To add insult to injury, Louisa’s husband has just had us served with divorce papers. This will set him free and allow him to remove her health care leaving her with nothing more than medicaide and second rate care for the rest of her life! The abuse never fails to amaze me!

The 60 year old retired laborer is entitled to full medical, eye and dental coverage at no cost for himself and his wife for life unless and until they divorce! This will leave Louisa without the benefits she needs to sustain her health and well being. Dumping her on the state medicaid roles is unfair to her and the NJ taxpayers and it renders her unable to get full and proper care!

Plantif demands judgment as follows:

Dissolving of the marriage on the grounds “The parties have lived separate and apart for a period of 18 months and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.”

As Louisa’s new Guardian, I am hoping to find a divorce attorney who will take her case here in Bergen County NJ and fight to  have her husband  keep her insured. Louisa cannot possibly get her own insurance under these conditions and she is entitled to keep her private health care rather than  having to resort to State benefits  because  he choses to  abandon her and take her care away!

CAN YOU HEAR HER NOW?

Tragedy Strikes Women’s Rights Advocate Up Close and Personal: Her Daughter is Shot.

December 21, 2008 by still4hill |

… I woke up to this news the morning after it happened in a neighboring town. I had no idea that her mother was someone I knew from the blogs and Blog Talk Radio. This is cross-posted from Freemenow.

Louisa Rodas, the daughter of outspoken women’s rights advocate Betty Jean Kling was shot in the head the evening of December 15th, 2008 as reported HERE and HERE and HERE. In Betty Jean’s Blogspot, Freemenow, she writes: “She has less than a 50/50 chance of surviving and if she does, she will have one eye, one ear, a half of a head and be paralyzed on one side-we have no idea how much brain damage.”

Betty Jean’s daughters Denise & Louisa

Read more >>>>

Not long after the incident, Louisa’s sister Denise succumbed to cancer.  Louisa was in the hospital for a long time and then went into rehab.  She will never be the same.

I just received an email from a friend and would like to share it here.  Please write letters and ask for a long sentence for the man who shattered this family.

Friends,

Many of you know BettyJean. BettyJean needs people to write letters to the Judge in NJ on her daughter’s behalf. Louisa Rodas, BettyJean’s daughter, was the victim of domestic violence.

George Hartwig, the man who shot Louisa is being sentenced at the end of this month. He needs to be sentenced harshly. The deadline is Jan. 27. She has less than thirty letters written to the judge. You can even just hand write a letter and send it on Tuesday.

Let’s get her hundreds of letters.

Please, take a moment and think of people who will write letters and ask them.

More information:

This is an article about George Hartwig in Court: http://www.northjersey.com/news/HARTWIG.html?page=all

This is what Betty Jean wrote to me today in response to my questions:

Q: Is the letter to ask judge to put him away for good?

A: No not forever- just not the minimum sentencing. We want 40 years.

URGENT-

That is how long Louisa will suffer in the  condition he left her in.

They need to see this link!

http://freemenow.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/victim-impact-statement-let-me-be-the-face-of-dv-reform/

Here is the address to send your letter;

Judge Liliana S. DeAvila-Silebi
Bergen County Justice Court
10 Main Street Hackensack,
New Jersey 07601

Thank you very much for reading this,

Jennifer

I cannot speak, I can cry out for help or tell anyone what is happening to me, to add insult to injury I can’t report my abusers or the neglect I suffer. All I can do is take it and cry until Momma comes and finds me in deplorable condition. She has filed report after report to no avail. This is my existence now and the one I will endure for the rest of my life. Given that my heart and organs are in great shape that will be a normal life span of about 40 more years in solitary confinement and at the mercy of strangers. Where is the mercy for me? I was protecting my sister from an abuser the courts would not incarcerate and I am confined for life with no one to protect me? Where is the justice for the innocent survivors of crimes?

 I am trying to help and/or protect others from crimes against women through the efforts of my mother. We have proposed a law in my name in an effort to strengthen violence against women laws and see that they are enforced.

George was never sentenced for nearly killing my dying sister with a hammer over 3 years ago – he was angry and loose when he returned. Then while I tried to call for help finding him holding a shotgun over her- he blew my brains out. The first step is in getting him sentenced appropriately then we will move to get Louisa’s law passed.

Will you help us? http://louisaslaw.wordpress.com/louisas-law/

Louisa’s Law seeks to require significant, effective sentences and strictly enforce VAW laws to reduce violence against women, using a three pronged approach of Prevention, Services and Accountability.

My mom comes to the Long Term Care Facility every night, we want you to see the impact George’s actions have made and why if he had been in jail for the first crime – I would not be in this position today. We want you to see why DV needs to be reformed. I am the face of DV reform. I want you to see what the effects of DV really look like and why you need to help NOW. This could your daughter, sister, mother, neighbor next. 

Look how she finds me?
I can’t wound myself this way, yet they say I did this to myself.  My body is banged and bruised, my faced is bashed against the bed rails and once mom saw them bash me in the head with a lift machine and two against one they denied it.

I am not given mouth care, my Mom comes each night to clean my mouth and suction my throat out so I don’t choke to death. She then scrubs my face and neck , picks my nose and clears the  stuff from my one eye and the empty socket to keep the reoccurring eye infections away – because that is not done for me by the facility.

Mom puts me to bed ever night! Friday night is shower night- Mom comes – she is the one who showers me- I like shower night because that is when the stench of urine and feces is really removed from my body best and my hair is made to smell so clean and look so shiny! Mom put baby powder on me like when I was a baby and I like being babied every night when she puts me to bed.

I have had numerous  horrible rashes, my rashes are so bad they bleed from the  blisters. Mom has had terrible fights with the heads of this place because she has taken pictures of the rashes — they say she is not allowed but she takes them anyway. She has documentation of all the neglect and abuse but can’t show the rashes here. You would cry if you had my rashes between your legs on your vagina and between the cheeks of your butt. You would not be able to sit and urinating/or moving your bowels  into a diaper then sitting in it for hours would be torture!

My finger was smashed and they refused to attend to it – I nearly lost the finger but my mother lanced it and saved it just as it was about to turn gangrene.

This is not about revenge- I will never be made whole, my mom nor my sons will ever be made whole,  but we ask that the price we all pay stands for something and that something is the future of DV no longer be a revolving door of injustice for the innocent survivor.  I am the face of one such survivor. Let’s stop this before it happens to you or someone you love! Help us help you – Please don’t sit by until it happens to you or someone you love – then it’s too late!

Louisa’s Law seeks to require significant, effective sentences and strictly enforce VAW laws to reduce violence against women, using a three pronged approach of Prevention, Services and Accountability. http://louisaslaw.wordpress.com/louisas-law/

Sentencing for George Hartwig will be handed down on 2/24/12 before:

The Honorable Liliana S. DeAvila-Silebi
Bergen County Justice Court
10 Main Street Hackensack,
New Jersey 07601

Please write the Judge and ask for consequtive sentences so that George serves for at least both attempted murders! He has thrown himself on the mercy of the court asking for the minimum and to serve as little as 10 years – we are asking for at least 40. Please help us send the message – DV is a serious crime and should be ajudicated as such!

The following letter speaks for itself- I had to share this with you. Please find it in your heart to join Steven and ask justice be applied to this as we hope it will stand a precedent for all DV cases. It is time to stand up for Justice! Steven has eloquently made the case, but even a simple letter will suffice. Please join this effort. Sample letters can be found: http://louisaslaw.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/help-get-justice-for-louisa/

January 12, 2012

Judge Liliana S. DeAvila-Silebi
Bergen County Justice Court
10 Main Street Hackensack,
New Jersey 07601

Your Honor,

I am writing you in regards to the case of New Jersey vs. Hartwig. It has come to my attention that you are scheduled to sentence Mr. Hartwig. I am also writing to you not only on behalf of my long time friend BettyJean Kling, the mother of the victim (Louisa) and her family, but also on my own behalf. I am a parent as well as a natural born US citizen.

I, have been privileged and blessed to have born a single and magnificent Son, Jonathan, now of age 27. He has far surpassed his Father in life and value to his communities through his own efforts of scholastics, and personal responsibility for himself and his actions. I can honestly say that I have never once heard him say anything at all that was unkind to another. He has more good, kind, law abiding and faithful friends then I might have ever imagined. He is a beacon of light and faith to them and to me and his Mother. In my words…”He is the best thing that I ever did.” He is a wonderful human asset, a productive member of society, and I am VERY proud that it is he alone that will carry my family name forward. At least if he is not stopped short in life as was Louisa.

