[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 20049-20050]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   UNLESS U HAVE WALKED IN OUR SHOES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

                   Unless U Have Walked In Our Shoes

                          (By Brock DeAngelo)

       My name is Brock, I am 13 years old. I will make a 
     difference in a world that refuses to hear our voices. We 
     deserve a voice. And that voice should be our own. We live in 
     a nation that offers ``Freedom of Speech.'' Not only should 
     we be heard but we should be offered respect. Please join me 
     in a mission that is all about U. Contact me at 
     [email protected].
       My name is Brock, Brock DeAngelo. For years I would have 
     loved any last name but mine. Then one day I realized, it's 
     not the name that makes a person; it's the person that makes 
     the name.
       I then decided I will change the vicious cycle behind my 
     last name. The mental and physical abuse, the evilness and 
     malicious lies stop with me.
       I will show my brother and one day my children; that a man 
     with great pride and integrity stands in front of the 
     ``DeAngelo'' name. And it began with me, Brock!
       The courts cursed me with a Guardian ad Litem. I can 
     honestly say she never listened to a word I said. She was too 
     busy trying to twist my situation around to suit her views. 
     It was a little hard for her to accomplish since everytime we 
     met the stories on my behalf were always the same. Funny 
     thing about ``the truth'', it's consistent.
       She was the first of many disappointments. Children's 
     Services made me a promise that they never followed through 
     with (no thanks to my ad Litem).
       In the end, the person that does not deserve a title to 
     fatherhood, saved his own reputation. He agreed to leave me 
     alone. Unfortunately not every one is as lucky.
       I am asking U to join me on my quest, to become a voice and 
     to make what U have to say important.
       I have discussed this matter with my attorney, met with a 
     Special Assistant to Tim Ryan and discussed this matter with 
     Sandra Harwood, State Representative, 65th House District.
       My goal is for Congress to not only hear us but to act upon 
     our intelligence. In order for U to be recognized, we must 
     fight together. U are old enough to know right from wrong. 
     The courts need to listen. U are the future.

                       Children's Bill of Rights


                             Declaration I

       Congress shall allow no law that endangers a child's 
     physical, emotional or physiological well-being.


                             Declaration II

       Congress shall encourage all states to provide standardized 
     legal representation of children and their specific issues in 
     legal domestic disputes, regardless of state jurisdiction or 
     residence.


                            Declaration III

       A child shall be guaranteed an equal voice in determining 
     court-ordered visitations with parents or guardians as well 
     as the continuation of those visits.


                             Declaration IV

       No child shall be forced to endure ongoing physical, 
     emotional, or verbal harm by a parent, guardian or other 
     individual.

[[Page 20050]]




                             Declaration V

       No child shall be forced to return to the care of a parent 
     or legal guardian who has been convicted of certain civil 
     crimes or any felony, unless they themselves desire it.


                             Declaration VI

       Accusations by a child concerning ongoing parental 
     misconduct shall be investigated within twenty-four hours and 
     taken seriously until otherwise proven false.


                            Declaration VII

       The child physical, emotional and physiological well-being 
     shall be of the utmost concern when determining their 
     possible court testimony against a parent, guardian or other 
     adult.


                            Declaration VIII

       A child shall have a voice in determining the need for 
     restraining orders against a parent, guardian or other adult.


                             Declaration IX

       Reports from doctors, physiologists, social workers and 
     other professionals and paraprofessionals shall be given the 
     highest priority when determining parental rights, 
     visitations, and other issues concerning the emotional and 
     physiological well-being of the child.


                             Declaration X

       The rights of all other citizens shall be applied with 
     equal conviction to all children.

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