My inbox is being flooded with emails asking, "What Can I do?" It's so encouraging to know that our message is getting out there, and people are realizing that children in reality TV need laws to protect them.
Paul Petersen established the organization A Minor Consideration to support child stars and other child laborers through legislation, family education, and personal intervention and counseling for those in crisis. I'm in contact with Mr. Petersen and asked him where we go from here.
I wanted to share his response, and encourage everyone to join together. Let's keep the momentum going in a positive direction, and help get these laws passed so that ALL children will have protection.
Hi Julie,
I'm proud to say we are the leading advocate for National Legislation (and, if you heard Bob Edwards Show, we're after Pennsylvania, too, for failing to apply their own laws!). You should also know that we're after Octo-Mom and my personal lawsuit will be heard in Superior Court on June 22nd 2009.
Donations for A Minor Consideration...Fed ID: 95-4585623...can be mailed to:
A Minor Consideration
15003 S Denker Avenue
Gardena, CA
90247
We at AMC are well down the road to get National Legislation, but we need all the support we can get...especially from an Army of perfectly normal people who are tired of being lied to and having their televisions filled up with scripted reality shows that want only to exploit children.
Here is my essay from last year warning about the current troubles that bedevil the Gosselin family: http://www.minorcon.org/jon_kate1.html
Have people email me at this address. I will read and respond as I have for the past 19 years.
We really and truly are the ONLY national group with credibility and a proven track record in Legislation that has been hammering on this exploitation of working kids...as only former kid stars can know...and now a large and growing number of innocent children caught in the maw of so-called reality television.
Tell folks to come to our site...donate if they can...and we'll help them marshall themselves into a potent Army.
We are ALL "mad as Hell," and now that the conspiracy has been uncovered it is time to act.
Both theatrical unions (Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA) have voted unanimously at their national Board meetings to pursue national legislation to protect all children, everywhere.
Let's do this now.
Fraternally,
Paul Petersen
http://www.minorcon.org/index.html
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Early Show
Kevin and Jodi will be giving a live interview tomorrow morning on The Early Show (CBS). The segment should be airing around 7:30am EST.
I also want to acknowledge all of the emails I am receiving. I can't respond to all of them, but I want everyone to know that I am reading them and sharing them with Jodi. I have received the most heartfelt stories and poems. I am truly touched that so many have taken the time to write, and I want you all to know that the support we are receiving is definitely a bright spot during this difficult time.
Many people have asked what they can do. My best advice right now is to stop watching! I posted this on another blog over the weekend, but I think it is worth repeating.
I made a personal decision long ago to do what I can to give those children the privacy and respect that they deserve. I refuse to watch and participate in something that I feel so strongly against.
I also want to acknowledge all of the emails I am receiving. I can't respond to all of them, but I want everyone to know that I am reading them and sharing them with Jodi. I have received the most heartfelt stories and poems. I am truly touched that so many have taken the time to write, and I want you all to know that the support we are receiving is definitely a bright spot during this difficult time.
Many people have asked what they can do. My best advice right now is to stop watching! I posted this on another blog over the weekend, but I think it is worth repeating.
I made a personal decision long ago to do what I can to give those children the privacy and respect that they deserve. I refuse to watch and participate in something that I feel so strongly against.
We should not be able to watch the destruction of a real family. It is a little disturbing to me that so many people see this as entertainment. These are real children, not characters on a show. I didn't watch last night, but I did see a brief clip on one the news programs this morning. I am disgusted that they would show such a tender moment between Jon and his daughter just to pull at the viewer's heartstrings. That conversation should have been a private moment between a father and daughter. Each person who watched last night stole something from the children that they'll never get back. They deserve respect, privacy and security. Their own parents have taken that away from them, but we can give it back by letting TLC know that we won't watch it any longer. If Jon and Kate care so little for their family that they refuse to end the show, the viewers can end it for them. If you want to help the children, then stop watching!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Jon and Kate should put FAMILY first
BostonHerald.com:
Both Jon and Kate Gosselin, stars of TLC’s “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” are dodging allegations of infidelity. Family members are turning the screws in tell-all interviews. Kate has told People she can envision a divorce.
TLC did not provide a screener of the one-hour episode airing at 9 p.m. Everyone who works there would have to be criminally stupid not to know that tonight’s episode is likely to draw record ratings for the channel.
