Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,
In last week’s edition of the Capitol Weekly (March 4), the Skinny on A3 incorrectly identified Lee Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA,” as having been released in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

In actuality, this was a re-release of Greenwood’s trademark song. The song was originally released in 1984 and topped the Country Music charts at No. 7 that year. The song was incredibly popular and has been a mainstay for several political campaigns, numerous patriotic rallies, enjoyed renewed interest during the 1990-91 Gulf War and again after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The song also receives heavy play around Memorial Day and Independence Day and is a ‘must play’ at troop-departure and homecoming celebrations.

Greenwood also received the Country Music Association’s Song of the year Award for “God Bless the USA” in 1985.

 It appears the Capitol Weekly Staff may not be aficionados of Country Music and therefore required a dedicated reader to render some assistance.

 CW Peterson,
Grass Valley

Dear Editor,
Some people contend that legislatures should not adopt a rebuttable presumption of shared parenting because they assert that it would “tie the hands” of family court judges.  These advocates do not honor the fact that a rebuttable presumption for shared parenting is rebuttable.

It is illogical for these same advocates to “tie the hands” of family court judges by limiting the testimony that family court judges are allowed to hear. The presumption for shared parenting is rebuttable, and testimony about Parental Alienation is not taken as true without evidence.  I disagree with Mr. Preston Thymes who asserts that recognizing Parental Alienation as a legitimate issue in custody cases would endanger abused children.  Not only would abused children continue to be protected by family courts, but recognizing Parental Alienation as a legitimate ssue in custody cases would help children who have been alienated.

In genuine cases of domestic violence or child abuse, all sides agree that courts need to protect children from abusive parents. We do not limit testimony about domestic violence or child abuse simply because there is a large body of evidence which shows that false accusations of domestic violence are a major problem in child custody cases.

There are children who have been alienated from one parent as a result of the actions of the other parent.  These children need help.

Yes, there are parents who have alienated their children through inept parenting, narcissism, drug or alcohol problems, or abuse, and who attempt to shift the blame to their exes by falsely claiming Parental lienation. It is also true that sometimes, Parental Alienation exists but is only one of several factors causing a deterioration of the parent-child bond. It is also true that sometimes parental alienators are unaware of their harmful actions.

Nevertheless, Parental Alienation is a serious problem. When fact-finding in custody cases, judges and custody evaluators must be able to properly consider all available evidence. When abuse is alleged, the accusation merits serious consideration. When Parental Alienation is alleged, the accusation merits serious consideration, too.
Michael Hunter