Hello... my name is Kevin Thompson and I am running for mayor of Methuen on a platform of transparency and accountability in government.
If I have learned anything over my time as a resident of Methuen and as a victim of Methuen politics, it is how corruption "breeds" behind closed doors. The fact is that the only people who feel a need to censor speech and conceal information are those with something to hide.
Most Methuen residents are aware of the "shenanigans" that have occurred in this city over the last few years because they have been reported in the media.
I refer to the former Mayor's diversion of city funds into her Festival of Trees organization; the dismissal of the former City Solicitor for alleged sexual harassment; the dismissal of the former Chief of Police for allegedly misspending federal grant money; the abrupt resignation of the school system's Business Manager under the condition that he not "disparage" the school department; the arrest of the high school's Science Department Head in a prostitution sting; and the arrest of other school and city employees on charges of drugs, gambling, and theft.
I write "allegedly" as it pertains to the two dismissals referenced above because the truth and what the powers that be in Methuen "allege" as the truth to defame and discredit individuals who they have targeted are two different stories.
The one story that the political machine in Methuen has been able to keep under wraps, which leads me believe that there are likely others, is the story involving my lawsuit against the City of Methuen and the Massachusetts Teachers' Association.
I was a high school physics teacher at Methuen High School for almost ten years - a term of service that ended with a wrongful dismissal in April of 2007 for reporting an act of workplace harassment against me.
Although three different administrative agencies (i.e. The Division of Unemployment Assistance, its Board of Review, and the American Arbitration Association) concluded after evidentiary hearings that the pretext reason alleged by the school system was NOT grounds to fire me, I am still on the outside looking in at a tenured teaching career in Methuen that was literally stolen from me two plus years ago with fraud.
My dismissal, which will prove to be temporary and extremely costly to the City of Methuen and the Massachusetts Teachers Association IF I ever get my day in court, was orchestrated by a small group of teachers at the high school, who were successful at manipulating the school system's clueless and incompetent first-year superintendent with their lies.
My "crime", which brought upon me their "wrath", was that I exposed the corruption in my local union's nomination and election process and sued the ringleader of this group, Union President Diane Dandreta, for slander and workplace harassment.
I knew that I would be inviting trouble and making enemies when I took on this union-connected group of teachers at the high school, but as a fellow by the name of Edmund Burke once said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Since this story would take hours for me to tell, I invite anyone reading this message to contact me directly at "kmtinma@comcast.net" for a free pdf copy of my book on this topic.
To those who have attempted to marginalize me as a candidate with the claim that I am running for mayor as a "disgruntled" former employee of the city, I would argue that I am running because I have seen, first hand, the dangers of public corruption and secrecy.
As mayor, my first order of business will be to reduce government waste and purge the city of "incompetents" who are costing the city money.
That purge would begin with the City Solicitor Peter McQuillan and the School Superintendent Jeanne Whitten, who have already cost the taxpayers of Methuen thousands of dollars in litigation costs and potentially millions of dollars in damages.
As it pertains to waste, you can be assured that I will not be hiring out consultants to find the next school superintendent, as was frivolously done to find the current one.
I also intend to do a full audit of the city's expenses to figure out where cuts can be made to finance the city's most urgent needs.
If you have not figured it out by now, I do not mince my words. Contrary to the strategy of most politicians, who will tell you what they think you want to hear to get your vote and keep concealed their position on controversial issues, I say what I mean and mean what I say.
Be forewarned that I have my enemies in town. That comes with the territory when you attempt to hold some very bad people accountable. So please take the "potshots" that are sure to be directed at me with a grain of salt.
I have already been accused of being unemployed for the last two years and of being "litigious". Since the Eagle Tribune "blocked me" from responding to these accusations, I am responding below.
For the record, I have been unemployed for less that two MONTHS, not two years, and I recently received notice that I will be returning to the Lawrence public school system as a physics teacher this upcoming school year at the Health and Human Services High School.
And to those who have attempted to discredit me because I have filed several lawsuits, I invite them to actually read them. They will discover that there is nothing "frivolous" or "bogus" about them.
My lawsuit and supporting documents against Tom Duggan, Paula Porten, and the Valley Patriot can be found at the link to Essex Superior Court Judge Merita A. Hopkins.
And my lawsuit and supporting documents against several corrupt judges and against Methuen and the Massachusetts Teachers Association can be found at the link to U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock.
The ONLY thing that has kept the defendants listed in the lawsuits referenced above from losing these lawsuits, up to now, is a wildly corrupt court system, made up of judges who have conspired among themselves to deny me justice for my efforts to hold them accountable.
To the skeptics, who have not experienced the Massachusetts court system first hand to know how unbelievably corrupt our courts are, I urge you to click on the link below, which will take you to the 62-page complaint that I filed with the public corruption unit of the FBI.
To those who have criticized my efforts to expose corruption in this city and state and who believe that I should have simply allowed myself to be victimized and walk away, I do not want your vote.
