The Following is a paste from my original experince at the DC Rally in 2007. I typed this shortly after got home and left it as originally written so it does not lose the feelings that I had from the experience and the march of time does not mar the memory. It was originally in two parts both post are below.

All great and true movements have a day in history that they can point to and say, "it all started here". I knew that Aug 18 2007, was going to be that day for this movement. I felt called to be there.
This trip was not an easy one for me. I am the typical divorced, financially broke dad. I drive a car that I got out of a scrap yard. It was given to me out of pity, and I'm so busy paying all the people that feed off of the lives of my children (lawyers, court, CSEA) that there isn't a lot to work with. The theory of me making the trip possible was to go using financial guerrilla tactics. I did not have a place to stay or food to eat, but I was going to be there because I knew that God would provide if I went as called.
The plan for the trip was to come home from work, go to sleep, wake up around midnight, leave for DC, and arrive around 8:00AM.
After coming home I saw the picture of the Lincoln Memorial with Jolly and Mike on it, got excited and couldn't sleep. I left around 9:00PM.
I had gotten a few peoples phone numbers before I left. I spoke with friend Kenyatte on the way. It seemed as if I had missed quite a bit by not being there that night. We agreed to meet Saturday morning after talking. I have to admit I hated myself for waiting and missing the seminar, but I knew I was doing right because I have no vacation days left at work.
I stopped in Maryland around 3:00AM. I pulled into a rest area, grabbed my sleeping bag, kicked back my seat and slept.
I woke around 6:00AM with the feeling of excitement. I went into the rest area. I used the sink to wash up. Then I went to the stall, put on my purple cammo pants, F4J shirt, and boots. I must admit looking in the mirror I felt strength and excitement.
I proceeded to DC.
I was trying to find a place to park. Parking is really bad. I saw the F4J coordinator for my region walking with an arm full of signs. I yelled out to him and he came over, he hopped in the car, we parked, walked to the Lincoln Memorial together.
When we arrived there was surreal quality to it all. The stage with a backdrop of the pool the Washington Monument and the World war II Monument was stunning. The banned over the stage clearly stated the purpose. "Family Preservation Day 2007"
I walked around the booths and introduced myself to people. It was funny how many people I knew online. I would introduce myself by name when I added my screen name I got a lot of surprised looks and instant recognition.
I made sure to sign guest books for several organizations that were represented there. I found it odd that everyone was represented. Mothers, fathers, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, across every race gender and generation all had one cause firmly implanted in their minds, the abuse and destruction of families and children of the current system.
I met Ron Smith, the coordinator of the event. He seemed excited about the event, but was upset about the Lincoln Memorial activities from the day before. He spoke to me as if I had been a planner of it or something. I definitely understood his frustration over it. It does seem to have over shadowed his event and he was informed that S.W.A.T. units were watching in case there were any incidents.
I walked over and joined the other F4J members that were congregating on the grass. I don't think I've ever met so many people in so short a time. I probably met 40 people in about 5 minutes.
The F4J members took the opportunity to take pictures and it seemed like there were a lot of video cameras documenting the event. It seemed as time went on and we got to know each other the group started to get into a group that would do something important on this day.
I took my leave from the group; I had to go to the Lincoln Memorial before the festivities began.
I walked in and looked at the massive statue. I couldn't help but think about how the man who this statue represented stood on issues of his day. I couldn't help but wonder how he would view our cause. Would he see it the current system as enslaving one parent to the other while destroying the children in the process? Would he feel like there needed to be emancipation of the non-custodial parent? As I contemplated these things I walked over and read the Gettysburg Address.
I felt pretty moved after reading it and wished I could have brought my sons. I started walking to the other side of the building when my thoughts were interrupted by the two security guards or police I noticed following me.
