The Backlash! - July 1996

Organization News - National Coalition of Free Men
P.O. Box 129 Manhasset, NY 11030

What's happening?

by Tom Williamson

NCFM Produces flyer series

Under the direction of member, Steve Parkinson, we are making available flyers that contain essential advice on various topics. At the moment, four topics are covered:
  1. What to do if falsely accused of child abuse.
  2. What to do if you suspect you are a victim of affirmative action at your job.
  3. How to present yourself in family court.
  4. How to hand child abuse investigators.
The flyers are suitable for general distribution. If you would like any one, simply send $1 together with a self addressed stamped envelop to NCFM. If you would like multiple copies talk to us directly. If you have an office that is frequented by the public and would like to offer them free, we can accommodate you.

Special thanks for help goes to V.O.C.A.L. Robert Gidding, Esq., and attorneys Carleen Brennan and Michael Brennan who authored the book, Custody for Fathers.

Public testimony

Member Joseph Sahid, Esq. represented us before the Second Circuit Court in Brooklyn, March 6, on the issue of sex discrimination against men in the federal court. Joe's main point, which he backed up with legal citations, is that women have had better access to the federal courts to remedy situations than have men. This is especially true in family matters. Women have used the federal courts to secure financial support, but men have been unable to access them on visitation issues. In fact, there is general agreement that states routinely violate the constitutional rights of fathers in divorce.

You can see an outline of Mr. Sahid's presentation, complete with legal citations, in the Reading Room at our NCFM website.

Broadcasting

This past period NCFM did two TV shows. Charles Fink appeared on Newstalk Television (April 9) to discuss our opposition to confiscating of licenses belong to parents who are in arrears in their child support. In his second appearance, Charles taped a show with Phil Donahue (taped April 15) about fathers who are denied visitation with their children after divorce. Charles appeared with Steve Walker of Parental Rights, Inc., who is one of the co-sponsors of the joint custody bill in New York.

Public Service Announcements

NCFM has undertaken a project in the Washington, D.C., area under the leadership of Neil Steyskal to provide various public service announcements. One advertises the government sponsored hot line set up for battered women and encourages men to call it. Another urges children to be sympathetic to their father if mom beats up on him. Other public service announcements are planned to encourage stronger family relationships. Neil will be working closely with Charles Fink who will produce the series.

Candidate survey

Last march NCFM participated in a survey initiated by the Texas Fathers Alliance. The survey was sent out to candidates running for office in Texas. The purpose of the survey was to assess attitudes toward men and fathers.

Vigil for fathers

April 26, local area NCFM members from New York joined with others for a candlelight vigil in Central Park. The vigil was held in that section known as Strawberry Lane after the John Lennon song. About 30 people were in attendance as the bag pipes played and men and women shared their stories. The event was sponsored by the Children Rights Council.

Letter committee

NCFM's letter writing committee wrote to 48 Hours (CBS) about an apparent contradiction between two segments of their February 22 telecast, which portrayed various family styles. One segment showed a lesbian couple. The interviewer, Erin Moriarty, played down the importance of fathers. In another segment, the interviewer, Harold Dow, greatly complimented the importance of fathers. Letter writers wrote to praise Harold and criticize Erin.

In another campaign, letter writers wrote to Dear Abby. This is not a futile exercise. Sometimes Abby changes her mind when readers write, and in the past NCFM has been a part of that. On February 27, a column appeared where Abby sided with a girl who was critical of men who used discount coupons on the first date. Our main point was that this criticism represented another example of men being viewed as wallets.

If you would like to join with others in targeted campaigns and write letters, let us know. Our committee chairman is Bob McInnes, 5800 SW Candletree Drive, Topeka, KS 66614. Just sign up.

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