not received any help with my case from local, state, or from anyone or group on a national level, even though my case history in Oregon courts has been documented by many advocates, including my counselor and mentor, Dr. Barbara May, Professor of Nursing, Linfield College, as one of Oregon’s most violent and obscene cases.

Even though I have written hundreds of letters throughout the years to Oregon state legislators, to the media, lawyers and legal advocates, to the Governor of Oregon’s Council on Domestic Violence and Attorney General Hardy Meyers Sexual Assault Task Force in an effort to seek help and promote awareness for the need for better laws for women and children escaping domestic violence and abusive situations, there is often no response.

The letters received from the Oregon State Bar and the Governor’s Council on Domestic Violence was shocking. Legal aid cannot and will not help and U.S. Staff Attorney for Domestic Violence, Poverty and Homelessness, Naomi Sterns, in Washington DC, was of no help either.

Many people have been perplexed by this lack of help. Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson has written of my case, "BONSHEA also illustrates the degree to which the legal system can also be used as a vehicle to further perpetuate abuse even after the victim has chosen to take a stand against the abuse"

I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on court and legal fees and ordered to pay child support that soon amounted to twice my income, to my wealthy ex husband. I live below poverty level, have a disability due to the abuse I have suffered in my marriage and from the many years of ongoing court trauma. I have had no legal representation for the past 10 years. There is presently a $6,100 Summary Judgment against me through the Polk County District Attorney’s office for back child support based on income I never earned and errors throughout the years in the courts. My passport has also been revoked until all child support is paid.

Many people wonder why this is happening to me, when I was a victim of a crime, have a disability and have no contact with my children. It is not money that Mr. Warner wants. He wants vengeance and power and control over me.

have not had visitation privileges with my children for nine years, and was ordered in December 2003 by Judge Paula Brownhill that I could not visit, phone, write or send gifts to my children. I had to give away the Christmas presents that I had purchased for my children that year due to Judge Paula Brownhill’s court order. My children have been actively discouraged from having a relationship with me. They have been severely brainwashed by my ex husband, his family, attorneys, school and religious educators.

LIFE Magazine, USA Today and many other organizations have featured articles on women in prison in America. They report that women prisoners are allowed to keep their babies with them for eighteen months while serving their sentences (Florida Statute 944.24). I am haunted by this single question. Why was I treated lower than a criminal in America and I have no criminal record and have no history of alcohol, drug or child abuse?

I was physically and mentally incapacitated during the time of my illness and unable to consent, and suffered repeated sexual assaults by my husband, Mr. Warner. My children were allowed to remain with the man accused of these crimes. My contact with them was completely, suddenly and arbitrarily removed.

Marital rape can be defined as any unwanted intercourse or penetration (vaginal, anal or oral) obtained by force, threat of force, or WHEN THE WIFE IS UNABLE TO CONSENT [mentally and/or physically incapacitated] (Bergen, 1996; Pagelow, 1984; Russell, 1990).

On July 5, 1993, marital rape became a crime in all 50 states, under at least one section of the sexual offense codes. In 17 states and the District of Columbia, there are NO EXEMPTIONS FROM RAPE PROSECUTION GRANTED TO HUSBANDS. Oregon is one of the 17 states.

I want District Attorney John Fisher and Deputy District Attorney Martha Hill investigated in regards to this criminal and civil matter in Polk County. I want the civil judgments and my case with the Polk County District Attorney’s office dismissed. I want protected from my abusers, Mr. Marty Warner and the Polk County judicial system. No woman who has been raped and suffered the abuse I have endured should be forced to pay her wealthy abuser and rapist monies.

In situations similar to mine, impoverished women have spent years in jail for owing back child support after losing their young children to their wealthy ex husbands. Their only crime: poverty.

I wonder what “is next” for me in the Polk County justice system.

I have risked and lost everything to escape my ex-husband, but I have never been more sure that the choices I made were the only choices I could make and survive.

Dr. Barbara May has been involved in my case since 1997. Throughout these past years she shared extraordinary wisdom and insights with me that helped transform my life from victim to survivor.