I guess I should have expected that with the activities of the day before, but it still caught me by surprise.
In my mind I was a patriot, a veteran, and a son of the American Revolution walking in wonder of what my forefathers had wrought on this continent. To the security guards and police I was just a guy in purple cammo pants that could cause trouble. It seemed almost amusing to me that these completely different perceptions could exist in the same room just a few feet from each other.
Let me make this statement before continuing. I know these people are doing their duty. They are there to protect that monument and the ideas behind it. I give them my full support and respect the tough, sometimes heart breaking positions they are put in on a daily basis.
I walked down from the monument again noting how perfect it all was. The sun was shining. It was a warm day. People were milling about around the stage and tents. The sun was reflecting off of the pool in a way that made the perfect picture.
I decided to set up my chair on the steps in front of the stage next to my friend Kenyatte.
After I set up my chair I kept getting called away to meet someone, or asked to be in a photo. I kept leaning over to my friend and saying, "I'll be right back" by the end of the event the phrase "I'll be right back" was almost like a running joke because I was never "right" back. Each time I was gone for at least 20 minutes.
The speakers started around 11:00.
Ron Smith started. He stated that he did not support the activities of Fathers for Justice the day before and added "This is not what we are about. We are not about stunts to get attention from the media".
I thought it almost ironic because as he walked to the podium and started to speak Fathers 4 Justice members were flying purple flags along the top platform of the steps in a way that added to the event.
I felt kind of bad. I started to feel like it might have been a bad idea. It seemed as though a lot of the other groups were upset that Fathers for Justice was there because of the Lincoln Memorial scaling. It seemed like they thought we were just a nuisance by being there.
I put this aside in my mind because the speakers were starting and that was the reason why I came. I did not come to be sneered at by other groups and honestly I did not care. As I've said many times before, I don't care about the groups or who get the credit. All I really care about is effecting change. Honestly nothing would make me happier than not a single organization from this movement existing in 5 years because the problems have been resolved.
I was glad I wore my sunglasses. Each speaker had a powerful message no matter how they spoke. I cried like a kid behind my glasses several times.
I love kids. I can't help but cry when I hear accounts of them being abused, alienated, harmed emotionally, or killed. All of the previous topics were covered. I honestly wish I could tell you who spoke, what organization the represented, and how to contact them, but I was way too emotional over their words to remember the people speaking.
Each speaker seemed as if they were talking to me directly, or knew what my children have been through. I guess for the most part that could be a true statement. Many of the speakers had similar experiences from their own lives. There was even someone (Ron Smith) who had lost a child as I have lost a child
I wish I could give you more on the speakers. They definitely had a huge impact on me. Hopefully there will be more video of them soon so everyone can know.
I felt a paradigm shift in my head as I realized that everyone in this country is personally affected by what is happening to children in court rooms, Child protective services, foster homes, and when "custody" is removed from one fit parent.
Around 3:00 I saw Paul Fisher an online friend that has a case in front of the Ohio supreme court. Paul wanted to get a group picture together on the steps in front of the memorial. The F4J guys that were willing went and took a picture in front of the statue of Lincoln (I was not in that number) and then took a picture on the steps by the rally.
Shortly after taking the pictures Paul got a call that the Fathers for Justice members that had put up the banner and been arrested were to be arraigned at the courthouse.
We gathered all the member we could to go to the courthouse to show our support. We headed off for the 15 block walk with banners flying, members talking, and police watching.
Part II
• Paul Fisher led the charge to the courthouse where the Fathers for Justice members were to be arraigned. Paul gathered everyone together. He got directions to the court house, grabbed one of the purple flags and led away from the rally.
I had one of the purple banners and took up the rear to try and make sure that we didn't lose anyone.
