An Unusual lobbying effort at the Federal Building in Syracuse NY on July 29th of 2002.

A small group of fathers and one mother, myself entered the federal building yesterday, July 29th, to obtain a meeting with Senator Hillary Clinton or her staff. Our purpose was to ask the Senator's help in correcting the injustices imposed on our families. Simply, we are asking that our constitutional rights be upheld, respected, and protected in family court. 

We knocked on Senator Clinton's door and were asked to step into the office by the secretary. We were dressed in suits, and one man was wearing a tee shirt that said "I LOVE BEING A DAD". Cathy Calhoon the Senator's aid then came out from a side room and instructed the secretary to go into the room now. The secretary left us closing the door behind her. Ms. Calhoon asked us what we wanted and I said we would like to set up an appointment to speak to the Senator about family court and our constitutional rights. Ms. Calhoon said that the Senator does not meet with anyone in this office. I then asked if we could meet with her, Ms. Calhoon. Ms. Calhoon became very agitated and asked us if we were with John Murtari who was standing in the hall holding a card with pictures of our children and his son. Mr. Eichinger said that we were. Ms. Calhoon then became even more agitated and said in a loud voice "That man (meaning Mr. Murtari) claims that women get more orders of protection than men". I then asked her if just I could get an appointment to talk to her and she said "NO" in a raised voice. She then told us to leave and called to another man who was in the hall possibly a security person. I smiled; we all thanked her and left.

Not one person in our group raised their voice or acted in an unprofessional manner. Out in the hall John Murtari was being arrested for standing in the hall with a picture of his and our families (5x7 size pictures on a small card 10 by 14).  I asked the building manager if there was a written procedure for the building to give guidelines of how to petition your representative without being arrested. He didn't have any information on that but showed me a sign on the wall that I couldn't read with out my reading glasses.

We continued to Senator Schumer's office where we were treated very nicely by a secretary named Barbara. Barbara explained that Senator Schumer does not address the issue of our concern. She said we would have to seek another group who may address these issues. She was confused about who as she admitted this process is very confusing even to her. My conclusion from yesterday is that I and the other NY State residents that were with me yesterday do not have any representation in the senate.

Richard Eichengers comments on the meeting:

Here's what I recall. I think it would be great if Chris and Mary Jo could give there own accounts as well. Cathy Calhoun was a tyrant. She was as obstinant as a mule (and that's being nice). A woman answered the door after several knocks. She greeted us and was pleasant. Cathy entered the room and escorted the woman out into an adjoining room. She obviously did not want the woman to hear what she was about to tell us. Cathy said "No, there would not be a meeting." She said "No, she won't take our letters." She basically told us to leave and NEVER return again. All three of us attempted to explain our situatuions.

She was rude and confrontational. She interrupted us as we spoke. She told me, "there was a reason why my kids were taken away from me." My kids and I have never heard that reason. I really should have told her that there were 8 US citizens represented by the 3 of us, standing there in front of her. And that, each one of those people had their civil rights ripped away and their lives wrecked by other close-minded tyrants just like her. There were 2 more represented in the hallway outside her office. Six children, asking for help from the Senator, who has championed children's issues. Cathy also told us (once she realized that you were outside in the hall) that you said "women get protective orders too easily". I'm sorry, but I didn't think to defend you, but I'm sure she's making a false allegation here.

We also talked to Barb at Senator Schumer's office. Outside the building, Chris spoke to an elderly lady who knew something about your actions at the Federal Building. Chris came back from his discussion with her (and it was a long one). He said the woman told him that "John was mean and nasty to Clinton's staff and maybe that's why he's getting arrested". Of course, that's only what I recall. Chris could give us a more accurate report.

A meeting to call for reform in Rochester NY with Senator Schumer's Office, November 2002.

