DNT TXT N DRV OR U WLL GT A HFTY TKT ;D K IKR LOL

This is the latest news from Ohio:

June 1, 2012
Contact: Troy Green, 202-366-9550
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today commended Ohio Governor John Kasich for signing a new law that prohibits text messaging while driving.
“I commend Governor Kasich and the Ohio legislature for taking an important stand against the dangers of texting while driving today,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “While this new law will help keep all drivers safe, we are especially encouraged by its focus on young drivers, who are more likely to engage in distracted driving.”
Ohio becomes the 39th state to prohibit texting behind the wheel by all drivers. The law takes effect 90 days after signing and warnings will be issued to offenders for the first six months. After that period, texting will become a secondary offense for adults and a primary offense for those under age 18. Adult violators will face a fine of up to $150. Teens who violate the law will be subjected to a $150 fine and have their license suspended for 60 days. Teens who are repeat offenders will be fined $300 and have their license suspended for a year.
Ohio and 38 other states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands ban text messaging by all drivers. Ten states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands prohibit all hand-held cell phone use while driving.
“We are making a difference in the fight against distracted driving through a combination of good laws, tough and consistent enforcement, and extensive public education,” said David Strickland, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Ohio is sending a strong message that it wants its young drivers to be distraction free.”
In 2009, Secretary LaHood launched a national anti-distracted driving campaign to combat the growing trend of dangerous distracted driving behavior in America. To help further raise awareness, the U.S. DOT also launched Distraction.gov, a dedicated website that provides the public with a comprehensive source of information on distracted driving.
The Department has also hosted two national summits devoted to the issue, crafted sample legislation, which states can use to adopt distracted driving laws, issued several rulemakings banning texting while operating commercial vehicles and limiting the use of handheld cell phones, and initiated pilot law enforcement programs in Hartford, CT, and Syracuse, NY, modeled after the Department’s successful efforts to increase seatbelt use and curb drunk driving. More information on the rules can be found at: http://www.distraction.gov/content/dot-action/regulations.html
In November 2010, the Department of Transportation announced “Faces of Distracted Driving,” a video series featuring people from across the country who have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. To watch videos from the “Faces of Distracted Driving” series, and to learn more about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s campaign against distracted driving, visit Distraction.gov.

Ohio, became the 39th State to write and pass legislation to make it illegal to text while driving today with Gov. John Kasich’s signing ceremony. As dangerous as texting and driving may be, what many fail to see, is that many states already have laws on the books to cover these actions. The law is usually called driving while distracted. This law is a primary offense, which means you can be pulled over for only being caught breaking it. It is not secondary, which means the cops would first need to pull you over for something else, ie. speeding, and then slap you with a ticket for driving while distracted.

This is nothing more than political smoke and mirrors. It’s a feel good bill. If driving while distracted already makes it illegal to drive while reading, drive while eating, drive while putting makeup on, drive while arguing with passengers, and etc. etc. Why the sudden need for the bill? Nothing more that PC political correctness run amok and political self-preservation. That is the sad truth of this issue. Politicians take something that the media has blown up into a huge social issue, and then get to work passing laws!  You know, to look busy, for the constituents. They stand up on their soap boxes and pound their chest and shout, “it’s a crisis” and “young people are dying!” “We must do something!” “We need to pass a bill banning this action!”.  All the while, there already exists a law that cops can already use to perform a traffic stop, driving while distracted. WE ARE BEING SCAMMED by WEASEL POLITICIANS! How much money do you think these states have spent writing, voting on, performing demographics and traffic studies, just to pass REDUNDANT legislation? I would venture to say it’s in the millions of dollars. There really is nothing more deceiving than pretending to stand up for the people and convincing many into believing they are really “working” for you, the constituent. It’s a fantasy, they’ve concocted in their heads. Now they all will run around congratulating each other by patting one another on the backs and bottoms. And they just keep getting away with the deceptions, because no one will call them on the carpet on it! Its high time someone stood up and called Bu** sh**!

The most egregious part of the bill is this, what about the cops? Does this apply to them also? I have personally witnessed patrol officers scrolling on their laptops, typing and reading while driving, actually texting on their phone,  can any one say hypocrite?

Lord Help Us. They’re just gonna keep finding social / political reasons to legislate idiocy and we are the guinea pigs!

Robert E. Stage Jr.

P.S. – For those who have lost loved ones, I am sorry for your loss, the law that could have saved your loved one(s) already existed, and no one would enforce it.

4:48 Minutes, That Will Change You Forever

Fifth-grader Matt Woodrum hangs out with his friends. His you tube video of him running the 400 meter race has went viral, he has cerebral palsy.