She writes, “Coral A. Theill is an abuse survivor who has been resourceful on her own behalf against all odds. She lives below poverty level income and has had to live out of her car at times in the past. Unfortunately, she has continued to be systematically beaten down and broken down in a variety of ways by other individuals, by her family, by her community, and by society despite her efforts to try and eke out a so called, ‘normal life.’ Anyone, even the strongest person, reaches a breaking point, especially when all avenues turn into dead ends and you are let down, rejected, turned away by everyone again and again. An excerpt of a letter I sent to District Attorney John W. Fisher, JD of Polk County Oregon on August 2, 2006 typifies just one example of many I have on how the system failed Ms. Theill."

"Having just heard the news from Coral that she will have to appear at a court hearing next month, I am appalled by what is happening to her in the name of the law. I am extremely concerned about her mental health which is what prompted my letter. I appeal to your sense of humanity to please see what you can do to seek true justice in this matter." (I received no response to this plea from D.A. Fisher and Ms. Theill was required to appear in court). --- Barbara A. May, PhD, APRN, BC, Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Professor of Nursing, Linfield College

Maureen T. Hannah, Ph.D., Chair, Battered Mother’s Custody Conference, has written of my true-life story, "As shocking as it may be, Coral's story resonates with the truth. I hear pleas for help from protective mothers like Coral every day, week after week, year after year--all of them pleading for their very birthright, their greatest right, which is to be a mother. She pinpoints, with heart-piercing accuracy, the historical hatred of females and of the feminine that has permeated societies, including our present one, for eons. Her personal story of living with and divorcing an abusive "religious" man who was cheered on by the community's religious, governmental, and legal authorities mirrors the persecution of all women who, like Coral, choose to say "no" to male dominance and power. Coral also calls out for the only true cure for the dark side of human nature, and that is to live in the light."

"Coral's work is a special blessing for me and for my sisters throughout this country. Not a single particle of the wisdom Coral shares misses the mark. BONSHEA pierces through the darkness that hides the legal system's routine abuse of mothers and children.”

Patricia Evans, nationally known author of the books, The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Verbal Abuse Survivors Speak Out, Controlling People, The Verbally Abusive Man-Can He Change, has commented, “Coral's story is extremely common in the U.S. today. Hundreds of thousands of fine, intelligent, loving, giving mothers have lost their children via the family court system. When I watched a good friend die when her immune system collapsed after ten years of her ex husband’s constant law suits, aimed at totally taking away her children; after I stood next to a woman who trembled from head to toe, in a room filled with women who had all lost their children as had she; after I talk with one of the thousands of women who tell me how they are abused, and that they cannot leave because they've been told, "If you leave, you'll never see the kids again," I know that abusive men, will, if they have money and are so inclined, say and do anything to get back at their wives for leaving them. I have also seen a psychopathic woman of wealth do this to her husband.

”How can this enslavement be happening in the United States? Because power over the innocent is condoned. Power over those who have what one wants is condoned. Power over the poor is condoned. Furthermore, there is no oversight of the family court system, nor is there any standard for determining justice in custody cases.” See the Website: VerbalAbuse.com.

Oregon NOW Advocate, Anna Goldreyer, who has followed Coral's story since 2003 writes, “What is being seen over and over is that mothers are routinely prohibited from having even the most basic contact with their own children, not because they were unfit parents, but because they were outspent, out represented, and out-maneuvered in a court atmosphere not prepared to understand the needs of families dealing with domestic violence.

”To unnecessarily and violently separate a woman and her young children can represent the gravest form of abuse, with major social ramifications in generations to come.

”To harass and exhaust a victim through repeated, frivolous court actions aimed at punishing and controlling her, beyond the point where a victim is physically, mentally, or financially able to defend herself, can evolve into a form of legal stalking. The family court system as it is does not yet recognize this, and the advocacy system is literally not financially able to help these survivors spend thousands and thousands of dollars defending themselves year after year in court.

”In the controversial documentary "Breaking the Silence, Children's Stories" aired by OPB last year, which illustrated some of the ways a wealthy abuser can use the system as a tool of abuse, a non custodial mother remarks: "to lose one's children in such a way would unmake any woman." And it is true. Taking a woman's children is the last great punishment an abuser can scar them with. To be publicly and permanently branded 'unfit' is a new scarlet letter. It can and will scar an entire family for life.

“Awareness that such things can even happen is the first step. For stories by some of the children who have survived being taken from their mothers by abusers, some of whom brought lawsuits against their parents, see the website: courageouskids.net. For stories of the many other mothers and children in Coral's position and those trying to help them, as well as information and resources on this issue, please see her websites at the end of this story.