In retrospect it seems odd. Ohio, taking the lead and following up in the rear. Almost sounds like no other states were represented in our number. Just for the record, there was a huge group from Mass., a large group from OH, a group from PA, and a guy from NY. I know there were several other people there, but I can not think of who they were or where they were from. Hopefully they will forgive me for letting them slip my mind, but so many headed out together.
I wondered as we took to the street how it must have looked. Paul had the purple banner in the front blowing in the wind. There was a huge group of people in the same black shirts and purple cammo pants. The procession ended with me with another purple banner blowing in the wind and, a couple with their children.
We were definitely getting attention. People were watching as we passed. I could hear them talking with each other as I passed. It seemed like a U.S. Marshall was on each corner. A few people approached me, asked who we were, what we were doing, and giving support about "How great it is that Dads are standing up". I felt proud to be part of this procession, and filled with inner strength because of it.
We walked several blocks, I believe around 10-15, when we saw the courthouse. The courthouse had the bill of rights etched in stone from rooftop to sidewalk. It was quite an impressive structure.
As we arrived some other F4J members pulled in and parked their vehicles. We stored our flags, bags, and other possessions that we could not take into the courthouse.
The security guards seemed very surprised as we walked through the doors. I think, they were most surprised by Spider Man.
We gathered by the steps going to the court room. As we waited, we discussed our purpose. We were there for a show of support and not a show of force. We proceeded down the steps to the courtroom.
Silently and in single file, we entered the court room.
As we entered I experienced something that I haven't felt in five years of being in and out of courtrooms. I think it was respect. As we walked in and took up two rows the judge watched almost in awe, completely ignoring the prosecuting attorney's speech about the current prisoner being arraigned.
At different intervals each person in the courtroom turned around to see what was happening behind them. I think they were curious what had distracted the judge in such a manner.
We sat there for about an hour listening to the various cases waiting for the Fathers For Justice members to be brought out.
A gentleman walked up to the end of the isle, looked excitedly down our first row and said, "Are you with Fathers for Justice?" The person on the end of the first row said yes. The guy excitedly shot his thumb to his chest as he puffed his chest up, and said "I'm representing your guys. Can we talk out in the hallway?"
We emptied our rows and filed into the hallway. He talked very excitedly about the case with all of us. He told us what to expect and gave and approximate time of when to be there for the arraignment.
He mentioned the charges against one of the U.S. members and said that he wished there was video of the incident that had the part where the officers put handcuffs on that particular member.
The state coordinator of Massachusetts, Steve, popped open his phone, spoke a few short phrases, and hung up.
The lawyer continued to describe what to expect as someone in a black shirt and purple cammo pants came running down the stairs. He handed over a CD. Steve then turned to the lawyer, handed him the CD, and said, "Here's the video you need"
It was like a well orchestrated plan, but it wasn't. It was just, a stroke of both, genius and luck. Mark from New York, had come prepared with his laptop.
We finally, left and ate dinner. When we came back Don, Jolly and Mike had all been released. Bob was going to be held until at least Wednesday.
We talked for a short bit, with the three that had been released. Someone took them all out for dinner.
I have to add how odd this experience was. Just ten hours earlier, I was meeting these guys for the first time. The people I did know, didn't know me until I said, I was bassist_guy. By the end of the evening we were a cohesive group. Plans came together on the fly. People towed the line. Walking as one unit we successfully brought attention to the cause. We went from "out of many to one", in a short period of time. If cohesion is the reason the British group does these stunts, it is well worth it.
As for me, I went back to the rally. I found my friend Kenyatte. He was still watching my chair, still waiting for me to "Be right back".
The rally was winding down and people were starting to break down the stage. I grabbed my chair, some freeway blog signs, a bullhorn, and my favorite sign, "Visitation is for criminals, Not children."

