Senator Schumer & Gillibrand – action for Family Rights

John speaks with Ms. King, the Assistant United States Attorney handling his case, and is told they have decided to dismiss all the pending charges with no conditions.  He follows up with an email to her:

Ms. King – I really do appreciate the dismissal of the charges. I wasn’t looking forward to court proceedings and potential penalties … and also paying for a lawyer.

When posting to the group I always emphasize polite/civil conduct and how courteous the officers are (and going out of their way to avoid an arrest). I’m amazed at how many parents think a good ‘protest’ involves a lot of yelling and defaming people (I guess that’s what they see on TV). I like to think our group offers them an alternative and can defuse potential violence.

I think dismissing the charges helps convey the message, “the government is not out to get you!” You won’t see me there again until I’ve got another Mom and Dad with me. Easy to dismiss one person as a ‘crazy’, but three people is the start of a ‘movement’….

Sep 14th – Another arrest (#4), but NOT FOR CHALK.  John was approached by a Homeland Security officer as he was on Sep 7th(below for details).  The officer explained that a GSA Permit was required and that John could go in the building and get the permit.   John declined to do that. He was told that if he did not stop his activity, he would be arrested and charged with violating the same order.

John tried to explain he was involved in simple free speech activity.  Holding a small placard, but walking quietly, staying out of the way, and not approaching anyone unless they spoke to him first.

The officer walked away and John resumed walking around.  The officer returned and again John declined to get a permit. He was handcuffed and given a ticket (photo right).

He was then released and did not leave, but continued similar activity for about 20 minutes.  No further action was taken by security.

John tried to explain he was involved in simple free speech activity.  Holding a small placard, but walking quietly, staying out of the way, and not approaching anyone unless they talked to him first.  No GSA permit was required.  He was handcuffed, given a ticket, and released.

pay the fine ($50) by mail, or appear in US Magistrate Court on the 19th of September. Most likely he will ask for a Trial.This is a small demonstration of NonViolent Action in support of Family Rights.We all help by making phone calls to legislators or visiting their offices in person. But we need a few Mom and Dads willing to take Kid’s Chalk and leave a message of love — and potentially face arrest. That would give us the News Story and Social Media impact we need to start a National discussion on Family Rights.

There were a lot of messages left in chalk out front (little kids thought it was neat as they left the building).

John also taped some petition letters that anyone could take and deliver.   Had a ‘technical problem’ with the side of the building.  It appeared to have a special anti-graffiti coating and masking tape would not stick…

We want two powerful US Senators to respond to us, but we’re not showing a lot of public support.  The method of NonViolent Action is to be peaceful.   The goal is ‘good drama’ to get a click on a message  and Social Media attention.  We couldn’t get a dozen people outside, how about ONE person inside carrying pictures of parents/children unjustly separated?

   I called Schumer’s office in the morning and said I would have a letter to drop off.   I got there at 1,  left a few message with chalk just to see if they would react and waited till about 1:30 in case someone else might show up.

    I then went upstairs to Schumer’s floor (also the offices of the US Attorney for the Northern District of NY).  Nobody answered their door, so I slide the letter underneath.  I then took out my placard and walked around the halls. 

      In about 15 minutes, a couple of guys from building security showed up and told me I couldn’t do that.  I said I thought I could.  They asked me to follow them out,   I refused.  I told them it had been allowed before, they left to check…..   A few minutes later one of the US Attorney’s came out, he thought I was protesting something about their office — we talked for a while and I explained.  I said it was a public building and this is a simple exercise in free speech….  While we were talking about 3 more building security guys showed up….  Finally two Federal Police showed up (one knew me from years ago).  They asked me one more time, made it clear they were not going to arrest me (I think they knew I wanted that).  Then they took me by the arms and walked me out.   So…… I don’t think they’ll be letting me in the building anymore. 

Once they make physical contact with me I don’t resist. Also, VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND,  I don’t ever raise my voice, or lie to them, or complain,  or call them names or ask why aren’t you supporting me.  The funny thing is, as much as parents rightfully complain about how bad the system is — so few are willing to join in peaceful action for reform. THEY aren’t stopping reform, WE ARE.  We don’t believe our love has power and we can change the system.

July 20th, 2018  (Friday before National Parent’s Day) – The collage doesn’t even capture all the messages that were left.

Hope to see more parents next week. We’re working on making our efforts on Family Rights real.   We have an experienced TV Producer (Mr. Michael Seeber from Minnesota — who in his spare time creates content for distribution on the Internet and also local News channels) and an experienced local videographer.

Again, security was polite, gave him another warning, but did not react to the additional messages.  We need more parents as spectators and then we should be able to get some local media coverage.  Read a ‘frank’ list message: Not-So-Happy Father’s Day – when does it end?

“Senators Help Us!   We ♥ R Kids”

The original plan had been to leave a chalked message and risk a potential arrest; however, a lot of downtown Syracuse was blocked off to traffic.  It was the “Taste of Syracuse” festival and there were a lot of people around and also on the Federal Plaza.

John has a  ‘working’ relationship with security, and tries to avoid incidents when they are busy.  It hadn’t rained in a week, the message from the 25th was still clearly visible!

May 25th, 2018

He then left a message in chalk and was then warned by building security to not do that anymore or they’d have to take action.

We’ve left two weeks worth of letters at the local offices of the Senators.  John tried to call their local aids to get some type of response.  Had to leave a message and no callback so far.

May 18th, 2018 – A package of 5 more of your letters was delivered.  Delivered the letters and left a chalked message on the pavement.   Read a recent list message for more details.

“Senators Help Us!   We ♥ R Kids”