The Merlin Foundation

Holiday Wishes

2008-11-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

Over the past year we have watched in sadness the growing numbers of children move from a life of concern to desperation. Poverty seems to be the fastest growing sector of America with little hope in sight.

The election rhetoric did little more than raise awareness, but maybe that was all that was needed. I wonder … did you hear it? Both candidates and all those I heard on the local level declared what a mess we’re in economically. Well the elections are over, save for a couple of recounts and the mess continues.

Wait for January is what I hear, but what I see are countless children…American children … who can’t wait for January. When do you plan to eat again? Bet it is before January. Will you have warm clothes before January? Will you sleep in a warm space before January? Many won’t.

The good news is you can help. You don’t know any of those children? Short on time to volunteer? We do. We know many of them. That is why our charity exists. We and other charities like us are the pipeline, the hand that bridges the space between you and those in need.

As this holiday season rapidly approaches we are asking you to help us to help them. Even if you can only afford ten dollars it will make a difference. Please this season is special. Special for you if you have a little extra and special for many who don’t have enough. With no salaried employees or officers we feel we operate efficiently and effectively insuring your wish of helping comes true.

Just last week a mother need diapers and our local police chief came by, picked some up and delivered them to her. Working together to help. What we all need to do. Without a generous donor last week that baby would not have clean diapers today.

You can make a difference right now. Click here and make a donation of $10.00; $25.00 $50.00 or more to help a child today. Because it is the right thing to do.

On behalf of the children – Thank you.

Working Together

2008-09-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Awhile back we wrote about the economy falling apart and how it was having a negative impact on our families and children at the edge of poverty. Since then we have seen even more decline in the economy, higher gas prices, increased food costs and more homes going on the auction block after repossession.

Today we saw one of the largest declines in the history of the stock market. One report by the Governor of New York said that as many as 30,000 jobs could be going away on Wall Street. These are not $10.00 per hour jobs. These folks make hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.

The bottom line? Our business of helping poor women, children and families and especially victims of child abuse is one of the few businesses that are still growing. We are sad to say it, but we do not see any end in sight and frankly we need your help.

We can not imagine not being able to provide a child friendly facility, a team of professionals from social services to medical professionals to trained child abuse investigators to take care of these innocent victims. As you might imagine many of the wonderful people who were able to help us in the past are now finding themselves in difficult times and can’t continue. So here we are an increasing need with more and more children and declining resources to help.

Last week, like an angel from heaven, our local hospital, St. John’s of Berryville, their Foundation and the Sisters of Mercy decided to reach out and make a difference by sponsoring seven of our children. We are so deeply grateful for their thoughtfulness and compassion. Their example of joining in the effort even when so many small community hospitals are also suffering from the weak economy and rising costs speaks to all of us.

I’ve included St. John’s Hospital’s press release because they say it better than we could. Working together to make life better for abused children. If you would like to join St. John’s in helping click here to go to our secure on-line donation site.

Thank You

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEP 15, 2008

ST. JOHN’S DONATION TO HELP CHILD VICTIMS OF TRAGEDY

St. John’s Foundation – Berryville presented a $2,520 check to The Merlin Foundation, a nonprofit charity providing assistance to victims of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence in the Ozark Mountain region of Northwest Arkansas. The donation was provided by the Sisters of Mercy who are part of the Regional Community of St. Louis – a group of Sisters who engage in a variety of ministries that serve women, children, the poor and the uneducated. The funding will allow St. John’s Foundation – Berryville to sponsor seven local children.

“As our economy has deteriorated, the needs have increased dramatically, and unfortunately, our donors are having difficulties too. This is the time we must all pull together and partner to improve Carroll County,” said Dr. Merlin Leach, Executive Director for The Merlin Foundation.

“We applaud the many good works Merlin and the Foundation have done to assist women and children in this community; and as part of our mission, we are grateful to be supporting this program,” said Kristy Noble, St. John’s Hospital – Berryville President.

The Merlin Foundation is dedicated to providing health, education, social services, advocacy and lobbying on behalf of children, women and families, to make tomorrow better than today for future generations.

“The Merlin Foundation is a vital asset to Carroll County. St. John’s Foundation – Berryville is pleased to partner in the outreach efforts of the Merlin Foundation which has, and continues to, assist women and children across Northwest Arkansas,” explained Nicole Hoppel, St. John’s Foundation – Berryville Executive Director.

About St. John’s Foundation – Berryville
St. John’s Foundation – Berryville manages the fundraising activities of St. John's Hospital-Berryville with a goal of enhancing health services to the Region. Currently, St. John’s Foundation-Berryville supports health care scholarships, new technology and capital needs for St. John’s Hospital-Berryville. In addition, the foundation has the responsibility for planned giving and other areas of support for the hospital.

Board Changes

2008-07-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

We were very pleased and disappointed at the same time when our Board Chairman was elected the position of Circuit Judge on May 20th. Judge, Gerald “Kent” Crow has been a District Judge serving Eastern Carroll County. We are very happy for Kent and want to thank him for his ten years of service on our Board, but since there could be an appearance of conflict with Kent hearing Child Abuse cases which we have helped investigate Kent tendered his resignation. A loss for us, but a true blessing for the children and families we serve. Kent has demonstrated a passion for the children and a sense of fairness which will benefit everyone who comes before him.

We know a great part of our success and growth over these past ten years has been due to Kent’s leadership and dedication to our mission. We will never be able to thank him enough for his service.

At our Board meeting of June 30th. the Board voted to elect to the Board, Ms. Shelley Summers. Shelley has been a member of our Advisory Board since 1994 and a strong supporter. With over 17 years as a police detective sgt. and service as a juvenile probation officer she will be a great asset to the Board and our Foundation's leadership. Shelley is married to Billy Summers who is a Paramedic/Firefighter with the Eureka Springs Fire-Rescue Department. They have three children and live in Eureka Springs. Shelley is currently working for ADT Security Systems and completing her Masters Degree in Leadership and Ethics at John Brown University.

At that same meeting the Board members elected Ms. Anita Engert to serve as Chairperson and Michelle Steiner to serve as Secretary Treasurer.

We are looking forward to many more years of serving women, children and families and are sincerely thankful there are those who will take the time from their busy schedules to add to the leadership of our Foundation.

Greenspan Declares Recession – DUH

2008-04-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Over the last five years those of us who work with people who have slipped from barely making a living into devastating poverty are in no way surprised by Mr. Greenspan’s statements yesterday. There has been a recession going on for our lower income citizens since the price of gas went over two and a half dollars.

Working single mothers, minimum wage earners and those who rely on generous tips from their customers hit the benchmark and have continued to fall further and further into desperation. Making decisions no American should have to make. Decisions like, do I buy my medicine or do I buy food? Do I go to the doctor or do I try to ride this illness out and feed my family?

As many of you know we have a project providing Outreach, Education and Screening Mammograms for women and men who are underinsured, uninsured or can not afford their co-payments for regular breast screenings, diagnostic or ultrasound procedures in Carroll and Madison Counties of Northwest Arkansas.

Each year we not only pay for these procedures we reach out to over two thousand women with educational programs and literature on breast health and breast self-examinations. We even have a breast care navigator to assist those who do find they need additional procedures to help them through the complex maze of the medical world which becomes even more complex when you do not have insurance or money to pay for these effective but very costly procedures.

In the last 15 months we have provided over $57,750 in financial assistance and have a commitment for over $42,000 for these services over the next 12 months. That amounts to nearly $100,000 in breast care in 27 months.

While every one of us involved in the project gasps when someone gets negative results our hearts raise up a prayer of thanks that we might be a small part of saving someone’s life. We have seen the faces of women whose lives have been saved because of these early detection and educational programs.

The next question is where do we get the funds to continue this needed service in these low income areas? The answer is two sources. The main source in the Ozark Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen, For the Cure. Where do they get their money? A lot of sources, but the main source is their annual “Race for the Cure” held in Springdale, Arkansas. This year it will be held – come rain or shine – on April 19th. I personally, our Board and those two thousand women who count on us are asking you to come out and join in this fun and worthwhile event. For more information call the Affiliate Office at (479) 750-PINK. You’ll have a great time, meet many wonderful people, many who are survivors, and be helping so many in these difficult times.

The other source is from people just like you. People who care about those less fortunate and want to be part of saving lives in this area. You can donate on-line at our website and specify for Women’s Health or any one of our successful projects or programs by clicking here

If filling your gas tank with $3.25 a gallon gas is an aggravation and not a choice between getting to work or feeding your children… make a difference… right now. Call the Affiliate and sign up for the race or make your direct gift right now.

A Day Off

2008-02-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

It is Saturday and I've decided to take the day off from my basic Foundation duties. Cleaned up around my work area, but mostly just took a little time to think and get back on track. I’ve made the statement many times lately that everything seems to be going so fast. I wish others would have replied that they disagreed with me, but so far everyone has said something like “sure does”.