I want the vote of those citizens in Methuen who believe that truth, justice, and basic human rights are worth fighting for.
If you believe that it is time for transparency and accountability in Methuen and are tired of "business as usual" in Methuen politics, then please consider me for your vote.
KEVIN THOMPSON FOR MAYOR
"A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME"
I am a 47 year-old father of a 7 year-old boy and a physics teacher. I was born in Methuen, MA on December 6, 1961 and grew up in Salem, NH in a loving, intact two-parent home. My brother is a successful business owner with a wife and three children and my sister is a wife and mother to four children.
I graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1980 as class salutatorian. While at Central, I played baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and track and I was a member of the Math Club and co-chairman of the school's Mission Committee, which collected money for the underprivileged.
I received a Vice Presidential appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where I attended for two years as an aerospace engineering major. In 1983, I transferred to the University of Massachusetts-Boston and graduated magna cum laude in 1985 with a degree in physics.
From 1985-1987, I taught physics, chemistry, and math at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica and coached baseball and basketball. I then taught physics for one year at my alma mater, Central Catholic, where I also coached baseball and basketball, before moving to Los Angeles, CA.
From 1988-1996, I lived in Los Angeles, CA, where I taught physics, math, and physical education and continued to coach both baseball and basketball.
In 1994, I obtained a master's degree in Educational Administration from California State University, where I graduated with a 3.94 GPA.
Upon returning to the east coast after nine years in California, I was hired as a physics teacher at Methuen High School, where I met the mother of my son. The relationship ended and a custody dispute ensued.
This story was documented in a book that I wrote in 2004 titled "Exposing the Corruption in the Massachusetts Family Courts", which was banned by a judge criticized in that book.
In 2009, I wrote a second book, titled "Memoirs of a Teacher - A Story of Corruption and Incompetence in Methuen's Public School System."
It is the information contained in these two books that convinced me to run for political office and do everything in my power to shine a light on the corruption occurring right under the noses of the citizens of this city and state.
Besides running for mayor of Methuen; I am producing a cable show on MCTV called, "Let's Talk Corruption," and writing another book, titled "America's Courts - A Taxpayer-Funded System of Organized Crime".
I have been asked what qualifies me to run for mayor and I have responded to this question with a question of my own: What qualifies anyone to run for political office?
If it requires special interest funding and an ability to talk out both sides of your mouth, which is what I have seen in most politicians in this city and state, then I do not qualify.
But if it requires a desire to serve the people of the city honorably and listen to what they have to say, then I am very qualified.
If it requires a courage to stand up to very bad people who have their own agendas, then I am very qualified.
And if it requires intelligence and common sense, then I am very qualified.
My record speaks for itself. At great personal expense, I have exposed public corruption locally and at the state level. My stand against corruption in my own teachers' union ultimately cost me my tenured teaching position in Methuen.
And my stand against several corrupt judges in this state has resulted in law-defying dismissals of my cases in state and federal court before these cases could succeed on their merits before a constitutionally-prescribed jury of my peers.
On the subject of intelligence, I can point to the fact that I was salutatorian of my high school class, a magna cum laude graduate from college, and a member of Mensa with an IQ of 148.
Quite frankly, I do not believe that the job of mayor is rocket science. In a nutshell, the mayor and the nine members of the city council decide how the city's money is to be spent.
As someone with a knack for numbers, I believe that my mathematical skills, attention to detail, and integrity are more than sufficient for the job.
"WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ME"
(Names Withheld)
Email Responses Pertaining to my Run for Mayor:
Dear Mr. Thompson,
As it has been several years since I sat in your Honors Physics class my senior year (2004 to be exact), I am not sure you'll remember me. Being that I am not very mathematically inclined, I never did make it to your Wall of Fame - and I will say with complete honesty that your class was the hardest class I ever had in high school (and, in fact, it trumps a lot of the classes I had in college as well).
The only reason I actually survived it was because of your dedication to both your students and to the subject; refusing to leave any student in the dark when the concepts became complex (and, let's face it, they're always complex). Without your teaching style and the organizational skills you instilled in us, I might have dropped the class within the first few weeks. Thank you for making a subject I would have ordinarily hated so tolerable - and even enjoyable.
That said, I was reading an article regarding Methuen's preliminary election fiasco on the Eagle Tribune's website yesterday, and came across the link to your website in the message boards. My first reaction, of course, was "Mr. Thompson? Kevin Thompson? My high school physics teacher is running for mayor??" Then inevitably came the shock and disgust at your current situation with your son and the high school, as this was the first I'd heard of it (not surprising).
I am outraged at what you've been put through and dumbfounded at what really goes on behind those concrete walls. What a travesty - it is amazing the work you've done to fight this, even against the worst possible odds. As both a very concerned citizen and the product of a broken home, justice needs to be served in this matter, and I hope the criminals get what they deserve. Your son is so lucky to have you.