In brief your honor, I don’t want to labor you with rhetoric, or the facts that I am confident can be found in your case files. I simply want to say that the perpetrator in this matter does indeed have a problem that needs to be addressed appropriately and in a manner that will provide our communities with the assurance that such crimes will always result in the maximum allowable penalty when the case facts are clear and indisputable. Single handedly, the perpetrator has taken away a human resource, that like my Son, was a beacon of light to so many people. She was kind and loving, productive, honest, law abiding, and believed in the close ties of friends and family. Success seemed to follow her everywhere, and a room would light up when she walked into it. She couldn’t help it.

Perhaps you also are a parent; maybe even own a pet that you dearly love. And if so, you have guided, protected, nourished and also prayed for them to enjoy a better life. Free from harm but not challenge.

Everything has changed for Louisa’s family. Nothing will ever be the same.

I have always had a lot of faith in our justice system to do the right thing. I recognize that it’s not a perfect system and it doesn’t always work how everybody would want it to. That is part of life in the ‘civilized’ world. I have that same faith in you as you preside over this case and make your ruling. I want to look back on this case after your ruling and sentence is carried out and be able to say this:

“Within the allowed law, he was taken off the street for as long as was possible to further insure that he won’t have the slightest chance to regain the privilege of living in the public sector, as a free man, and that he will be asked to accept the appropriate just consequences (not punishment) and take responsibility for his own actions, even if by force of incarceration.”

I know that every case decision and sentence that you hand down is based on serving justice to the best of your ability and according to the letter of the law and all other factors. I would be remiss in my duties as a Father to not ask you to put the perpetrator where he truly belongs for as long as possible. Further, if there is some matter or point of law allowing you to extend his consequences, please consider and take that action as well. My entire family will breathe easier that justice, all that was available under the law way served.

Thank you for your consideration,

Steven Seale
Marietta, GA 30062

Update: George Hartwig gets 30 years for shooting sister-in-law in the face: DV Justice at last

Let’s thank the Judge who cited DV statistics when she handed down the sentence!

Judge Liliana S. DeAvila-Silebi
Bergen County Justice Court
10 Main Street Hackensack,
New Jersey 07601

On December 15^th. 2008 at approximately 8:50 pm Eastern, George Hartwig entered 540 North Main Street, Lodi, NJ with the intent to kill me.

That morning George came to that address looking for trouble of one kind or another. He said he was there for a receipt to an air mattress his estranged wife bought him a few months earlier when she arranged to rent him an apartment across town.  Denise , my daughter had spend 23 miserable years with this explosive man but she finally had enough the previous June evening when she awakened to sharp blows to her head and body and found George trying to kill her.

She begged for her life and finally convinced George she would hand over what he wanted, her pain meds. Denise was in the final stages of Ovarian Cancer weighing 80 Lbs.; she couldn’t bear for her son to find her bludgeoned to death when he came home.

Fearing his return, she had him arrested but also fearing his ire she failed to file a restraining order opting instead to pacify him with promises to help him get medical attention and institutional addiction placement. Denise had been through the revolving door of DV and knew he would be out in a short period of time. Sure enough, George waltzed in one day saying  ”Hi honey, I’m home- I had ‘Let em go Lipton’ for a Judge”.

Convincing George she was too frightened to have him in the house and that her family would toss them both out if she allowed him back – he agreed to move into an apartment – and so Denise paid the rent and furnished it. Hence George was here for a receipt to the air mattress he burn through with a lit cigarette – or for drugs- we will never know.

Upon his arrival, Denise told George, he had the receipt but George continued to berate her and drag her around the living room demanding she locate it. Barely able to stand I intervened and George turned his anger on me and we began to argue. He wanted to know where I expected him to sleep that night and I told him I didn’t care if he slept on broken glass in the gutter.

I demanded he leave as I caught my daughter before she hit the ground and he informed me that

Dee just before he blugeoned her head open. Her late brother Mikie always framed in her pictures with her. She was asleep on that chair and it was that pillow covered with the blood that George used to taunt us that morning!

there was no restraining order and if I called the PD- it would be my ass getting hauled out of his and his wife’s house. Adding what would happen to Denise then if no one where there to protect her.

He immediately ran to the other side of the room and produced from behind a big chair a pillow covered with blood. Holding it up like a trophy- he reminded me that this was the blood from my daughters head!

Losing all composure, I told him I thought he was a low life punk who was so proud of his trophy full of blood that he was so low he could crawl under a caterpillar with a high hat on. How can a 250 Lb bruiser be so proud to hammer in the head of a dying woman? I then became hysterical and uncontrollable through falling tears and hysteria I heard him threaten to blow my brains out. I responded that he was not man enough to do that- he had been threatening to do it for years but all he was man enough to do was hack a sick girls head in while she was sleeping.  By this time others got between us as he attempted to attack me. He left. He called several hours later apologizing and telling Denise he found the receipt!

At almost 9 pm, he returned with a shotgun. Denise was sleeping, Louisa was at the very end of the couch working in the dark on her computer, nearly deaf, and she never heard him enter. When she spotted him hovering over Denis with a gun she immediately texted her son Marc 911 and then dialed her brother both who were within 3 blocks from the house.

Denise awoke to hear George demanding the phone and holding a gun. Groggy, she began looking for a phone to give him then heard a shot fire. When she turned to look all she saw was George peering down at her – the gun pointed at the ceiling. She had no idea what direction the gun shot landed nor where her sister was at the time. George now began pointing the gun at her and demanding pills.

By that time Louisa’s bother Tommy had answered the phone, he did not hear the gunshot which apparently went off before he answered and after George realized Louisa was not going to give him that phone.  George shot her to prevent her from completing a phone call. A phone call which would have prevented him from getting the drugs he was after.

I have always thought – if he really thought Louisa was me- he would have not asked for the phone – she would not have gotten off a text and a phone call- and he would have gone right over to her and either recognized her or shot her anyway instead of nudged Denise awake.

What Tommy did hear when he answered the phone was George screaming at Denise to get up and get him the drugs. He jumped in his car and Marc having received the 911Text had jumped in his car. They   each arrived and each entering from a different entrance, approached George while he was getting pills from Denise.

George turned the gun on Tommy and pulled the trigger but the gun jammed. Before he could fire again, Marc jumped him from behind and subdued him until the police could arrive. Denise immediately dialed 911 and then they all noticed that Louisa was at the end of the couch in the dark not moving.

Louisa had suffered a shot to the face and head leaving her nearly dead. She currently resides in a State run hospital. I am in the process of looking into home care for Louisa as the long term care has proven to be totally inadequate for her care let alone rehabilitation LTC is more of an impersonal bed and medication ward for bodies attended to by overworked and understaffed floaters than a suitable care facility. Louisa is a young woman who deserves to be in a happy and caring atmosphere an attended to by care takers, and by doctors who actually examine her and prescribe with expectations of quality of life.

George was lucid enough to tell the officers exactly what happened that day and night – he says that he though Louisa was me and that he was very intoxicated and I had made him very angry and he decided to come over and kill me.

Denise Died from her cancer on March 7^th. she never saw her sister again and thanks to Tommy’s taunts  she was forced to go to her death feeling  responsible for marrying the guy who shot her sister.

George has pleaded guilty throwing himself on the mercy of the court. He expects to get the minimum sentencing when all 10 counts including 2 attempted murders are to be served concurrently which looks like a sentence of 10-20. Serving 85% and time served … you figure it out!

Louisa remains incapacitated for life which should be another 40 years.  Make no mistake- the best part of me died that night! George Hartwig came to kill me and in many ways– he succeeded!

Below the pictures of what he did to both my daughters. First Denise helpless and dying of cancer:

The next is of Louisa- the result of George not wanting her to complete a phone call to her brother Tommy for help.     

In the summer of 2007 my daughters and our husbands had a vacation together- we ere the only family George hd for the last 23 years before he destroyed our world. He didn't deserve us and we didn't deserve him.

Our family holidays always inc. 4 generations: My parents Roy & Louise Downing; Bj & Dick Kling; Denise and her son Christopher; Louisa & Frank and her sons Marc & Joshua. Photo taken the Easter 2007 before Denise lost her hair. George took the picture.

I sent out thousands of requests- thousands of requests from my personal address book!

I then sent our 5000+ via TMU newsletter.

I then put it out on FaceBook to nearly 4000 who friended me and then to my TMU group and to several Domestic violence groups.

But out of 10,000 requests- I am embarrassed to say the response was pitiful. Is it any wonder our women are being slaughtered daily and the prosecutors and judges take it so lightly? Does it have to happen to your daughter for you to take action?

Do you perhaps have to see the gruesome details of my once beautiful daughter to be moved to action? So be it! Here she is!

