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Fathers for Justice hijack Stonehenge
2:51pm Thursday 22nd February 2007
Comments (53)
By Gazette Reporter »
Three men dressed as cartoon caveman Fred Flintstone climbed on top of Stonehenge today to protest about Tory leader David Cameron's comments on absent fathers.
The trio, from Fathers 4 Justice, scaled the ancient stones on Salisbury Plain shortly after 9am with supplies to last up to three days.
Matt O'Connor, founder of the group, said the protest was in response to Mr Cameron's "failure to get to grips with the issue of absent fathers in Britain".
Mr Cameron said today that attitudes to gun carrying and absentee fathers had to be altered in the same way attitudes to drink-driving had changed.
"Let's look at what we're going to put in place of gang culture, and the first thing we need to put into place is a family culture and fathers standing by their responsibilities," he said.
Mr O'Connor said: "Mr Cameron says fathers are abandoning their children and this can lead to children getting involved with crime.
"We at Fathers 4 Justice feel very strongly that this is not always the case.
"We ask why is the Government, through the family courts system, preventing dads who want to be good dads from seeing their children?
"Sadly, David Cameron seems to hold the same view on this as the current Labour Government."
Mr O'Connor said the three Fred Flintstones, each wigged and holding caveman clubs, would be on the stones overnight and had supplies for three days.
"Tourists are loving taking pictures of the three Freds - the world's most famous Stone Age man on the world's most famous Stone Age monument," he added.
A spokeswoman for English Heritage, which run the 5,000-year-old site, said: "We are disappointed that this protest group has chosen Stonehenge to make their protest.
"We feel it disrespects the monument and there is potential for the stones to be damaged."
The protesters are Richard West, 40, of Ottery St Mary in Devon, David White, 29, from Southampton, and Jolly Stanesbury, 36, from Ivybridge, Devon, Fathers 4 Justice said.
Your Say YourGazette
Nick, Hampshire says...
3:37pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Cameron has correctly identified the link between fatherlessness and crime something no Labour politician has achieved - but failed utterly to grasp what causes fatherlessness. Instead, he has preferred to return to the palaeolithic pre-CSA Conservative bigotry and assume 1. That family breakdown is caused by violent and abusive fathers and 2. That fathers either choose or deserve to be absent. It is worth quoting from todays report by his own party: It is essential to balance these comments about fatherlessness with an awareness that many have been excluded from family life against their wishes and without due cause. Cartoon Cameron needs to do a little less pontificating and a little more listening.
Jerry, Southampton says...
3:51pm Thu 22 Feb 07
What happens to the poor Father, who's Wife ups and takes their young baby to the other end of the country? How can He afford to Travel 4 hrs + to see his child and then 4 hrs + back before then going to work to pay for the expences of careing
This Man wants to be a propper Father and is being punished. He should be helped to stay in contact with his daughter and play a positive part of her life.
This Man wants to be a propper Father and is being punished. He should be helped to stay in contact with his daughter and play a positive part of her life.
Nick, Oxon says...
5:09pm Thu 22 Feb 07
I drove past the site this afternoon on my way home from work and tooted my horn in support of these brave chaps. When will Cameron et al realise that 'absent' fathers love and support their children but it is their evil ex-wives who hold all the aces at our expense. I had to take my ex wife to court in order to gain access to my son - what sort of twisted woman would deny her children the right to see their father? Needless to say, she lost in court - hurrah for FFJ!!
Andy, Yorkshire says...
5:16pm Thu 22 Feb 07
I find Caveman Cameron's comments highly offensive. I am a father of a 5yr old son, who is resident with a violent mother. I have been denied access to him for over 4 years now. My crime? Asking for advice concerning my son's situation. Mr Cameron, I strongly feel your apology is required. You are not only offending fathers, but also placing children in grave danger though your comments.
Martin White, Southampton says...
5:23pm Thu 22 Feb 07
I am the brother of one of the fine fathers that are on the stones today...I am in full support of my brother and find this is a very safe and understandable protest and also find Cameron's comments to be offensive and im not even a father...thanks for the tooting and the supportive comments if u would like to send any other comments please email them to chalkie31@msn.com Cheers
D, Wales says...
6:04pm Thu 22 Feb 07
I find the fact that they are protesting in a way that could possibly damage one of Britain's oldest monuments highly offensive. If they damage the stones, who will be able to replace them? who will be able to replace the history they hold? At the very least they will have damaged things like Lichens and rock life which will take decades to recover.