Attendees:

Joe Hamm, legislative assistant to Senator Schumer. Dan M., professioanl family counselor and a former employee of Catholic Family Services contracted by CPS, accused of sexually molesting his daughter. Tim Starkey, a former machine operator currently disabled and accused by CPS of sexually abusing his step daughter. Herb, a friend of Mr. Starkey and supporter of his who drove him from Oswego for this meeting. Myself, you know my story.

I began the conversation on the need for accountability in CPS and the power this agency has in the court room. Mr. Hamm asked for specific examples of the lack of accountability and we all contributed our experiences.

Then we talked about the need for family court reform in specific the guarentee of our constitutional rights in the family court room. We also discussed the need for family court reform due to the separation of families and other consequences in family court, the unfairness of having a judge make these life changing decisions for families.

Mr. Hamm asked many questions specific to Dan's experiences and Mr. Starkey's. They shared their cases in great detail. We urged Mr. Hamm that Mr. Starkey's situation needed immediate attention. I stressed the constitutional bearing on all of these matters and when asked what the Senator could do for us I said enforce the constitution as it pertains to life and liberty, the right to raise our children. I also tried to stress with Mr. Hamm that children are suffering needlessly from the arbitrary placement of children according to the courts and in many cases CPS.

I mentioned that 2/3 of the cases where children are separated from families are unfounded according to the NCCANS. I left him with the 20 Years of CAPTA article by Dammon and the TCB Article at CPS Watch. The TCB Article looks closely at the state reported stats and how these stats show that more children die in the states custody than with parents.

Mr. Starkey mentioned taking the alleged perpetrator of abuse out of the home instead of removing the children. We also discussed the lack of family preservation efforts and the monetary incentives to place children. Also discussed was the immunity of reporting allegation of child abuse and the abuse of this type of reporting.

I am afraid we didn't get equal parenting in the discussion as I would have liked but Mr. Hamm was asking so many questions of the gentlemen with me that the time just flew. We were talking constantly from 1:30 till 3:pm. It was a good meeting!!! Much better than any I have gone to yet. Mr. Hamm showed a general interest.  I still feel we have a foot in the door and all issues will be represented and all can benefit. I did leave Mr. Hamm John Murtari's letter on civil rights issues as they pertain to equal parenting. The one we gave out in Washington. So now they have two copies.

Mr. Hamm said that the late Senator Wellstone would have been a great champion for our issues in congress. We plan on a forum with the Senator when he is in Rochester on his next visit. I told Mr. Hamm our goal is congressional hearings and that we would make ourselves available to talk to the Senator at any time. Mr. Hamm suggested the forum and we will remain in contact with his office to set this up. I would like others to join us during this forum. We need as many as possible to give all sides of the issues.

God surely blessed us yesterday. The weather was perfect for our meeting at the downtown Rochester Rundel Library where we meet at noon. Talked for one hour and then left and arrived promptly at 1:30 to meet Mr. Hamm. They know about Senator Clinton's refusal to let us in her office for a meeting and were quite surprised. Have a great day and onward with reform! I feel we are gaining momentum! Lets keep the ball rolling.

October 3, 2002

Dear Senator Schumer:

I am re-sending the following letter since there seems to be a mix up regarding my letter of September 11, 2002. I received a letter from your office commending me on my concern for health care reform. I did not write a letter pertaining to Health Care Issues. My letter is specific around three issues: Family/Jeuvenile Court Law Reform, Accountability in CPS, and Family Placement Services Repeal of the Mondale/CAPTA Act. 

We would like to meet with your office and have a dialog about these urgent issues. These issues affect the families of New York and other states. I have been in contact with Senator Stephan Saland's office through his legislative assistant Bettina Marlow. Ms. Marlow has communicated to me the Senator's opinion on this matter. He feels that it is not a state issue but a federal issue. Senator Michael Nozzolio, my local represenative, also feels the same. Senator, I am asking you for your help for families across the country. We need your help now to build awareness in the legislature for these needs. Please help us seek congressional hearings.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Marceau-Hawthorne