This is Louisa, my daughter who at 40- not a gray hair, not a wrinkle – no need for make-up which she never wore. Louisa had a smile that lit up the room and a giggle that made the saddest depressed person have to laugh out loud. She was a business owner, a graphic artist and one heck of a gal.

She is my baby, a mother, a wife, a grandchild, a sister, a friend, a neighbor, a woman!

She was caring for her dying sister Denise when she was shot in the face by her brother-in law George Hartwig. She was there protecting her dying sister from this brute who was out of jail without bail after bludgeoning his wife’s bald head with a hammer a few months earlier. When Louisa tried to phone for help he told her to “put down that phone” and when she refused he aimed at her head and blew her brains out of the right side of her head! She lost half of her skull and brains her eye, her memory – she is paralyzed for the rest of her life. She does not know her family including her children; she cannot speak, stand, or even express her needs. We have no idea what she thinks as she lays there. But she is otherwise strong and young so she has a long life sentence of this ahead of her.

George has a great attorney who wants a plea deal. Remember, had he not been loose after crushing my other daughter Denise- bald head in a few months earlier – he would not have been roaming the streets and could not have done this to Louisa. Are we going to give him yet another deal?

I need your help- I will even write a simple letter for you. Do you want me to pay for the stamp? I will even do that but please in the name in good conscience stand up for the victims right and stand up for human rights. Stand up for Louisa – she can’t speak for herself.

To: John L. Molinelli
Bergen County Prosecutor
10 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601

State vs. George Hartwig Re: Louisa Rodas

Dear Prosecutor Molinelli,

I am writing this letter to you because I am profoundly saddened that there is some discussion of a plea agreement in the case of George Hartwig who savagely shot and disabled Louisa Rodas. I am asking you to proceed to trial and prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. It is important that justice be served.

It’s time to stop slapping the hands of perpetrators of violence against women and children. Let’s hold them fully accountable for their actions. It’s time to take violence against women more seriously – seriously enough to say – no more plea deals when violence does happen. It’s time to expect Judges to take this more seriously and provide stiff sentences to the fullest extent of the law. It’s time to Stand up to Violence against Women.

The overcrowding of your courts and prisons are not our problem justice is our problem. A victim’s first scream is for help; a victim’s second scream is for justice.

The primary reason women fail to report violence or fail to follow through is the failure of the courts to provide protection and to prosecute domestic violence to the full extent of the law. Many victims feel safer negotiating with their perpetrator than relying on the system to protect them or to bring them justice.

Sincerely

Concerned citizen

If this plea doesn’t get a response- I am going to have to wonder if any of you care a fig about women at all? I am going to have to wonder what you think you can expect if this happens to your child. We need to stand up now- we need Louisa’s Law!

Louisa’s Law which will require those with the power to do so to “Stand up to Violence against Women”

It’s time to stop slapping the hands of perpetrators of violence against women and children. Let’s hold them fully accountable for their actions. Let’s hold prosecutors feet to the fire - no more plea deals when violence does happen. Let’s hold Judges accountable for sentencing these violators to the fullest extent of the law by handing down stiff sentences.

On the meantime I urge you to join us in calling an end to a proposed plea deal in the case of George Hartwig.

• 85% of domestic violence victims are women
  
• One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
  
• An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
  
• Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew
  
• Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence
  
• Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.
  

  http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet(National).pdf

***************************
John L. Molinelli
Bergen County Prosecutor
10 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone (201) 646-2300
Fax: (201) 646-3794
http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/

George Hartwig shot my baby girl Louisa in the face with a shotgun while she was phoning for help. He was forcing her 80 Lb. dying sister Denise for her cancer pain meds. Denise is gone now, Louisa is not far behind. George comes up for arraignment for aggravated assault in August 17th in Bergen County N.J.  We can’t send him to Arizona but we can send letters to Bergen County NJ insisting NO BARGANS-  prosecute George to the full extent of the law! He assaulted Denise for 23 years; he was out on his own recognizance taking a claw hammer to her head resulting in 85 stitches the previous June. I need your help to ensure we get some Justice- please help!      Louisa’s Law 2009

PS- aside from the obvious PINK= sexist- Joe is doing a great job on these guys  and the ACU can kiss my pituddy if thy expect me to feel sorry for George Hartwig or any other abuser!

You all remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona , who painted the jail cells pink and made the inmates wear pink prison garb. Well…………..

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!

Oh, there ‘ s MUCH more to know about Sheriff Joe! Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay. The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who ‘ d like
to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in
great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78.

The prisoners get the benefit of about $0..28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.

I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand. He has a pretty good sized hog farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 – $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later… We have six trees in our yard from the Prison.

Yup, he was re-elected last year with 83% of the vote. Now he’s in trouble with the ACLU again. He painted all his buses and vehicles with a mural, that has a special hotline phone number painted on it, where you can call and report suspected illegal aliens.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wasn’t doing enough in his eyes, so he had 40 deputies trained specifically for enforcing immigration laws, started up his hotline, and bought 4 new buses just for hauling folks back to the border. He ‘ s kind of a ‘ Git-R Dun ‘ kind of Sheriff.

 TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY: Sheriff Joe Arpaio (In Arizona ) who created the ‘ Tent City Jail ‘

He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them.

He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights Cut off all but ‘ G ‘ movies. He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county
and city projects. Then He Started Chain Gangs For Women So He Wouldn’t Get Sued

For Discrimination.He took away cable TV Until he found out there was A Federal Court
Order that Required Cable TV For Jails So He Hooked Up The Cable TV Again Only Let In The Disney Channel And The Weather Channel. When asked why the weather channel He Replied, So They Will Know How Hot It’s Gonna Be While They Are Working On My Chain Gangs.

He Cut Off Coffee Since It Has Zero Nutritional Value. When the inmates complained, he told them, ” This Isn’t The Ritz/Carlton……If You Don’t Like It, Don’t Come Back.”

More On The Arizona Sheriff: With Temperatures Being Even Hotter Than Usual In Phoenix (116 Degrees Just Set A New Record), the Associated Press Reports:

About 2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent Encampment At The Maricopa County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their Government-Issued Pink Boxer Shorts. On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached138 Degrees Inside

The Week Before. Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On
Their Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS. ‘ It Feels Like We Are In A Furnace, ‘ Said James Zanzot, An Inmate Who Has Lived In The TENTS for 1 year. ‘ It’s Inhumane. ‘

Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic. He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: ‘ It’s 120 Degrees In Iraq And Our Soldiers Are Living In Tents Too, And They Have To Wear Full Battle Gear, But They didn’t Commit Any Crimes,So Shut Your Mouths! ‘ Way To Go, Sheriff!

Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes – not live in luxury until it’s time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can’t afford to have for themselves.

Write your own or copy the letter below sent by my friend Barbara. Be sure to tune in to hear Patricia Eddington and Marcia Pappas Monday 3/23 Live 10 PM or download the show later http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FreeMeNow

BettyJean

I wrote to Governor Paterson, NY state Representatives, and NY Newsday.

Will also send to all MSM media.  Anyone else?

Good Luck tonight,

Barbara

On Saturday Mar 21, 2009 NYers awoke to yet another murder of a woman by her Intimate Partner.

Yet another woman, Joanna Bird, murdered in her home. Yet another woman with a worthless piece of paper called “a stay away order of protection” Yet another would be murderer Leonardo Valdez -Cruz defying the worthless piece of paper stay away order three times.

Yet another investigation into how did this happen? The Nassau County Police Dept. is looking into “If there was a time we could have locked him (Leonardo) up but didn’t, but at this point I don’t know that thats true”

This question after a break in, a lie in wait, a kidnapping involving a gun, a strangling and a promise to kill Joanna on Jan 25, 2009.

A missed opportunity to lock him up and save her life because the laws that pertain to Domestic Violence in NY required Joanna to testify against Leonardo. The woman who is terrorized and threatened, the woman who is the victim of a felony is required to give testimony against her perpetrator in order to prosecute him. The laws in NY protect the abuser not the abused victim of the felony crime. Leonardo and thousand like him are free to do as promised, murder her.

Yet again the laws of a civil society that promise to protect and serve ALL its citizens failed this woman and fail to protect thousands of women everyday.

So Joanna Bird becomes yet another statistic a woman murdered by her intimate partner.

• 55 percent of all women murdered in NY are murdered by their partners.
  
• 75 percent of all women who are murdered in NY are murdered in their homes.
  
• 20 percent have the worthless piece of paper stay away protection.
  
• 100 percent of these women murdered/ massacred/ assassinated were sacrificed because of laws that did not protect them. Laws that require them to testify against their terrorist. Laws that view them as collateral damage in a dispute.
  