It is sad that we are all on the merry-go-round turning at high speed. I think we are missing a lot of the quality available to us on life’s journey. Those quality parts that make for smiles when we get old and can no longer find a whole lot to smile about.

I was talking to a friend the other day about her experience of going on family vacations. She smiled, a very important comment in itself, and began to tell me several of the places they all went and exactly which month they went. Down to the exact week of the month.

Later, I was reflecting, as I am now that I have not taken a vacation, at least nothing more than a day trip, since starting the Foundation in 1993. That means two things. One, I have gone almost 15 years without taking a vacation and two, I’m not very smart.

I am so quick to say that the family unit in America has nearly vanished. A family together and families together are the glue that holds the delicate threads of civilized society together. I can’t help but wonder if I, a advocate for children and families, am walking my talk. Surely not, at least based on my behavior over these past 15 years.

Perhaps this is going to be the final tear in the fabric of our society. When those of us who are blessed with the job of trying to hold lives together lose their own. Perhaps that is the tipping point where we have lost the battle. Are we, the helpers, failing to walk in the steps of our great teachers?

I’m glad I took a little time off on this windy Saturday to think and reflect. To look at myself and to get back on track. Well, at least see the direction to take. Back to who I am, what I believe and to walk my talk. If I don’t I would be of no more value than the majority of our politicians whose talk is so very different from their walk.

I urge you to take a day or even a week and rediscover your personal philosophy. See if you are living it or living with the rest of the mice on the wheel. Me I’m scheduling a vacation.

Education - Up or Down?

2008-01-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

I purchased one of those new internet phone, PDA do everything toys Friday. It is now Sunday afternoon and I finally have the device set up to the point where I can do email, call, find contacts and surf the internet. There are many more whistles and bells, but for the most part it is in operation.

I don’t claim to be a computer guru nor a whiz in math, but I believe my skills in those areas are well above average. It took most of two days and my brain is well worn after this experience. I imagine most people can understand. I might add that I don’t have a lot of money and this was a major purchase which adds to the stress. I can’t afford to break it or toss it without suffering a big loss.

In my tired state I let my mind drift. Something that is easy to do at my age. I remembered an article recently published in one of the five or six newspapers I regularly read. It said that American high school students scored 26th on math tests when compared against all nations.

I don’t know if I can name many more than 26 Nations much less name 25 that are, at least in math, better educated than our American children. Can you?

In the survey for best jobs in the future MSN published a report that went like this. High Tech side of the computer business… programmers etc; then financial gurus; followed by medicine including dental professions.

Now it has been a lot of years since I since I taught at the university level and even more since I finished my grad degrees, but in those days all of these professions required considerable math skills.

America is moving and has been moving for the past two decades out of manufacturing into services and high tech. It isn’t a new trend. So my question is… what are we doing in education?
In our dinky state of Arkansas if taken at all levels combined the largest burden on the tax payer is education. Health and human services run a close second. My guess is if we add economic development, mainly geared to attract high tech jobs, it makes up over 60% of the state tax burden.

I guess it all proves the low math scores are correct. The public can not calculate return on investment when it comes to government spending vs. payback. Are our children and our future going the way of an uneducated third world country? Have we reached the tipping point in education?

Education, up or down you decide.

Something to Think About

2007-09-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

On August 22, 2007, Leonard Doyle, a Washington based news correspondent with the London newspaper, The Independent, published one of the most interesting articles I have read in a great while. I’ll provide a link here with the caveat that I cannot control how long the link will be active. Click here.

Mr. Doyle’s prose focused on the US Congress (Democrat Controlled) and its’ change of heart towards reducing the carbon footprint of the USA. He explains that they see great economic growth by turning America Green. The House of Representatives wants to spend nearly $7 billion in the coming year to start the process in a big way.

He readily admits there will be White House opposition. “The oil industry”, he states “is keen to open vast new areas off Alaska’s coast for drilling. The rising temperatures brought on by global warming, have made this a possibility, which the industry wants to exploit.”

Forces from the three sacred cows of congress, coal, cars and corn are bound to contribute efforts to steal the thunder and the cash which could divert much of the effort.

What does this mean to you? I surely don’t know, but it means a lot to me. First, if I had a child finishing high school, I would have him or her look at college majors that would work in to this new economic expansion. Clean technology, wind-turbine and solar panel installers and engineers. The new green collar workers are on their way. Next, as an investor, worried about my retirement I would keep a close eye on this one for possible investing.

Last, I will watch my Congressional Delegation, who sides with big oil and who votes for the future of America and our planet.

It appears that America has finally figured out a way to make money by doing something good. I hope it replaces our economy which has been based on war for so many years.

Please write a letter, send an email or call your Congressional Representative and let him or her know what you think. You can find out who they are and how to contact them on our website – “Resource Page”, click here. Just as important set down with a young person and express your concerns. Tomorrow and for the rest of their life this is important.

Just something to think about.

Why Continue

2007-08-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

In our business we work with people who are experiencing what is often the most emotionally devastating and painful days of their lives. One minute we are talking to the Mother of a molested child, often abused by a trusted family member. Later the same day we listen to the fear in the voice of a woman who has just been told she needs to have that lump biopsied. Sometimes it is talking to a little girl in our play area after her interview assuring her she didn’t do anything wrong by “telling”.

Once in awhile someone will tell us that so and so said something bad about me personally or our work. The first thought in one’s head is “why continue…does anyone really care?” Or when the money is tight and Anita and I dig into our savings to buy a 16 year old single mother diapers for her new baby. “Do people really care about people?” It is very evident they care about big buildings, but do they really care about people?

Then it happens as it did last week when I received a call on my cell phone from Tom Riddle a local businessman. He has seen our 1995 Villager mini-van and asked how many miles we had on it. “A little over 238,000.” I replied. Anyway he asked if we could get by with a car or if we really needed a mini. Then he said to go by David Davis Chevrolet and check out the Malibu. I did and called him back with a big, you bet it would work.

The next morning there was another call from Tom. If you had a choice would you like white or gold? I said white. “Well.’” he said. “I want you to meet with David Davis, Judy and me tomorrow morning at David’s Dealership. Judy, Tom's lovely wife, and I want to donate a Malibu to your Foundation.”

The next morning there it was a beautiful white Malibu with all the trimmings. It was hard to even talk to the reporters. I’m, this is no surprise to my friends, quite emotional and find it extremely difficult to hold to the male standard of no water in the eyes on such occasions. I think I pulled it off, at least while the press was there, but I assure you it wasn’t easy.

I’m so very thankful for this gift which will reduce our maintenance, our gas bill and give our clients a great ride. We had to replace the starter on the mini-van a few weeks ago for just under $300. That took away our ability to help a child. In a month with this new car we have that money back on fuel savings alone.

Thank you Tom, Judy and David. You and others who unselfishly support our work is exactly why we have continued for 14 years. Some people care as much as we do.

Thank you, Melody, Leonard & Chip

2007-03-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have been asked many times how we finance our programs. For some special projects we have received grants from Foundations or other organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation that provides the majority of the funding for our breast care project. Our Drug Endangered Children’s Unit was provided by a special grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. Although these are large amount of funds they do not cover all the services we provide every day for those in need. Nor do they pay the electric, gas or phone bills.

Our day-to-day ability to provide for those in need comes from individuals, church groups, businesses and occasionally from groups who hold functions to raise money on our behalf.

Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet three great people who organized a tour in Eureka Springs last November for the Porsche Club of America. In addition to the event they held an art auction selling donated pieces of art from local artisans. They raised funds to be used for our children’s programs. The organizers were Melody and Leonard Zechiedrich and Chip Gibbons of Fayetteville. Two Porsche Clubs attended from Fayetteville and Tulsa.

If you’ve ever organized a multi-state event you know it is a lot of work. Add an art auction and it is a major undertaking. I’m sure the participant’s, about 100 cars and about 200 people from 14 states, enjoyed the day, but I’m also sure Melody, Leonard and Chip had quite a workout. A workout for our kids.

We are very appreciative of their efforts, not only for the donation, but also for the vote of confidence in our work. Thank you, Melody, Leonard, Chip and the Porsche Owners who helped make our job easier.

If you want to visit the Porsche Club website click here. If you would like to make a secure on-line donation to help click here and scroll down to the donor box or visit our on-line Mall. With almost 1000 stores I’m sure you can find something for someone special in your life.

Again, we can only provide for others because of your generous support.

Thank you!

American Society & Christian Values?

2007-02-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

As most of you know our Foundation works in rural areas and except for a few necessary trips into the big cities have I have lost almost all contact with that part of American Society.

Yesterday, my heart was struck with sadness by an article on Fox News and other Internet media sources about large cities passing laws which target the homeless and now those who would try to feed them.