Justice March Video

Finally, I've been waiting on this one for a while. STAND UP!

You Tube Videos

I found some speakers videos on youtube. I thought everyone should see them.
-Brian Holladay-

John Fowler F4J Board Member


Paul Fisher F4J


Joshua Douglas Part I


Joshua Douglass Part II


Tawnya Maddox Split N Two


Chrissy Chrzanowski Parental Alienation Syndrome


Ted Spear


Chad Gist & William Dunn: FSF


Equal Parenting Bike Trek


Actually this is a very long list that keeps being updated. It may be easier to go to youtube and do a search for dcfestival2008 and sort by date.

Group Pic! I wish we could have gotten everyone at the same place so no one would have been left out. Here's a bunch of us though. :)

My 2¢

"The only predictability in family court is the consistent inconsistency"
- Paul Fisher

The DC Festival 2008 has been a Monumental Success

DCFestival2008

A new generation of Internet and media savvy Activists have emerged from among the down-trodden citizens of this country. The DC Festival 2008 was an emotional experience to say the least. This was the people’s festival and the people’s voice was heard loud, and clear.

The DcRally was cancelled 55 days before and was immediately resurrected by some truly unique individuals that refused to let it die. Having so little time to raise funds for professional help, “We the people” went on faith. Everyone became part of the set up crew, the sound crew and the cleanup crew. Humble servants to this cause, people worked tirelessly to make this a very personal experience and every speech brought tears to my eyes. Dozens of family and children's rights organizations were represented and there is a new found unity and bond between everyone in attendance.

The organizers were Lary Holland of http://www.familycourtreports.com/, Torm Howse of http://www.unitedcivilrights.org/ Brian Holladay http://www.f4j.com and Tawnya Maddox of http://www.splitntwo.com/. All who came to the event lifted each other up in prayer and they will be bonded eternally from this experience.

Some quotes on this monumental event….

“To me the Internet is an anonymous place, a place where we connect with others and yet remain alone in our battles. The D.C. festival changed all that, it allowed me the opportunity to meet real people with real issues. It gave me even more reason to continue to speak out and fight, although now not just for the unknown, now it’s personal. My own battles are now a part of a much bigger fight, one that is strengthened now by new friendships and the sadness shared by these new friends, or rather, allies. I commend all those that dedicated so much time and effort to make the D.C. festival happen, for they are truly our “William Wallace’s” (Brave-heart) and now energized, we will follow you to battle.”
-- Glen C. Schulz
Glen is the author of Unlawful Flight
http://www.unlawfulflight.com/

An ironic quote from someone who is presently trying to “get on the bench.”“If you like listening to shows like Get Off The Bench, then you need to attend the next DC Festival. It was like Get Off The Bench on steroids!! Very motivating and educational.”
-- Brian Downs
http://www.downs4judge.com/
Brian can be reached @ 616.874.8662

“It was amazing! Two days of training, speeches, meeting other people from over 30 states that have similar experiences in government run systems. We marched on the second day, over 300 people, from the senate to the Whitehouse. We passed The Call having a Rally at the Mall with over 150,000 people. The preacher turned his attention to us and praised our cause as thousands of people in The Call cheered us and took pictures. They know we are supporting the American Family. It’s no longer about Father’s Rights, but Family Rights and Children’s Rights.” -- Ted Spear

I was honored to be a part of The Family Preservation Conference DC Festival 2008. As I sat listening to horror stories from other parents my heart broke all over again. “Splitntwo,” with Tawnya, Ken, and Chrissy has had a tremendous impact in my life.
When my trial began I thought I was the only one being taken advantage of in the family court system, but I have learned through the DC festival that this is a growing problem in America. The most important thing to a person is the very batch of seed that God has in trusted to them, their children; I can’t think of a parent who would not face the world for their child. If there has ever been a reason to defend your rights, I cannot think of a better reason than for our children. As I said at the DC Festival; “I would rather personally fail for a cause that ultimately succeeds, than personally succeed for a cause that ultimately fails.
Thank you Tawnya and all who had a part in coordinating this event and allowing me to have a part.
--Joshua L. Douglass
http://www.psalm127v3.blogspot.com/



“It is infinitely more valuable to fight for the rights of others than to fight for our own.”
-- Lary Holland
http://www.familycourtreports.com/serendipity/