In 1962 the state of NY transferred domestic violence out of its criminal courts and into its family courts. Making a felony assault a dispute, or a “simple assault”. But 50 percent of these “simple assaults” result in physical injuries that are as, or more serious than 90 percent of rapes,, robberies and aggravated assaults.

“Simple assaults” are no accidents they are deliberate, premeditated acts of violence and frequently they occur over and over until the women is murdered.

Please join NY Assembly member Patricia Eddington who is introducing a bill that will require authorities to first apply the standards of a “hate crime” to offenses of domestic violence before seeking a lesser charge under the penal code.

Statistics and the current laws clearly state, A women in NY is safer with strangers and more protected on the street than she is in her own home with her “loved one”.

Change the laws that allow yet another woman to be murdered because yet another murderer was given the chance to follow through on yet another promise to kill her.

Barbara Budd

Wantagh, NY

http://www.pumapac.org

Please join us Monday Night 3/23/09 10 pm EST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FreeMeNow
Call-in Number: (347) 838-8011

Join US : NYS Assemblywoman  Patricia Eddington , Marcia Pappas and I will discuss proposed legislation making violence against women a hate crime.

Cross Posted – http://www.campaignforgenderequality.org/breaking_the_silence

Submitted by pat on Sun, 03/01/2009 – 18:55

“Turning a person into a thing is almost always the first step in justifying violence against that person.”

- Jean Kilbourne, lecturer and keynote speaker focusing on violence, women, and the media.

Chris Brown’s brutal beating of Rihanna reignited talk about domestic violence in this country. That is a good thing! We need to have more honest conversations about this epidemic. The statistics shed some light on the severity of this problem:

Battering is the single most common cause of injury to women in the United States, more common than car accidents, mugging and rape combined. Much to the misconception of many, victims of domestic violence come from all races, classes and ethnic backgrounds. Of all women murdered in the U.S.—an average of three a day—about one-third were killed by an intimate partner. According to the National Organization for Women, women experience about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes every year.

I found this recent article by Megan Twohey and Bonnie Miller Rubin disturbing. According to them, 1 in 10 teens suffer from dating violence, yet their reaction to Rihanna’s beating is that she deserved it. What is the answer to this gross misconception? Education. According to Twohey and Rubin:

“In recent years, some schools and youth organizations have started educating teens about the dangers of dating violence. Rhode Island and Virginia have adopted laws requiring such instruction in the public schools. But most states, including Illinois, don’t have such a mandate and education on the topic remains in short supply, experts say. Two of three new programs created by the federal Violence Against Women Act in 2005 to address teen dating violence were never funded.”

Not only are we not doing enough to educate youth about domestic violence, but the media (a prime source of information for today’s youth) doesn’t give domestic violence its due coverage. We barely heard anything about the woman in New York who was recently beheaded by her husband after she had filed for a divorce. Where is the outrage? I know it’s not a pretty story, but if we don’t talk about domestic violence, and, more importantly, learn about its roots and causes, we will never eliminate it.

What makes domestic violence and other forms of violence against women so prevalent? What makes men feel they can have power and control over women? The answers to these questions are abundant and complicated, but recently I came across two videos that shed some light:

This one speaks to advertising and the effects it has on women and the value of women.

This one talks about the media and how men learn to treat women.

Campaign for Gender Equality is a non-profit 501c3 organization focused on raising public awareness of the benefits of gender equality, regardless of age, race, class or sexual orientation, through education and advocacy.

We have partnered with Professor Bettina Aptheker, head of Women’s Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, to promote her “Introduction to Feminisms” course now available in a 17 set DVD. In her DVD titled “Domestic Violence: Strategies for Prevention and Resistance” Aptheker says, “Violence against Women is the magnification of the historical unequal power relations which have lead the domination over and discrimination of women by men to the prevention of women’s full advancement.” Order “Introduction to Feminisms” on DVD.

Battery, whether emotional or physical, is about power and control. From Aptheker’s DVD, here are just some examples of the different types of domestic violence.

• Emotional – putting her down, making her feel bad about herself, calling her names, making her think that she is crazy.
• Economic – trying to keep her from getting or keeping a job, making her ask for money, giving her an allowance, or taking her money.
• Sexual – making her do things against her will, physically attacking the sexual parts of her body, and treating her like a sex object.
• Using children – using the children to give messages and using visitation as a way to harass.
• Threats – making and/or carrying out threats to do something physically or emotionally, threatening to take the children, and threats to commit suicide.
• Using male privilege – treating her like a servant, making all the big decisions, acting like the master of the house
• Intimidation – putting her in fear by using looks, actions, gestures, loud voices, smashing things, destroying her property.
• Isolation – controlling what she does, who she sees and talks to, and where she goes.

Perhaps many readers do not experience these confinements, but a great many women in our own country still live this way. These patterns of domestic abuse and domestic violence are all about power and control. To stop the epidemic of violence against women that exists in this country we must break the silence. We must put adequate funding into educating the next generation of girls and boys about violence against women and its root causes. We must have honest conversations about domestic violence and pressure the media to change its portrayal of women as objects.

Betcha if Chris Brown was white Sharpten and the rest of these black activists would be out in the streets and flooding the airwaves with plenty to say about how this man beat up this beautiful black girl – but since he’s a brother – it’s quite all right to beat Rihanna’s head in. When are our sisters of color going to wake up and realize they are being used when they are only protected from white abuse but ignored from abuse like this?

If this guy was white and Rihanna dropped the charges what outrage in the streets but again not a sound is heard for the black sister whose face was nearly unrecognizable—whose life was threatened! And had she been a white girl and had I wrote this same piece I’d be a racist! Al – you are a racist pig and all your double standard civil rights friends are racists pigs too and your men are brutal beasts and your women are worse victims than white women – because they don’t even know they are twice as victimized and then used as bait too boot!

Maybe this will wake them up!

February 24, 2009 – http://www.legalmomentum.org/news-room/decision-usvhayes.html

NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2009) – Legal Momentum, the nation’s oldest legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls, applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling today in United States v. Hayes, a decision that will positively impact victims of domestic violence throughout the country. The Court expanded the reach of a 1996 amendment—the Lautenberg Amendment—to the federal Gun Control Act barring possession of guns by a person convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence crime. The Supreme Court’s decision guarantees that the Lautenberg Amendment is applied across the nation in fulfillment of its original purpose: to prevent known perpetrators of domestic violence from possessing firearms and to help keep victims safe.   

Irasema Garza, President of Legal Momentum, praised the decision: “The Supreme Court’s ruling will undoubtedly improve the safety of victims of domestic violence by keeping lethal weapons out of the hands of convicted perpetrators. We have seen time and again that guns and domestic violence are a lethal combination. By restricting offenders’ access to firearms, this decision helps to protect victims from attacks that could cost them their lives.”  

For a variety of reasons, most domestic violence perpetrators are charged and plead to or are convicted of misdemeanor offenses such as assault and battery.  Some states have generic misdemeanor assault and battery statutes, but other states have misdemeanor offenses specific to domestic violence.  

At issue in United States v. Hayes was whether the Lautenberg Amendment, which prohibits gun ownership by persons convicted of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence,” applies only to individuals who violate laws that specifically prohibit violence against family members, or if it also applies to anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor that was, in fact, committed against a family member.  

In 1994, Randy Hayes plead guilty to a misdemeanor battery against his then-wife and mother of his child; ten years later, police responded to a call regarding domestic violence at his home, where they found a rifle and arrested and indicted him for violating the Lautenberg Amendment.  Hayes requested the federal district court to dismiss his indictment on the grounds that his prior conviction was not “a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence,” in that the law that he violated did not require a domestic relationship between the victim and the offender. The district court denied his motion to dismiss the indictment, and Hayes appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

In their 2007decision on United States v. Hayes, the Fourth Circuit agreed with Hayes’ argument, and ruled that the domestic relationship must indeed be a specific element of the prior offense in order to trigger the federal gun ban — effectively rendering the gun ban moot in the states that do not have misdemeanor laws specific to domestic violence.  

Reversing the Fourth Circuit’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s decision holds that the gun ban applies whenever the battered victim is in fact the spouse or other family relative of the offender. In the majority opinion, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote, “It suffices for the government to charge and prove a prior conviction that was, in fact, an offense committed… against a spouse or other domestic victim.” 

Legal Momentum joined the amicus (friend of the court) brief filed by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, arguing in favor of a natural reading of the Lautenberg Amendment that does not require a domestic relationship to be a specific element of the prior offense. The Supreme Court’s decision supports that interpretation and ensures that the 1996 amendment banning gun ownership for perpetrators of domestic violence applies in all 50 states, thereby improving safety for victims of domestic violence nationwide.

