Family Association is a Fundamental Human Right

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SABATOGE AND TREACHERY INSIDE PARENTSMARCH 98

NOTE from Suzanne Shell: Feb. 2000 I have remained silent on these events until now. There are certain individuals in this movement who have made very effort to censor this information from public scrutiny, presumably to cover their own participation in these events. You are free to disagree, but the essence of this issue and this event is, NOBODY asked me what happened and why - and shockingly, as of Sept 2002, only one apology for that offense has been offered. For those who (like those caseworkers we love to hate) refuse to allow the both sides of the issue to be told before arriving at your own conclusions, shame on you. And for those supporters of Emrich “Rick” Toma - if you EVER find out anything about his background, please share it with us. I think you will find that he is remarkably unforthcoming about his history and reason for involvement in this issue, which we find troubling in view of the following events. . .

When Suzanne Shell, the National Spokesperson for Parentsmarch 98, was told at the press conference by Rick Thoma (Lifting the Veil) NOT to bring up the petition when she spoke, SHE and MIKE HARRIS objected vehemently that this was what brought all the people together and it was wrong to change the purpose of the event at the last minute without notifying those who had showed up in support of the advertised purpose. Thoma refused to budge.

Thoma had unilaterally refused to direct media inquiries to Shell, who was the National Spokespersons for Parentsmarch, and conducted interviews himself, forwarding his own personal agenda rather than the Parentsmarch platform and purpose.

Thoma also refused to extend the courtesy of notifying certain right-wing speakers that he would not allow them to appear at the event in spite of their previous acceptances of the invitations of the Parentsmarch committee to speak. This was a clear violation of the published ‘all-inclusive’ position of this momentous event because this withdrawal of the invitation was unilaterally based on Thoma’s opposition to their political persuasions, and again caused the outrage of Shell and Harris.

Thoma did not properly fulfill his obligation to notify the media of the press conference at the National Press Club, which resulted in the failure of the media to cover the event. Mike Harris had reserved the Ballroom, and provided food, at his own considerable expense.

Thoma did not even schedule Shell, the National Spokesperson for Parentsmarch, to speak at the capitol, and was too afraid to tell her he refused to let her speak.

Thoma then blamed Shell for not fulfilling her obligations related to the event. Fortunately, Shell could (and still can) document his lies against her.

The event turned into what it was never meant to be - a bitch and piss and moan session of parents rehashing their horror stories instead of the speakers lined up before Thoma became involved - high profile speakers who would have documented wholesale violations and problems and provided solutions. Thoma even lined up one weary activist who actually announced her retirement from activism at this momentous occasion, injecting a very negative note to the event.

We recognized Thoma’s right to have his own opinions and agenda. At no time would we impose our values or agenda upon him, no matter how much we disagree. However, he did not have the right or authority to sabotage the Parentsmarch event or pervert it to his personal agenda in violation of the Parentsmarch published platform; especially not based on personal biases (Shell for her advocacy of spanking as a disciplinary technique - Thoma won’t even say ‘no’ to his daughter - Ted Gunderson for his politics, etc.). As a result of Shell’s very vocal insistence that the published platform be adhered to, she was ousted from the Parentsmarch committee without ever having had the opportunity to present her account of the events that took place or her evidence. The self-appointed committee thought Thoma was more ‘moderate’ and had been around longer so had more credibility and influence in the movement (NOTE - this has not been proven by the subsequent history) - the principles of Parentsmarch didn’t play a part in their decision. Consequently, Shell immediately withdrew permission for any of the original organizers to use any of her copyrighted materials, reserving their use for those who will practice what they preach and who will boldly support the all-inclusive vision that spawned Parentsmarch.

Sigh. We live and learn.Some people are too immature or too weak to rise above their human frailties for a higher and nobler purpose. Petty differences become more important than the big picture. We at AFAC can forgive honest human frailties, but we will not forgive malice.The altruistic vision of Parentsmarch was worthy and will be preserved by those who are big enough to set aside their personal desires for the greater good of the family in America. There are people in this movement for profit, others for power, but precious few for principle. Be careful who you trust, be careful of their motives, be aware of their weaknesses. Then decide for yourself where you stand.

Whatever happens, this is not the end of Parentsmarch or of the battle. We have the ability to learn from our mistakes. Each person has unique gifts to contribute to the cause, and we accept them gladly, in the spirit of unity of purpose to effect much needed change. The name of Parentsmarch and it’s original vision will not be subverted for individual gain or bartered for lesser principles again.

Q. If you could do only ONE thing to protect your family, what would that be?
A. Amend Your State Constitution with the FAMILY RIGHTS AMENDMENT