Bad idea, they should try protesting in a church at Parliment next.
Bad idea, they should try protesting in a church at Parliment next.
Ian Iles, Somerset says...
6:25pm Thu 22 Feb 07
I've a lot of sympathy with their cause, but the choice of Stonehenge for this protest is inappropriate. Damned stupid in fact. Next time, how about a demo outside Parliament?
chris, salisbury says...
6:25pm Thu 22 Feb 07
All i have to say is well done to Dave and the lads for making another stand for the father for justice...
Martin, Southampton says...
6:41pm Thu 22 Feb 07
If only we could see what lengths you would goto if you were in these Fathers shoes and were constantly getting palmed off. im sure the lads have taken damage into concern and have tried there best not to do so after all this is a peaceful protest and is in no way made to cause concern or damage to any person or place
Martin P, Glossop says...
7:21pm Thu 22 Feb 07
..and why exactly is Stonehenge responsible for absent fathers? The whole point of Direct action is that it has something to do with the cause; if you want to stop a road you lie down in front of the bulldozers, if you want to save a fox you distract the hounds - if your Fathers for Justice you make plonkers of yourself on an ancient monument. I imagine their kids are cringing in front of the TV right now.
CW, Sussex says...
7:30pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Okay...now climb a Cathedral and talk of Medieval attitudes.
Oh look...you already did:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3884265.stm
Or how about a Mosque, or a Gudwara, or a Synagogue, or a Temple?
Makes as much sense as Stonehenge...
Oh look...you already did:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3884265.stm
Or how about a Mosque, or a Gudwara, or a Synagogue, or a Temple?
Makes as much sense as Stonehenge...
Tim Roberts, Ilminster says...
7:31pm Thu 22 Feb 07
My daughter was taken to Ireland by my ex who now claims maintenance off of me. Maybe Mr Cameron would like to explain how he would deal with an absent father like myself who had his child stolen. Should I go to prison because I was not the one who abducted a child, or destroyed adequate contact for my child with her father. Let's get some equality into this debate.
Mark Bogan, Yellowknife, NT, Canada says...
7:45pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Way to go lads!!! When will our commonwealth Brits learn that thirty years of destroying families is only adding to the already visible societal decay we see in so many Western Countries. I too have completely lost contact with both my children, from two different marriages. My crime? Encouraging them to love and know each other, even if they live thousands of miles apart.
Fathers-4-Justice is leading the way! I salute these three wise men.
Fathers-4-Justice is leading the way! I salute these three wise men.
JW, wales says...
7:53pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Martin P wrote:Obviously people like Martin have never experienced losing access to his children. If I was one of the children of these fathers I would be proud knowing that my father was trying to do everthing his power to be able to have a relationship with me. There are too many absent fathers in this country that do not care about their children and get away scott free. If these 3 fathers feel that this is the only way they can get their voice heard, then good luck to them. Lets not punish them, they have been punished enough
..and why exactly is Stonehenge responsible for absent fathers? The whole point of Direct action is that it has something to do with the cause; if you want to stop a road you lie down in front of the bulldozers, if you want to save a fox you distract the hounds - if your Fathers for Justice you make plonkers of yourself on an ancient monument. I imagine their kids are cringing in front of the TV right now.
Arnold, Swindon says...
8:03pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Hi, I'm spokes person for the League Against Cruelty Towards 20-50 Tonne Stones. I condemn this action as highly irresponsible.
Remember folks stones are for life and not just for Solstice Day!!!
Remember folks stones are for life and not just for Solstice Day!!!
Leanne White, N.E.Lincs says...
8:35pm Thu 22 Feb 07
I am Dave's Wife
There is 2 sides to every story....
Ask Dave why his wife left with his daughter when she was only 3 months old ...
Also Dave has another child a son that he has never seen and takes no responsibility for but claims to be a great father to you all ...
He was supposed to be seeing his daughter tomorrow for the weekend but will not be attending now as he is in custody so goes to show how important seeing his daughter is.
Just goes to show where his priorities lie he would rather make the news....
Please stop posting comments about me when you don't know the full story.
Many thanks WILMA
There is 2 sides to every story....
Ask Dave why his wife left with his daughter when she was only 3 months old ...
Also Dave has another child a son that he has never seen and takes no responsibility for but claims to be a great father to you all ...