You can visit the National NOW Family Law Advisory Ad Hoc Committee Website here: nowfoundation.org/issues/family

In April of 2007, prayers were answered when Tim King printed an article on my life story at Salem-News on May 12, 2007, Abuse Under the Watch of the Oregon Justice System. Tim King’s outstanding article received national attention. People from all over the world were truly outraged by the circumstances surrounding my Oregon court case and story. One commenter on Tim King’s original article, Rachel, South of the Border, May 15, 2007 1:30 PM (Pacific time) wrote: “An extraordinary piece. I cannot believe, with all the domestic violence organizations and money spent via NFP's, politicians, and organizations that no one has yet gotten Coral's children back to her. Yes, the outrage is what happened, but the secondary outrage is the lack of help even the domestic violence community lends to its victims. We can give victims all the well wishes and support in the world, but unless we give them proper legal care first, and then proper trauma care second, then the system is still a failure. Domestic violence advocacy has been watered down to grant writing, politics, and lots of talking at the victims' expense, while leaving women like Coral no better off than before millions were spent to 'study' this phenomenon.”

A U.S. Marine on the front lines in Iraq wrote this comment in response to Tim King’s article: May 14, 2007 3:15 pm (Pacific time) COMMENT “We receive so many comments from people back in the states 'Thanking us for their freedom.” Well, the thought of some of those people being the ones who put Mrs. Coral through what she has been through makes me ask the question; What the hell are we over here fighting for, so the American Man will have the freedom to do what? Abuse, rape, torture not only strangers but their own wives! And we fight so certain public figures will have to right to protect them. One lady compared the treatment of American women to those of other countries and I can tell you as bad as Iraq and Afghanistan is towards their women (and I have seen them both first hand) I have never heard of a story as bad as this one and because of that it's even sadder. We as a society have the technology to put 'Men on the Moon' but we, as a society can't fix the problem of 'lack of support' for victims of domestic abuse. I will go on patrol tomorrow here in Iraq and risk my life and the lives of my fellow Marines so Mr. Warner and all those supporting him can continue to do what they do! 'Only in America.” Mrs. Coral, keep your head up 'Change is going to come,” 'SEMPER FI'

The U.S. Marine’s profound comment reminded me of the Cheyenne Proverb, “A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its woman are on the ground. Then it is done; no matter how brave its warriors, nor how strong their weapons.”
(To be continued)

REFRESH - Go to Home-Page

Father of five loses battle for parental rights

He says he plans to appeal the judge's order. His battle started in 2004.
By CURTIS KRUEGER, Times Staff WriterPublished November 24, 2007

Greg Pound protests outside the criminal courts complex early Friday morning. Greg Pound believes the whole foster care system is corrupt. He regularly complains about the foster care system outside of the criminal courts complex, right near the main entrance. He just had his parental rights "terminated,'' meaning he has no legal right to raise his five children anymore.

Gregory Pound has battled the foster care system for years, ever since a purported "wolf dog" bit his 2-week-old baby in 2004 and child welfare workers took away his children.

He fought back in court, and has become increasingly visible by founding a Web site (www.rescuemykids.com) and staging regular protests outside Pinellas County's criminal courthouse. He even demonstrated outside a St. Petersburg church because a judge in his case worships there.

Now he has lost in court.

This month a judge terminated his parental rights - meaning he no longer has a legal right to raise his five children, ages 2 to 7.

"They called me today and told me that I have no more visits with my children," Pound, 51, said recently.

His wife's parental rights were severed earlier in the battle, he said. Melissa Pound disappeared last year, along with the couple's youngest child.

Gregory Pound said he plans to appeal.

"Love never gets up," he said, adding: "Me and Melissa both love our children, despite what they say."

The Pounds' four oldest children live in Seminole with Melissa's parents, Linda and Stephen Steenberge.

The Steenberges said they assumed at first the Pounds would complete a list of tasks known as a "case plan" to get their children back. But now that the Pounds' parental rights have been taken away, they said they intend to adopt the children.

"It's a tragic situation in the sense that it could have pretty much been avoided," said Stephen Steenberge, 64.

