The Alec Baldwin story has more twists in it that a snake if you are reading the local news.  And, as unfortunate as it is, it is good for the Shared Parenting movement!  It has taken the misfortune of others to bring to celebrity state the fact that men and women across the nation are denied visitation and custody of their children.

It was noticed that the AlecBaldwin.com web site was receiving over 100 posts an hour on his guestbook!  It is an incredible number of visitors, with some opposed to what he is doing, some supporting it, and others hoping he does not allow it to affect their favorite show - 30 Rock.  I would estimate about 40-45% were fully supporting him from all angles.  I would love to see the real statistic for it.

Whatever your beliefs in Alec Baldwin and his treatment of his daughter Ireland, either for or against, there is one thing that can't be ignored.  Why is a parent controlled on his/her access to children.  Divorce does not involve a switch that turns off the relationship a parent and child shares.  What right does ANYONE have in controlling access to a child, or even providing an "Award" of custody to one parent or the other.  We strongly believe that in the absense of abuse, anything less than 50/50 custody is family abuse.

We are excited to see what can change with a celebrity now backing changes in family law.  And, Alec was not the only one.  Valerie Bertinelli cam out against PAS, and John Stossel has recenting commented and written about the bad rap that fathers take in the courts.

Please note, this is not to say it is a fathers issue, as it affects both men and women, and the affects are equal.  However, the application is not, since the vast majority of divorces end with the father getting the short end of the stick when it comes to time with the children.  Lets not forget the women that are abused by the system though.  Clearly, we don't want to be labeled as a sexist movement, similar to the DV industry is today.

So, will you get involved?  Will you lead, sit down or get the hell out of the way?  There is something for everyone to do to get involved.  Write a comment on a blog, write a blog story, write a legislator, but please, do something.  And, if you are not motivated enough to do something, make a donation to help organizations that are supporting those that do.  By far the biggest impact from an investment standpoint is www.CRISPE.org.  They are my favorite for making a financial contribution.  Imagine if we all just gave $5 what a differnt it could make to this organization that spends countless thousands each and every month to keep their bus on the road supporting others

We welcome your comment, please visit our blog at www.blog.washingtonsharedparenting.com