For more information or comment, please contact Erin Smith at 212.413.7516 or esmith@legalmomentum.org.

About Legal Momentum: Founded in 1970 as NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, Legal Momentum is the nation’s oldest legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls. Legal Momentum’s ambitious and wide-ranging legal program is known for its cutting-edge legal theories and as a source of expert assistance to other women’s rights attorneys and organizations. www.legalmomentum.org

Los Angeles Times

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/02/25/scotus0225.html

Washington —- The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld a broad federal gun control law that strips gun rights from the many thousands of people who have been convicted of any domestic-violence crime.
In a 7-2 decision, the justices ruled that the federal ban on gun possession was intended to keep “firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers,” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said.

The law covers not only people who have felony convictions, she said, but also misdemeanors involving an assault against a former or current spouse or a live-in partner, as well as a child, a parent or others who live together in the home. “Firearms and domestic strife are a potentially deadly combination nationwide,” Ginsburg wrote.

She cited a report from the National Institute of Justice that found about 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are assaulted physically by a spouse or partner each year. Many more such offenses are never reported, the report found.

In Tuesday’s decision, the court settled a linguistic dispute over how to read the law. Since 1968, federal law has prohibited felons from having a firearm. That ban was extended in 1996 to cover a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.”

Some judges read this narrowly to mean the law did not apply to people who were charged with assaulting or physically threatening someone with whom they had once lived. These judges said the law applied only to those who were convicted or who plead guilty to a “domestic violence” crime.

Some states have laws against “domestic violence” and charge offenders under it. Other states and prosecutors routinely charge offenders with assault or battery.

In the ruling, United States v. Hayes, the court said the gun ban applies to all such offenses, as long as it can be shown there was a domestic relationship between the offender and victim.

The ruling reinstates an illegal gun possession charge against Randy Hayes, a West Virginia man who was found to have three guns in 2004. He also had on his record a 1994 misdemeanor for battery against a woman who “was cohabiting with him.”

Hayes had argued that the federal gun-control law did not apply because he had been convicted of “generic battery,” not a “domestic violence” law. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., agreed, limiting the reach of the law.

Had the Supreme Court agreed, it could have restored gun rights to thousands of people in 25 states that do have on the books a specific “domestic violence” law, according to the Brady Center for Handgun Violence.

Paul Helmke, president of the Brady center, called Tuesday’s decision “the right one for victims of domestic abuse and to protect law enforcement officers who are our first responders to domestic violence incidents.”

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who sponsored the 1996 amendment that expanded the gun control law, said the measure “has kept more than 150,000 guns out of the hands out of domestic abusers. … Today’s decision means we can continue keeping guns out of dangerous hands and saving innocent lives.”

On 2/20/09, ( we think that was the date – no one informs any of us) Louisa Richardson – Rodas was rushed from Kessler Institute in West orange , NJ to Hackensack University Medical Center  Emergency Room with a life threatening emergency. We understand she was there a good part of the night. Louisa was fighting for her life within 2 miles of most of her loving family while Frank Rodas, her third husband of only 4 years – her brother Tommy and his wife Shelly played God. Was it spite- revenge and hatefulness that deprived her grandparents – parents children and sister of what might have been her last hours? Even more egregious, (According records from the courts from her nurse Nadia – it is highly probable she recognizes voices now) they deprived Louisa of the loving arms of her family- the prayers of her loved ones, the hugs, the kisses and the words of love from her sons in what could have been her final hours.

How long will this go on – where is the outrage? Where are the letters from the community on behalf of Louisa that the abuse must stop? Louisa cannot speak for herself- the law says her husband is legally responsible – he is under the influence of a of a brother who is using abusive control tactics – he has told me in no uncertain terms that either I do what he says or he is holding Louisa hostage.  It’s Tommy who insists that Louisa is kept in this state against her wishes and is now forcing her to face these perils without the benefit of the love and caress of her family around her – instead she lies there alone and afraid and helpless. I know my daughter – she is afraid – Louisa does not want to die without her children -mother – father – sister and grandparents !!.

Louisa’s family consists of: Her grandparents Roy and Louise, her mother BettyJean and step-father Dick, her father Doug and step-mother Diane, Marc her eldest son, Joshua her younger son and his father Ed and his grandmother Jean and Louisa’s sister Denise all of her closest relatives who love and care for her were prevented from information regarding what may have been Louisa’s near death experience both while it was happening and after the danger had passed.

Had we not had a neighbor working at the hospital – we still would not know about Louisa’s emergency at all. We do not know if it has happened before and are sure we will not be told if it happens again. If she had passed would we have read it in the papers? Would Frank – Tommy and Shelly have acknowledged us as Louisa’s survivors or would it have appeared in the Elizabeth papers in another county that they are now listed as resisding in? Would we be welcome at the funeral or just expected to pay the funeral expenses? Would they hide her resting place from us as well? What is the point of all of this nonsense and where does the abuse and neglect of Louisa stop? Will anyone out there write letters on our behalf to the editors to the media? Stop the continual abuse of Louisa!

I have just gained knowledge that Louisa’s health is tenuous at best.  I have come to find out these episodes are to be expected and Louisa may not survive one of them. The report reads; Louisa may experience complications from her injuries, including neurological issues. It is anticipated that Louisa will remain at Kessler for up to a few more weeks and then will be transferred to a sub acute facility. Thereafter, it is likely that Louisa would reside in a nursing home.  Her return home is possible but not likely.

This is not about me this is about Louisa. I am not a back down kinda girl- yet I pretty much stopped blogging about Louisa and these creeps- I did not start any suits- I did not make any noise at Kessler. I decided not to cut the baby in half thinking that as long as she was in Kessler she was safe and me and the rest of the family sacrificed our feelings for my baby girl but after finding out that we were wrong – that she is in danger – and in danger of  dying alone and without us to hold her and tell her we love her. We now know she needs us more than ever.  She  needs us – all of us – she damned well needs her mother and her children and we cannot sit quietly by anymore! What these three cold hearted people pulled the other night was a downright calculated cruelty aimed toward me but it hurt Louisa and it must stop! IT MUST STOP NOW!

Everyone of us that found out after the fact is livid with these three took it upon themselves to make this decision for Louisa and how they abrogated her rights the other night! How dare they make that decision for her. First- frank has not yet been named her guardian and secondly – that was not a fit decision and finally that would never have been her decision and therefore it is proof positive he nor they are fit to make those decisions. The entire family would prefer a court appointed guardian to intervene on Louisa’s behalf and in her best interests! A court appointed stranger would care more for her and have more sense- and would know better!

Louisa is entitled to medical privacy – I agree, however, when that privacy is used as it is being used as a tool to hurt her mother – it is cruelty. When a mother can not call a facility and ask how the daughter is doing – one has to ask – why not? Might I write on the blog – Louisa smiled today and is that private?

Help us Help Louisa – I cannot imagine that Louisa would not want to kiss her sons goodbye – Can you? Next time she may not be so lucky – it is urgent that she not be kept in near solitary confinement!

“Whether you are rich or poor, famous or not, young or old–domestic violence does not discriminate,” says NOW President Kim Gandy.

The recent arrest of R&B star Chris Brown, who reportedly assaulted and threatened singer Rihanna, preventing her participation in the Grammys, has brought the ever-present issue of violence against women into the public spotlight once again.

“Everyone is talking about this case because it involves two popular recording artists, but the sad reality is that domestic violence and dating violence happen every day, even among young teens, and the impact is both far-reaching and under-reported,” said Gandy.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) approximately 1,200 women a year – three every day – die in the United States as a result of domestic violence. NNEDV says one-quarter of high school girls have been the victims of physical abuse, and approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence every year. According to experts, young children who have witnessed violence, or been victims of violent acts, are at even greater risk of committing violence in their own relationships.

Louisa Richardson- Rodas A survivor, still battling for her life. Almost deaf and found alone caring for her sister Denise who herself is battling for her own life from late stage Ovarian cancer, Louisa was shot in the head. She never heard him enter the house. Help us fight FOR Louisa's Law so that violence against women is treated as it should be ' A Hate Crime" There is nothing domestic about the treatment women get from so-called loved ones and or their own family members.

 But sadly, our national conscience is tapped by the media mostly when high profile people are involved or the details of the crime are particularly horrific. Our collective dialogue, showcased by the media, needs to include the insights of advocates, doctors, lawyers, nurses, police officers, judges, social workers, and most importantly survivors. Until we focus on ending all forms of violence in a concerted effort, informed by accurate media coverage, we do a disservice to all of the women and girls who suffer and to those who survive.

