It happens thousands of time each day in the US.  Some parent is convicted of Divorced and sentenced to the usual punishment - every other weekend with their children, child support payments that raise the standard of living for the custodial parent, and impoverish the non-custodial parent that must somehow still provide a home for their children during that every important "visitation"

It's an outrage when it happens.  Sadly, most fiamilies in the US don't understand the devastation until they have gone through it and it is too late.

But here is the big question - where do they go after this shock to their system as sunk in?  Do they just go on with life living with it, figuring they've received their punishment for being married to the other person and accept their lumps?  Do they just move on and try to forget about it?

In any given state there are hundreds of thousands of non-custodial parents that are not getting adequate time with their kids.  It's an insult to the American value system, its way of life, its family structure.  Yet, it is so quiet.  Not hardly a roar from the countless victims of this shamefull disease we call divorce.

And there is the problem.  As a father or mother that has gone through this divorce, who has moved on and risen above it to make life better in the future, you are ignoring one small detail.  Things are changing, and your children that you love so much are going to go through the same pain should they ever get divorced.  And, coming from a divorced family, their chances are pretty good that they will get divorced.  Imagine if your father  had fought to make changes in the system - would they be so bad today for you and your children.

No, this is not a fight about yourself.  This is a fight about your children!  Your grandchildren!  Will you let them down, or will you stand up and fight for your rights, and the rights of your children like you have never fought before!  Will you consistently tell your elected officials that they can not violate your rights to be a parent any longer?  Will you attend meetings when you aren't with your kids and help to bring about change.  Will you make that $10 donation to a worthy cause that is fighting for your rights?

States are organizing, and getting better prepared to take on this fight.  www.CRISPE.ORG is a great example, the Shared Parenting Bike Trek of 2007 was a great example, the online petition at www.WashingtonSharedParenting.com is another great example.  Meetup.com has meetings all over the US for divorced paretents, shared parenting advocates, and fathers rights advocates.

Here is something to think about.  You should have your kids 50% of the time, we agree, there is no argument.  But you don't!  So, what are you doing with all those extra hours?  Working?  Playing?  Watching TV?  Or dedicating them to improving the chances for your kids and other non-custodial parents by dedicating those lost hours to your kids.  Is it asking too much to dedicate even 1/10 of those hours to your kids.  Or maybe you need to work to make ends meet.  Work an extra hour a month and donate the earnings to a shared parenting organization that is fighting for your rights when you don't have time to do the same.

 President Reagan asked that everyone donate time or money to improve their community.  We are asking the same of every non-custodial parent.  Come out of the woodwork, donate time or money to help children everywhere, and your possibly your own grandchildren one day.