We at the Foundation are aware of the imbalance of power between the poor and the rich and powerful every day. Prosecution and sentencing of perpetrators glaringly swayed by who you are or who you know. It takes far less than a rocket scientist to see that a wealthy business owner and an illegal immigrant from Mexico charged with the same crime will see different charges levied and if convicted, vastly different sentences. We see it and we deal with it, but this new trend is a new low for the rich politicians and their economic development partners.

Laws have been passed in Florida and elsewhere making it illegal to feed the homeless. Think of it. First, they passed laws to outlaw being homeless and living in public places. Areas where the rich like to hang out and sell expensive real estate. Now they have passed laws making it a criminal offense to feed the homeless. That means church groups and nonprofits trying to fulfill their mission to help the poor are now criminals.

This my readers, is a new bottom mark for our lawmakers and public officials and another blow to the values and teachings of Christianity. It is now a crime in Florida to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

We all know most of the homeless are there because of mental illness not lack of desire for a better life. Our government started by taking away help for the mentally ill by reducing financial support to churches and charities that help. Seeing this, good Americans of Christian faith, responded by giving more to their charity and their church. Now a head-on collision between developers and their friendly elected officials and the homeless has happened. The developers and greedy politicians strike another blow for cash by taking from the poor. But this time it is blow to our way of life, and our Christian desire to help others in need by making us guilty of a crime for trying to help.

When do we draw the line… when do we stand up for what we believe in and when do we return a civilized society based on Christian and humanitarian values and not the power of the dollar?

Terry Crabtree

2007-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

In the early morning hours last Sunday our good friend the Honorable Terry Crabtree passed away. Terry had served in Viet Nam and the Los Angeles Police Department before returning to his Grandfather’s Farm in Northwest Arkansas.

He became a lawyer, then elected to the position of Circuit/Chancery Judge over the Juvenile Courts in Benton and Carroll County. That is where we met in early 1993. Someone had told Terry I recently moved to the area and started a nonprofit organization. I knew a little about child abuse, poverty and dysfunctional families.

The original purpose of the Merlin Foundation was to build a retreat center for family members who had lost a child. A place to take some time alone and with others who, the wicked hand of fate, had cast into the same river of loss and confusion. A place of beauty, organic food, woods and streams. A place that Anita and I felt would by its very nature reconnect each of them with a beautiful force greater than themselves to reinstall that lost sense of hope.

Well we had the property, moved to a rented house in a nearby city and started construction on the main house, library, main meeting room, roads, a bridge and a large greenhouse. It was then that fate put Terry and I together.

Judge Crabtree had word given to me that he would like to visit over in his Bentonville office. I went and when I left I carried a new mission for the Foundation back to Anita. Terry gave me a letter telling of the abnormally high rate of child abuse and the growth rate of 25% every year in this beautiful rural area. Our Board got together and decided on a course to help this man and the children and families of the area. We would finish the buildings we started at the Center and then help this caring Judge for a couple of years. By the end of 1994 we had established a CASA program and a Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team.

That two to three year commitment has stretched out to over 14 years now. Terry moved up to the Arkansas Court of Appeals in 1996 and remained there until his passing last week. He had just been reelected.

The Foundation has evolved to meet the needs of the area and grown into a full-time effort. Child Abuse case rates have stopped their rapid growth and are decreasing. The Child Abuse Team meets like old friends on each case, not always agreeing, but always looking out for the best interest of the child and the family.

When I received the call of Terry’s passing it was like someone taking a piece of my heart, a large chunk of hope and a reality shock beyond belief leaving me numb for this past week. I came to the realization the true founder of the Merlin Foundation was gone. My young friend, only 55 years old, wouldn’t be there any more with encouragement and support. I feel today just one week to the day from receiving the news that I need a place to escape for a while. A place like the original center to reflect and find that magnificent source of beauty and hope that keeps our human spirit going after a great personal loss.

Terry our friend, we’ll never forget your love for others and the hope you have given those of us working in the back roads and streets of poverty and abuse to make a difference in a child’s life. You made a difference in ours.

Special Notice

2006-08-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

We just received this message and felt we should post it here for our readers.

**********************
NEED YOUR HELP DISTRIBUTING THIS INFO:

URGENT LIFE SAVING ALERT from Dr. Daniel Reidenberg, Executive Director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.save.org):

There is a real likelihood and possibility that the 1-800-SUICIDE number will not work past Friday night. That number has been widely distributed across the country.
It is critically important that we let as many people as possible in our fields know that there is a Nationally supported Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK and people will be available to help them if in crisis.

We need your help!!

Please distribute this message, including the “talking points” found below, to addiction professionals, healthcare providers and other appropriate colleagues in your areas.

We strongly encourage you to:

*Email the information to appropriate individuals in your address book
*Post the information on appropriate electronic discussion lists
*Advertise the information on your Web sites

***************************
Talking Points Regarding Suicide Prevention Hotline

Ø We are working diligently to ensure that every person calling for help during a suicidal crisis is answered. Together with the federal Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the entire suicide prevention community, we are putting measures in place to make this happen. They include:

o Ensuring that the entire suicide-prevention community is working the phones and Internet to make sure that all referring agencies know that 1-800-273-TALK is the number to call for suicide intervention.

o Notifying service providers, including directory 411 and 211 operators, that 1-800-SUICIDE is scheduled to go out of service beginning August 12, 2006 and to direct callers to 1-800-273-TALK for help.

o Redirecting callers who call 1-800-SUICIDE to call 1-800-273-TALK through a recording.

Ø We acknowledge and appreciate the work done by the Kristin Brooks Hope Center (KBHC) and 1-800-SUICIDE to raise awareness of the important issue of suicide prevention.

o Help is still available through 1-800-273-TALK.

o We are in touch with local crisis centers, mental health organizations, and other providers to help them let their communities know that 1-800-273-TALK is available and accessible to those in need of suicidal crisis intervention.

Ø The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, has already helped tens of thousands of callers. Since January 2005, the Lifeline has served as a central switchboard to immediately connect callers –24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to virtually the same network of certified local crisis centers accessed by 1-800-SUICIDE so callers can receive counseling or emergency services, if needed, close to home.

o All calls to the lifeline are private and confidential. SAMHSA, crisis centers participating in the Lifeline network, and the Mental Health Association of New York City—the private nonprofit that operates the Lifeline—do not collect or store personally identifiable information about callers to the Lifeline.

Ø The data remind us daily of the numbers of individuals – both young and old – who are in crisis and contemplating suicide. We recognize that both public and private-sector resources need to work to help stem the devastation suicide leaves behind for families, friends, colleagues, and communities.

o SAMHSA has made it publicly known that they have been and are willing to assume responsibility for maintaining 1-800-SUICIDE as a public service. SAMHSA is committed to ensuring that individuals in crisis have access to resources that may assist them and their families.

Thank you for your help in distributing this urgent, potentially life-saving message.
Please send any questions or concerns to Dr. Dan Reidenberg at dreidenberg@save.org.

Time

2006-06-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

As I’ve grown older the issue of time has begun to play an ever-increasing role in my life. It isn’t hard to remember, not that long ago, those four years of high school seemed like an eternity. An even greater example was my last six months of active duty in the Navy. Wife and daughter at home and me thousand of miles away.

Now time seems like it is going at a quickened pace. Year changes can only be noticed when you put the wrong year on your checks each January. Even better when you hear a teen say that teacher is so old. He must be at least fifty. For me fifty is a fast approaching class reunion.

Then this morning I realized another issue of time. How I allow it to control me. Being a small nonprofit PDA’s are still out of budget range, but I clutch my Day-timer like a television preacher holds his Bible. I make notes on appointments, reports due, calls to make and other calls to return and a to-do list which superman himself would be hard-pressed to complete in the assigned time.

At the end of the day I start reviewing what I didn’t get done. Transferring missed items to the next day, only adding to tomorrow’s suffering. Then it begins to set in. Depression and that feeling of having failed not only myself, but all those people I was supposed to call or e-mail or the ultimate, a report which will be a day late.

A process begins. Negative feelings about myself build. Guilt, wow, there is a good one. An abundance of guilt washes over everything. The depression deepens and a low-grade anger begins. The finger-pointing, internal dialogue runs rampant and lame excuses start arriving. No, I say to myself I don’t get paid for this abuse. I can’t do it all. I need some help.

Looking around, in our case for a volunteer. Someone to take this intense pressure away. Then the realization hits. Everyone I know is in the same position. Managed by time, owned by the clock and a slave to the to-do list.

This morning something unusual happened. I was setting in my library writing in my journal when the realization struck me. Not only is my daily schedule of time limited so is the time I have left on earth to experience all the beauty and wonder life offers.

The obvious next question is why am I living this way. Running as fast as I can towards and end that is certain even though the when of the event is not. I think we all dream, maybe even expect there will come a day, somewhere in the future, when we can quit our slave-master relationship with time. A place where we are the master and not the slave to this insidious dilemma.

My best guess is never unless we do something about it. Mater of fact, in most of our lives it will be never end. Particularly if we as individual components of what we call society don’t begin to shift our values and priorities away from what others think of us. This includes who has the best car and biggest house, to living in peace with a comfortable spot inside ourselves without the constant time driven chatter. The old book comes to mind, “Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda”.