In a preview posted at tlc.discovery.com, sitting alone on a loveseat, Jon acknowledges the recent turmoil.
“Kate and I have been obviously going through a lot of stuff and discussing what’s best for our kids,” he says.
Here’s a crazy idea: Cancel the show.
If family truly comes first, lock the camera crew out. If TLC balks at letting them out of their contracts, go public and shame the channel into giving them back their privacy.
“My kids are the reason why I’ve always done everything,” Kate says.
Here’s a chance to prove it.
But reclaiming even a sliver of privacy might jeopardize the perks they’ve grown to depend on - the hair plugs for him, the tummy tuck for her, the trips for all of them. Some viewers have found that sense of entitlement repulsive to watch.
It’s one thing for adults to sign up for a reality show, it’s another thing to subject their young children to that kind of scrutiny. These kids are essentially the cutest indentured servants of a growing financial empire in Pennsylvania. Where do they go if they don’t want to be filmed? It’s hard to step out on your family when you are 5.
To read the entire article, click HERE.
Both Jon and Kate Gosselin, stars of TLC’s “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” are dodging allegations of infidelity. Family members are turning the screws in tell-all interviews. Kate has told People she can envision a divorce.
TLC did not provide a screener of the one-hour episode airing at 9 p.m. Everyone who works there would have to be criminally stupid not to know that tonight’s episode is likely to draw record ratings for the channel.
In a preview posted at tlc.discovery.com, sitting alone on a loveseat, Jon acknowledges the recent turmoil.
“Kate and I have been obviously going through a lot of stuff and discussing what’s best for our kids,” he says.
Here’s a crazy idea: Cancel the show.
If family truly comes first, lock the camera crew out. If TLC balks at letting them out of their contracts, go public and shame the channel into giving them back their privacy.
“My kids are the reason why I’ve always done everything,” Kate says.
Here’s a chance to prove it.
But reclaiming even a sliver of privacy might jeopardize the perks they’ve grown to depend on - the hair plugs for him, the tummy tuck for her, the trips for all of them. Some viewers have found that sense of entitlement repulsive to watch.
It’s one thing for adults to sign up for a reality show, it’s another thing to subject their young children to that kind of scrutiny. These kids are essentially the cutest indentured servants of a growing financial empire in Pennsylvania. Where do they go if they don’t want to be filmed? It’s hard to step out on your family when you are 5.
To read the entire article, click HERE.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Child Labor Laws and Reality TV
E Online:
About Jon & Kate Plus 8: I wonder if the kids are protected under child labor laws, or if they should be?
—Miracle Aimee, via Twitter
You'd think that any parents who drag their kids into their reality-TV money grab would face a smackdown from some sort of child-protection law. But no. That would be way too civilized.
No, Jon and Kate Gosselin's plus-eight do not fall under the kinds of kiddie labor laws enjoyed by peers who work on scripted film or TV sets, attorneys tell me. Here's why...
...courtesy of attorney Paul Moretti, who served as an on-set film safety expert before moving into his own labor law practice.
If anyone tried to take this issue to a judge, Moretti says, "chances are, courts would say this doesn't count as labor, because the children are doing things they would be doing whether there was a camera or not.
"Show producers are not taking the kids away from their studies, making them memorize lines, or taking them away from socialization," says Moretti, who also answers legal questions for JustAnswer.com.
"The law would probably say that when the children are sitting at home using a coloring book or going to a soccer game, and they're being filmed, they're not doing someone else's business. They're doing their own business."
Translation: When a TV show has a script, kids can only work a set number of hours per day, they must have a certain number of breaks per day, and they must have on-set tutors to ensure their studies do not slide.
A reality-show camera can track children from morning to night, parents can rake in wagonloads of cash, and Moretti knows of no laws that can change that on behalf of the child.
One other thing to consider: Attorney Lisa Pierson Weinberger of Greenberg Glusker points out that kids on shows like these might not even be getting any money—thus their time in front of the camera isn't "labor."
As for your second question: Yes, Moretti says, he thinks there should be a change in the law. Or, at the very least, child welfare guidelines should be reconsidered, other experts say.
"The question this really brings to focus is: In this reality-oriented society, are children as adequately protected from adults as they need to be?" muses Regent University law professor Kathleen McKee. "I think they are not. Kudos to your reader for bringing up this issue."