Tampa Bay news media covered the dog bite case in 2004, widely reporting that the Pounds' 2-week-old baby was bitten in the face by a "wolf hybrid." The dog was destroyed.

Since then, Pound has said that the dog belonged to his sister, who denied it was a wolf hybrid.
Soon after the bite, child welfare authorities removed the Pounds' four children from their home. The exact reasons are not clear because the records are not public.

Pound said child welfare officials claimed Melissa was suffering from depression, but he denied that. Pound also said he was asked to take a domestic violence class as part of a case plan in order to get his children back.

The Pounds completed parts of their case plans, but also fought unsuccessfully in court to prove the children should never have been taken away.

When Melissa gave birth to their fifth child last year, they named him Moses, after another baby whose mother sent him on a journey. Shortly after his 2006 birth, Melissa and the infant disappeared.

Pound was jailed for contempt of court for a month last year for failing to reveal her whereabouts, although he insisted he did not know where to find her.

Now, factions of the family are cut off from each other. Greg and Melissa Pound do not have a legal right to visit their four oldest children, who are living with the Steenberges.

Linda Steenberge, meanwhile, said she has not heard from her daughter Melissa and has not laid eyes on her grandchild, Moses.

"That would make me happy, just a phone call from her," Linda Steenberge said.
On the Web site, Pound claims that foster care workers remove children from families for money.

But Pinellas County sheriff's Capt. George Steffen said child abuse investigators work hard to find alternatives to removing children from their homes. "It's the absolute last resort," Steffen said.

When children are removed, foster care workers try to help moms and dads complete their case plans and bring their children home, said April Putzulu, a spokeswoman for the local foster care agency called the Safe Children Coalition.

"We are totally invested in returning children home to safe environments," she said.

Original Article where you can read comments..

Southpinellas: Father of five loses battle for parental rights

SAVE AMBER JAMES FROM ACS

This is in reference to the james family below..

I have been following this story on a personal level.

Vanessa and Marvin James are two amazing people, even in the face of what ACS is doing to them.

I have personally sat through most of their court dates since becoming aware of this family and I can say first hand, this case is a disgrace!

First they accused this woman of a personality problem, then when two of thier psychiatrists ruled out any abnormalities in either parent, the court still refused to give back their baby.

Moreover, the judge sitting on this case began to incorperate fabricated hearsay which is not true in the best interest of the courts rediculous ruling. NOT in the best interest of this baby Amber James!

Below is a story written but another amazing womanthat is trying desperately to find justice in this case Karlene Gordan.

SAVE AMBER JAMES FROM ACS

-Karlene Gordon-

Just when we thought it could never get any worse.Just when we thought ACS, the Administration forChildren Services, could not hurt Amber James any morethan they already had. Just when we thought or ratherprayed that ACS would do the right thing and returnAmber to her loving family.... Amber was released fromKings County Psychiatric Hospital and placed in yetanother foster home. Nobody knows where she is orrather, no one, namely ACS, is telling the parentswhere their 6 year old daughter, Amber, is.

By the way, Why isn't Amber James placed with Kinship?Where is Amber and why is she missing again? Why isshe being hidden from her parents again? Who isresponsible to stop this "ACS Kidnapping and tortureof Amber James".

Who is responsible to put an end tothe irreparable emotional, psychological and physicaldamage to this family. WHO???

Mr. and Mrs. James are frantic with despair,especially following the latest revelation wherein Amber stated to her caseworker Adrian Prichette 'youleft me and I was scared and I was looking for you'. Amber's statement was upsetting enough to her parentsand those people present, but nothing prepared themfor the caseworkers response to little Amber...."wellyou were sleeping and it was late, it was 12:00, I hadto get home to my family". By the way, she was notreferring to 12:00 noon, but 12:00 midnight. Yes youdid read right, 12:00 midnight, Amber James was leftalone sleeping on a chair in the emergency room ofKings County Psychiatric Hospital, unsupervised,unprotected. Amber awoke frightened to find herself inthe midst of strangers and the one person she knew,the person responsible for taking her to the hospital,the person in whose care Amber was trusted, wasnowhere to be found. Amber went in search of Ms.Prichette and roamed the inside and outside of thehospital looking for Adrian Prichette. Amber wasfinally found by a hospital personal outside the frontof the hospital...she was identified by the triageband she wore.