Take some time to think about time and family, children, friends and lovers. The only certainty in life is that time as we know it will end at a time uncertain. “Wooda-Coulda-Shoulda” makes a very sad epitaph.

I guess this is the time to take some time for me. My kitty just jumped onto my lap and seems intent on taking a little snooze. With my to-do list left uncompleted I think he has the answer. I’m going to lean back and take a little nap-time myself.

Volunteer for Abused Children

2006-06-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

We frequently speak to groups about the work the Foundation does with child abuse victims and their families. It rarely fails that late in the talk or immediately after someone asks if they can volunteer to help the children. Our first reaction is “great we always need volunteers”.

Next is the dose of reality for both them and us. The first is what would you like to do? This is met with a look in the prospective volunteers eye of – “just hold them and make it better”. We wish it were that easy. The cost is small and volunteers would abound.

As a small rural charity let me mention what a charity that cares for families and children of abuse need. Actually, let’s not get carried away. What do we need?

First and foremost is cash. Gas is nearly three dollars a gallon and rural travel uses a lot of it. Then the electric company, trash pick-up, water, constant building maintenance and repairs and a long list of supplies. All take cash, goodwill and noble purpose doesn’t do anything for the phone company. Did I mention gas and phone cards for indigent victims and often food and clothing? Taking children to appointments and interviews and more gas.

Who can cut the grass and weed the gardens every week. Oh, I forgot to mention nearly daily cleaning, stocking the refrigerator for the victims and the family members when they come for services.

High on the list are family and child advocates and someone to answer the phone. I may have forgot to mention we are a 100% volunteer organization so every area needs volunteers.

Since the children are kept under a cover of confidentiality mandated by both state and federal laws you’ll have to have an extensive background check which can take several months.

Having said all this I can tell you there is little if anything that will make you feel better when you get home to your children and family than having made a difference in the life of someone in need. For me it makes every year worth the effort.

If this seems like something you might like to do find the nearest Children’s Advocacy Center or CASA program and sign up. You’ll never regret it.

Reverse Immigration

2006-04-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

The news is rich these days with the illegal and legal immigration issue. Seems like everyone has an opinion, but no one has a solution.

Well think again. On Friday April 28, 2006 the Congress of Mexico passed a landmark bill with a vote of 53-26 (one abstention) that allows for the possession of illegal drugs for personal use. These drugs include, Cocaine, LSD, Heroin, Marijuana, MDA, Ecstasy, Amphetamines and a few others.

President Vicente Fox’s chief spokesperson stated the President will sign the Bill into law.

The law allows possession of up to 25 milligrams of heroin; 5 grams of Marijuana (about four joints); a half gram of Cocaine, enough for several lines; and different levels for other drugs including a kilogram, about 2.2 pounds of peyote.

As an additional incentive remember the legal age to drink alcohol in Mexico is 18 and that is rarely enforced.

Think about this for a minute. We have a flood of illegal and legal immigrants arriving from Mexico every year. In my experience these people come here to work, make a better life for themselves and in many cases send money back home to help support their families. All in all not a bad bunch of folks just trying to carve out a piece of the American dream.

My experience in Domestic Violence, Rape and Child Abuse has included thousands of cases where the perpetrator is a drug user or alcoholic. Friends in law enforcement tell me that drug users commit most crimes from theft to homicide. A major portion of their workload.

So here is how it can work. We can make an exchange. We’ll send Mexico all our addicted drug users and alcoholics and we will take all of their people who want to contribute to our economy. That would, of course, be via an improved legal immigration process. We do not support any illegal activity. Our prison populations will decrease and our Gross Domestic Product will increase. The workload on law enforcement will decrease and our safety will increase.

Doesn’t sound like a bad solution to me. Here the American Congress and President Bush have been at it over a month now without a workable solution. They have created one of the most divisive issues since the pro-life…pro-choice debate.

Now if President Bush, who is very unhappy about this new Mexican Legislation, will just leave it alone we may have a solution. At the very least not a bad trade. Remember NAFTA.

Political Spin

2006-03-31T13:33:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I do not appreciate political spin particularly when it assumes the American public is stupid.

Recently, even the news today, carried articles about the "Lobbying Scandal" in Washington. In my rant I ran across a fellow Blogger who had it, in my opinion, exactly right. Not wanting to write my thoughts when his are right on I'll give you a little excerpt here and then a link to his URL.

Please, Don't Say "Lobbying Reform"

Democrats and Republicans are falling over each other to introduce "lobbying reform" bills -- requiring lobbyists to disclose contacts with legislators, banning trips, etc. By the end of next week, we will have between two and four lobbying reform packages, and will enter a ridiculous debate about which bill would leave fewer loopholes.
Can I take this Sunday evening calm to plead with Democrats not to go down this road. Where’s George Lakoff when we need him??? Please don’t reinforce the frame that this is a "lobbying scandal" and the villain a "lobbyist" named Jack Abramoff. That’s the other side’s frame. This is not a lobbying scandal. It’s a betrayal-of-public-trust scandal. Lobbyists have no power, no influence, until a public servant gives them power. That’s what DeLay and the K Street Project was all about. What they did was to set up a system by which lobbyists who proved their loyalty in various ways, such as taking DeLay and Ney on golf trips to Scotland, could be transformed from supplicants to full partners in government.

Click Here to go to BLOG

As I said. Drop by and read it.

3 Million American Political Prisoners

2006-01-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

First, I want to declare that I do not care if you are on the right or the left. I do care, but this is not the forum for taking sides so I will try to keep this neither liberal nor conservative.

That said, Fox News on Thursday, January 26th. carried a story under its Junk Science column about the FDA and their recent vote to ban asthma medications. It seems that the FDA Advisory Panel has voted to take the ‘essential use” designation off over-the-counter asthma medications, namely Primatene Mist, which allows them to be sold. For over 3 million asthma suffers it is an effective medication at low cost and without a doctor’s visit.

The ‘essential use” designation is because the propellant, the stuff that makes them spray out, is a CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon). This is the stuff that used to be in your air-conditioners, refrigerators etc. Because of the Montreal Protocol signed by the United States, CFC’s have been banned. CFC’s are said to deplete the ozone layer increasing global heating. The ‘essential use” allows Wyeth Consumer Health Products to continue making the product.

So far not a big deal until you hear the comments about why and who is getting hurt. The FDA wants to abide by the “Protocol” and remove the product. The environmentalist after all, including Al Gore, pushed the agreement. So the present Administration wants to help Mr. Gore out. He and other environmentalist have been hitting this Administration rather hard lately and this is just a good faith environmental gesture. Or is it?

Let’s look at who these 3 million people are. Over 700,000 of these 3 million users can’t get prescriptions medications. Inhalers which use CFC’s under the same “essential use” provision as the non-prescription, because they do not have health insurance and are poor.

Admittedly, these 700,000 plus poor asthma sufferers could die without this medication and the entire 3 million will have to see a physician and pay for the office visit, additionally they will pay for the much higher cost prescription asthma inhaler. Who wins in this deal? Think about it 3 plus million people will have to go to the doctor to get prescriptions at least annually at about $100 a visit plus any tests, then go get a prescription inhaler at four to six times the cost and bill it to insurance, if they have any. The insurance companies can cite greater losses and raise rates. The winners, physicians, drug companies and insurance companies. Losers….The Poor.

The conservative administration wants to support CFC elimination and support the Montreal Protocol. Fox News, who by anyone’s evaluation except the most right of right conservative, would be considered a conservative news media, points out that these poor people are going to suffer and perhaps die because of these environmentalist, but the FDA is just trying to play fair. They also, quickly and quite convincingly point out that there has never been anything beyond ‘Junk Science” behind the claim that CFC’s do any damage to the atmosphere. There you have it. All these people are going to suffer because of Mr. Gore and company.

What we have here is a conservative FDA holding 3 million people hostage, perhaps causing as many as 700,000 poor to suffer and perhaps die to make a point. They hope to stir up 3 million people who may be upset with the conservatives and thinking about voting for the left later this year. They expect an outcry from these 3 million denouncing the action and the environmentalist. If the left makes it an issue the right can say we are just doing what you asked for.

The miscalculation on this one is the poor have little or no voice. If they happen to African-Americans they have Al and Jessie, but for the just plain old poor rest of American there isn’t a national voice. Keep an eye on the media. See if anyone else looks at this political maneuvering and spin and how the American’s poor are being held hostage with a death sentence hanging over their heads for a political “got-cha”. You won't see it. You do remember all the press about the poor whites who didn’t get out of New Orleans. Imagine if they recommended taking all inhalers off the market, prescription and nonprescription, which would hurt rich and poor alike. Now that would at least be bipartisan and hurt all sectors. It will never happen and you know it.