Phillipians 4:13
Authorized King James Version 1611 (KJV)
“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”

Remember the name Matt Woodrum; the next time the Devil has you down and tells you “you can’t do it!” Matt is a fifth-grader at a school in the school district that my wife and I live in, Worthington City Schools. He attends Worthington Colonial Elementary School, in Worthington, Ohio. This child shows a level of strength and courage, almost un-matched in this age. Even with his disability, he resolved that he was going to compete in the recent field day at the school. He was offered a place on the sideline, he simply said, “no”. He not only said, “no”, he said, “I’m competing in the 400 meter race.” From that point on, he was not turning back, no retreat, no surrender! Matt struggles with every step, but with every step he seems to dig even deeper and becomes even more determined to finish.

The song that was picked to accompany the video is spot on “Eye of the Tiger” of Rocky fame. As Matt is competing and falling behind, his classmates begin to appear (what seems like from everywhere) and begin to cheer him on, and then begin to gather around him, flanking him off the left and right to run alongside their friend.
Matt’s gym teacher, John Blain, said

His run wasn’t about crossing the finish line. Rather, the important thing is that Matt chose to run when he didn’t have to, knowing that it wouldn’t be easy.“ Our society has gotten away from that, but these kids loved the way he played that race,” Blaine said. “It was a great victory because he ran it with honor.”

 You can see from watching the video, Matt and his gym teacher have a great relationship. He runs with Matt to encourage him.

Here are some quotes from Matt’s mother, Anne, fellow students, and Matt himself:

Matt’s mother, Anne Curran, said she wasn’t surprised that her determined son finished the race.

“But when the kids came to join him, that was the real moment of inspiration that obviously made me and everybody cry,” she said. “Seeing him through to the end and cheering his name was just a priceless moment.” excerpt from the Columbus Dispatch

“I want people to know Matt can do anything,” said 10-year-old Jazmin Williams. “We didn’t have the guts to do the race, but he did it.” excerpt from the Columbus Dispatch
Matt paused for a few seconds when asked what he wants the people around the world watching his video to know.
“Just because you’re disabled doesn’t mean you can’t try,” he said. excerpt from the Columbus Dispatch
One commenter on the video said “restored my faith in humanity.”

This story has garnered national and worldwide acclaim. The school has received notes from Hong Kong Croatia, and when principal Henk DeRee turned on his tv, there the school and Matt was, on NBC’S The Today Show.

Here are a few local comments from the article in the Columbus Dispatch:

Sharon Mason (girlscout)
“I saw that on 10tv this morning as I was getting ready for work. I sat there and cried. Oh what a wonderful sight to see. Matt had the guts to run and the classmates did not want him to run alone. Restores my faith in the future of our country. Congrats Matt. You are my hero”
2012-05-31 08:26:59.0

Military Dad (rparker6491)
“My children all attended Colonial Hills. It is a great school, wirth great teachers, and administrators. Ther community supports the schools, who in return, who support the community. A lot of the teachers live in the neighborhood. This is the kind of school we need more of and yes, every time a levy came up I voted for it. Just look at the results!”
2012-05-31 09:06:59.0

Paul Wade (yogiman)
“This is the best show I have seen on internet since it began. Let’s hope we’re getting a more original breed of children today.”
2012-06-01 16:57:58.0

After watching the video and your done wiping your eyes, say a little prayer for this child and his family, and pray that his story inspires many more people to follow in his footsteps of strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Authorized King James Version 1611 (KJV)
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Isaiah 40:28-31
Authorized King James Version 1611 (KJV)
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Robert E. Stage Jr.
The Patriot

China’s “Birth Control” ‘Sex Selective Abortion’ has arrived in America

A must see video! Lila Rose, from live action.org goes undercover in Austin, TX. She exposes a Planned Parenthood “counsellor advising women to abort girls. Sex selective, late term, abortion. In America!

What’s the difference from this method, or China’s operation of a delivery room with a bucket of water on the floor, so if the woman has a girl they can put the infant into the bucket to drown her?

In my mind, there is no difference, none.

