Message to Survivors

[Anonymous]

Man, this is ironic as hell - the parents testifying at the hearing have to live with the fact that their own children would not have had the right to testify before Congress about the very abuse and neglect that took their lives.  

It doesn't get much more twisted than this, folks.

I honestly think survivors should get their statements ready and start faxing them to Miller's office if they can't go to DC.  Or call and leave voice messages if need be.

Here is a list of contacts for the full committee found on google and posted on the George Miller Sellout Thread:

http://www.frac.org/pdf/110thHouse_EdLabor.pdf

NOTICE:

If you are planning to attend the hearing and would be willing to hand deliver copies of survivor statements to the media, please post here and let people know how to contact you.

Another suggestion was made by Deborah to gather together in a central meeting place where the media can locate you.

Personally I don't see why MILLERS STAFF can't designate an area for parents and survivors both to meet with the media.  I understand there will be journalists speaking to the witnesses most likely assisted by Miller's staff who obviously WANT THE PUBLICITY.  

Don't be shut out because someone else decided survivors can't be trusted to further their self-serving agenda.

That is absolute bullshit and honestly, they should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for demeaning the credibility and importance of survivors in any way, shape or form.

[Anonymous]

That list is great - has names of all committee members, sub chair and their staff.

FAX NUMBERS also provided.

It is your constitutional right to voice your opinion to elected government officials and lawmakers.

Use it or lose it.

 :wink:

[Anonymous]

What about one letter signed by survivors protesting the lack of equal time and/or any representatation at this hearing?  

We could do it electronically even with the short notice.

Any takers?

[Anonymous]

Ooops, that didn't come out right.

One letter emphasizing how unfair and unjust it is that survivors are not being given equal time and/or afforded any representation at this hearing on October 10, 2007 which would be open to signatures from all interested persons (e.g. fellow survivors, ex program staff, parents, advocates, etc.).

I would also respectfully request that Miller's office designate a meeting place for survivors to be interviewed by the media along with the parents and others who did testify.

[Pitbull Mom]

Ooops, that didn't come out right.

One letter emphasizing how unfair and unjust it is that survivors are not being given equal time and/or afforded any representation at this hearing on October 10, 2007 which would be open to signatures from all interested persons (e.g. fellow survivors, ex program staff, parents, advocates, etc.).

I would also respectfully request that Miller's office designate a meeting place for survivors to be interviewed by the media along with the parents and others who did testify.

Great idea, but Miller probably won't. Don't wait for him. Do as Deb suggested and book a room, call the media, hold your own very professional and organized press conference, with handouts, photos, etc.
She posted a great idea here...http://http://wwf.fornits.com/viewtopic.php?t=23447&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30
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contact the Washington Times, send a well written letter to the editor http://http://video1.washingtontimes.com/contact-us/contact_us.php

Find the online news sites that let you upload user news -  a photo and a story. Here's a link to CNN's iReports -  http://http://www.cnn.com/exchange/ireports/topics/forms/2007/08/your.stories.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the links PB - that's very helpful!

So how about it?  Any Fornits survivors going to DC willing to move the ball forward?  I know for a fact the mainstream media will be out in force.  If Miller's office can't make room for a group of survivors who are ready, willing and able to speak to the media and give them even more ammo then on to Plan B.  Hell, you could assemble outside with a portable card-table and chairs, and a nice sign saying GET THE REAL STORY HERE ....  

Seriously though, if none of these suggestions pan out, don't forget you can still send your statements to the press - in fact - I would strongly urge folks to do so in advance of the hearing.  If you are planning on going, let the media know you are available to be interviewed in person.

Be your own P.R. machine!