Please do not misread us, this it isn’t about poor African-Americans, Whites, Indian, Hispanic or any other race or religion. It is about all poor people in our Country. When will the politicians learn? Being poor, hungry, homeless and used as an expendable political pawn is unacceptable. And to not care for those who suffer is not Christian either. Shame on you FDA.

E-mail me if you see anything about this issue from the vantage point of the poor in the press…

The Rules for Being Human

2005-11-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

I would like to take credit for writing the below "Rules", but I must admit it was sent to me by one of our friends in Little Rock a week ago. Most of those pass along eMails end in the delete file, but I thought this worth sharing. Neither the sender or I know it's source. I hope you enjoy it.

"The Rules for Being Human"

You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.

You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.

There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much apart of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works."

A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive there are lessons to be learned.

"There" is no better than "here." When your "there" has become a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."

Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours. Your answers lie inside you. The answer to life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

This will often be forgotten, only to be remembered again.

Internet Safety and Protection Act of 2005

2005-11-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Merlin Foundation has joined with the National Children's Alliance to endorse the Internet Safety and Protection Act of 2005 (S. 1507/ H.R. 3479).

The purpose of the legislation is to protect children from internet pornography and support law enforcement and other efforts to combat internet and pornography-related crimes against children.

A July 2005 report done by Third Way, a strategic center for progressive ideas, found that the largest group of online views of pornography is kids between 12 and 17. And furthermore, 97% of Internet pornography sites now run on an honor system known as the "porn standard." If children simply assert that they are over 18, they get access.

Here are some quick notes on the bill:

It will work to prevent children under age 18 from accessing pornographic websites by providing tighter verification standards to block minors from entering these sites. Specifically, websites that offer pornographic materials for sale would have to employ new or existing age verification software that requires government-issued IDs that establish the user's age to screen out children and teenagers.

It establishes a trust fund to beef up law enforcement efforts, financed with a 25% smut tax on the sale of pornographic products on the internet.

The funds would also be used for DOJ's Cybertipline, the Internet Crime's Against Children's Task Force, research and development, and educational training.

This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) on July 27, 2005. The following House Members are co-sponsors:

Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN) Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC) Rep. David Price (D-NC) Rep. Harold Ford (D-TN) Rep. Robert Menedez (D-NJ) Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD)

H.R. 3479 has been referred to the House subcommittee on Select Education.

The Senate version of the bill (S. 1507) was introduced in the Senate by Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR) on July 27, 2005.

The following Senators are co-sponsors:

Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO)

S. 1507 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Remember, you can get your Member's phone, fax, and other information at our website under the Resource Page. A phone call asking for support of S. 1507 or H.R. 3479 would be appreciated. Or you can send a quick fax.

Doing “Good” because it is Right.

2005-11-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

Talking with a friend several years ago I was told that in the Muslim Religion when one returns to meet his or her maker he is judged not only on the good and bad deeds he has done, but also on the times she had the opportunity to do something good and did nothing. I have no idea if this is true, but it is an interesting concept and worth looking at in our daily lives.

In my Midwest, Christian, “Father Knows Best” beginnings we were taught right from wrong, good from bad and kindness as exemplified in the teachings of Jesus. It may be too many years or I may have been sick that day, but I was never told that to overlook a chance to be kind or to do good because I was too busy or just didn’t feel like it was not the right thing to do. The emphasis was on" do no evil” or you’ll pay on judgment day. Often it was more immediate and I was left with a rather red behind. Steer as best one can on a good path, don’t do bad or evil and we’re home free. Takes a lot of work, but it is, as they say, a do-able deal.

Now getting back to this idea of neglecting opportunities to do good. This brings up all types of questions. No one coming to the aid of a woman screaming for help late at night found raped and dead in the morning. Getting wrong, in your favor, change at the convenience store and walking away knowing the minimum wage clerk will have it deducted from his check. Not waiting, holding the door for a minute or two for that slower elderly person following you. Not saying something complimentary to your friend or your child just because they are there with you and you enjoy being with them. I’m sure if you try you can add a few more. Go ahead, name a couple of missed opportunities you had yesterday.

I think it would be interesting if everyone in America started the first week of each month looking at every opportunity to do something good and doing it. It would be a great start. Shouldn’t be too hard. Just twelve weeks out of fifty-two. Somehow, that strikes a chord of the teachings of Jesus, although I suspect he would have gone for fifty-two out of fifty-two, but we know what we've become. Too busy, too self-absorbed, too goal oriented and above all else our having more, living in a bigger better, driving a bigger better and in general just a better class than our neighbors.

Maybe we should make it even more realistic. How about doing one thing. An opportunity to do something right now to help thousands who will never know your name.

As you know one of our projects is to provide free screening mammograms, education and outreach to women in our area who can not afford it. You may also know the project is financially supported by the Ozark Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Well here is your chance for today. It won’t even cost you a penny. Try this... Go to the Komen National website: http://www.komen.org/; find the opportunity to fill out a short form to be added with thousand of others and become what we call an “eChampion”. It is easy painless and cost free and now that you’re aware of the opportunity to do good… well you know the rest. You’ll feel a lot better if you do.

By the way… tomorrow drop by our website http://www.merlinfoundation.com/ and make a tax deductible donation to help a child victim of abuse or just pop that check in the mail right now. Hey, that would go a long way towards your first week.

Children's Safety Act

2005-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

H.R. 3132, The Children's Safety Act of 2005, was on the floor of the House of Representatives today and it passed 371-52! This will strengthen sex offender laws as we know them. The bill will now go to the Senate.

As I am sure you know, in 1994 Congress passed the Jacob Wetterling CrimesAgainst Children and Sexually Violent Offenders Act which mandated that every state have a sex offender registry. This important new piece of legislation would create a comprehensive,NATIONAL system for sex offender registration and improve the exchange between states when sex offenders move from state to state-- something we have seen shut down all too often with terrible consequences. Furthermore, it would increase the penalties placed on offenders for failing to comply with the registration law.

If this bill were to be passed into law, new requirements would include: A national website containing information about all sex offenders in allstatesChanges in registry information immediately, electronically transmitted toall statesLaw enforcement notification of schools, child welfare agencies,youth-serving organizations, etc.... regarding the presence of a sex offender in the area. Lifetime registration for offenders with felony conviction. Felony offenders must verify registration biannually, in person. Offenders must notify law enforcement within 5 days of changes in registry information. Persons convicted of possession of child pornography must register. Federally recognized tribal lands will be covered by sex offender laws. Juveniles who convict sex crimes against children must also register.

This bill was originally introduced by Congressman Sensenbrenner (R-WI),Cong. Green (R-WI), Cong. DeLay (R-TX), Cong. Foley (R-FL), Cong. Poe(R-TX), Cong. Cramer (D-AL), Cong. Graves (R-MO), Cong. Gillmor (R-OH),Cong. Brown-Waite (R-FL) and Cong. Pomeroy (D-ND).

We will let you know when the bill goes to the Senate, so that you cancontact your Senators and encourage them to be supportive! For those of you that contacted your Members in the House, thank you.

Another Cost of the “Meth” Epidemic

2005-07-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

In a July 11th. article the NY Times studied another side effect of the unchecked growth of the Methamphetmine epidemic in America. Children in foster care.

They reported; In Oregon officials stated that their foster care client load would reduce by nearly half if “Meth” were eliminated. That amounts to nearly 2500 of the 5515 children they have in custody. Oklahoma estimates 16% and in Kentucky 12% additional case load due to “Meth”. In Tennessee the number of “Meth” children in custody went from 400 in 2003 to 700 in 2004.

It doesn’t take much of a thinker to realize that the State doesn’t make a good parent either in quality nor in cost effectiveness. Time and time again we see statistics where people arrested and in our prisons were a product of our foster care system.

This in no way is to infer that most foster care parents are bad. Our experience indicates the rules of the State, the movement of children from home to home and the feeling of abandonment on the part of the children who are not with their permanent family just doesn’t measure up to the “real” definition of a family.

It is time to look at the whole problem of “Meth” and it’s impact on our lives. Increased crimes of all types including child abuse; the added destruction of thousands of children with no “real” family and the costs of massive prisons to house these users.

Each of us owes it to our "American Family", meaning all of us, to take action.

Join with us at the Foundation; assist your local law enforcement and vote out every elected official who is soft on this drug that is destroying our American way of life. Ask every candidate you meet if "Meth", children and families are a priority.

Sex Offender Posting

2005-07-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Recently the media has come alive with cases where sex offenders, some out on bond, some on parole and others just out, have committed crimes against children of such proportions that even the most liberal thinker would agree… the public needs to know who these predators are and where they are.

Not true.

I recently saw an article from Florida where a sex offender had been released from a mental institution and discovered his picture prominently posted in his neighborhood. He committed suicide. People became outraged and started to demand that the practice of posting these convicted offenders stop.