Robert E. Stage Jr.
The Patriot

A Mother’s Day Prayer for My Beautiful Wife

My wife and I began our Mother’s day with a devotional in bed, we studied The Gospel of John chapter’s 3 and 4. After visiting my mother this morning, my wife and I went to a nice cozy lunch at a Chinese place. I had been thinking of a way that I could be a blessing to my wife and make this Mother’s day special for her also.  I decided to be creative and write a prayer that she could always remember this Mother’s day by, sort of a way to commemorate her day as the mother of our children.  I gathered the best of paper, a really nice frame, and then I just poured my heart out to God and let the words trickle onto the page.  Above is a picture of the finished product. Here is the prayer I wrote: A Mother’s Day Prayer for My Beautiful Wife, To my loving wife Cynthia.  Father God, on this special day, send your blessings and favor upon my wife.  Always lend your strength to her, and set her feet upon the rock that is your Son Jesus Christ.  Nourish her with your Holy word and teach us to be Godly toward one another. Give her your divine protection O’ God; and seal her with your Holy Spirit for the day of your coming.  Reveal to her each and every day just how much of a blessing she is to me and our children, and how much she is needed by us, help us Father to show our love and appreciation toward her, reveal yourself to her in a true and mighty way, all the days of her life.  When she hurts, cradle her in your strong arms and give her sanctuary; help me to understand her pain , so that I might perfect your love upon her.  Grant me patience, so that when she hurts, I may not add to her suffering, but that I might become a blessing to her in your name.  When she laughs, remind her that you’re there with her; when she cries, give her the comfort of knowing that you’re still there with her, and that you will cry with her.  I ask Lord that you would forgive us our trespasses against you, and deliver us from the hand of the evil one.  Help us to flourish in sound doctrine and increase your kingdom.  Now Father I ask that you sustain us on your path, and remind us that you are more faithful than the sun, for one day it will grow cold and dark, but the light of your Son will shine forever more upon our face.  I pray this prayer in Jesus mighty name; Amen. Your loving husband: Robert 2012

Happy Mothers Day DearI pray you always remember it well!

Robert E. Stage Jr.

Family law in Ohio, and how it affects Fathers, Mothers, and their Children

In Ohio, the current statutes are skewed in the favor of the custodial parent when concerning contempt of court proceedings. Let me explain, if you are the non-custodial parent and you are named in your court order to pay child support, if you were to fall behind (even through no fault of your own) after 30 days delinquency you will find yourself on the receiving end of a summons. The CSEA through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service acts on behalf of the child (also the custodial parent) and summons you to court to answer a charge of contempt. This legal action costs $0.00 to the custodial parent.

Now, if you are the custodial parent, you are able to sever visitation from the non-custodial parent and the children, causing you to be in contempt. When the non-custodial parent wants to remedy this issue and continue visitation he or she must hire legal counsel, pay a fee to the court to have the case heard (most cases $400.00), most attorney fees for this action can run between $600.00 to $1000.00. So to summarize, if you are a non-custodial parent it will cost you, $1000.00 to $1400.00 just to get the custodial parent into court to answer for a contempt charge (this still does not guarantee you will see your children). And if you are a custodial parent, after 30 days delinquency on child support payments, the legal system/state agency becomes your advocate, at no cost to you, and sends a summons to the non-custodial parent.

The fourteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution section1.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Proposed Legislation – State of Ohio – Domestic Relations

Whereas the family has been the foundation of society from the origins of the world. So then, because a child (or children) have been naturally appointed with a father and a mother, and a child (or children) being a gift from God, it is of the utmost importance that they have relationships with both parents to sustain the blessings of this life, and so they do not forget their ancestors and familial heritage.

Also,

Whereas it is good and prudent that governments be instituted among men, and government; being a reflection of the current order of the institution of the American family, I, Robert E. Stage Jr. propose amending the domestic relations segment of the Ohio Revised Code to make the law more equitable among custodial and non-custodial parents.

A. When a custodial parent shall fail to comply with the court appointed enjoyed parenting time for a period of more than 30 days, the CSEA / Job and family services case worker shall, in a written and sworn affidavit notify the county prosecutor of the alleged contempt of court. Upon receiving the sworn affidavit, the county prosecutor shall file a charge of contempt of court against the custodial parent in the court of the original verdict and decree.

(1.) The non-custodial parent must show causal for the aforementioned legal action by acquiring police reports for each infraction of the court appointed enjoyed parenting time order.

(2.) The non-custodial parent shall be wholly responsible for any and all evidence and its gathering (also its delivery to the CSEA / Job and Family Services caseworker).

B. If found guilty of contempt, punishment of the custodial parent shall be equal to the existing statutes for child support delinquency.

(1.) Upon first conviction of contempt, the custodial parent shall be incarcerated for a period of up to 30 days and pay up to a $250.00 fine.

(2.) Upon second conviction of contempt, the custodial parent shall be incarcerated for a period of up to 60 days and pay up to a $500.00 fine.

(3.) Upon third conviction of contempt, the custodial parent shall be incarcerated for a period of up to 90 days and pay up to a $1000.00 fine.

I am submitting this proposal to my state representatives, if you support this proposal please leave your comments stating such. Thank you.

Also, please reblog and share this with Facebook and Twitter with as many people as you can.

Divorce Ends Marriages…But Families Endure…

I was surfing other Divorced parent blogs the other day, and stumbled upon this blog by a Divorce Attorney. It has a ton of excellent advice in it for parents. However it does have a few typo’s in it, and it does portray the “ideal” divorced parents /child relationships. It really explains some of the behavioral issues that arise from children of divorced parents. I found it very helpful, I think you will too.