My life has been forever changed by the Family Preservation Festival and I have made lifelong friends there. The highlight of the event for me was when the Fathers4Justice Victory March passed by The Call. The Call is a Christian youth, youth pastor and pastor’s group that brought literally thousands to their own event a couple of blocks over from where our Festival was.As if scripted the march went silent as we passed the massive congregation of people that were praying. One of the speakers from The Call took the microphone and started telling his people what we were all about and the entire crowd of approximately 150,000 started praying for us and our goals. The experience overwhelmed our group and brought tears to most every eye.
-- Ken Maddox
co-founder http://www.splitntwo.com/

I'm Mad as HELL!! and I'm not going to take this anymore!

Making an F4J Protest Poster

The Parent Manifesto

I do not want your sympathies for my situation, I want your commitment to a solution. I do not want to hear how my case relates to yours, I want to bring an end to the source of these stories. It is my mission in life to bring truth, justice, and equality to all children and parents of America, by ushering in a new age of accountability for the family courts.

I have all the evidence I need, from the collective experiences of many parents, to discern that the family courts are no longer abiding by the cannons of law, and the mandates of our nation. We, the parents of the United States of America, are now living under the rule of tyrants. We are dominated without recourse and our private lives, our children, and our assets are subject to search and seizure without due process or even judicial accountability.

I will not tolerate such abuse of government any longer. I commit to changing the course of my nation and volunteer to the front line of the last line of defense against judicial tyranny.

I will use every resource at my disposal to reach the hearts and minds of my fellow citizens, and to expose the lies spread by government propaganda.

I commit to replacing every tear I have shed, with a drop of sweat from my brow. The despair that once bound me to ineffectiveness, will become the fuel that drives me. The betrayal that once crippled me, will become the counterweight that builds my strength.

Every time I feel fear, I will press forward, past the familiar and comfortable. I will spread hope with my actions. I will commit to igniting my child's hope for a brighter future by extinguishing my hidden embers of hate.

I am thankful for the opportunity to demonstrate my beliefs, and to experience the true definition of courage. I commit to upholding my brothers and sisters in this fight, and to promoting unity in the face of oppression.

Freedom and Equality cannot not be given or taken, they are beliefs that either exist or do not.

My actions are the sole window to my beliefs, and you will know my beliefs.

I love my child, and I can not fail.

I am an American parent and this is my manifesto!

- Paul Fisher

Links from the chat on "Get off the Bench" 8/20/08

Links from the chat on "Get off the Bench" with Lary Holland.
Listen to the recording of the show

Websites
GetYourJusticeLive.Com
Fathers-4-justice.us
www.PACEgroup.org
www.theleepasfoundation.org
talkshoe.com/tc/15248 - Split n Two Live call in show
www.paao-us.com/
www.ejfi.org/
www.unitedcivilrights.org/
? www.signsbydoug.com

Forums
groups.yahoo.com/group/parentsagainstparentalalienation

Files
Download many of the posters you see in the pictures and videos. f4j.com/index.php?id=posters
The Lary Holland video in good Quality, better than the google video www.aacompsec.com/4lary/F4J-20080816-iPod.mp4
in near HD Quality
www.aacompsec.com/4lary/F4J-20080816-AppleTV.mp4
playable on most cel phones
savefatherhood.com/dcfestival2008/celphone_3g2/F4J-20080816-iPod.3g2


Photos
www.flickr.com/groups/dcfestival2008
i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc320/drewbad/poop.jpg

Activists
myspace.com/margknaub1
MYSPACE.COM/FIGHTCPSNOW
myspace.com/pasdocumentary
myspace.com/tiffanihoward
www.myspace.com/united4devin
karl.vesterling.us/
karl.vesterling.us/My_Blog/Entries/2007/12/4_The_day_we_got_Paul_out!.html

Lary pointed out: if you have sbcglobal.net on your email then you have premium flickr FOR FREE

misc:
The-mystery-of-Michael-Phelps-missing-father

Resource:
capwiz.com/sicminc/dbq/media
quicktime.apple.com/

LIVE RIGHT NOW!!! JOIN IN!