On another note, your political platform has truly inspired me. The corruption in this town (and state.... and country....) has become a given, and you are really the only candidate I've seen run for any office, anywhere, who has the guts to say what you say. The Big Brother-like government we are forced to live under not only infuriates me, it frightens me - especially when I think about what it'll be like in 10 or 20 years. Reading what you have to say gives me hope that the current state of affairs is not beyond our control and that we do not need to accept this as "just the way things are."
Bottom line, you undoubtedly have my vote. Keep getting your name out there. I'm sure I can speak for hundreds of your students, past and present, when I say that I would be more than willing to help your campaign in any way that I can. Thank you for making so many of us feel like we finally have a voice that will be heard by the people who need to hear it most!
Hello Mr. Thompson,
I was a former student of yours at Methuen High School (class of 2003). You were a great teacher and [it] is sad to hear what eventually happened in April of 2007 for doing the right thing. I've visited your website many times and respect [you] for what you stand for. I think you'll be a great Mayor for the city of Methuen and wish you well in these upcoming elections. If possible, may I please have a free pdf copy of your book. Thank you, and good luck!
Hello Mr. Thompson,
This is [name withheld] writing to you. I had your course and graduated from MHS in 2004. I am happy to see you running for mayor. I am behind you 100%. I will do my best to spread the word that you are running for mayor. On a side note, thank you for a wonderful education. I am almost finished graduate school in clinical laboratory sciences at UMass Lowell. Then I am on for a PhD in biomedical engineering and biotechnology. I can honestly say that your physics class has well prepared me to be a successful college student. I even teach at UMass as an adjunct faculty member. Certain teachers like you and Peter Salemi are great influences on my life and I greatly appreciate all you have done for me. Best of luck in running for mayor. You deserve your shot.
Hey Mr. Thompson!!!
I just got a call from [Name Withheld) that he was handed a card at Stop & Shop that you are running for Mayor!! I think that's excellent. I just visited your website. Your book looks really interesting and I still have my copy of your first book which I understand is now banned. As for me I graduated from GWU last May, I'm working at a law office in Wakefield. I actually just started grad school for my MBA through Suffolk University. Just wanted to say hello. I'll absolutely be voting for you in the election. Take care and best of luck!!
Hello Mr. Thompson.
I saw you tonight on the MCTV channel. First off, let me say you have my vote come November. I am sick of corruption in Methuen, and I trust you will take care of this if elected. It's time we take back our city and bring back things like honesty and integrity and do away with nepotism, favoritism, and overall corruption! I'd also like a copy of your book via the pdf document. Thank you for your time and good luck!
Hello Kevin.
Wow, is all I can say after spending hours of time reading through your website. I also have a family law horror story and the same wish to run for office to clean our criminal government up. You have more drive and ability than I do though.....please don't ever stop.
Letters of Appreciation from Students and Parents:
Mr. Thompson,
I wanted to thank you for encouraging me to take AP Physics. I knew that I wanted to study some field of science in college, however, I was always unsure of the specifics. After the 1st term of your class this year, it has become clear to me that physics will be my major/central study. Your letter will help in this college application process and I appreciate your time and effort as a role model.
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I want to thank you for being such an outstanding teacher. You've spent countless hours outside of school helping me to understand the confusing and complex study of physics. You've also brought laughter, understanding, and encouragement into my education and my life. Most of all, knowing that you sincerely love teaching has made me realize that I want to teach someday also, and I intend to bring the same amount of passion and joy that you have shown as well.
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Thanks so much for all that you have done for me at Methuen High! I really appreciate you taking the time to write me a recommendation! You've made physics challenging and enjoyable and it is an honor to be on your Wall of Fame!
Thank you for all your support and wonderful advice. I finally made it and I'm happy to say that you were a perfect role model and a great friend to me. Thank you for everything.
Hi
I wanted to thank you for nominating Tim for his achievement in Physics. He loves the subject and your class, so much so that he is considering majoring in Physics and Education in college... We'll have to wait and see...but thank you again.
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that all the 'stuff' you taught us in physics over the past two years is helping me A LOT in my first required Engineering class. Only about half the people in the class have had physics and many of them end up coming to me to help them with problems we are assigned because they don't even know things like F=ma! I don't have actual physics until next semester because I'm required to take chemistry first (although I'd much rather be doing physics). But anyways, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate what you have taught me, and hope things are going well for you this year.
i am guessing at ur e-mail, so i hope i'm right. i'd like to thank you for teaching me so well for the two years i took physics with you. i am fairly certain that i wouldn't have gotten a 5 on the exam if you hadn't been so great at teaching. have a good school year. i hope i got ur email right.
Mr. Thompson,
Thank you for writing me a recommendation letter for college. You have always been one of my favorite teachers. I have known you Freshman year and am glad that I had you as a teacher twice. Thanks for everything, and most of all thank you for being you.
Mr. Thompson,
I can't believe I'm a senior now. It seems like yesterday I was a freshman in your Science topics class! I've learned a lot then, and now, Physics! Thank you very much for taking your time to write me a recommendation letter. I will miss you.