So there you go. And oh: If you're wondering whether I agree with these experts—you bet I do. One hundred percent.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b125497_do_child_labor_laws_apply_jon_kates_kids.html
About Jon & Kate Plus 8: I wonder if the kids are protected under child labor laws, or if they should be?
—Miracle Aimee, via Twitter
You'd think that any parents who drag their kids into their reality-TV money grab would face a smackdown from some sort of child-protection law. But no. That would be way too civilized.
No, Jon and Kate Gosselin's plus-eight do not fall under the kinds of kiddie labor laws enjoyed by peers who work on scripted film or TV sets, attorneys tell me. Here's why...
...courtesy of attorney Paul Moretti, who served as an on-set film safety expert before moving into his own labor law practice.
If anyone tried to take this issue to a judge, Moretti says, "chances are, courts would say this doesn't count as labor, because the children are doing things they would be doing whether there was a camera or not.
"Show producers are not taking the kids away from their studies, making them memorize lines, or taking them away from socialization," says Moretti, who also answers legal questions for JustAnswer.com.
"The law would probably say that when the children are sitting at home using a coloring book or going to a soccer game, and they're being filmed, they're not doing someone else's business. They're doing their own business."
Translation: When a TV show has a script, kids can only work a set number of hours per day, they must have a certain number of breaks per day, and they must have on-set tutors to ensure their studies do not slide.
A reality-show camera can track children from morning to night, parents can rake in wagonloads of cash, and Moretti knows of no laws that can change that on behalf of the child.
One other thing to consider: Attorney Lisa Pierson Weinberger of Greenberg Glusker points out that kids on shows like these might not even be getting any money—thus their time in front of the camera isn't "labor."
As for your second question: Yes, Moretti says, he thinks there should be a change in the law. Or, at the very least, child welfare guidelines should be reconsidered, other experts say.
"The question this really brings to focus is: In this reality-oriented society, are children as adequately protected from adults as they need to be?" muses Regent University law professor Kathleen McKee. "I think they are not. Kudos to your reader for bringing up this issue."
So there you go. And oh: If you're wondering whether I agree with these experts—you bet I do. One hundred percent.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b125497_do_child_labor_laws_apply_jon_kates_kids.html
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Update
I am overwhelmed and so grateful for the outpouring of support. Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm making sure that Jodi knows there are so many people out there who are supporting them.
This is not a pleasant situation. Actually, I believe that this would be every family's worst nightmare! I know everyone has an opinion and feels that they have a right to voice it. Please be sensitive to the people who are actually living this. Jon and Kate's decisions are affecting many people who didn't ask for this--first and foremost--their own children.
I am asking everyone to please be patient. Most of you have no idea how this industry works. I know there are many questions, but the truth is, some people will never be satisfied with the information they are given. EVERYTHING does not need to be made public.
Yes, I know there is so much out there already, but don't assume that everything will be/has been made known. Everyone is just going to have to accept the fact that YOU don't know what's best because you don't have ALL of the information, and you probably never will.
The easy thing to do would be to remain silent. No one wants to open themselves up to public scrutiny, but family means everything to Kevin and Jodi. They are not going to take the easy way out, and turn their backs during a time when their family needs them more than ever.
This is not a pleasant situation. Actually, I believe that this would be every family's worst nightmare! I know everyone has an opinion and feels that they have a right to voice it. Please be sensitive to the people who are actually living this. Jon and Kate's decisions are affecting many people who didn't ask for this--first and foremost--their own children.
I am asking everyone to please be patient. Most of you have no idea how this industry works. I know there are many questions, but the truth is, some people will never be satisfied with the information they are given. EVERYTHING does not need to be made public.
Yes, I know there is so much out there already, but don't assume that everything will be/has been made known. Everyone is just going to have to accept the fact that YOU don't know what's best because you don't have ALL of the information, and you probably never will.
The easy thing to do would be to remain silent. No one wants to open themselves up to public scrutiny, but family means everything to Kevin and Jodi. They are not going to take the easy way out, and turn their backs during a time when their family needs them more than ever.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
People Magazine
There is so much that I want to say about this article, but I think Kate did a pretty good job confirming the reasons that Kevin and Jodi had to speak up. She never ceases to amaze me! Just when I think that Kate has stooped to the lowest level possible, she outdoes herself. Has she completely lost touch with reality?