He was supposed to be seeing his daughter tomorrow for the weekend but will not be attending now as he is in custody so goes to show how important seeing his daughter is.
Just goes to show where his priorities lie he would rather make the news....
Please stop posting comments about me when you don't know the full story.
Many thanks WILMA
John, Cornwall says...
8:49pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Leanne White wrote:I dont think these comments are aimed against you just a general discussion about things and anyone is free so say what they want here within reason, so we shall say what we wish to say. Thanx
I am Dave\'s Wife
There is 2 sides to every story....
Ask Dave why his wife left with his daughter when she was only 3 months old ...
Also Dave has another child a son that he has never seen and takes no responsibility for but claims to be a great father to you all ...
He was supposed to be seeing his daughter tomorrow for the weekend but will not be attending now as he is in custody so goes to show how important seeing his daughter is.
Just goes to show where his priorities lie he would rather make the news....
Please stop posting comments about me when you don\'t know the full story.
Many thanks WILMA
Elizabeth Cox, says...
9:43pm Thu 22 Feb 07
MY SON LOVED HIS DAUGHTER BUT SHE CHOOSE TO TAKE HER ACROSS THE COUNTRY IF SHE CARED FOR HER SHE WOU
George Kenner, San Diego, Ca. says...
9:57pm Thu 22 Feb 07
The current state of fatherhood needs attention in all English Speaking Countries.
Thank God Fathers for Justice exported the idea to the United States..
Thank God Fathers for Justice exported the idea to the United States..
Akasa, Plymouth, Devon says...
12:02am Fri 23 Feb 07
I can see why they are protesting, but WHY WHY WHY do this at Stonehenge? Think of the damage they could be doing to our heritage, which many people fought valiantly to make sure the public could access?! Stop clowning around and do a decent protest that doesn't harm any land, stones, or anything else!
Thank God FFJ exported the idea to the US? Why don't you thank the PEOPLE that are actually doing the hard work, nothing to do with 'god'.
Thank God FFJ exported the idea to the US? Why don't you thank the PEOPLE that are actually doing the hard work, nothing to do with 'god'.
megalithic, http://www.megalithic.co.uk says...
2:35am Fri 23 Feb 07
I don't approve of climbing the stones but get things in perspective. Apparently some idiot journo has been asking people if the three people might cause Stonehenge to break - give US a break!
TMajor, USA - CA says...
7:24am Fri 23 Feb 07
Children are being stolen from their families and thrown into foster care where they are often beaten, molested, raped, and even killed. Fathers are being excluded from their children's lives by the courts. Once under the "protection" of the state, children are introduced to "legal" drugs or mind-altering psychotropic drugs. What hope is there for the future?
Although I respect Stonehenge, It's disheartening that society cares more about "stones" than the future of our world.
I wholeheartedly support Father's for Justice!!!
TMajor
www.squidoo.com/abolishcps/
Although I respect Stonehenge, It's disheartening that society cares more about "stones" than the future of our world.
I wholeheartedly support Father's for Justice!!!
TMajor
www.squidoo.com/abolishcps/
barry gaynor, england says...
9:09am Fri 23 Feb 07
I beleive Stone Henge was an apt target. A monument to the society which created it. Fast forward to the present day our society is showing ever increasing cracks. This country has declared open warefare on seperated fathers "in the best interests of the child" for over thirty years and even now we have our leaders casually throwing insults of deadbeat dads without any major outcry from its citizens. How much longer will society stop attacking seperated fathers while pretending to castigate single mothers while finantially supporting the same seperated mothers to asset strip the father and deny a realationship with their children.
Protect family rights and you protect children a simple fact that so many experts ignore.
A family is not just a mother who commands authoriity over a child but are made up of children, their parents, grandparents, wider family etc.
Institutions the framework of our society are there to support families, not attack families and marganalise members within families whether they are intact or seperated.
Destroy the family you destroy the wider community, leaving even greater titanic government bodies to pick up the pieces. Never mind the damage to stonehenge concern yourself with our future or our society will be no more then an ancient monument.
Protect family rights and you protect children a simple fact that so many experts ignore.
A family is not just a mother who commands authoriity over a child but are made up of children, their parents, grandparents, wider family etc.
Institutions the framework of our society are there to support families, not attack families and marganalise members within families whether they are intact or seperated.