Dear Mr. Thompson,
This letter is sent to express the appreciation of all of your students regarding the tenacious effort you have put forth in introducing the science of physics. As a current student of yours, I, as do all of your pupils, feel compelled to express gratitude for your concerns for us and for your ability to educate us in the field of science. I find your class quite enjoyable in many aspects. One is the clear and simple dialogue you utilize to explain complex concepts of physics. Not only does this allow students to quickly comprehend these topics, but it also introduces a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Another excellent aspect of your class is your efficient use of examples and your concise responses to questions. In addition, the use of lab experiments and oral reports provides a refreshing alternative to classroom routine. All of these make your class enjoyable yet challenging. I thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm.
Dear Kevin,
Hope you don't mind us calling you that. This is your beloved Honors Physics class. We all just want to thank you very much for being a great and understanding teacher to us this year. You really put in a lot of extra time and effort for us to really learn physics. We all wish you a very bright, successful future and whenever you feel low, think of all of us who will always be behind you!
Mr. Thompson.
Hello. It's been really nice to having (sic) your classes. I had math for last year, and physics for this year. I think you are one of the nicest teachers that I never got (sic). I still remember when you signed physics H. for me. You worried about lack of my English but I think I'm well done (sic) with your help. Thanks for everything and I always enjoyed your classes. Bye.
Mr. Thompson,
I have really enjoyed being in your class, this year and last. Remember me in your study hall? You are my favorite teacher. Your teaching methods are really awesome. You made physics really fun and easy to understand. Explaining the stuff on the board helps me understand more than reading about it in a book. I'm really glad that you didn't give us books because I already had enough books from my other classes and it probably would have given my back a problem. You are one of the most caring teachers that I have ever known. You really want us to understand the stuff and you make a great effort in helping us learn it. I'm so glad I was put in your Physics class because some other teacher probably would not have been as patient and understanding and so interesting. A lot of teachers are so boring and give lectures or ask us to read in a book and take a test, but you are totally different, you created games, like that baseball game thing to help us study for the test. Now that was fun! I loved listening to your stories. Every day I always looked forward to going to 3rd period because it's my favorite class. You are a really cool teacher and you can really relate to us. Most teachers talk down to us but you talk to us at our level and I think you are a terrific teacher. I feel that you have given me a great gift, the gift of knowledge. In the beginning of this school year, I knew nothing about physics and now I feel like I'm physics literate. I wish you the best of luck!
Below are just some of the email responses that I received in response to my "whistleblower" letter pertaining to the corruption in the Methuen union's nomination and election process:
Bravo! Thank you for putting into words what many of us have known. My Old team partner - Jack Hough - was the one who ran against Diane and we all watched in horror as the election was fixed. The "tactics" that go on with that "group" are unbelievable! It is definitely time for a change.
Thank you for trying to put a stop to this tyranny! You have my support. Best of luck!
We are being told there is NO election today. How can we vote for you?
Thought you would be interested in the following response to my "voting" question. Thank you for your letter - you put into writing what we all know.
Kevin,
I don't know if we've met, but thanks for the info. Tough stuff - took some guts. Anyone willing to send a letter like that has my vote. I hope it works out for you.
Interesting letter, not only was I unaware of the nominating period, I wasn't even aware that we had an election on April 13th. Is there a recall process allowed within the union rules, if so is it a viable solution to the current situation?
Hi Kevin,
I don't know you but just finished reading your letter about the fiasco of nominations. It is very sad. Thanks for sharing and I hope that things will be resolved to your satisfaction. I have two young children at home and I'm not ready to throw myself into any political arena but it is NEVER okay for injustice to occur. Thanks again for communicating the information for us to digest.
Responses to my first book titled, "Exposing the Corruption in the Massachusetts Family Courts":
Dear Kevin:
We have never met, but I feel compelled to write to you and tell you how affected I am by your book and as of today, your Miranda Rights for Men. I work with young children (3-6 year olds), and the knowledge I have gained from reading your book, and talking with others who have endured similar situations, has made an impact on how I work with all of the families who are no longer living in one household. And also with the parents of the children I work with who have an intact household. I thank your for your ongoing work with this issue, and I certainly hope in the very near future, shared parenting is the norm and not the exception. The well being of the children needs to be the first priority for EVERYONE.
Hi Kevin,
I read about your fight tonight. You have my support. People need to know how sick the family court system is. These women and the courts that support them never cease to amaze me. I am horrified by the depth of bias and lack of reproductive rights for fathers. For what it's worth you have my support. I would love to buy a copy of your book. I hope men & women continue to fight and shine light, knowledge and hope on this draconian system. I have a son. I used to be a single mom myself. The system must be changed. Please fwd information on where I can purchase a copy of your book. Best of luck to you and your family. May God be with you in your plight for justice. You are not alone.