So much for "handling it privately", as she stated late last week. I am disgusted that she is continuing to spread her lies, and discussing very private matters to the media. She completely throws her husband under the bus in order to pursue her own agenda. It is becoming more obvious that she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She is setting herself up for sympathy and letting everyone know that the show must go on.
A quote from Kate in the article: "Somewhere along the line, he [Jon] changed his focus. I don't know why, because my focus never changed."
It's true that Kate's focus hasn't changed. Doing the show was never about "just making ends meet" or "just paying for college". Kate did her research and set her plan into motion before the sextuplets were even born. She is using the show--although it's far from reality--as a means to other opportunities--her new "career". Kate will never be satisfied. It will never be enough for her. They have reportedly made millions so far and she will keep going without any thought of what this is doing to her family.
It's very interesting that everyone is outraged with Nadya Suleman. Who do you think her role model is? Kate is no different. It's time to turn the focus on ALL children who are being exploited by their parents.
So much for "handling it privately", as she stated late last week. I am disgusted that she is continuing to spread her lies, and discussing very private matters to the media. She completely throws her husband under the bus in order to pursue her own agenda. It is becoming more obvious that she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She is setting herself up for sympathy and letting everyone know that the show must go on.
A quote from Kate in the article: "Somewhere along the line, he [Jon] changed his focus. I don't know why, because my focus never changed."
It's true that Kate's focus hasn't changed. Doing the show was never about "just making ends meet" or "just paying for college". Kate did her research and set her plan into motion before the sextuplets were even born. She is using the show--although it's far from reality--as a means to other opportunities--her new "career". Kate will never be satisfied. It will never be enough for her. They have reportedly made millions so far and she will keep going without any thought of what this is doing to her family.
It's very interesting that everyone is outraged with Nadya Suleman. Who do you think her role model is? Kate is no different. It's time to turn the focus on ALL children who are being exploited by their parents.
Interview with Kevin and Jodi
A quote from Kate, May 13, 2009:
"This is certainly not what I envisioned I was signing up for," Kate Gosselin said Wednesday during an appearance at the Frauenthal Center, The Muskegon Chronicle reported.
"When I see magazines in stores it's really difficult. It amazes me there is an industry that follows you around and writes stories about you.
"It destroys peoples' lives. I need you to know, don't believe what you read unless you hear it from that person."
Sorry, Kate, but the tabloids have not destroyed your life. You have been living a charade for a very long time, and they are just calling you out on your lies.
I guess you weren't told who the source was when you were informed about the newest stories being released. So let's all follow Kate's advice and listen to what Kevin and Jodi have to say.
Part 1 Click HERE
Part2 Click HERE
Part 3 Click HERE
"This is certainly not what I envisioned I was signing up for," Kate Gosselin said Wednesday during an appearance at the Frauenthal Center, The Muskegon Chronicle reported.
"When I see magazines in stores it's really difficult. It amazes me there is an industry that follows you around and writes stories about you.
"It destroys peoples' lives. I need you to know, don't believe what you read unless you hear it from that person."
Sorry, Kate, but the tabloids have not destroyed your life. You have been living a charade for a very long time, and they are just calling you out on your lies.
I guess you weren't told who the source was when you were informed about the newest stories being released. So let's all follow Kate's advice and listen to what Kevin and Jodi have to say.
Part 1 Click HERE
Part2 Click HERE
Part 3 Click HERE
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
For the Children
I just wanted to thank all of those who have already voiced their support for Kevin and Jodi. They would not have spoken out unless they felt that it was absolutely necessary in order so save the Gosselin children from a horrific situation. I'm sickened to hear that Figure 8 is continuing to film and TLC and everyone else involved will profit off of the destruction of a family. Kate will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She has a team of people protecting her and helping her spin her lies to keep this nightmare going. She is focused on her new "career" and she won't let anyone stand in her way, including her husband and children.
I'm hoping that the upcoming stories will help connect the dots and shed some light on why I came forward last year to voice my concerns for the situation. Although the revelations are sad, and in some ways unbelievable, the children are living a life that is much worse than will be printed in any publication.
I am hopeful that this is just the beginning and that more people realize that this child exploitation has to stop!
I'm hoping that the upcoming stories will help connect the dots and shed some light on why I came forward last year to voice my concerns for the situation. Although the revelations are sad, and in some ways unbelievable, the children are living a life that is much worse than will be printed in any publication.
I am hopeful that this is just the beginning and that more people realize that this child exploitation has to stop!
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