“When it involves public figures, domestic violence gets attention – but what about the rest of us? We just watched the Senate attempt to cut the very modest Violence Against Women Act funding from the economic recovery package, in order to attract Republican support,” said Gandy. “The Senate negotiators eventually rejected those cuts, but only after massive outcry by the anti- violence community. This attempt to defund VAWA programs failed to recognize that family and acquaintance violence increases when individuals and families are under stress. In this economy, abuse victims will need support and services more than ever. Even better, let’s make sure there is added funding for prevention as well.”

The National Organization for Women has fought for more than four decades to combat all forms of violence against women. NOW will be working to strengthen and increase the funding of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), to further prevent and address violence.

I have been unable to tell you much about Louisa’s progress lately, however, perhaps those who live in NJ will be able to get us some info while I take the legal route.

I wish I could go back to a few months ago and give you good news about Denise again but there is not much to give you these days I am afraid. Since the shooting Denise has gone downhill, her heart is broken and she misses her baby sister and she cries a lot. They keep changing Chemo tratments but the cancer keeps growing. It has spread to her lungs and her liver so Denise now has quite a bit more pain. We think this stress made this cancer growth  accelerate.  

I have a jackass calling him/herself Anonymous Anonymous who has hit my blog as several other alias for days ranting and raving on behalf of the abusers Tommy and Frank. Notice never does anyone ever bring up her children she has two boys! They would also have you believe that I eat men for breakfast and spit them out. Well I do —  but only the kind who abuse and disrespect women.

I have  3 grandsons that we are trying to raise to be real men. Denise’s boy Christopher is 21. Louisa’s Boys are Marc 20 a sophomore in College and Joshua a sophomore in High School. We simply can not afford to have them influenced by lying drug addicted drunken gamblers who abuse and disrespect women, who don’t work, have mouths like sewers and dont value education for their children. Men who show no respect for their wives – their mothers – the law or common decency.

Unlike the three men who just dropped out of my family album; George, Tommy and Frank who of course no longer deserve a page in my book! Let me introduce you to our other men, We have 6 great guys. In fact we had and still have more guys in the family than gals! I will also introduce you to the gals! Meet our Pure Breeds  3 gals and 3 guys! We remain a loving family of guys/gals and just look at these 11 smiling faces – Yeah we all got a lil devil in us but we are not evil- we are tough. KEWL huh?

Four Generations: From my parents, to my 3 grandsons and our Pups

Both Tommy and Frank are out of work and disinherited and are now trying to buy their way back into the family graces by offering to allow me visitation. But wait – there is a catch Frank also wants to stay in my house at the same discounted rate- and he wants me to stop blogging and only then I can see my daughter to my hearts content!

HA

 I guess that’s all my daughter is worth to him in her current condition – but not to me-
to me she is a Queen – not a pawn.  

I am concerned, however, Louisa is alone a lot of the time. Her father works so Doug and Diane visit her as often as they can but they are the only other company Louisa gets besides Tommy and Frank when those two bother to show up at all.  

I am told there is a list of persons Frank has banned- but he has not banned every name in the world. My parents in the late 80’s and Denise are fragile and will not /can not go without me.

If anyone is in the area of West Orange NJ- please go see Louisa. She can have flowers, music, cards and company. Please – I do not want my baby to be there alone. She is alive and she sees, she feels her hand being held. She hears if you speak loudly on her right side and I think my baby is alone and scared and does not know why she has been abandoned by her mom who promised her – I would not leave her.  It was the last thing I said to her in the hospital over a week ago.

So please if you are in the area go see my baby girl- I can’t get past the front door - I can’t even call!

Remember Frank is depriving Louisa’s own two boys Marc and Joshua of her home and instead has his kids living there on my dime and now wants to sell visitation of my daughter to keep it that way!

At the very least call Kessler and ask how she is – Let them know that there are people out there who know of her – that she has friends and fans that love her. Please –  do not let my baby be left alone and forgotten because of these two selfish hatful vindictive bastards and their heartless cohorts – who would rather blast me than pay attention to what is best for Louisa.

Also PLEASE DO NOT ADVOCATE FOR ME WITH KESSLER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!! They made it clear that any problems that I cause would be detrimental to keeping Louisa there and it is the best place for Louisa so DO NOT mention me – just let them know Louisa has friends – many many friends and she is loved and cared for! Please do not let Kessler think those two cruds are her only advocates or only visitors besides her Dad and Diane.

Louisa Rodas currently resides at Kessler Rehabilitation Institute

West Orange Campus
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Tel: 973.731.3600
Fax: 973.243.6819

Louisa Moved to Kessler

On Friday January 23, 2009 Louisa Richardson- Rodas was moved from Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ.

As I stood there, I was informed by my son Tommy with the most vicious disgusting terms imaginable that this would be the last time I would see my daughter and he was backed up by her husband Frank. I was not going to repeat his words but I decided To do so . He said to Louisa,

” Don’t worry Lou Lou – we will get you out of here and away from this murdering, whore pig and you will be safe very very soon.”

Then he looked me straight in the eye and told me I would never see her again and that he would

GET ME.”

Yikes! One has to wonder what they are telling this poor baby when I am not there and just how dangerous this all is to her recovery! I am not concerned about what she will think of me- but what is this doing to her? And God help her – why doesn’t anyone care? Surely the rantings and ravings of these two should have raised some eyebrows with the hospital and they certainly should have conveyed this to Kessler.

I spoke to the Kessler Institute on Friday and they informed me that her husband Frank and brother Tommy had been there already and had been emphatic that they did not want me to visit my daughter. They also told me that they had reports from Hackensack University Medical Center that the two had attempted to ban me from that institution as well but that HUMC had determined that it was in the best interest of the patient to have her mother at her side and they overruled her husband. Kessler assured me if I waited until Monday and did not create any problems over the weekend they would probably follow the same visitation program. They already told the two guys that if there were any problems – Louisa would not be admitted or she would be released- seems they did not care- I did and stayed home and never blogged it- complained or called again till late Monday.

On Monday when I called for an update, I was told Kessler asked for a meeting about visitation and both men had created such a stir over the prospect that Kessler would also overrule them that they would  have Kessler turn her away rather than have me visit. Kessler assured me that if I pressed this issue – they will not keep her there. They actually warned me not to press them or Louisa would be released. I am withholding the woman’s name until I am assured the woman can not retaliate against Louisa. Again – Lou is my first consideration.

It took me several hours to contact my attorney and I instructed him that he was to inquire regarding both the legality of preventing my visitation and the legality of removing her should I request visitation. I guess the threat is to be considered as well but it is secondary and personal so no matter to Louisa’s best interests at this time.

At first – I was simply going to just step back as did the mother in the Bible and refuse to “Split the Baby” then I decided – not to allow anyone to use Louisa against her will nor was I going to be blackmailed by these two heartless fools who claim to love Louisa but who would risk her care for spite, or an Institute who would prevent a mother visitation without first checking the legality of doing so and by threatening to withhold care in retaliation for my seeking legal council on the matter. Finally, I am very concerned with the brainwashing of my helpless daughter – surely someone should be concerned about that?

Tommy and Frank should be ashamed of themselves for behaving on behalf of Louisa in such a way as to humiliate and degrade her dignity.

In the meanwhile, I intend to continue to try to work this out legally, without jeopardizing Louisa’s care and without loosing touch with my daughter who means the world to me and who I have been financially supporting for the last 5+ years since her husband could not afford to.

So what does it mean to “split the baby”?

It means that a Mother’s Love will allow me to step back and do the right thing while selfishness will allow others to use a totally helpless Louisa in this unscrupulous disgusting manner may they rot in HELL for:

” Using her without her permission as a tool of hate and spite

” Doing things without knowledge if what you are doing is hurting her

” Whispering in her ears not knowing how detrimental it is to her

Louisa is in danger because these two fools are messing with the memories and thoughts of a helpless seriously brain injured woman and they appear to have Carte Blanc to continue. Remember – Louisa has lost most of her right brain tissue. And we do not know what all this is doing to her. They are playing with fire and they do not care. I care – Pray God Kessler investigates before it is too late for my helpless daughter who is being victimized yet again! God help Louisa.

 Tommy and Frank you are both abusers just like George.  He got one side and now you are damaging the other . Shame on you both!!

Frank finally answered one of my calls today. We spoke just long enough for him to say he felt he wasn’t given enough recognition in my blogs for being her husband and that it was his insurance that paid her hospital bills.