Destroy the family you destroy the wider community, leaving even greater titanic government bodies to pick up the pieces. Never mind the damage to stonehenge concern yourself with our future or our society will be no more then an ancient monument.
Graham, says...
9:13am Fri 23 Feb 07
And this is the sort of thing that so called 'responsible' parents do is it?
Not exactly setting a good role model is it?
Not exactly setting a good role model is it?
barry gaynor, england says...
10:56am Fri 23 Feb 07
An irresponsible parent would stand by, as their family is ripped apart with the backing of the state. As with Rosa Parks who refused to get to the back of the bus because of the colour of her skin and was arrested, she was no doubt classed as an irresponsible citizen for her act of defiance.
To sit back and do nothing but turn a blind eye would be a far greater act of irresponsibility towards our children.
To sit back and do nothing but turn a blind eye would be a far greater act of irresponsibility towards our children.
Vetch, Tunbridge Wells says...
11:40am Fri 23 Feb 07
As a Druid, I was thinking of objecting that they might damage our heritage from the Paleolithic-Neolithic age (before the classical Druids, if anyone still believes they made Stonehenge) but I think that compared to the people who graffitied the stones they are a much easier thing to live with. And as a woman, I wholeheartedly support their desire to have equal custody and see their children - I wouldn't have been happy without my father; fathers are needed for stable families and happy children! Right on!
calvin, wales says...
4:47pm Fri 23 Feb 07
My son is soon to be four years old, I have hardly seen him in the last three of those years. My ex has taken him to the other side of the country, my court and solicitor's fees have passed £5,000. I have won everything I've asked for in court, she still won't let me see my son unless I give her £250, in cash, every visit. She has a new partner who deserted his own wife and four children for her, now my son calls him ''daddy'' It's obscene. I cannot afford to keep up my attempts as I have a disabled daughter to care for too. I, and my family are being destroyed and the government sanctions it. Good for you FFJ. I wish I could be able to join you.
Gary, Birmingham says...
6:54pm Fri 23 Feb 07
Although I agree that the family law system in England & Wales is biased towards mothers and that many fathers are only 'absent' because it is just too difficult, expensive, time consuming and emotionally unsettling to fight for contact, this action is a desecration of a sacred site that has stood for millenia.
This group is showing no respect for history, spirituality or the sacredness of the land. It makes me realise that they represent no one but themselves. This is a selfish and destructive act and has made me lose all support for these spiritual terrorists.
This group is showing no respect for history, spirituality or the sacredness of the land. It makes me realise that they represent no one but themselves. This is a selfish and destructive act and has made me lose all support for these spiritual terrorists.
Mark Rosher, Gloucestershire says...
9:31pm Fri 23 Feb 07
Whatever sympathy I may have towards their cause is entirely outweighed by my distaste at their invasion of and damage to an historic site sacred to many pagans and Druids. The lichen which live precariously on the stones cannot tolerate such idiocy, and there are better ways to protest than this. What relevance has Stonehenge to this issue?
qwasy & co, notradam france says...
9:44pm Fri 23 Feb 07
go for the love of your children my heart goes out to you three great men it seems to be that its allright for the women to take the child away but the men always seem to get in trouble .
S. Black, California says...
10:52pm Fri 23 Feb 07
Disrespecting ancient heritage sites such as Stonehenge does not make me want to rally to their cause.
S Philpott, Trowbridge says...
11:29pm Fri 23 Feb 07
I have to say that although I am not a great lover of protest, I have been through the mill for nearly eight years trying to see my children. I have been to court time and time again and my ex plays games, appears one day then not the next and then appears and then not. The system is a joke and us fathers just want our rights to see our children. It has broken my heart what has happened to my children, I have paid thousends through the court and can no longer afford to fund my cause, I have to appear at court and represent myself, as I wok. Whilst those unemployed teenage dross fathers are at he same court with barristers quoting their rights when they have not earned them I was married to my childrens mother for eight years and with her for ten. It counts for nothing in the british legal system, I have no rights, no way of getting justice, so do not judge these men who feel as I do, that they want to see their kids. I am sick of people jusdging those decent fathers like me who just want to give their kids a hug, wipe their noses and be there at christmas to see them open their presents. What a sad world we live in, until you have experienced this you have no right to judge. One day there will be equal rights for parents, it is no different for men or women. Stonehenge represents an archaeic society, the legal system is archaeic, thats the point these men are making.
Martin Hazel, Burnley, UK says...