As I write the US Department of Justice is making a website which will give links to all states who post their registered sex offenders. A note to their e-mail to me was that Washington only publishes those who have committed crimes against children. Those fine people in the northwest feel it is right to protect an offender who violently beats rapes an adult woman. Actually, one who would rape and kill his victim would be protected also. Murders don’t get posted anywhere that I know of.

I’ve been known to hang a tad on the left when it comes to social issues in general and a giant step from center on women and children’s issues, so I have spent a lot of time trying to see the other side. I cannot however, find any logic which would make me want to protect from society and future victims the identities of those who are level three and four sex offenders.

If you didn’t know, level one and two sex offenders are not published anywhere. Level three and four… those evaluated as likely and highly likely to re-offend are the only ones posted on state websites and only level four are posted in their neighborhoods.

Our Florida fellow must have been a level four to see his picture.

Come on folks, it has taken our Government, state and federal over two hundred years to say that the public and victims have at least as many rights and offenders in just a few areas. Let’s not take a step backwards and allow any repeal or softening on those who chose to violate women and children.

On a related issue, I believe every employee and volunteer of every public and private school, day care and charity (Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs etc.) that work with children have a background check. What do you think? Would you like to help with a legislative effort to make background checks a law? E-Mail me… my address can be located on the main page of our website. Our website is listed in the Blog Profile.

Why do you do what you do?

2005-04-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

There are two consistent questions I get nearly every week about my work and the Foundation. How can you work day in and day out with abused children, broken and suffering families and the constant personal attacks that come from your work? And, secondly, why do you do it?

Recently, I have been very ill and it has been hard both physically and emotionally to keep it going, but with every call for help, there seems to be a small burst of energy to keep responding. Where this comes from and the answers to the questions above are what I want to “Blog” about today. Since this is very personal I would ask that your response be directed towards me and not the Foundation. There are, of course, many people that keep the entire ship going and even though the Foundation has my name on it, I am not the Foundation nor is the Foundation me.

With the advantage of many years of hindsight to refer to, I can tell you that although I have had many choices to make, paths to pick and one heck of a lot of plain old hard times it all seemed to end up here. I have discovered that while we all make choices that create our future, looking back with enough years, it makes sense. It is almost as if it is pre-ordained. Destiny, some call it, but I prefer to call it directed choices.

Those of you, who know me personally, know my childhood was steeped in religion. As with many who have such beginnings I could not reconcile what I was being taught and the overwhelming amount of suffering I personally experienced and saw in the world around me. This set me on a quest, not in any way defined or even clearly identified, to find a truth, a path, a way, a religion or philosophy to understand the suffering and quite frankly reduce some of my own.

A better job, more children, more money, a different church, no church at all, a new philosophy, even more college degrees only brought a new set of circumstances which brought its own new version of fear and suffering. Life for the most part just became more complex and every day a new challenge which became a life of struggle to survive not the life of peace and joy that was promised. I could not accept nor would I accept that I would have to spend my life here on earth suffering so that in a later life I would find that promised peace. It had to be here also.

What I have discovered is perhaps overly simple, but it goes like this. We are very human, meaning we really do not know too much about life at a very profound level. We make decisions every minute of every day that creates the actions and reactions of life to respond. In the midst of this dance it is very hard and often impossible to make sense of any of it, but with the benefit of years, a pattern will emerge that will show you that you are exactly where you should be for that given point in your life. Life is constantly changing and so is each of us. Everything in life is temporary. The hottest neighborhood, the greatest car, the downright best new job… none of it lasts. What lasts is you poised to make another decision which will lead to another reaction of life which makes another choice and on and on it will flow.
What emerges towards the end is a pattern which, if you calm down and look at it with a quite mind, makes sense. All along you were presented with choices. Each decision you made presented another choice which brought you to today. Alive with the chance to make life better by another choice. But, rest assured, and this I know is true. You will find that for every choice you make for the “ME” and not for the benefit of another will reap an unwanted result. A choice made for others will reap another chance to help others and life begins to make sense.

No, I’m not recommending you give up everything, take a vow of suffering and poverty. Far from it. My experience those who do quickly find themselves on the receiving end of helping not the delivery end. Enjoy what you do and surely enjoy what you have every day. I’m just recommending to stop on your journey from time to time and help someone who is struggling on his or her path. It will help you more that you think.

We all live by Grace and that Grace is our destiny. The choices we make determines our peace and if you’re very lucky you will be given the chance to help someone every day of your life. I have found that Grace. Every day I get to use what limited skills I have to reduce the suffering in another life and at the end of the day I find that promised peace.

It wasn’t in a book, not in a better job, more money or even in a new relationship. It was there every day in my life. Choose to reduce the suffering in someone else, your suffering will be lifted and you will find a life of Grace. That is the answer to your questions. I do what I do because that is what I do… by choice.

Thanksgiving in March

2005-03-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

Over six years ago I was able to travel to Northern California to attend a conference on Drug Endangered Children. These are children who are found living in homes, hotel rooms and other hidden places where the adults are cooking “Meth”.

I found out that California and several other states had established special rapid response units designed to pick-up the children and get them the needed medical, psychological and personal care directly from the Meth Lab. At the time most of these units had a price tag near $250,000 per year. All were tax supported.

Arkansas, which is number one per capita and number six in total numbers of labs seized in the nation had no program or DEC units. Further, during these six years of wanting to do something to help these children, our state government has expanded at the greatest pace in the state’s history and taxes have reached an all time high while services to children and families have been reduced dramatically. We soon realized this was a luxury the state felt it could do without. Our Board and supporters disagreed.

In our small county of 26,000 people we have had 43 labs siezed since January of 2004. It was, in our opinion, unacceptable that there was no care for these children even though the law clearly states it is a crime in Arkansas to have children in these toxic waste dumps.

Last year we were able to assemble the needed partners to put into service a modified version of the DEC system using our 10 year old mini-van from our Children’s Advocacy Center. Not really equipped to handle the rural roads where most of these labs are hidden, none the less we had a real system. This included St. John’s Hospital, the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Human Services – Division of Children and Family Services and “Grandma’s House” our Children’s Advocacy Center. The weak link was transportation. Adding to the problem was the request to assist in Madison County, which added another 837 square miles and 14,000 people to the 639 square miles of rural mountains we were already covering.

About a month ago U.S. Congressman John Boozman dropped by our “Center” just to visit and look around. He saw what we were trying to do and our need for a suitable vehicle. Without us knowing, he contacted Wal-Mart and together last Friday they brought us $25,000 to purchase our own DEC Unit. A 2004 Dodge Durango 4X4 which is now being modified for service as Arkansas’ first and only DEC Rapid Response Unit.

Our dream is a reality and our prayers were answered. Now we are able to offer the best Arkansas has to protect these innocent victims, and not one tax dollar invested. Truly a day of Thanksgiving for our children and our Children's Advocacy Center. We are grateful.

Facts of Life for Arkansas Children

2005-02-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

I do not care for statistics much more than the rest of us do, but sometimes they can be helpful in painting a picture of how things really are. Near the opening of the Session, a coalition of non-profits against poverty made a presentation to the legislature. I believe, in hopes of inspiring them to do more for the Arkansas poor. To date, little has been done this legislative session.

Here are our Facts of Life.

Arkansas ranked 48th. in median household income ($34,246). The per capita income of $18,566 was 80% of the national average.

51% of Arkansas households earned lass than $35,000 and 218,184 households lives on less than $15,000 in income and benefits.

More than 89,000 families lived in poverty. 78% of them had children under 18 years old.

12% of our children live in extreme poverty meaning less than 50% of the poverty level.

Families with women as head of household lived below the poverty level and of those, 90% had children under 18 years old.

Despite high poverty levels – only 2% receive public cash assistance. Less than 5% receive Supplemental Security Income and only 10% receive Food Stamp Benefits.

The family income standard shows that families must earn at least 167% of the federal poverty level to meet all their basic needs without government or charitable assistance.

So far our legislature has assured themselves a pay raise, begun the process of again raising taxes, debating how much and where to spend the new bond monies for new and improved highways and spent weeks debating the definition of marriage to be used in our school text books.

Come on ladies and gentlemen of the legislature, you’ve all seen the proposed federal budget with the most massive cuts in domestic programs in history. Do something for our children and families. If you fail to act this session where are these numbers going to be two years from now when you meet again?

Just a few weeks ago, a Mother with three small children called me using a phone from a neighboring business. She had no money. Her infant was sick and she had run out of diapers the night before. All she asked for was a package of size two diapers. After a quick trip to Wal-Mart I delivered the diapers only to find out her gas had been shut off and she had an eviction notice served on her three days before. It was 36 degrees outside. This, my elected friends, is life.

How can you spend time even thinking about bigger buildings at our universities, personal pay increases and new highways knowing there are children going to bed tonight… HUNGRY… right here in our state.

The above are based on census statistics. Arkansas had a total population of about 2.5 million at the time of this report.

