Please let us know your thoughts on the Dateline Report which aired Jan 30 on NBC. You can also visit the Dateline “newsvine” and Producer’s Blog at the links below. Thank you to Dateline for a job well done.
The full video of the Dateline story is available here, in six parts, on BringSeanHome, minus some of the copyrighted music.
Fighting For Sean
NBC Dateline Website video link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28952002#28952002
Producer’s Blog: http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/30/1775241.aspx
2/1/2009 ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY by Bob D’Amico: We sincerely appreciate the wave of new support and the many comments posted below. Dateline did a great job, we are deeply indebted to the NBC Dateline Producer, Benita Alexander-Noel, her team and of course Meredith Vieira.
I would like to point out to everyone that there are already multiple Orkut and Facebook support groups for Sean Goldman and invite you to join them. The links to these, plus additional resources are located on the SUPPORT page.
If I may interject a key point, we are working with many people here in the U.S., not just Americans but people from different nationalities including Brazilians. Some our hardest working members who have made themselves available to us night and day are Brazilians residing in the USA. We are also working with very dedicated people in Brazil. The Brazilians who have joined this campaign are just as outraged as many Americans. They are “standing up” for David, working relentlessly against all odds to spread the word of this case. Their task is extremely difficult because of a unique child protection law in Brazil which has been used to effectively “gag” the Brazilian press and media outlets. Using this particular law has been extremely effective for the Lins e Silva’s and Ribeiro’s because we are quite sure if the average Brazilian knew of the truth they would demand that Sean be returned to David.
We are not publicly stating the names of the many Brazilians who are helping us. We don’t want them to be sued by the Lins e Silva’s and Ribeiro’s, be fined or have their professional reputations ruined.
This is not a USA vs Brazil issue, we are not angry with Brazil or the +180 million people of Brazil, people just like us who have the same hopes and dreams for a decent life and a better future. This is only about re-uniting Sean and David Goldman. It’s as simple as that, one little boy and one father.
Please review our How to Help or Como Ajudar pages and Help, please!
to Bo… please don’t take this wrong.. its just a question.. (I love Brasil and Brasilians so if it sounds like I’m attacking them.. please don’t misunderstand…. just asking).
You said: “I feel quite certain that the Brazilian embassy in the U.S. and in other countries has made Brasilia aware that this case has become a public relations nightmare for them and is putting them in a very bad light internationally”
However, up to now, it appears (????) that the power/influence of the individuals holding Sean is more important to the judicial system in Brasil than the fact that Brasil is in a ‘bad light internationally’… would that be a fair statement??? (asking you if you think this is true..?)
IFFFF that is true… how can we as a group of concerned individuals show the Brasilian judicial system/government that we do not intend to go away and be quiet until they resolve this fairly and return Sean to David? (and that goes for Brasilians as well as Americans.. maybe MORE IMPORTANTLY BRASILIANS) How can we show them that despite the power and influence of these individuals it would be much better for Brasil to return Sean to David than to continue to bow down to the power/influence of these individuals?
Hope you understand what I am asking. Until Brasil realizes that this is truely a nightmare that will be really bad for Brasil internationally unless they return Sean to David it seems they will prefer not to address and resolve the issue.
(Do you remember the Elian Gonzalez case in the US a few years back (boy from Cuba). The US I dont think felt it was right to return Elian to Cuba but they did because of the public pressure internationally… at least that was my impression.)
I know many countries feel like the US is trying to tell everyone what to do (and I sometimes agree (IM american btw)…. so they must understand this is NOT just us trying to tell them what to do. Brasil must feel/see that it will be much better for them INTERNATIONALLY to return Sean than to allow this situation to continue as is..
Understand?
Do you have any thoughts/ideas on we can accomplish this ? (asking)
BillF,
Since I don’t know Portuguese I did a translation it sounds really good. I’m doing a cut and paste and e-mailing to as many Brazilan agencies and media outlets as possible. David…..as a mother of three I too am sickened and feel your pain. I lost my youngest in a divorce for 2yrs. but have her back now because he ended up in prison and his family hid it from me for 5 months. Still had to go through attorney’s to get her out of state. Dateline was a great idea because I like so many others were not even aware of this case. You and Sean have suffered long enough. Let’s put the pressure on this corupt government get our American boy back home.
PLEASE JOIN FACEBOOK GROUP!
There is a very large group of us on Facebook who are trying to help David. Please join the group called “Help Us Bring Sean Goldman Home”. At the bottom of the page there are a number of topics with ideas on how to help. I will post the Larry King email address.
PLEASE JOIN ORKUT!
This is the Brazilian Facebook. There is a group called “Bring Sean Home” and another called “Give Sean Goldman Back” – please join and show your support! There is also a group called “Familia Lins e Silva” – this is their family group. Please leave comments for them!