8:18am Sat 24 Feb 07
This is disgraceful, if it had been on a church, mosque or cathedral they would have been arrested! It just makes them look like a bigger bunch of clowns now
Ari Savolainen, www.9article.com says...
1:38pm Sat 24 Feb 07
An international appeal to be submitted to the Finnish government and the President as a claim to take up urgent measures to improve the legal state of the separated and divorced fathers, both native and foreign, and their children living in this country.The appeal is meant to wake other States to make a point of the discrimination against fathers in the child custodial matters in Finland.
http://www.9article.com
Ari Savolainen
Finland
www.vanhemmat.com
http://www.9article.com
Ari Savolainen
Finland
www.vanhemmat.com
Single Mom, 8 says...
4:46pm Sat 24 Feb 07
GO FATHERS FOR JUSTICE!!!! Keep going! You are awesome and making a difference out there! People are starting to take notice because of you!! Keep up all the good work! Hey you women quit trying to keep your kids from their fathers, this is sick. If you truly loved your kids you would not do this!!
Single Mom, says...
4:56pm Sat 24 Feb 07
Arnold wrote:And I'm sure you have never had your kids taken from you either! Until you know that kind of pain then your opinion will never matter!
Hi, I'm spokes person for the League Against Cruelty Towards 20-50 Tonne Stones. I condemn this action as highly irresponsible. Remember folks stones are for life and not just for Solstice Day!!!
bobinherts, hertfordshire says...
5:24pm Sat 24 Feb 07
my ex wife left took the kids had them two years with me having contact and paying maintenance,then at christmas 2001 she had a paddy and threw them out told them to come and live with me which they did for a month so i stopped paying maintenance as you would only for her to decide she wanted them back,got a solicitor on legal aid,went to court saw the judge,judge says kids have to go back and live with their mother never mind she threw them out and they were happy with me etc,more court pay a solicitor and a barrister etc, after two more court dates both given equal access on week in week out basis,not good enough for her as she cant claim csa,in the mean time has another kid with new partner who lives with her in council house (denys this,inherited 80k denys this although i have the copy of the will)gave up work to avoid paying me csa,ok if your provided with council accomodation,partner gave up work to avoid paying her for the kid they have together,denys access to both kids soley for money,cafcass crap csa biased,child benefit oraganisation flawed,tax credits flawed, me salaried at work good job £500 a month taken out direct from the csa easy target and this all for having a court order that states that i have access on a week in week out basis and she does this in the full knowledge the system will not touch her
thank heavens for f4j otherwise we would all be ignorant of the goings on of ex partners and dont get me wrong i am sure men do it as well as women but you never hear about.
perhaps the csa needs to concentrate on the real absent fathers and not just those who are made absent by ex wives/partners and are easy targets for them to get cash from(surprisingly when i tried to claim csa off her they managed to lose my first claim and then she had given up work so was too late yet my assesment was backdated even though i have a set of the papers they sent me)
thank heavens for f4j otherwise we would all be ignorant of the goings on of ex partners and dont get me wrong i am sure men do it as well as women but you never hear about.
perhaps the csa needs to concentrate on the real absent fathers and not just those who are made absent by ex wives/partners and are easy targets for them to get cash from(surprisingly when i tried to claim csa off her they managed to lose my first claim and then she had given up work so was too late yet my assesment was backdated even though i have a set of the papers they sent me)
Stones NOt more important than children!, North Wilts says...
5:33pm Sat 24 Feb 07
To all of those fools who surmised that stones are more imprtant than children - SHAME ON YOU! You are obviously brereft of feeling for these parents that are tring to raise awareness of the plight of their children, that the Courts are often leaving in the incompetent care of their mothers.
My partner is a wonderful Father who thankfully has custody of his beautiful 10 year old son, but his ex-wife is still able to cause trouble and strife through the Courts due to her genetic predisposition of being female. Please note that I cannot describe her as a lady as she most certainly is not this. She is a self indulgent, dishonest, ugly monster that has no care for her child.
Fathers rights are negelcted and forgotten. Moreover, many fathers are more able and competent at caring for their children than the mother. It is a very sorry state that we live in when the parent that is most fit to care for the child is not granted custody. I am often embarrased as a woman at the behaviour of these monster mothers that have no conception of the damage their are causing their children by preventing contact with their Fathers.
As for Camerons comments, this merely displays his utter ignorance, his lack of understanding or concern and predisposition of being an idiotic moron. On a poisitive note at least we know who NOT to vote or durig the next elections.