Kevin,
I'm in the process of reading your book. As my case was in MA. (Worcester), I'm having some very unpleasant flashbacks. Moreover, as I am currently living in NH, and active as a fathers' rights activist there, I can attest to the fact that what you have written is commonplace through out the country. I'm finding your book to be extremely well written, hard hitting and concise. I've already started recommending it to others. Thank you for writing this, it's a boon to all divorced fathers who would read it. After just a chapter or two, I thought I'd like to ask permission to quote from the book in letters to the editor, op eds, etc. But each chapter brings something else that's worthy of repeating, so I don't know how I'd manage to write that many letters to the editors. Had I the funds, I'd send a copy to them, and to all the judges as well. Thanks again for your excellent work.
Bloody Brilliant!!
Excellent statements and use of true jurisdiction that will help many men in your State and around the country expose them for the scumbags they are. Your comments are inspirational and I know the book will sell well and help many, many children.
Great Job.
Kevin,
What a great brief of your dilemma. Divorce, is in itself when children are involved the single largest form of unregulated money making in our demented society. It allows for the Mother to make up any accusations without substance solely for monetary gain and the complete dismissal of the Father from the child's life all while being policed by no authority. Bottom line Kevin, you are a hero, and your son deserves to be kept as close to you as humanely possible. Kevin, you are the man, and don't ever stop fighting for your right to be a Dad. No one, not a judge, or jury can sit in judgment of you, only your son gets to judge you, and from what I just read that's going to be nothing but LOVE.
Thank you!!!!!!!! I have woken in the middle of the night dreaming of being in court and dressing down the system to the judge and challenging them to take away my right of free speech. You take it one step further and made it personal. Good for you. I look forward to the outcome.
Kevin:
Please provide a mailing address and the cost of your book. I want to get a copy before it is banned. BTW, what is the title? Your statement in court was flawless and beautiful. Thousands of others wish they had the opportunity to make a similar statement.
Dear Kevin,
I am filled with admiration for your determination, intelligence, persistence...and so many other important qualities. Whatever the outcome, your son will one day surely know how you loved him and how you tried to move heaven and earth to stay close to him. On a larger scale, what you are doing is hugely important for the whole father's rights movement. I hope that the newspapers /talk shows/ TV, pick up on this remarkable story of one father taking on the extraordinarily biased and unfair family court system. You make several terrific points which I had never heard made before by anyone, e.g., 85% of prisoners, 78% of high school dropouts, 82% of teen pregnancies, and the majority of drug and alcohol abusers, all come from single-mother headed households. But still the family courts in this state defiantly ignore "the obvious" to claim that it is in the best interests of children to hand sole custody to mothers. !!!!!!!!! You have my prayers
Hi Kevin,
I just read what you said in court and thank god someone like you has the balls to standup to their corruption and destroying of families. I intend to buy your book tomorrow and I hope someday to have the privilege to meet you in person.
Your are our hero.
You are your son’s hero.
Thank you
Kevin,
You go... I support you and your book 100%. I am presently going thru a divorce, and everything that I have read about your case is happening in mine (except for the book). We need more "non custodial" (fathers) parents like you, otherwise we will suffer the injustice of the family court system from generation to generation. Please keep me informed. GOOD LUCK
You are a true patriot. Good luck fighting the Family Courts. I am a victim of false DV allegations here in MA from a woman who had a history of court ordered proceedings to remove men from her life. I cannot begin to explain how severely and quickly my rights and freedom got stripped from me on her word (and not proof) alone. I am a non-violent, decent, hard working college educated male, the system told me that I fit the profile of a batterer perfectly... Scary times we live in. Good luck.
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Your e-mail concerning your most recent court appearance was forwarded to me by a friend. I want to applaud you for your heroic efforts, and compliment you for a perfect defense of the rights of fathers and their children. I support you totally in your efforts, and agree with you that you should ignore any unconstitutional orders handed down by the court. Judicial lynching is out of control in this country, and it is time for men of good conscience to fight back.
Hi Kevin,
I read with interest your e-mail about court yesterday before Judge Manzi. You certainly have a lot of guts to take (her) and the system on as you have and I appreciate your efforts in this cause. You seem to be rather astute about the legal system and the constitution.
Wow Kevin!
Great job. Lets build up to get 20-40 people in the courtroom to witness this next hearing. With lots of notice like this. I would participate in a disruption of the proceeding with boos, or other symbolic stuff. Press should be there. We should get a video camera in and transmit it to a recorder outside etc.
Kevin,
You have a great way of expressing things, and I'll try to put them to good use in letters to the editors (of all the New England papers). By the way, the deeper I get into your book, the madder I get. I thought my case was bad, but reading yours makes me think I got off easy. Have you thought of collecting stories about bad judges from all over MASS? That would make for an interesting new book. I'll submit stories about three or four judges from the Worcester court. By the way, are you aware that the DOR is paying the MA courts over $3 MILLION a year for hearing child support cases? I have the official documents to prove it. Good luck in the future.
Kudos to Kevin!
