What defines a deadbeat parent? Some may think it is all about the money. When you think of a deadbeat you probably think of someone who hasn't paid child support in years. I believe there's a lot more to it.
What about the lazy mother who sits at home collecting food stamps and welfare while the father has to pay her $300 per week for two children? She has not looked for a job in 12 years and seems to enjoy living off of other people. What does that teach those children?
What about the father who abuses cocaine? He always has money for his drug habit, but you ask him to buy a $10 pair of gym shoes and suddenly he's broke. The children know about the drug use. They have seen it with their own eyes.
What about the alcoholic father who drinks and drives with his children in the car? He won't keep a job and pays support only when he feels like it. He has repeatedly put his children's lives in danger. He doesn't care if those children have food, clothes, school supplies, etc. but he always has money for his liquor even when he's not working.
What about the mother who is ordered to pay a mere $25 per week in child support, but won't even pay that? When she and the father were married they adopted the child. Now she tells the child not to ever call her "mom" again. What must that child be feeling? The only mother he has known and loved now wants nothing to do with him.
What about the deadbeat who has visitation with his children when the police show up to arrest him for burglary and drug charges? Right in front of the children.
These are just a few examples of why I believe "deadbeat" is about much more than just money. Our laws need to stop protecting these deadbeats and start protecting the children who are hurt by them.
I am collecting e-mails, letters and signatures for my child support and visitation petition. They will be sent to our congressmen, senators and the president. Tell these government officials that our children come first. They have a right to be loved, supported and properly cared for by both parents.
I wish this was all about the money. It would make things so much simpler. Our children are being neglected, endangered, verbally abused, and in some cases, subjected to Parental Alienation Syndrome, also known as brainwashing. We cannot let this continue. You can help me do something about it. You do not need to have a child support or visitation problem to support this petition, just the belief that children should come first. First and foremost, this is about what is right for the children. Everything else is secondary.
You may write to me by e-mail at 79trm@comcast.net or by mail at 4818 S. Scott Rd., Claypool, IN 46510.