My partner is a wonderful Father who thankfully has custody of his beautiful 10 year old son, but his ex-wife is still able to cause trouble and strife through the Courts due to her genetic predisposition of being female. Please note that I cannot describe her as a lady as she most certainly is not this. She is a self indulgent, dishonest, ugly monster that has no care for her child.
Fathers rights are negelcted and forgotten. Moreover, many fathers are more able and competent at caring for their children than the mother. It is a very sorry state that we live in when the parent that is most fit to care for the child is not granted custody. I am often embarrased as a woman at the behaviour of these monster mothers that have no conception of the damage their are causing their children by preventing contact with their Fathers.
As for Camerons comments, this merely displays his utter ignorance, his lack of understanding or concern and predisposition of being an idiotic moron. On a poisitive note at least we know who NOT to vote or durig the next elections.
Andy Srougi, Montreal Canada says...
5:39pm Sat 24 Feb 07
Children's lives are being destroyed by judicial corruption and greed. Fathers-4-Justice is fighting for our childrens' future. Keep up the good work F4J UK!!!
Andy Srougi
Fathers-4-Justice Montreal Quebec Canada
Andy Srougi
Fathers-4-Justice Montreal Quebec Canada
CW, Sussex says...
6:42pm Sat 24 Feb 07
Stones NOt more important than children! wrote:
To all of those fools who surmised that stones are more imprtant than children - SHAME ON YOU! You are obviously brereft of feeling for these parents that are tring to raise awareness of the plight of their children, that the Courts are often leaving in the incompetent care of their mothers. My partner is a wonderful Father who thankfully has custody of his beautiful 10 year old son, but his ex-wife is still able to cause trouble and strife through the Courts due to her genetic predisposition of being female. Please note that I cannot describe her as a lady as she most certainly is not this. She is a self indulgent, dishonest, ugly monster that has no care for her child. Fathers rights are negelcted and forgotten. Moreover, many fathers are more able and competent at caring for their children than the mother. It is a very sorry state that we live in when the parent that is most fit to care for the child is not granted custody. I am often embarrased as a woman at the behaviour of these monster mothers that have no conception of the damage their are causing their children by preventing contact with their Fathers. As for Camerons comments, this merely displays his utter ignorance, his lack of understanding or concern and predisposition of being an idiotic moron. On a poisitive note at least we know who NOT to vote or durig the next elections.
To all of those fools who surmised that stones are more imprtant than children - SHAME ON YOU! You are obviously brereft of feeling for these parents that are tring to raise awareness of the plight of their children, that the Courts are often leaving in the incompetent care of their mothers.
This is just delusional!
They DECIDED to climb the stones! They MADE them part of the issue! No one else did.
If next week they decide to climb a Mosque, will you be saying "Shame on all of you who obviously think Mosques are more important than children"?
THEY took the decision to climb something that is sacred to many in this country dressed as cartoon stone-age characters. In the process they have insulted those who hold this site to be sacred, INCLUDING many of those who support their cause, and have insulted those who built it.
How can you DARE to think you will not encounter a negative reaction to that?
Diane Booth, Vancouver, BC Canada says...
7:34pm Sat 24 Feb 07
Although I sympathize admire the caring fathers who have been alienated from their children by the courts, the fact remains that many "fathers" do abandon their children in favor of drugs, alcohol or womanizing. Further, it is impossible for all families to have two parents because too many men die in wars or accidents leaving a female the head of household. Because of that there are usually eight women for every man. Because of this, the female head of households must be given respect in society and must be given special care and assistance. Putting children in institutions run by the state are the caveman's way. Further, men need to stop looking at their children as their property. Women look at their children as a very physical, spiritual and real part of themselves. After all, they came from our own bodies. That is something a man could never understand. There is a special spiritual bond connected by God Himself from whom our "rights" derive.
Martin P, Glossop says...
9:20pm Sat 24 Feb 07
Stones NOt more important than children! wrote:If climbing on an ancient monument could reunite all the splintered families in Britain then I'd be up there with them - but it won't. This is a stupid pointless protest about an issue which, as you can tell form Wilma's post, is very complicated.