Now let me see if I understand the Amber James' caseproperly. Let me try to understand who is endangeringwhom, who is placing whom in imminent danger.

OK, here we go.....On August 24th, 2007 ACS removedAmber from the stability of a loving nucleus family, supportive relatives, and neighbors because herparents sought medical attention for her pre-existingcondition. Mr. and Mrs. James' only offense was theaudacity to question Dr. Julia Garber who prescribedthe wrong medication for Amber. In a cowardly andcriminal effort to divert attention from hermalpactice, Dr. Julia Garber made a false report toACS claiming Mrs. James "suffered from Munchausen byProxy" and the couple was displaying "strange andunusual behavior". Dr. Julia Garber's criminal intentcontinued when she falsely misrepresented herself as aPsychiatric to ensure credibility and ensure that hercharges against Mr. and Mrs. James would stick. Theunethical and criminal behavior of Dr. Julia Garberwas revealed under oath during a court hearing whereshe admitted that she had met the James only one timeand had only spent 3-4 minutes with them. She alsoadmitted she was not a Psychiatrist as she had clearlystated in the report to ACS. Dr. Garber's maliciousreport lead to the 'kidnapping/removal of Amber Jamesby ACS. Yet, Dr. Julia Garber was never charged withendangering the welfare of a child or placing thischild in imminent danger.

The initial evaluating ACS, caseworker, Ms. GeraldineFowler, accurately noted the loving, stable,well-balanced family to which Amber belonged, yet at alater date she visited the James while they were out,and claimed she was denied access to their home...shewas unable to reach them by phone as the James' phonecompany filed bankrucy and went out of business. StillMs. Fowler reported to the family court that AmberJames was in imminant danger. The court removed Amber and placed her with a fostercare matron who beat her so badly, that her wails,bruises, black eyes were recorded, photographed andreported. Yet, no one was charged with endangeringthe welfare of this child...no one was charge withplacing this child in imminent danger. Instead, Amberwas moved to another foster care chamber where she wassexually abused and the abuser was allowed to explainthe penetration of Amber as "an accident", yet no onewas charged with endangering the welfare of a child,nor was anyone charged with placing this child inimminent danger. To add insult to injury,St.Vincent's caseworker, Andrian Prichette responsedto the parents' outrage by informing them that she,Prichette, had known the foster care Abuser for 4yrsand would do everything to protect her. Question is,who is Adrian Prichette hired to protect, the child orthe adult? Neither the sexual abuser foster person norAdrian Prichette were ever charged with endangeringthe welfare of a child, nor charged with placing thischild in emminent danger.

To smoke screen the issue again and avoid liabilty,ACS, once again moved Amber to yet another foster careholding pend. There, Amber was so neglected andmalnourished that her dramatic weight lose lead to yetanother move to yet another foster care holding pend.Needless to say, no one was charge with endangeringthe welfare of a child, nor was anyone charge withplacing this child in imminent danger.

The abuse and torture in foster care so traumatizedthis child that 6 years old Amber James suffered aPsychiatric breakdown that resulted in her adimissionto Kings County Psychiactric Unit. It was during theprocessing stage at the Kings County Psychiatricemergency room where Amber was abandoned by St.Vincent's caseworker Adrian Prichette, in whose careAmber was trusted. Adrian Prichette admitted that sheleft the sleeping child in the emergency roomunprotected because it was 12:00 midnight and she,Prichette, had to get home to her own family. YetAdrian Prichette was not charged with endangering thewelfare of a child, nor was she charged with placingthis child in imminent danger.

Instead, Amber and her parents were punished forrevealing this incredible negligence and exposingAdrian Prichette. Without any warning Amber wasdischarged from the hospital and placed in yet anotherundisclosed foster care chamber. Three(3) weeks later,Amber's whereabouts is still being withheld from herparents. Mr. and Mrs. James suspect that Amber mayhave sustained addition visible injuries and isdiliberatly being kept from her picture takingparents.

ACS' criminal charade continues in the ongoing 1028hearing, which was to take place within 72 hours ofAmber's removal, yet 3 months later this hearing isstill in process. On November 21st, Ms. Jamestestimony refuted every single charge that ACS hauledat her in a methodical and compelling way. At thispoint, it is unclear what ACS's charges are because itsimply create new charges as each charge is refuted.

