http://www.cincinnatibeacon.com/index.p ... _columbus/ KHK Protestors Face The Elements in Columbus
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Posted by Media Release
"On Friday March 31, 2006, protesters from Ohio and other states gathered in Columbus, Ohio to express their opposition to Kids Helping Kids (KHK), a drug treatment program located in Milford Ohio. The purpose of this event was to inform the public and Ohio government officials that ODADAS routinely fails to adequately investigate KHK client complaints, to persuade Ohio officials to aggressively investigate KHK, to educate the public about KHK?s systematic use of unethical, questionable, abusive, and harmful drug treatment methods, and to demand that KHK be held accountable for such intolerable so-called treatment methods.
Before the noon protest started, WBNS-Channel 10 reporter Eve Mueller interviewed the three Straight Survivors at the station. All three protesters explained to Ms. Mueller how the Straight, Inc. treatment model, currently used by KHK, could emotionally, physically, and psychologically injure children. Afterward, the protesters headed downtown to the State House grounds where they assembled at the McKinley Memorial in Capitol Square. Despite rainy conditions and continuous 35 mph wind gusts, determined protesters continued with the event.
WBNS-Channel 10 and WCMH-Channel 4 news crews both arrived around 12:15 or so and started filming the protest activities and conducting additional on-location interviews. Channel 10 reporter Eve Mueller and a cameraman also accompanied one protester to the Office of the First Lady Hope Taft, to film that protester as he personally hand delivered a letter which outlined how the treatment used by KHK abuses kids and to call for an end to the abuse.
As all the protesters held signs such as ?KHK Scares Kids Silent? and ?ODADAS Ignores Abuse,? passers-by frequently stopped to ask questions. One protester used a bullhorn to repeat the sign?s messages. The same energetic protestor with the bullhorn also generated a great deal of interest by expressing other uncompromising messages such as ?Defend your children, investigate Kids Helping Kids? and ?Kids Helping Kids uses coercive thought-reform techniques to brainwash the youth.? Citizens who showed interest in the protester?s messages often shared similar stories and experiences. Others, who had never even heard about KHK, either expressed concern or outrage toward KHK practices or encouraged the group to continue their efforts. At one point, an Ohio state trooper stopped by to confirm that the group had indeed obtained a permit and to let the protesters know that he thought they were promoting a ?good cause.? He wished them luck then left. Another interested citizen even volunteered to hold a sign for about a half hour. Only 1 pedestrian (wearing a pro-Bush shirt) thought that ?maybe they need that (KHK tactics) to get in line.? The KHK supporter left agreeing to disagree but remained friendly in spite of his opposition to our message.
By the end of the day, the group had distributed an entire box of literature. So, after 5 hours of braving the rain and unrelenting tropical storm force winds, the protesters packed up and headed off to eat and watch the 6 o?clock news featuring their story. The protest was a resounding success."