To all of those fools who surmised that stones are more imprtant than children - SHAME ON YOU! You are obviously brereft of feeling for these parents that are tring to raise awareness of the plight of their children, that the Courts are often leaving in the incompetent care of their mothers. My partner is a wonderful Father who thankfully has custody of his beautiful 10 year old son, but his ex-wife is still able to cause trouble and strife through the Courts due to her genetic predisposition of being female. Please note that I cannot describe her as a lady as she most certainly is not this. She is a self indulgent, dishonest, ugly monster that has no care for her child. Fathers rights are negelcted and forgotten. Moreover, many fathers are more able and competent at caring for their children than the mother. It is a very sorry state that we live in when the parent that is most fit to care for the child is not granted custody. I am often embarrased as a woman at the behaviour of these monster mothers that have no conception of the damage their are causing their children by preventing contact with their Fathers. As for Camerons comments, this merely displays his utter ignorance, his lack of understanding or concern and predisposition of being an idiotic moron. On a poisitive note at least we know who NOT to vote or durig the next elections.
Look guys, I care a lot about Climate Change and would consider climbing on an oil rig, coal fired power station, aeroplane or other carbon emiting monstrosity to do something about this. BUT I certainly wouldn't climb up Stonehenge because IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ISSUE!! And in truth I probably wouldn't climb anything because it would be pretty much pointless.
S Philpott, trowbridge, wiltshire says...
10:27pm Sat 24 Feb 07
I would like to make a point, the reason the protestors chose Stone Henge is because its a high profile place of interest that makes the point. The fact it has caused so much interest from those who have no feelings for fathers without rights, but worry about stones, then its worth while. There is nothing more important than our children, its part of the **** reason we are put on this earth. Peaceful protest and the freedom of speech is the right of every one in this country. If it was something you believed strongly about you would do the same. These guys believe what they are doing is making a point. I believe they are making a point. the police arrested them for no reason other than making a point, because dinosaurs get more upset about a load of old stones than the welfare of children. The police had no right to arrest these men, if they were protesting about the rights of terrorists or other political parties then they wouldn't have been arrested. These men care about their children, and the rigths of other mens childens and the should be commended for doing what they believe. If it wasn't for peacegul protest then there would be no change because people would lie down and have their tummies tickled.
Steve, Trowbridge Wiltshire says...
1:31pm Mon 26 Feb 07
Rock on lads! Well done. You guys don't even know your own strength. I am sure the few microbes and tiny bit of lichen you may have stepped on will recover very quickly.
Sorry about this disturbing link but it really does show how badly things can be when the Courts get it wrong. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1368918.ece
I myself have been thrown away by the system and have not seen my child for nearly three years, simply on the basis that mother is implacably hostile. The Judge was very sympathetic but made an order for indirect contact only, on the basis that it would be too traumatic for my child to see me given the 'parental conflict', this translates in plainspeak to 'mother not wanting the contact'
Sorry about this disturbing link but it really does show how badly things can be when the Courts get it wrong. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1368918.ece
I myself have been thrown away by the system and have not seen my child for nearly three years, simply on the basis that mother is implacably hostile. The Judge was very sympathetic but made an order for indirect contact only, on the basis that it would be too traumatic for my child to see me given the 'parental conflict', this translates in plainspeak to 'mother not wanting the contact'
CW, Sussex says...
4:48pm Mon 26 Feb 07
S Philpott wrote:Can I just point out a slight contradiction?
I would like to make a point, the reason the protestors chose Stone Henge is because its a high profile place of interest that makes the point. The fact it has caused so much interest from those who have no feelings for fathers without rights, but worry about stones, then its worth while. There is nothing more important than our children, its part of the **** reason we are put on this earth. Peaceful protest and the freedom of speech is the right of every one in this country. If it was something you believed strongly about you would do the same. These guys believe what they are doing is making a point. I believe they are making a point. the police arrested them for no reason other than making a point, because dinosaurs get more upset about a load of old stones than the welfare of children. The police had no right to arrest these men, if they were protesting about the rights of terrorists or other political parties then they wouldn\'t have been arrested. These men care about their children, and the rigths of other mens childens and the should be commended for doing what they believe. If it wasn\'t for peacegul protest then there would be no change because people would lie down and have their tummies tickled.
You say "dinosaurs get more upset about a load of old stones than the welfare of children".
Putting the crass insults towards many who may actually support your cause aside:
This seems to imply the "load of old stones" aren't worth very much and don't matter.
So why did they decide to use them as a protest site?
