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I decided not so long ago that I would try my hand at writing. I am still learning and making mistakes but am always happy when I receive criticism in any form, and advice from others regardless of how it is handed to me. I have been handed some fairly harsh criticism about the titles of my columns; so please note, my titles are no longer in ALL CAPS. My bad, maybe I should take the time to read the terms of use and rules of conduct for News Vine. Apparently I have also been categorizing my columns incorrectly, noted…I will be a bit more aware of that as well. So to the individual that has been so kind as to point out my flaws, I have heard YOU loud and clear, and will act accordingly.
There have also been quite a few folks out there that have stated that I am writing trash, or “Bu77Sh*t”. It is said that since I do not cite any particular study, or law the information I am putting out there is somehow inaccurate or questionable at best. So henceforth I will be posting links in the comments section of my columns that will lead my readers to information I have used in writing my articles.
Now that I have done away with the petty issues, let me please address the greater issues. Currently, I am writing about Paternity Fraud and its effects on the men and children it victimizes. While most think this is only an issue that arises on the television where Maury Povich exclaims “Phil, when it comes to little Suzy; YOU are/are not the father”. Then the tears flow, celebrations take place, and people get either happy or angry. This is what SOME Americans call “entertainment”. I am here to tell you that there are hundreds of thousands if not millions of men in this country and around the world right now that do not find it entertaining, and know firsthand the range of emotions associated with finding out the paternity of a child.
I hear from so many people who tell me I am “blowing things out of proportion” every day, and their opinion is based on their belief that something like that just could not happen in America. They believe that somehow all a man has to do is walk in to the welfare office, or the court room with DNA evidence that they did not “sire” a child, and “Poof”, problem solved. When they actually take the time to listen, and see the facts they find out that their jaded perception of the American justice system has been wrong for all of these years.
What I am addressing is not a problem isolated to a single state, or a few unfortunate individuals. It is a problem that has lead to multitudes of men being forced in to paying for a child that is not theirs. One needs to do nothing more than query “Paternity Fraud” in their favorite search engine to find the truth.
I have been fortunate enough in my fight to find a sympathetic ear in a Washington state legislator, who has gone to the house and rallied support. The process of writing legislation to be introduced during the 2012 legislative session is in the process as I write this. So I would ask all who doubt the seriousness of this issue: If this were just something I had been making up, would there be movement in the house to change the current laws? If this were a problem that was only affecting me alone or a couple of unfortunate individuals, would there be movement to change the laws? If this were some sort of “fairy tale”, would so many lawmakers be interested in making a change?
For those that have told me I should “man up”, or have stated “maybe he should think about the consequences before he slept with her.” Or even “well he could have had a vasectomy”. Let me say this, IF the issue at hand was a man having to pay child support for a child that IS his responsibility, I would be right there with you. However, you are missing the point. This is NOT about men having to pay child support; this is about men having to pay child support for a child that is not theirs. So condoms, vasectomies, and sexual discretion have absolutely nothing to do with this matter, since weather a man used any of the aforementioned measures, it would still not change the genetic makeup of a human being. Oh yeah, to the “man up” person…..I have a better idea, how about the mother “woman up” and tell the truth….Just a thought. Better yet, how about there be a law where the real father be made to “man up”, and support HIS child? Even better, how about a law that REQUIRES a mother to tell the truth, and disclose the fact that there may be the possibility of another “sperm donor”?
I always welcome open and forthright discussion and debate. I do however despise people that attempt to make a stand for their position when their position is based solely on lack of reliable information, or just plain feeling that things should be a certain way. So I would welcome anyone who would like to weigh in on this matter in the future to educate themselves BEFORE tapping out a bunch of unfounded, ignorant statements.
If you are of the position that the way things are, is the right way to do things please by all means let me and others know why. I am eager to hear how you can conclude that an innocent party should be held accountable for something. And please do not use the “best interest of the child” argument, and IF you must please tell me how not knowing ones parent(s) or not knowing ones heritage, or not knowing of medical issues in a bloodline is in the “best interest” of a child.
I know that this particular piece is FAR from journalism. And I will undoubtedly be attacked by one particular self righteous individual, that seems to think he has his thumb on this issue, yet can only criticize the position with no rebuttal. But I am willing to take that hit so I can get this out there.
Please bring open and civil debate to this issue. I am always open to opinions that have substance, and would like to have open discussion with real intelligence involved. If you are unable to do that, please refrain from dumping your garbage in the comments section, as I will delete it, and report you.
Thank you all for tolerating my rant…..Now on with the day.