A Victory for Children

2005-02-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

During the Legislative Session in 2003 our radar screen caught a bill introduced by Representative Mary Beth Green of Conway. It hit the screen because it was very good for children who were subject to custody hearings. With little support the bill passed the House and committee of the Senate and was sent to the Senate floor for vote. Unfortunately, the Regular Session came to an abrupt close with a big battle over the General Improvement Fund, a fund we refer to as the “Arkansas Pork Barrel” and the court mandated school funding issue. Rather than work it out they decided to quit and settle matters later in special sessions. Everything in process including Representatives Green’s Bill died on the spot.

To further trouble the matter, Rep. Green was term limited and the special sessions, which were to follow, were limited to school issues only. The long wait began for those children needing this bill. It would be two more years before it could be brought up again.

Brought up again it was. This time it was house bill number HB1029 and by none other than Representative Rick Green, the freshman, husband of Mary Beth. The bill easily passed the House and with the exception of a little concern in Senate committee was recommended with a “Do Pass” and sent off to the Senate. With no “Nay” votes it passed, was signed by the Governor and is now Act 80 of 2005.

What makes this so special? Let me give you the title; “An Act to allow the court to consider the preferences of the child when awarding child custody or visitation privileges in a divorce or other proceeding”. Consider this for a minute. Until now, while most children in such circumstances are appointed an attorney to represent their best interest it was all adults making a determination on custody and visitation issues. The child had no say regardless of age or competence. Can you imagine, being in sound mind and body having two or three attorneys and a Judge deciding your fate in any matter and not be allowed speak up for yourself. Prior to this bill that is exactly what was happening even to 16 and 17 year old adolescents. Now the Judge, if he or she decides the child is competent, regardless of age, can take testimony from the child and consider that testimony in making a decision.

Now for the great part of this story. This victory for children came about after a case in NW Arkansas where there was a good Dad, a good Mom and a very competent adolescent. The problem was that even though the child wanted to be with the Mom, a previous court had awarded custody to the Dad, based mainly on the fact that the Mom lived out of the jurisdiction of the court. In a subsequent hearing for change of custody, the attorney for the child stated it was in the child’s best interest to be with the Mom, the Dad was doing a good job, the child was good at school and in general there was nothing wrong. The Judge could not cite any evidence to change the prior courts ruling. Where everything is equal and the child is competent the Judge could have changed custody based on the child’s testimony had this law been in effect. So how did this all happen? Mom took up the fight and got the first bill introduced and fought for its passage for the two plus years never quitting. She contacted everyone including us.

As for our part, we were glad to help where we could, as it is what we do. Our soon to be shredded files include notes from slightly over 390 emails, phone calls and meetings on this bill over the past 25 months. Not just for this family and not just for this child, but because it was the right thing to do. With all that, I doubt it would ever have been done without the love and compassion of a Mother who never gave up. Working together for children is what it is all about.

Bad News

2005-02-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

I was all set to spin this weeks five hundred words or so on the President’s new budget and how disappointed I was to see the imbalance between helping the government and helping the people. Then, during Friday evening and seemingly all night, the news wires picked up on a story out of New York.

The Bloomberg headline read: “ NYC Health Officials Find New, Virulent HIV Strain”

Reading on it seems that a 40-year-old man has been found with a new strain of HIV virus that is resistant to all but one of the current drugs. Whew, I thought, then they went on to say that this one drug doesn’t seem to be very effective without the other two in a “Cocktail”. Add an additional piece of devastating information for effect. This HIV can become full blown AIDS in three months or less not the average seven years of the previous version.

Many of those living in the “Red” states may yawn since the news is from a predominately “Blue” city and state, but it doesn’t take a super-computer to realize that this could be the biggest enemy the American people will face in the next ten years. This disease in non-political, I assure you.

The latest report, 2003, shows there was 88,479 people living in New York City diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Nationwide the numbers would scare any sane person to death. Couple this with the fact that this lethal disease is now thought to be growing in the heterosexual community as fast as or faster than in the predominately Gay community and the concern increases rapidly. Every state in the nation has an HIV/AIDS program. No one is exempt from this threat.

Maybe this is where we might tie this to the new budget. Cuts in health care for the poor, which includes working poor families, cuts in drug programs. Keep in mind dirty needles and the spread of HIV/AIDS does have a correlation. By the way, did I mention that our man in New York was also a heavy Crystal Methamphetamine user? Both he and his “numerous” partners all were. Gosh, drug reduction and treatment programs were cut in this budget also.

More troubling news from our perspective. In the Bloomberg article they devoted two paragraphs to the wonderful boost to the stock of Trimeris, Inc. of Durham N.C. and it’s parent Roche Holding, AG of Switzerland, makers of the one drug Fuzeon, which may hold promise to help. It is the drug when mixed with the other two that was of value in treatment of the previous cases of the old HIV.

I believe there is something very wrong here. We have discovered what may be the next major medical crisis to face our Country; we are proposing to cut the programs that treat and prevent the spread of this disease and in the same article advise investors of the best stock play to take advantage of the situation.

May God help those who don’t have their stockbroker on speed-dial when our country is in crisis.

I personally and the our Foundation believe in the words… “As ye do unto the least of my children, so ye” … you know the rest don’t you? All of us need to do more walking the talk and perhaps less talking the talk for the benefit of everyone.

Legislators and Laptops

2005-02-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

The big flap this week, or I should say, one of the big flaps this week in the Arkansas Legislature has been over laptop computers being used while the House and Senate is in session.

The State, via the will of the legislature and our tax dollars has made available to every member of the House and Senate a pricey little laptop computer. At an estimated $1,800 each, per my handy little solar powered calculator is about $243,000. Also each "station", that is my term for their assigned seating, in the Chamber has been wired for power and internet. Just guessing, the cost of installation or ongoing service for this one has to be, remember this is under government contract not what you or I would pay, $1,200 per. That makes the “system” cost to tax payers about $405,000

Now the rub. The leaders of the Legislature want the internet to each legislator “shut-off” during sessions. So far it is uncertain if and at what cost that would be to reprogram the State’s computer system to get this selective switch installed and operational. The reason for this is the fear that lobbyist, special interest groups et. al. seem to be sending their legislator messages about Bills and discussions during the session. As has been rightly pointed out the time to peddle influence, Mr. And Ms. Lobbyist is before and during Committee Hearings. Not during the voting and discussion process of the “in-session” periods. By the way, no-one has mentioned the fact that the legislators themselves are reading and in some cases answering these e-mails.

Having been in almost every Committee Room at the Capitol for one reason or another, I can tell you that most, if not all, have a sign on the door. “Turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering” or “Cell phones and Pagers are Prohibited”. Also, to my knowledge everyone seems to be able to read and turns off their communication devices before entering the rooms. The cost of 30, eight and a half by eleven sheets of paper, a little inkjet printer ink and some tape to stick the little signs up can not be more than $50.00 by anybody’s estimate.

My question to our leadership and our elected officials is perhaps a little simple, but give me a break, I spend my own money or funds entrusted to me to help others wisely not tax dollars “donated” by laws you enacted, so I have to watch this stuff. Why not print up two more eight and a half by eleven little signs… post them on the entry to each chamber that says. “Use of Laptop Computers when the House/Senate is in session is prohibited”. This of course makes the assumption that the Members would follow the rules and that each of the pricey little State issued Laptops has an on/off switch.

Last question, is this by chance, an attempt to keep the ink media busy with this trivia while you increase your retirements, raise your pay, build more highways and increase the debt of our State while cutting services to our poor, our women, our children and families?

Legislator’s Paradox

2005-01-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Having attended numerous political campaign “boot camps” of different political parties and having worked on several successful and a couple of not so successful campaigns I can tell you that the vast majority of politicians run for office with the intent of making life better for the people. This is also true for most who seek re-election.

A relative few run out of pure ego, mainly bored rich kids or those who hang on forever because they like the perks and the power. The perks and power folks are mostly limited to U. S. Senators whom I’m sure each of us can name without straining many brain cells.

One of the first things you’re taught as a candidate is that you can’t do a darn thing unless you are elected and you can’t keep doing good unless you’re re-elected. Very true, but they don’t tell you is don’t sell your soul for a vote. Remember, my friends, the soul answers to a higher authority than the voter.

Having said that, I want to mention an area of need in Arkansas that has received a fair amount of press over the last few weeks. Our children, specifically poor children and our poor families.

Before I proceed further I want to acknowledge the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, two reporters, Andrew DeMillo and Philip Reese and Columnist Mike Masterson. Much of the information in this column is from their work. The commentary is, of course, ours.

In Arkansas, children in grades K through 12 who qualify for free or reduced costs lunch programs have increased by 17% over the last four years. If the base percentage was low, while unacceptable, the problem could be studied over time and long-term solutions applied. In Arkansas, however, it is no small percentage. 240,500 students qualify while 215,000 pay full price. No minor percentage and needs action today.

Statewide about 510,000 of the 2.7 million who live in Arkansas are below the poverty level. That is 18.8 percent; well above the national average of 12.3%.