You can't have it both ways. Either the stones matter, in which case they should have shown the place more respect, or they don't, in which case it was an ill-chosen place to protest.
Papa-Ralf, Deutschland - Germany says...
6:58pm Mon 26 Feb 07
Bravo!
You are good guys!
We in Germany are running the Daddy-Run look here: http://www.running-daddies.eu/
run with us!
You are good guys!
We in Germany are running the Daddy-Run look here: http://www.running-daddies.eu/
run with us!
Alan Mills, BC, Canada says...
7:53pm Mon 26 Feb 07
Thank you, my Brothers, on behalf of my children and I. Our Country is not unlike yours, except we don't have a 'Stonehenge' on which I could stand. Our Prime Minister says he will address the problem, but he lied to us, as increasing the resultant tangential problems is his priority right now. I cannot think of anything of greater concern... than family, can you? As for the courts, the more dirty money to ya', you f**&$%#!!!
Akasa, Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon says...
9:22pm Mon 26 Feb 07
Don't care about children? Are you absolutely mad!?
I'm a teacher, a sister, a cousin and hopefully it won't be too long before I'm a mother. I had a stable upbringing with a loving father, who I would hate to be without. OF COURSE I believe fathers have rights, who wouldn't in their right mind? BUT you have to remember some people (women as well as men) do not deserve the right to be in contact with their children when they do certain things (and the police and govt have a duty to protect the children). I'm not going to agree about women having a stronger bond with children then the men... maybe you could say that in some ways, but I feel the bonds are different, but equal in value.
HOWEVER, you say about people campaigning for years for fathers rights etc? What about the people that have protested and campaigned for Stonehenge? and other sites of our heritage? It's not a case of stones being MORE important than children, but they are important, and deserve to be treated with respect. What does climbing all over them do for the children involved? NOTHING. By all means bring awareness to your cause, but is this damage of the stones ACTUALLY going to help your children?
There are other ways to make people listen and I do feel that within certain communities F4J may have actually lost supporters for this action...
I'm a teacher, a sister, a cousin and hopefully it won't be too long before I'm a mother. I had a stable upbringing with a loving father, who I would hate to be without. OF COURSE I believe fathers have rights, who wouldn't in their right mind? BUT you have to remember some people (women as well as men) do not deserve the right to be in contact with their children when they do certain things (and the police and govt have a duty to protect the children). I'm not going to agree about women having a stronger bond with children then the men... maybe you could say that in some ways, but I feel the bonds are different, but equal in value.
HOWEVER, you say about people campaigning for years for fathers rights etc? What about the people that have protested and campaigned for Stonehenge? and other sites of our heritage? It's not a case of stones being MORE important than children, but they are important, and deserve to be treated with respect. What does climbing all over them do for the children involved? NOTHING. By all means bring awareness to your cause, but is this damage of the stones ACTUALLY going to help your children?
There are other ways to make people listen and I do feel that within certain communities F4J may have actually lost supporters for this action...
Anon, Wilts says...
2:53pm Tue 27 Feb 07
My youngest daughter has no contact with her father and if a court order were to be put in place I would defy it and would be proud to do so! Why you may ask. I spent several years being physically, emotionally and sexually abused by him, when I found out I was pregnant he tried to beat the baby out of my body. I was petrified to leave him, he always told me he would kill me and my children if I ever left. I eventually found the courage to leave and began a new life for myself and my children, only to have the carpet whipped out from underneath me once again when my eldest daughter was admitted to hospital under a psychiatrist at the age of 13 where it eventually came out he had been abusing her too and made threats to her too to keep silent. Yes he is still free to walk the streets, my daughter is not mentally strong enough to testify which, in the eyes of the law makes her statement unreliable. Would anyone now like to suggest that I send my youngest daughter off to spend time with her father so that he doesn't feel violated?
I know there are genuine fathers out there being denied access unreasonably but please, don't judge all cases by the same values because each case is different and the children do have rights to lead a safe and secure life free from abuse.
I know there are genuine fathers out there being denied access unreasonably but please, don't judge all cases by the same values because each case is different and the children do have rights to lead a safe and secure life free from abuse.
Tim, Wiltshire says...
3:05pm Thu 22 Feb 07
Rather than offering uninformed advise from an ivory tower ALL politicians should spend time trying to understand the problem. Indeed, we need some divorced, seperated, absent parents in government who will be able to understand these issues, rather than the "happily married with kids" types we are supposed to believe they are.