Tonight we will be airing a special Get Off The Bench. We implore all participants to call into the show tonight and get involved. Our work is far from over. We have much to do, each individually and collectively.

Talkshoe.com or Call In with your phone: 724-444-7444
Talkcast id: 43507
Pin: 1+#

You can access the free chat board via the link on our website when the show starts at 8PM EST.
http://www.getyourjusticelive.com

Bring your pen and paper! Check out a couple of great speeches and media coverage at the website: http://www.familycourtreports.com/serendipity and be sure to get your pictures uploaded into Brian Holladay's group. He has done a fantastic job and can be reached at bassist_guy@yahoo.com . I bet he has unbelievable coverage already! He will link into the yahoo group as soon as you email him.

We have several weeks before the elections. Are you ready? We are united and we are everywhere. As Chrissy from SplitNTwo.Com said to me today. "2009 is our year to shine" -CC 2008

Lary Holland

Fathers Supporting Fathers

Father's Supporting Fathers
http://www.fatherssupportingfathersfl.com/

Family Court Mafia Blog

I have been informed of another blog with pictures from DC Festival 2008. I have added them to the flickr group. http://flickr.com/groups/dcfestival2008

www.flickr.com

Non-Custodials and the Tax Code

I'm forwarding this from the Ohio PACE (Parent's and Children for Equality) Yahoo group. If people are actually reading this blog, I figured they might find this useful.

Chuck Hoisington sent me this statement of IRS policy. For what it's worth, I read the policy the same way Chuck does (below). But, my reading isn't worth much. I'm not an accountant and I don't play on on the internet. If you think this policy change might affect your situation, bring it to the attention of your attorney, accountant, tax professional or other qualified expert.

Don

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-08-48.pdf

If I got it correctly on a very fast review it says that a dependent is a
dependent of both parents for the purpose of excluding from income employer
paid health benefits for the dependent from the income of each of the
parents; a waiver from the custodial parent no longer required.

You may wish to forward this as appropriate.

Chuck

Flickr albums

I have a found a few more flickr albums of photos from DC Festival 2008. I encourage these people to join the community growing

cycling4children.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cycling4children/

Family Preservation Festival 2007
http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlet38/

Steve Brown Videos

Steve Brown, the guy who quickly provided us with over 200 pictures from the Festival has posted a video as well. If you have pictures please send them to me, pfisher@pobox.com, or upload them to Flickr.com and join the group Family Preservation Festival. I'll help you add them to the Group pool of photos.

Links to the internet networing sites

Facebook.com
Owned! on facebook


Yahoogroups.com

Myspace.com
Twitter.com
Digg.com
Googlegroups.com

Flickr.com

I know I missed quite a few, leave me comments and I'll add them to the post

More videos showing up

Lots of videos of different prominent F4J Members giving advice.
http://www.youtube.com/Fathers4JusticePA

Drew Baden, informed us of this one:
http://www.secretjustice.com/DCrally081608.wmv...
(I'll repost it here after I compress it further, the original file is much to large.)

Created Flickr Group

I have created a flickr group to pool all our DCFestival Pictures into one place.

1. Create a flickr account, (Flickr is a Yahoo service, so you can just use the same login and password you do for the yahoo groups, yahoo email, and Yahoo IM.)

2 Upload your pictures (minimum of 5 if you want them to show up in the group pool)

3. Join the group http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcfestival2008/

4. add your pictures to the Family Preservation Festival pool. (under the organize section, add to group)

5. Enjoy, pass out the Flickr badge for the group. You can add this to your facebook, myspace, forums, webpages, etc.

If you have set up a new account, this can take a few days to show up, be patient, humans have to review your account, after it has been approved everything will just start showing up)
Also if you want your pictures to show up in the group pool, they must be set to be viewed by the public, simply put leave it on default privacy settings)