Our Governor, same one over the past six years, has just bullied a measure to allow the state to increase it’s debt for better highways…. "Better roads mean more business"… "means better wealth less poverty". He helped pass a $400 million raise in taxes to support K-12 education and asked for over $100 million more this session for our colleges… Additionally, they are looking for $2.3 billion to make physical improvements to our K - 12 schools this year. "Better education means better jobs, lower poverty" or so they say.

Our legislators and one of our most respected children and family charities, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, are seemingly on the same page. "Better roads and more money for education means", you guessed it, "less poverty".

My question is this, who is going to provide the funding and services needed by the poor between this morning and 15 or 20 years from now when these lofty very long term solutions are seen to pay dividends, if in fact they do. My research indicates, quality of education and cost per student does not corelate and great roads do little for the poor. They do help two or three of the largest truck companies in America which happen to be big donors and headquartered in Arkansas. One thing we do know is roads and massive school projects will benefit the Corporations and wealthy donor/voter now.

Today, our Department of Health, by the admission of its’ Director is so far off course neither the Department itself nor he can fix it. Our Department of Human Services is short over $100 million to provide basic needs for the poor.

Knowing children can not vote and the poor rarely vote, have these Legislators and the Governor for the past six years spent more effort and continue to spend effort on helping those who do vote or have they been caught in the paradox? Do I butter the bread of the corporations, special interests and wealthy donor/voters to get into office and stay there and abandon those my heart tells me I’m here to help or do I do what is right and risk defeat at the polls? Only you, Mr. and Ms. elected official can answer that… and of course... the child who is going to bed hungry tonight.

What's wrong with this picture?

2005-01-25T04:18:00.000-08:00

As we write this there is an ongoing debate in the Arkansas Legislature over the definition of marriage in our school text books. Makes us wonder where parents and our faith community lack the wisdom and ability to foist their beliefs on our young. Arkansas needs a law. Where 'oh where do they get all this energy for these types of debates. But, that is not what this issue is about.

It is about something that truly disturbs us as advocates for children and families that is not having so much as the light of one candle shed upon it.

Arkansas Law classifies "Incest" by the usual definitions and then proscribes the penalty if you get convicted. All is Ok so far. The penalty is a Class "C" Felony. For you who don't frequent the halls of justice that carries a sentence of from three to 10 years in the pen.

Now let's look at Rape. Again the usual definitions including when you have guardianship and/or control over a person under 18 years old. OK so far. Now to the penalty. It is a Class "Y" Felony. That carries a sentence of not less than 10 to 40 years, now get this, or LIFE.

Let's look this one over. If your live-in boyfriend has sexual intercourse with your 9 year old daughter he could get life. We're for that. However, if your husband has sexual intercourse with your 9 year old daughter he could get as little as three years.

What Mr. and MS. Arkansas, 85th General Assembly Legislator are you telling the people of the state? A child raped by her father is damaged less than a child raped by a stranger???

You can spend days debating the definition of marriage as written in our children's text books and then saying it is a far less crime for a father to have intercourse with his child than it is for a stranger or live-in boyfriend.

As child and family advocates we must say... SHAME on you. How about doing something important and seriously think about the messages your sending to our citizens.

Capitol Observations

2005-01-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

When I lived in a large city I would go to the Mall, get a great cup of coffee, find a comfortable place to set and watch people. It is so very interesting to see how diverse America has become and how many different cultures and degrees of wealth there are in just one Mall. It is truly a humbling experience to realize just how narrow our single point of view and focus on life can be. How little we actually know about each other.

The past two weeks I've had an opportunity to take up my old habit of people watching with a cup of coffee, note I didn't say great cup of coffee this time, and take up temporary residence in the halls and meeting rooms of the Arkansas Capitol. For several hours at a time I would watch the people, mostly members of the Legislature scurry from room to meeting room sometimes laughing and others so very serious, even a few who appeared to be mad or frustrated. I've always had trouble distinguishing the difference between non-violent mad and frustration in others.

This took me back to my college days. The professors always wanted us to compare and contrast everything. Krishnamurti vs. Plato, Freud vs. Jung etc. So it came natural to begin to compare and contrast the diverse people, their culture, their dress and their wealth and on and on in the Malls to those in our Capitol. The many fine distinctions that make us individuals in a single and inclusive society.

Let's see... The Mall diverse, all wealth levels, more religions than I could count, women, hundreds of children, and families, a beautiful mix of people with a common goal, find something to make their lives better. The Capitol, over 90% male, dressed in suits, mostly dark with a "power tie" a lapel pin, the mandatory American Flag and often the "club" pin of the House or Senate making for a very weird look, two pins together. The only children were a couple of tour groups from the local schools, who by the way were always cautioned to stay out of the way of these VIP's. At no time did I witness a single legislator stop and talk with a student. The few women were made up of two classes. One class, the staffers and secretaries and the other, lady Legislators. The first group far out numbering the latter. As for religion, you might have guessed, just one, with the exception of a couple who won't list anything on their bio's.

Now, my question to you is this. How is it that a group of 135 legislators, who dress like clones, have nearly identical belief systems, have wealth far above poverty, ... have any idea what is best for all the rest of us?

Reminds me of the old joke... the difference between the inmates and the doctors in the psychiatric facility is that six guys in white coats could agree on the definition of reality. The sad part about the joke and the joke about our legislature is, just whose reality is true?

We can only hope our Legislators possess the intelligence and the courage to make every word they utter and every law they write inclusive of everyone in our state. There is no place for personal prejudice or bigotry in any form in our government.

The First Week of the Session

2005-01-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

The first week of the Arkansas legislative session was as expected. The newly elected were full of excitement, the old timers were working their magic on the newer members. Making alliances and "deals".

New Bills were flying out of bill-drafting like dollar bills out of the US Mint. Of course, first out of the starting gates were the Bills which fund the legislators and their staff operations. It is very interesting how the bureaucracy has such an innate ability to protect itself.

The Governor has declared that Health, Highways and Higher Education are his priorities. As we said in our first post highways lead the priority pack. It should be noted that the legislature has, by court order, to find a way to fund billions in physical improvements for K-12 schools. It wasn't even on the Governor's list. He, the Gov., offered no suggestions on how to fund all this. Needless to say, we were very disappointed that such historic Republican agenda items, like improved government efficiency, smaller government size, less regulation and more economic opportunity were beyond this governor... a Baptist Minister and Republican?

A side note is due here. In the last legislative session and the special session the legislature after it, they (the legislature) voted and the Governor signed into law the largest tax increase in the history of the state, which included increasing the tax on gas and groceries which the poor can hardly afford... a Baptist Minister and Republican?

For those of you who are from another state, Arkansas is short $100 million to fund the Department of Human Services, due to federal cutbacks crime victims mental health care was recently reduced by nearly 50%, homeless shelters are closing or reducing services, Children's Advocacy Centers are having to lay off employees, the Department of Health (DOH) has slashed care for the elderly and rural clients, the DOH breast care program is out of funds and the list goes on and on. Reduction in services to people in need, American Citizens, while making sweetheart deals for the wealthy is never acceptable.

So much for compassionate conservatism.

Eventually, our elected officials will realize this is a State with far more poor people than middle and wealthy. More taxes on the poor, more government that does not directly improve the well-being of our people isn't why they are there. They are there to serve and make our lives better and that includes children, women and poor people not just highway contractors, trucking companies and corporations.

Website Construction

2005-01-11T03:52:00.000-08:00

Over the next three or four weeks we will be making major changes to our website. We hope we can eliminate much of the scrolling and improve the navigation making it easier to get to the information you need.

We will be doubling the number of pages and increasing the information by about 45%. Whoever said that the computer age would reduce the need for people and workload was sadly mistaken.

Visit our site often, excuse any construction dust you may encounter and in a few weeks let us know what you think of our new look.

Thanks

Arkansas Legislative Session '05

2005-01-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

On January 10th. the Arkansas Legislature will open for the 2005 session. It is anticipated there will be at least 4000 bills submitted and over 3000 passed in the next three months.

Arkansas has recently enacted term limits making for a mix of about one third experienced (meaning more than one term in office), one third with only one session under their collective belts and one third new as of January 1st. this year. There are 35 State Senators and 100 State representatives.

This situation, almost 2/3 of the Legislature both inexperienced and looking at a campaign to get re-elected in less than two years, makes for a lobbyist's dream. Even more so, if he or she has a fist full of PAC dollars in tow. Special interests could have their best session in over 100 years.

The Legislature only meets in full session every other year.

We realize many of you are not from Arkansas, but we believe when it comes to the quality of life, health and the welfare of our Women, Children and Families most States are in the same boat. These issues are under-funded, under-served and in a non-election year a "priority" right after new highways. If you're from the South you're also behind the Game and Fish Department.

We will keep you informed on legislation both national and state as well as health and welfare issued as they develop. We sincerely hope you visit often and give us your feedback.