My first draft of this rant was to give Frank all the recognition he deserves. I was going to introduce you to Frank, the good the bad and the ugly. And believe me that’s how the progression went.

But after writing a typical rant (and believe me it was the mother-in-law of all rants) I decided to step back and take a larger view of the situation. Frank reads my blogs and can only see that he is left out, I tell him it’s not about him or me –it’s about Louisa. And it’s about the sexism and misogyny in this society that puts so many women in the same situation that Louisa is in now.

So in recognition of the Great and Wonderous Events we expect to happen after the coronation this Tuesday I will depart from my usual rant and in the spirit of hope and change I will give Frank his recognition for being Louisa’s husband for the past four years. And, I will acknowledge the fact that he says he loves her.

Now, Frank, what can I expect from you in return. Will you put aside the petty bickering and work with me for Louisa’s best interests. Will you work with me in setting up a visitation schedule that gives Louisa the best hope for improvement and care. Will you work with me to insure that Louisa is surrounded by her family and loved ones for however long and in whatever state we have her.

Frank, now that we all know that you exist, I hope you will step up to the task. I sit by the phone and hope our next conversation will be more productive.

It’s your call Frank.

Ok – let’s start from here- I have two daughters near death both vitims of 23 years of violence that we did not know how to stop!

 We need to stop it now so these statistics begin to change. Only we can affect the future. Are we ready? I am a mother – will you wait till it happens closer to home or has it already? I’ll stand with you and together we will stand with her and we ewill stand eith them till we win! Louisa’s law!

The Empire State Building, lit up for Chanukah

in NYC’s first snow storm of the year, December 19, 2008

Dear Readers,

Chanukah, the festival of lights, more than any Jewish holiday I know of, celebrates miracles. In ancient Judaism, circa 168 BC, the second temple was destroyed in a war between the Jews and the Syrian-Hellenists, when they forced Jews to assimilate. Although the sacred items of the temple’s altar were decimated, enough oil was recovered to light the flame of remembrance for one night. But instead of lasting for just one night, the flame burned for eight days and eight nights. It was called a miracle and Jews made a holiday, and with that, of course, they/we eat.

In remembrance of this time in history — when what seemed like the darkest hour, light emerged, propagated by a small flame. Jews celebrate by lighting candles and partaking of delicacies fried in oil: latkes in the US and doughnuts in Israel. The Jewish calendar is lunar, thus different each year, and this year, the winter solstice coincided with the first night of Chanukah. On the shortest day and night of the year, where darkness prevails, the light of hope was kindled. And now, the year has turned and daylight will continue to increase. In that same vein, may our ability to produce good in the world, in the “square inch field” and in the grand scheme of things also increase.

In this spirit, I ask that you to turn your attention and prayers to one of our own PUMA family members who’s in need. I’ve been sending prayers and thoughts toward BettyJean Kling, her daughters Louisa and Denise, and her whole family since hearing of their horrible family tragedy.

Last week, Louisa was violently assaulted by her sister Denise’s estranged husband. Riverdaughter stickied her poignant vigil post that described the situation: Louisa, who had been caring for Denise who is in an advanced stage of cancer, is now in the hospital fighting for her own life and brain function. If you want to read more of the story, you can find it here. And, last Friday night, December 19, Sheri Tag broadcast a special interview with BettyJean on Puma United Radio that you can listen to here. The show had me reeling, shaking my head in disbelief. It’s hard to believe that such assaults occur in our world, but indeed, they are all too common.

BettyJean welcomes all prayers. She asks that “no infection take hold, and may the left brain take over for the right with some time, God willing.” The latest update gives us more hope: on Monday night Louisa squeezed BettyJean’s finger and the doctors are now concerned with brain function instead of removal from life support.

Great Spirit, please provide strength and healing to Louisa, Denise, BettyJean, and her entire family. Amen.

Please take this time to click on and play the Moody Blues track below, listen to the words with your eyes closed, let the music inspire you, and try to contact Louisa, and anyone else in your circle that you’d like to send energy to or connect with.

Thank you for all you do! With love, and may the lights of Chanukah and Christmas shine upon you all, and brighten your nights, LBNYC

I Know You’re Out There Somewhere

[. . .] The words that I remember
From my childhood still are true
That there’s none so blind
As those who will not see
And to those who lack the courage
And say it’s dangerous to try
Well they just don’t know
That love eternal will not be denied

I know you’re out there somewhere

Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you

Yes I know it’s going to happen
I can feel you getting near
And soon we’ll be returning
To the fountain of our youth
And if you wake up wondering
In the darkness I’ll be there
My arms will close around you
And protect you with the truth

I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you

[cross-posted from LadyBoomerNYC]

The Empire State Building, lit up for Chanukah

in NYC’s first snow storm of the year, December 19, 2008

Dear Readers,

Chanukah, the festival of lights, more than any Jewish holiday I know of, celebrates miracles. In ancient Judaism, circa 168 BC, the second temple was destroyed in a war between the Jews and the Syrian-Hellenists, when they forced Jews to assimilate. Although the sacred items of the temple’s altar were decimated, enough oil was recovered to light the flame of remembrance for one night. But instead of lasting for just one night, the flame burned for eight days and eight nights. It was called a miracle and Jews made a holiday, and with that, of course, they/we eat.

In remembrance of this time in history — when what seemed like the darkest hour, light emerged, propagated by a small flame. Jews celebrate by lighting candles and partaking of delicacies fried in oil: latkes in the US and doughnuts in Israel. The Jewish calendar is lunar, thus different each year, and this year, the winter solstice coincided with the first night of Chanukah. On the shortest day and night of the year, where darkness prevails, the light of hope was kindled. And now, the year has turned and daylight will continue to increase. In that same vein, may our ability to produce good in the world, in the “square inch field” and in the grand scheme of things also increase.

In this spirit, I ask that you to turn your attention and prayers to one of our own PUMA family members who’s in need. I’ve been sending prayers and thoughts toward BettyJean Kling, her daughters Louisa and Denise, and her whole family since hearing of their horrible family tragedy.

Last week, Louisa was violently assaulted by her sister Denise’s estranged husband. Louisa, who had been caring for Denise who is in an advanced stage of cancer, is now in the hospital fighting for her own life and brain function. If you want to read more of the story, you can find it here. And, last Friday night, December 19, Sheri Tag broadcast a special interview with BettyJean on Puma United Radio that you can listen to here. The show had me reeling, shaking my head in disbelief. It’s hard to believe that such assaults occur in our world, but indeed, they are all too common.

BettyJean welcomes all prayers. She asks that “no infection take hold, and may the left brain take over for the right with some time, God willing.” The latest update gives us more hope: last night Louisa squeezed BettyJean’s finger and the doctors are now concerned with brain function instead of removal from life support.

Great Spirit, please provide strength and healing to Louisa, Denise, BettyJean, and her entire family. Amen.

Please take this time to click on and play the Moody Blues track below, listen to the words with your eyes closed, let the music inspire you, and try to contact Louisa, and anyone else in your circle that you’d like to send energy to or connect with.

Thank you for all you do! With love, and may the lights of Chanukah shine upon you all, and brighten your nights, LBNYC

I Know You’re Out There Somewhere

[. . .] The words that I remember
From my childhood still are true
That there’s none so blind
As those who will not see
And to those who lack the courage
And say it’s dangerous to try
Well they just don’t know
That love eternal will not be denied

I know you’re out there somewhere

Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you

Yes I know it’s going to happen
I can feel you getting near
And soon we’ll be returning
To the fountain of our youth
And if you wake up wondering
In the darkness I’ll be there
My arms will close around you
And protect you with the truth

I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I’ll find you somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you

]]> http://logisticsmonster.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/i-didnt-even-point-a-gun-at-her/ Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:02:58 +0000 LogisticsMonster http://logisticsmonster.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/i-didnt-even-point-a-gun-at-her/ And that makes it alright?

Why are the best, brightest, and most innocent amongst our society still prey for predators?

When I no longer see news stories about 3 year old’s bodies being found in trash bags, and 23 year old women gone missing from jogging trails and their own living rooms, I will start to have hope for the human race and believe in equality for everyone.

Murder attempt denied:

A man accused of shooting his sister-in-law in the face with a shotgun during a dispute with his estranged wife in Lodi pleaded not guilty Thursday to attempted murder.

George Hartwig was not happy when a judge ordered him to stay away from his ailing wife, Denise Richardson; her sister, Louisa Rodas, or any other family member.

“That sucks,” Hartwig told Superior Court Judge Harry G. Carroll. He said his wife — bedridden from ovarian cancer — might not make it to Christmas and he wanted to see her before then.