Robert E Stage Jr.  

Divorce Ends Marriages…But Families Endure….

The problems get worse before they get better.

Most people who have went through a divorce in the distant past would probably agree with the title of this writing. When couples are facing the tough decision of reconciliation or divorce court, the problems that brought them to that place in their relationship often times didn’t happen over night. They are usually the culmination of years of fighting over any number of issues; fidelity, money, parenting, work, friends, attitudes, etc.  What many people do not realize is that divorce is the first step to an even more stressful relationship with an ex-partner, family, family in-law, and their children. Sadly, many do not think through every aspect of the divorce before heading in its direction. Many do not weigh all the consequences that will come with the big “D”. Now instead of arguing about income; you argue over two incomes, instead of arguing over parenting; you argue over what your child(ren) was allowed to do when in the care of the other. And the fighting goes on, and on, and on. Whatever their decision, couples need to know that treading into the direction of divorce should not be taken lightly. In the bible, Jesus gave only one legitimate reason for divorce, infidelity; anything lesser than that should and could be reconciled.

With that being said, there are some who have been reminded on what seems to be a daily basis by their wives or husbands, “If you leave me, you’ll lose everything; kids, house, cars and when I say everything, I mean everything!” I myself, hail from this particular group of people. When my ex-wife explained to me that if I ever left her that she would take everything from me including the kids and the house, she used to solidify her statements by adding a little caveat by saying “And if I cant do it, my Mom will see to it happening!” Maybe you’ve heard those very same words. In my case this is actually the only vow my ex-wife ever kept.

Luckily, life does not end “post children”. Every day is a challenge, but I have made it, and in most cases prospered. With the support of my soul mate, my new wife Cynthia, I have since my divorce, gained my self-respect back, went to school and received my GED, I even completed and passed a couple of college courses. Also I went to school and received a State of Ohio license to sell Life, Health, and Annuity insurance. We have a ton of fun raising and playing with our three labrador puppies. Our life is really good.

 I can remember feeling like my ex-wife was extorting me to stay in a destructive relationship by holding me hostage with my great love for our children. In the end, If you are not respected, not loved, treated poorly, or just plain discounted as a second class citizen in your relationship, no amount of extortion will keep you in it. It may keep you for a season, but soon that season will be over, and so will the relationship. Most will say, “stick it out for the children’s sake.” often times this only teaches children to stay in the same destructive relationships when they grow up and are dating or married. This just perpetuates the hurtful vicious cycle in the next generation.

No one can make these hard decisions for you. But if you’re visiting this blog; take this advice, get plenty of input and counselling before you make any decision. Also read the first psalm in the Bible, and follow it strictly, get good solid Godly advice in your situation. Find good moral things to do to fill your time with, help a neighbor, volunteer, bless others with your talents.

Don’t perpetuate damaging behavior because you feel it’s just “best” for all involved.

Robert E Stage  Jr

A brave new world

This blog has been constructed so that divorced parents who have been kept from seeing their children by the “custodial” parent, have an outlet; a voice that might be heard. Somewhere for you to comment about others, and to lift up others who are going through their ordeals that they face. Somewhere for you to gain encouragement when the future seems bleak, and you’re are not sure if you can take one more step forward. It often times is very lonely being a divorced parent, that loneliness is only amplified by selfish and greedy; sometimes just hurtful ex-partners; who wish to sever the bond between a child and their “non-custodial” parent. What’s even worse sometimes, not only do the “custodial” parents keep you at bay, you also have extra-family members dictating their rules also when pertaining to visitation. Maybe you have found solace in your new spouse as I have, or maybe you have thrown yourself into your career, or a hobby. Whatever it is that you do to dull the sting of the loss of companionship of your child(ren), deep inside you know there is a child shaped hole that is just not filled any longer. Having that hole inside you cuts you to the very deepest parts of your soul. Not knowing if your daughter will still ask you to walk her down the aisle, because she hasn’t spoken to you in more than a few years. Not knowing if your son would ask you to be his best man on his special day. Not knowing if you will see your very own grandchildren grow up, or be a part of their life at all, in any way. These may be some thoughts or questions you ask yourself, or better put, torture yourself with. This blog is to let parents know they are not alone in their pain and agony. It is dedicated to those who have had to “let go” much too soon. It is a memorial to all the children who want to see their daddy or mommy; – but are afraid to speak because they don’t want to hurt the other.

Somewhere tonight; a child and a parent are crying out from the depths of their heart to God in heaven, only wanting to be reunited and to begin repairing the relationship that has been damaged and lost.

Robert E. Stage Jr.