I hope one day, his son will understand and appreciate the tremendous effort his Father has put forth out of love and the desire to share his son's life.
Hello Kevin,
I have just read the message concerning your battle with the MA family court system. I just want you to know that I support and commend you. I too am currently battling a corrupt family court system across the border in NH. My battle concerns the relocation of my seven year old daughter. Unfortunately I recently received an order from the NH Supreme Court affirming the lower court ruling. I will continue to battle this system, WE must never give up. To do so is to give up on our children.
How sad that Thompson's book will not be read! What a travesty! It only makes several of his points about closed doors , ignoring constitutional law, etc......It is amazing that we have book burning still. It is utterly shameful. I am in much admiration of Kevin for bringing the fight to Goliath
Kevin ,many, many Kudos to you.
For you, Kevin, on April 19, 2006 you should go down in history and the news should pick up on it, because as I recall, the first April 19, is in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which is generally considered to be the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Maybe this April 19,2006, they may hear the second shot heard round the world. Kevin it's a historic day for you and your son. Kudos
Mr. Thompson:
First of all - THANK YOU - on behalf of every father and child facing the same injustice you and your son are facing. THANK YOU for being the perfect example of a father, who would face any enemy for the good of his children. Above all else - PLEASE KEEP FIGHTING. Some day (hopefully very soon) your son is going to be able to comprehend everything you have gone through to be a part of his life... and he will love you even more for it. And thank you again.
Kevin, You've got guts, and I support you 100%.
Kevin I bought your book and what I have read so far is just amazing. I am going through or should I say went through is relatively the same except I haven't experienced the same things you have. I just wished Men would organize themselves and fight this injustice as well as the Bradley amendment, Take back our lives and dignity. Anyway, I support your cause and hope others will too.
You caught them with their pants down. The ruling is a testament to the lengths these parasites will take to hide their evil. You gave them enough rope to hang themselves and now they must pay. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of the abuse that all non-custodial parents have been waiting for. This is war like no other. I bought both book and pdf this week when I heard of your case. I knew you could use help. You write magnificently. Your very clever single "unfit" question is the silver bullet to end the tyranny caused by this infestation of lawyers who traffic in the pain and suffering of good people. I too have represented myself in family court and bear witness to the disharmony, dysfunction, despair and virtual death of my son created by this mafia with impunity. I will follow your case closely and am prepared to help.
I just posted to the ANCPR website (warriorpoet) in regards to your book banning. I read the pdf preview and it is quite fiery! I applaud the tenacity with which you are attacking the tyrannical "Apparatchik" that is the Family Court system. Please let me know if there is anything we may do here to help you in your fight to expose this charade that poses as the Family Court. A friend of the court briefly stating that we would be served by the release of your book, etc. Good Luck and Godspeed to you in you efforts to confront these shysters!
This is a point blank shitty deal about your book and about how all of us are treated.-- and no one cares! All of my close friends, co-workers and people I hardly know mention how we pay too much and have so few rights.. I am in Minnesota getting the same treatment. How can I help!?!? I am buying this book... And I have continually wrote my local reps and senators-- hell they don't even reply. Sell the rights for a movie! Talk to Michael Moore!
I too like many other fathers are fed up with the corrupt judges, attorneys, and child-so-called-support system that is assiduous with their own misconduct. Lastly, I've continued to fight and not give in. We are not in the fight alone thanks to individuals like yourself.
Mr. Thompson,
I wanted to personally write you and let you know how much I appreciated the chance to read your story. I am impressed and in awe. I have thought for years that men have been treated unfairly in the court systems all across America. I am speaking primarily of those who are wanting to be an intricate part of their children's lives. I am disgusted at the way my sisters are using the court system to exact whatever type of revenge on someone they proposed to love at one time or the father of their children. The only innocence here are the children. What we do as adults will affect them one way or another. Unfortunately we are showing them that it's ok to behave like hateful creatures. I would like to post your story on my blog if you don't mind. I think it is something that my readers would like to read. Perhaps this will get others to wake up and start fighting harder to change things in "family court". This craziness must end. Thank you for all you are doing. I thank you for taking the time to read my email. Many blessings upon you. I wish you much success.
Your an outstanding man. I have had my time with the courts over 20 years and watched as my husband was treated unfair and paid child support for kids that he was not able to see. We just finished paying support of 1000.00 a month to a child who was never made to finish school. go in the service or get a job. My husband having been treated unfair in courts was scared to go back to court so he paid with his mouth shut. The child was 21 last month. Oh, don't think the checks went to the son. The mother lived off the checks. Again Thank You.
Hi Kevin,
I’m sorry to hear about the ruling. I would consider your book the equivalent of ‘the shot heard around the world’. It clearly is time for fathers to take action and your book should be the basis of the action. Let me know what I can do to help. I know you put a lot of effort into your book and it is apparent that the courts know what the possible outcomes could be if your book remained available to the general public. Using your son as the reason to ban the book is no different on how courts rule on other cases (they hide behind our children). I would suggest that one of the father organizations hold a general session to rally the troops and devise a plan of action. I believe this is far from over. Again, I’d love to help in any way. Take care and keep your chin up. You did a great thing.