“I didn’t even point a gun at her,” he said, referring to his wife.

Hartwig was formally charged at the hearing in Superior Court in Hackensack with the attempted murder of 41-year-old Rodas of Hackensack, who remained in critical condition Thursday.

Authorities said Rodas was taking care of Richardson at a Lodi home on Monday when Hartwig — a man with a long history of domestic violence — showed up and got into an argument with Richardson.

Richardson’s mother forced him to leave, but he returned hours later with a shotgun, they said.

Rodas, who was alone in the house with Richardson, called her brother and son, who rushed to the home. But by the time they arrived, Hartwig had already shot Rodas in the face, they said. The two subdued Hartwig until police arrived at the scene, authorities said.

Rodas and Richardson’s mother, Bettyjean Kling, said Thursday that both her daughters were “hanging between life and death.”

Rodas lost an eye, an ear and a portion of her right skull, Kling said. Pellets remain lodged in her body and, if she recovers, she will most likely be paralyzed on the left side of her body.

“Our biggest concern is that she’ll get an infection and won’t be able to fight it,” Kling said. “If she can fight off an infection, then we will do our best to manage everything else. … We just want to save her life.”

Kling, a self-proclaimed women’s rights activist who has a weekly Internet radio show, said she attended Hartwig’s arraignment to “make sure he’s being held and can’t get anywhere near my family.”

She said Hartwig was physically and emotionally abusive for decades and that he was angry in the last few weeks because Richardson’s family would not let him see her.

“We were all afraid of George,” Kling said. “Only Denise had faith in him, because she felt sorry for him and thought she could fix him.”

…..

Hartwig is also charged with aggravated assault, pointing a firearm at Richardson and three counts of criminal weapons possession.

He was ordered held at the Bergen County Jail on $1 million bail. His attorney, Tana McPherson, said she will request a bail-reduction hearing. However, Hartwig said he couldn’t post bail even if it were much lower.

“So you might as well save your time,” Hartwig said.

I can think of another way to save the taxpayers massive amounts of time and money on this case….and it is what everyone does with a rabid dog…

George Hartwig with his lawyer, Tana McPherson. Hartwig is accused of shooting his sister-in-law.

And WHAT IS THIS WOMAN DOING?

ARE YOU FREAKIN’ KIDDING ME?

Updates on Louisa:  Last night, I received the following information passed along by Sheri Tag:

Email From BJ:
Just got home after a 36 hours shift but it was worth is – time for a new brain hemorrhage is passed now – and we think the brains on the left side is not in heal mode – Thank You Jesus
Now if we can keep her fever down and infections away for another full week – there is reason to hope that with prayer we might consider a possible partial recovery !
Louisa will never be the same – but 15 hours ago we were having the pull the plug discussions and now we are having a different one – so Please keep the prayers coming!

BJ asked I relay this information:

Swelling has reached its peak and starting to subside and reverse.

Today Louisa grabbed and squeezed BJ’s and the doctors hand.

The breathing tube will be removed and a trache will be put in, with the anticipation of Louisa breathing 40% on her own.

The main concern at this time is infection.

BJ wants to thank everyone again and asks for continued prayers because this week Louisa will really need it.

So, it looks like Louisa is starting to come around.  This is good news.

Friday, we found that Louisa’s attacker, George Hartwig, requested that he be allowed to see his estranged wife Denise before she died.  As some of you know, Denise is suffering from the final stages of ovarian cancer.  Last summer, Hartwig took a hammer to Denise’s skull while she was sleeping in an effort to steal her pain medication.  For this he was sentenced to 3 months in prison and released.  On Monday, he forcibly entered Betty Jean’s house while she was away with the intent of massacreing the entire family.  Denise’s sister Louisa got in the way and George shot her in the face with a shotgun.  Louisa is still in critical condidtion in the hospital and her life, if she lives, will be permanently changed by the effects of the gunshot.

When the judge at the arraignment denied Hartwig’s request to see his ailing wife, he responded:

“That sucks. I didn’t even point a gun at her,”

You can read about it here.

Where does this man get his sociopathic attitude towards women?  Take a look at this compilation of what we have been subjected to during the last year and draw your own conclusions:

Please jump under the fold for more information and interviews with Betty Jean.

Conflucians Say was pre-empted Thursday night so that Sheri Tag could have a private interview with Betty Jean Kling, whose daughter Louisa was viciously shot in the face on Monday night.  Sheri and Betty Jean would like to share this interview with you.  You can find it here on NO WE WON’T on PUMA United Radio.

The War on Women must end and we must make the Obama administration, Democrats and the media accountable to us.

Brad Mays interviewed Betty Jean when she was in Denver and asked her why she was supporting Hillary Clinton.  For Betty Jean, it was all about healthcare, for her daughter who has ovarian cancer and for her son who died of colon cancer eight years ago.  She was crushed when Hillary put on a good face and gave into a humiliating roll call vote at the convention rather than fighting it out.  Honestly, I don’t think there was anything Hillary could have done to change the minds of the superdelegates who were either glamoured, threatened or bought into voting for Obama.  But elections have consequences, especially for real people like Betty Jean and her family who have faced more than their share of healthcare crises.

Here is that interview:

Denise and Louisa, Betty Jean's daughters: Both clinging to life

The trials of Job are not limited to biblical sheepherders.  Many PUMAs know Betty Jean Kling, a tireless Hillary Clinton supporter who had a passion for healthcare reform.  Betty Jean’s son died of cancer and her daughter Denise is living with advanced ovarian cancer.  Betty Jean’s heart’s desire was to see that her daughter, and all those affected by serious disease, get the treatment they need.

But an evil genius works against Betty Jean.  Last June, Denise was attacked in her sleep by her estranged lover, George Hartwig.  He hit her in the head with a hammer.  He was sentenced to 3 months in prison for the attack and released.  Monday night, as Betty Jean attended a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton in New York City to help her pay off her remaining debt, Hartwig struck again.  He shot Denise’s sister, Louisa, in the face when she got in the way.  Louisa is now in critical condition in a New Jersey hospital.  (One of our commenters reports that Louisa has lost an eye and may suffer brain damage if she survives.) You can read about the attack here, here and here.   This has been devastating to Betty Jean who is now dealing with two daughters who are fighting for their lives.

Domestic violence is a sensitive subject for many people.  I don’t know why it should be.  You shouldn’t be allowed to commit violent acts against another human being no matter what degree of relationship exists but violence is often tolerated in marital situations. Still, it is imcomprehensible that an attacker would be allowed to roam free after he heartlessly attacked a cancer patient with a hammer.  That this man had the ability to shoot her sister with a shotgun is simply unbelievable.  Where were the local police?  The New Jersey justice system?  How can targets of domestic violence sleep easily if their predators are not actually restrained?  The attackers in instances such as these seem to be operating with a single minded obsession, as if they are determined to remove a weed from their garden.  It’s irrational anger projected onto a hapless target.  If the crazy worldview of the attacker can’t be changed, the attacker himself needs to be locked up.

We need a Louisa’s Law that will prevent the release of these attackers who, like pedophiles, have a habit of being repeat offenders.  They need an attitude adjustment that only a lot of time with a prison psychologist can accomplish, along with restraining orders, ankle bracelet monitoring systems and no legal access to firearms.  Of course, that doesn’t prevent the abuser from using hammers so maybe locking them up and strapping a GPS device to them when they’re released until they get the point is the only way.  Worldviews are very difficult to change unless the person sees there is really no alternative and that society will simply not allow them to act on their murderous rage.

If you want to help Betty Jean advocate for a new Louisa’s Law, please contact her at Free Us Now.   NJ Senator Menendez sponsored legislation to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.  You might want to drop him a line if you agree with him or contact your own senators.  NJ Senator Lautenberg  wrote the Domestic Violence Gun Ban and Brady Law.  Both of these Democrats know how serious this issue is but they have faced a tough fight from the NRA in recent years.  It is time we focus our attention on the risk that Domestic Violence poses to their victims and others who get in the way.

The New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women has many services for women who are facing domestic abuse but surprisingly little on their legislation page.  If you are a lawyer or advocate in this area, or have experience lobbying for legislation, let them know you want to help.

Finally, there will be a hearing  on the arraignment of George Hartwig.  The Honorable Judge Harry Carroll will preside.  His contact numbers are voice: 201-527-2460, fax: 201-752-4109 if you would like to politely urge him to keep Hatwig behind bars until his trial.

We send our positivc thoughts to Betty Jean.  The Trial of Job didn’t last forever.  It ended well.

 From Birth to death – Females are not a joking matter anymore- help us make this a law- Zero Tolerance-

Denise and Louisa Christmas

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