Many of you have heard the opinion expressed that the "pendulum has swung" too far in the favor of women in the family law area. I tell you now, THIS IS NOT TRUE! While the laws are grossly biased against men, THIS IS NO PENDULUM! A pendulum swings both ways, and if you wait long enough, it will swing back.
This is instead a heavy boulder dragged into our field, tipping the scales of justice against us. No amount of waiting will make it go away. Unlike the mythical pendulum, this boulder is not going to go anywhere. Not unless we push it back to the center, that is.
I am asking your help to start pushing on the boulder.
Obviously, we need to all push in the same direction. That's where new Washington Coordinator Kevin Wirth and I come in.
Let me state at the outset, that we are out to restore equality to the system. We are not out to "get back at" moms or judges or mediators. That is not what F.R.E.E.[tm] is about. I know that is sometimes difficult to remember when we are being treated so unfairly ourselves, so I have coined a slogan for F.R.E.E.[tm] to adopt in this quest for fair treatment:
Don't get mad, get equal.As the first step in our thousand mile journey, I am asking you to do a few simple things to prepare.
First, REGISTER TO VOTE. Many of us have changed addresses in the turmoil following divorce, or haven't voted in the last election, or have been just so beaten down by the system that we haven't bothered. Call your county's REGISTRAR OF VOTERS and find out whether you are still on the roles. If you are, fine; if not, have them send you the form. Fill it out when it comes. Send it back.
Second, while you have the registrar on the line, ASK FOR THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES of your Congressional representative, your state senator, your state representative or assembly member, and your county supervisor. From your address, the Registrar will know exactly who represents you at all levels of government, even if you don't. Write them down.
Third, BUY A ROLL OF STAMPS and letter writing materials. If you have a fancy word processor, good. A simple ink pen works as well.
Keep your list of names and addresses and your writing materials in a special place in your home. Whether you realize it or not, you will have amassed a powerful arsenal to affect change. You will feel better for that.
There will be more later, but do this NOW.
Remember, numbers count, and so do the politicians I deal with. We will need maximum support from all of you out there if we are to be heard and affect positive change for all of us.