Advocates needed for troubled family courts
My husband and I were pulled into the family service system and the family courts while trying to help two children we knew, at best, were being severely neglected [Our inactivity ultimately hurts our children, Dee Horn, March 13].
We were shocked by the dysfunction within the system. It will take years to see any significant change.
The one bright shining light I have seen within this system, however, is CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Association. We had three rounds with the courts and family service but were never assigned a CASA representative.
Ultimately, the children in our case have not been helped all that much. I believe things would have been different had CASA been involved. If you’re looking to volunteer at least check CASA out, especially if children are close to your heart. I pray for the day that we have a CASA representative assigned to each child abuse/neglect case in this country.
This is clearly the only way judges will ever know what is truly going on with the child. CASA is invaluable.
Rene Howitt
Submitted at www.AustinWeeklyNews.com
‘Second Chance’ act a worthy cause
Kudos to Congressman Danny Davis [Senate approves second chance act, March 20]. This measure is long overdue. Hopefully, this legislation will effect positive change in the lives of those who have been trapped in the system.
Virginia Hall-Broadnax
Submitted at www.AustinWeeklyNews.com
Clinton/Obama ‘Dream’ ticket
A Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket is what we want [Old-style politics could be Hillary Clinton’s fatal flaw, Arlene Jones, March 6]. And that is what we need to take back the White House.
We want a smart, tough, idealistic and seasoned veteran of many battles fighting for the American people (Hillary) with a young, passionate, smart, open-minded, hard-working idealist (Obama). The DREAM TEAM! You are both fabulous candidates. And we, the American people, are very fortunate to have each of you. Taking back the White House is critical for the American people and the world at this time. And I think the American people have been saying loudly and clearly that a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket is the best way to do this. I think the American people have made it very clear that they feel Hillary Clinton is the one best able to lead the ticket against John McCain at this critical and desperate time. These dramatic primary comebacks are testament to Hillary Clinton’s skill and experience as a fighter for the American people. They are also a testament to the strong desire of the American people to have both of you fighting for the American people. Typical of the Clintons is an uncanny ability to see and understand what the American people want, and then to try and get it for them, even if they have to go through three political near-death experiences. We are desperate out here. Millions of us are suffering greatly. Tens of thousands of us are dying needlessly every year. We need help. We need the two of you together on our side fighting for us, not fighting against each other.
It’s time for you, Senator Obama, to join forces with Hillary Clinton as her running mate so that we can all focus our energies and resources on taking back America for the American people.
Jack Smith
Submitted at www.AustinWeeklyNews.com
Let’s bring Yasmine Acree home
We have added Yasmine to our website: http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2718 [Missing teen abducted from home, Jan. 31]. We (HFTM) firmly believe we can help by bringing people together for a greater cause and through our personal diligence. Too often the missing are forgotten by the public at large. By joining HFTM and our community, you are making a statement that you’re not willing to forget.
With your support there is little doubt in our minds that our collective efforts will play a significant role in someone’s life in the near future.
Barbara Tucker
Submitted at www.AustinWeeklyNews.com