During this hearing, ACS reported that on FridayNovember 16th, while playing with the foster carewoman's 12 year old son, Amber James collaped withchest pains. The foster care woman failed to reviveAmber and 911 was called. NYC Fire department werethe first to arrived and revived Amber, stablized andplaced her on oxygen until EMS arrived. Hearing of her daughter's collapse, Ms. James, stillon the witness stand, broke down and sob unconsolably,while Mr. James so overcomed with emotion that, withtears running down his cheeks, he stormed out of thecourtroom, openly accusing all involved of being'evil' and 'devil' to continue to subject his daughterto this torture.

Faced with the powerful and totally credible testimonyof Ms. James, Judge Richroath, ordered that AmberJames be placed in Kinship immediately, beforeThanksgiving.Thankgiving can and went and still Amber is not withher kin in Kinship.

cruel, criminal and unjust removal of Amber Jameshas cause irreparable emotional, psychological andphysical damages to this family. When will theirtorturous nightmare come to an end? When will thosewho have blatantly endanged the welfare of Amber Jamesand willfully placed her in Imminant danger becharged. When will justice be served and Amber Jamesbe released and returned to the safety and security ofher loving Parents and family. When?

AMBER JAMES MUST BE SAVED, PLEASE HELP TO SAVE AMBER JAMES AND ALL THE OTHER AMBERS HELD CAPTIVE IN THE DUNGEONSOF ACS. PLEASE SAVE AMBER JAMES. ............................

Queens judge refuses to return 6-year-old girl to parents

BY JESS WISLOSKI

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

A Queens judge has once again denied granting custody of a 6-year-old girl to her parents, ruling that their obsessive concern for her health actually placed her life in danger.

Outside the courthouse, the parents of Amber James slammed the judge's decision, saying it put their daughter at risk, and brandished bottles of the child's medication and hospital records as tangible proof of her ailments.

"Our daughter is constantly being hurt. She's been hospitalized and she's being deteriorated," wailed Vanessa James, 40, following Monday's ruling. "And they keep saying it's us."
The Daily News reported on Nov. 8 that investigators were looking into charges Amber was sexually abused while in city care.

Queens Family Court Judge Marybeth Richroath dismissed all testimony given by James and her husband, Marvin James, 48, and denied the South Ozone Park couple custody of Amber, who was taken from them on Aug. 23.

The "constant efforts to prove their daughter is not a well child," by bringing her to doctors' offices put the girl "at imminent risk if returned to the home," the judge said.

Richroath still urged the city's Administration for Children's Services to immediately decide whether a family friend was fit for custody.

Today the court will rule whether a godmother can take guardianship of Amber.

Richroath backed a diagnosis that Amber is healthy, but according to St. Vincent's Services, the foster agency with which she was placed, the girl was hospitalized on Nov. 16.

The foster parent who called 911 said she "collapsed." When she came to, Amber indicated via sign language that she had chest pains.

Family health records show that immediately after birth, Amber suffered a stroke and a seizure.

"Blood tests showed several abnormalities that have not been identified," said Diana Kelly, attorney for Vanessa James, in a bid to discredit testimony by Dr. Julia Garber of Queens Health Center, who called ACS.

Garber said she feared the mother suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare disease in which the sufferer believes their child is sick - or makes him or her sick - to get attention.

Deborah Williams, a Legal Aid attorney who is representing Amber separately from ACS, agreed with Richroath's ruling but urged that ACS provide regular parental visits and support services, which she said so far they have not done.

Please take a min to register with the news and leave a comment..

Original Article - Queens judge refuses to return 6-year-old girl to parents

Do NOT Marry or have children!

I came accross this earlier today and I couldnt agree more, however I have a twist I'd like to add- this advice is not only for men! More and more women are finding themselves in the same position as men are.

As anyone that has spent more than 5 min on my page they will know that I have been royal ^$#!@ by our wonderful system.

In my reasearch I've come accross some sick stuff- children have no chance in this world today!

If their parents don't screw them up the system will- so my advice is don't have children until they get this nightmare under control or you will one day think back to this blog and say "Oh man she warned me- I should have listened!"

Although the original writer of the blog below talks mostly about divorce I also add child protective services to the main list to NOT HAVE CHILDREN!

With that I bring you the original article..