Dear Kevin,
I was brought to tears when I read your story. As a step-mom in Georgia who faces a lot of the same prejudices that you do, my heart breaks for you. I truly admire your perseverance. It makes me upset with myself that my husband and I have just "taken" the awful rulings that have been handed to us. I will certainly be ordering your book and will be praying for you and your son every day in hopes that these wrongs will be set right. God Bless you and your son.
"Where I Stand on Today's Political Issues"
Politically, I consider myself a conservative. I believe in small government, fiscal responsibility, and a strict adherence to the constitution. I believe that politicians are elected to represent their constituents and not the special interest groups who financed their campaigns.
On a local level, I believe it is the responsibility of a city to provide its citizens with a quality police force, fire department, recreation department, road system, and school system.
In the spirit of less is more, those will be my priorities as mayor of Methuen.
I do not believe that this is accomplished by overpaying the people at the top or creating a hierarchy that includes too many "chiefs". With regard to the school system, cuts will come from the top before I even consider cutting teaching positions.
As a teacher myself, I know that the administrators at the top of the school system's food chain have had little, if any, impact on my day to day interaction with my students in the classroom, where the real work gets done. Consequently, I believe that they should be the first positions cut/downsized in economically difficult times.
And on the subject of overpaying the people at the top, the job of school superintendent is not any more difficult, nor does it involve any more responsibility, than the job of mayor. It is also a job that could be competently performed by numerous teachers in the Methuen public school system for a fraction of what the current superintendent is making.
The fact that Jeanne Whitten makes more than twice what Bill Manzi makes as mayor baffles me and is a testament itself to the adage that you can fool some of the people (i.e. Methuen's School Committee) all of the time.
I believe that the honor and integrity of politicians in a city should be beyond reproach.
With that being said and with a reference to the recent fiasco in Methuen pertaining to the hiring of police officers and firefighters, you can be assured that, as mayor, I will monitor all hirings in the city so that each position is filled by the most qualified and affordable candidate.
Contrary to the current "business as usual" patronage and nepotism in Methuen, positions will be filled based on what you know and not who you know.
As it pertains to the renovations at the high school, I would be coming in at a time when a commitment to "renovate" the high school has already been made, which is not the plan that I would have supported.
I would have proposed bulldozing the "warehouse" that Methuen calls a high school and starting over from scratch with a building that the city of Methuen could be proud of. If costs prevented that plan, then I would start rebuilding the high school in phases one wing at a time as the money becomes available, beginning with the money that is currently available to renovate.
Renovating the old building is throwing good money after bad and is nothing more than a band-aid on the problem.
Quite frankly, whoever convinced Methuen that the "open classroom concept" was the way to go thirty years ago should be shot.
And whoever convinced the powers that be in Methuen, more recently, that it was a good idea to hire the high school principal as a "consultant" on the renovation project should be taken out and shot as well.
I am truly amazed that there has not been more backlash on the hiring of a former English teacher and administrator to "oversee" this project at a salary of $116,500.
And as it pertains to the patronage and nepotism referenced above, I would like to know if the city even bothered to post this newly created position publicly so that a more qualified candidate could apply?
I doubt it because that is how Methuen operates, which is what I hope to change as mayor.
On a state and federal level, I believe in the "checks" and "balances" that come with a separation of powers - a condition that does not exist in Massachusetts where the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government are all controlled by lawyers.
I believe that everyone is equal under the law - a condition that also does not exist in Massachusetts for pro se litigants and fathers, who are denied their constitutional rights to due process, equal protection, and a jury of their peers.
I believe that no one is above the law - a condition that also does not exist in this state or country, where judges have given themselves the absolute power to reject their oath, defy the law, commit fraud, and condone all manner of evil simply because they proclaim themselves "immune".
I believe in the creation of an independent "citizen-run" agency to hold judges accountable when they betray the public's trust and defy the laws of the land that they have sworn to uphold.
I believe in EQUAL parenting. More specifically, I believe that every contested child custody case should begin with one question: Do either of you intend to prove that the other parent is unfit?
If the answer to this question is "no" from both parents, then 50/50 joint physical custody should be ordered immediately with each parent supporting the children directly for the equally balanced time that he or she has with them. The only exception to this rule should occur when the parents mutually agree to some other arrangement.
Of course, if this were the rule in family court, billable litigation would be significantly reduced; the tax-funded child support services department would need to be downsized; the tax-funded domestic violence industry would lose the customers that it gets with the incentive for mothers to make up false allegations as a court strategy; the state would lose federal funding that it receives every time the child support guidelines are applied; and the state would lose the "5.3% cut" that it gets from the money transferred from parents to lawyers in the state.
The legislators in Massachusetts have been ignoring the will of the people on this issue for years now.
In 2004, 85% of the citizens polled in this state voted in favor of shared parenting and Deval Patrick's website (http://devalpatrick.com/issues.php) lists shared parenting as the state's number one issue.
But since 13 of the 17 members of the state's judiciary committee list their occupation as attorney, including Methuen's own Steven Baddour, this group of puppets and hypocrites has been able to keep the bills filed for shared parenting over the last five years out of the hands of the full House and Senate for a vote.
With that being said, I oppose Title IV-D funding, which gives courts a financial incentive to turn every family breakup into a welfare case by removing one of the two parents from the lives of his or her children.
I oppose government waste, particularly the money that is currently spent in this country on foreign aid, "entitlement" programs, "victim" agencies, and "bail outs".
I oppose Obama's efforts at health care reform and pretty much everything else he is doing to turn the United States into a socialist country.
I am also against the war. I supported the initial military response to 9/11, but at this point in time our money, manpower, and resources would be better spent on the problems occurring in this country.
Our $11 trillion dollar national debt is proof that the United States has spread itself too thin to fix the problems occurring elsewhere.
As taxpayers, we are paying for this country to intrusively play "big brother" to the rest of the world and, quite frankly, we cannot afford it. If this country really wants to battle terrorism, then it should begin with the domestic terrorism occurring within our borders in the form of "color of law" abuses and public corruption.
I oppose the domestic violence laws. Domestic violence is a crime and should be treated as such. These cases should not be heard in the "kangaroo" courtrooms of family court, but in a criminal court where the accused is innocent until proven guilty and accorded his or her due process right to be heard and plead his or her case to a jury.
I oppose "hate crime" laws. Any violent act is a "hate crime". The law should not be enforced differently because the victim falls into some "government determined" protected category.
I oppose "No Child Left Behind", which hinders the effective operation of a school by pandering to the lazy and the incorrigible at the expense of the majority.
The behavior that is allowed to continue in our public schools in pursuit of federal funding is an outrage. The "No Child Left Behind" guidelines fail to recognize the fact that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink. A diploma should mean something. What meaning will a graduation ceremony have when everyone is successful regardless of his or her effort? Whatever happened to tough love? A more realistic goal for a school system is that of equal educational opportunity, which is currently sabotaged in classrooms that are forced to deal with behavior that would not be tolerated in any other setting.
I oppose Affirmative Action, which is nothing more than reverse discrimination. Any policy that favors one group over another is perpetuating the problems of racism and discrimination in this country. To use race as a "tiebreaker" in the hiring process of two EQUALLY qualified candidates is one thing, but to "lower the bar" to hire a member of a "historically disadvantaged" subgroup over a more qualified candidate is absurd.
And although I personally oppose abortion, I do not believe it is the role of government to impose my beliefs or even the beliefs of a majority on others. Therefore, I believe that the Fourth Amendment right to privacy gives every potential parent the right to choose.
I believe in the separation of church and state to a degree. I do not believe that the government has the right to mandate anything of a particular religion, but I also do not believe in the extremist position that would, for example, remove "under God" from the pledge of allegiance and Christmas songs from school concerts.
With that being said, I do not believe that the government has the authority to "legalize" gay marriage or recognize it as holy matrimony.
However... I do believe that the government has the authority to grant "civil unions" to homosexual couples so that they may enjoy the same financial perks and tax breaks given to married heterosexual couples.
I would add that what threatens traditional marriage is NOT gay marriage, as argued by the "religious right", but the no fault "mother takes all" rulings in family court, which incentivize divorce for women and make marriage too costly an option for many men to even consider.
At the risk of alienating those who may feel differently, the opinions expressed above have been shared to give voters a more informed perspective on me as a candidate for political office and to prove that I am not afraid to discuss controversial issues.
THANK YOU!!!!
I would like to thank everyone who supported me in my run for Mayor of Methuen. Although I did not receive enough votes to appear on the final ballot, I am very encouraged by the results. If anything, I am that much more optimistic about my chances in two years when Mayor Manzi's people are looking for someone new to support.
Special thanks go out to the following people who went above and beyond the call of duty: Alda Ferreira, Hector Montalvo, Lou Dias, Bob Barker, Bunny Thompson, Peter Hill, Kim Denault, Leisha Tringali, and Todd Sandahl.
FINAL THOUGHT
What I found interesting, and encouraging, is that I spent only $250.78 to gain 13% of the vote (347), while my opponents spent significantly more on their campaigns.
Al Dinuccio spent $1,562.54 to get 38% of the vote (976) and Mayor Manzi spent $10,781.35 to get 47% of the vote (1,221). Another way of looking at it is that I spent $0.72 per vote, Dinuccio spent $1.60 per vote, and Manzi spent $8.83 per vote.
Al Dinuccio believes that the numbers "add up nice" for him. I beg to differ. I believe that the people who voted for me, the same people who Dinuccio ignorantly called "loons", are much more intelligent and informed than what Dinuccio gives them credit for.