Advice to Young Men: Do Not Marry, Do Not Have Children Marriage is a foundation of civilized life. No advanced civilization has ever existed without the married, two-parent family. Those who argue that our civilization needs healthy marriages to survive are not exaggerating. And yet I cannot, in good conscience, urge young men to marry today. For many men (and some women), marriage has become nothing less than a one-way ticket to jail. Even the New York Times has reported on how easily "the divorce court leads to a jail cell," mostly for men. In fact, if I have one urgent piece of practical advice for young men today it is this: Do not marry and do not have children.

Spreading this message may also, in the long run, be the most effective method of saving marriage as an institution. For until we understand that the principal threat to marriage today is not cultural but political, and that it comes not from homosexuals but from heterosexuals, we will never reverse the decline of marriage. The main destroyer of marriage, it should be obvious, is divorce. Michael McManus of Marriage Savers points out that "divorce is a far more grievous blow to marriage than today's challenge by gays." The central problem is the divorce laws.

It is well known that half of all marriages end in divorce. But widespread misconceptions lead many to believe it cannot happen to them. Many conscientious people think they will never be divorced because they do not believe in it. In fact, it is likely to happen to you whether you wish it or not.

First, you do not have to agree to the divorce or commit any legal transgression. Under "no-fault" divorce laws, your spouse can divorce you unilaterally without giving any reasons. The judge will then grant the divorce automatically without any questions.

But further, not only does your spouse incur no penalty for breaking faith; she can actually profit enormously. Simply by filing for divorce, your spouse can take everything you have, also without giving any reasons. First, she will almost certainly get automatic and sole custody of your children and exclude you from them, without having to show that you have done anything wrong. Then any unauthorized contact with your children is a crime. Yes, for seeing your own children you will be subject to arrest.

There is no burden of proof on the court to justify why they are seizing control of your children and allowing your spouse to forcibly keep you from them. The burden of proof (and the financial burden) is on you to show why you should be allowed to see your children.

The divorce industry thus makes it very attractive for your spouse to divorce you and take your children. (All this earns money for lawyers whose bar associations control the careers of judges.) While property divisions and spousal support certainly favor women, the largest windfall comes through the children. With custody, she can then demand "child support" that may amount to half, two-thirds, or more of your income. (The amount is set by committees consisting of feminists, lawyers, and enforcement agents - all of whom have a vested interest in setting the payments as high as possible.) She may spend it however she wishes. You pay the taxes on it, but she gets the tax deduction.

You could easily be left with monthly income of a few hundred dollars and be forced to move in with relatives or sleep in your car. Once you have sold everything you own, borrowed from relatives, and maximized your credit cards, they then call you a "deadbeat dad" and take you away in handcuffs. You are told you have "abandoned" your children and incarcerated without trial.

Evidence indicates that, as men discover all this, they have already begun an impromptu marriage "strike:" refusing to marry or start families, knowing they can be criminalized if their wife files for divorce. "Have anti-father family court policies led to a men's marriage strike?" ask Glenn Sacks and Dianna Thompson in the Philadelphia Enquirer. In Britain, fathers tour university campuses warning young men not to start families. In his book, From Courtship to Courtroom, Attorney Jed Abraham concludes that the only protection for men to avoid losing their children and everything else is not to start families in the first place.

Is it wise to disseminate such advice? If people stop marrying, what will become of the family and our civilization? Marriage is already all but dead, legally speaking, and divorce is the principal reason. The fall in the Western birth rate is directly connected with divorce law.

It is also likely that same-sex marriage is being demanded only because of how heterosexuals have already debased marriage through divorce law. "The world of no-strings heterosexual hookups and 50% divorce rates preceded gay marriage," advocate Andrew Sullivan points out. "All homosexuals are saying . . . is that, under the current definition, there's no reason to exclude us. If you want to return straight marriage to the 1950s, go ahead. But until you do, the exclusion of gays is simply an anomaly - and a denial of basic civil equality.

" We will not restore marriage by burying our heads in the sand; nor simply by preaching to young people to marry, as the Bush administration's government therapy programs now do. The way to restore marriage as an institution in which young people can place their trust, their children, and their lives is to make it an enforceable contract. We urgently need a national debate about divorce, child custody, and the terms under which the government can forcibly sunder the bonds between parents and their children. We owe it to future generations, if there are to be any.

Source

Original article - Political Correctness Watch