PLEASE EMAIL THIS LIST OF IMPORTANT DECISION MAKERS!
president@whitehouse.gov,
Firstlady@whitehouse.gov,
Vicepresident@whitehouse.gov,
presidencia@stj.jus.br,
vice.presidencia@stj.jus.br,
secretaria.jurisprudencia@stj.jus.br,
cap02vfam@tj.rj.gov.br,
gab.gilson.dipp@stj.jus.br,
corregedoria@cnj.gov.br,
viotti@delbrasonu.org,
siumara@delbrasonu.org,
delbrasonu@delbrasonu.org,
paulo.vannuchi@sedh.gov.br,
patricia.soares@sedh.gov.br,
consulado@brazilny.org,
consbras@brazilhouston.org,
assistencia@atlantaconsulatebrazil.org,
cgbos@consulatebrazil.org,
central@brazilconsulatechicago.org,
consbras@brazilmiami.org,
consular@brazilsf.org,
brazilsf@brazilsf.org,
consular@brasilemb.org,
ambassador@brasilemb.org,
tarso.genro@mj.gov.br,
drci@mj.gov.br,
cgci@mj.gov.br,
celso.amorim@mre.gov.br,
dadm@mre.gov.br,
imprensa@mre.gov.br,
dhs@mre.gov.br,
cj@mre.gov.br,
consularbrasilia@state.gov,
congressrio@state.gov,
recconsular@state.gov,
pergunte-ao-consul@state.gov,
info@clintonglobalinitiative.org,
press@clintonglobalinitiative.org,
senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov,
senator@shelby.senate.gov,
william.delahunt@mail.house.gov,
AskCI@state.gov,
AbductionUSCA@state.gov,
USUNPublicAffairs@state.gov,
iaba@iaba.org,
jplins@linsesilva.com.br,
pls@linsesilva.com.br,
mlins@linsesilva.com.br,
bgarcia@linsesilva.com.br,
slins@linsesilva.com.br,
plscosta@linsesilva.com.br,
mtaunay@linsesilva.com.br,
rvoliveira@linsesilva.com.br,
pmagalhaes@linsesilva.com.br,
dbica@linsesilva.com.br,
lferraz@linsesilva.com.br,
idelmonte@linsesilva.com.br,
cavedo@linsesilva.com.br,
recepcao@linsesilva.com.br,
ymartori@linsesilva.com.br,
mserratine@linsesilva.com.br
All of those emails are great, thanks. Some of them might already be on the How To Help page, yet it does not hurt to have them twice. Also, don’t forget, that President Lula of Brazil has accepted an invitation from President Obama to visit him at the White house in March when he is state side. Apparentely he is supposed to be in New York City first then DC. We need to keep the pressure on everyone, although the White House, State Department, President Lula & Staff and Larry King would be my first choices. I truly believe that if President Obama, Vice-President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton, President Lula and staff receive enough emails, faxes, phone calls, etc about this case, about the pure wrong, when they are together they will act.
By the way, to our Brazilian friends, thank you! All of your hard work, dedication and support is wonderful to read. I for one can feel it as I read the emails. I am not anyone of authority for this web page, I am just a campaigner like you, so as I said before THANK YOU!!! Keep it up. We have the momentuem, the support and the dedication. We will get Sean back, we will see the best reunion ever and David & Sean will be allowed to live together, rebuild their lives and find that bound together that they once had. I believe in this and I believe in the campaign.
I join IRISH17 in saying thanks to everyone with this effort and especially to our many (and growing) number of friends in Brazil!! This is great. We need to keep it going. Keep the email boxes, faxes and phones for everyone listed FULL.
The idea someone had (above) about emailing and contacting any of the church organizations in Brazil is also excellent… it does not matter what the group or denomination… get the word to them and let them (hopefully) tell the people in their congregation or parish. Lins e Silva (and co) might try to stop the media – but they cannot silence an entire nation!!! Brazilian friends – contact locally everyone you can and we can continue to do so from the USA. This is really a TOGETHER opportunity.
David – hang in there!!!
Would someone post a basic short e-mail in Portuguese that we could use when e-mailing people in Brazil for awareness/support of bringing Sean home. Thanks.
Does anyone have the latest information about when the next court date/decision may be regarding this case? Is a positive resolution (aka Sean on a plane to the US) possible in the very near future?
Information like this is great to add to the emails to highlight a real sense of urgency!
as mentioned before.. someone really NEEDS to organize some type of demonstration in front of the White House DURING Lula’s visit.. I would love to attend.
Not sure I could since I live in Houston, Texas…. but I really think this would create some huge needed attention…
Looks like we had an incorrect email address for Foreign Affairs Minister Celso Amorim. It should be:
celsoamorim@mre.gov.br
PLEASE re-send all your emails to this guy. He is very important.
Also, we may have better luck finding Justice Minister Tarso Genro at the following address in addition to tarso.genro@mj.gov.br:
gabinetemj@mj.gov.br
I would love to be in front of the White House or the Brazilian Embassy in March, but I cannot do that alone,I need more people to help me in this.If there is anyone who could join me,that would be PERFECT.Anyone available in DC or DC area?
To Iescalante and everyone else,
Don’t worry about sending an email in Portugeese. I have been sending emails to Brazil since September 2008 in english and have received a few responses indicating that they do know how to read and understand english. Brazilians as whole are quite inteligent and often know more then one language. So don’t be afraid to use english in your emails.
Also, about the idea of a protest in Washington DC in March when President Lula of Brazil is here. It is being discussed; please be patient. We need to allow David to decide if this is what he wants to do no matter how good of an idea it is. Also, in preperation of his visit, lets really start pounding on those emails boxes, fax machines, phones of the white house, state department, etc. to let them know that we are serious, we want Sean back NOW. Also sending an email to President Lula in Brazil and other people in the Brazilian government will help also. There are instructions on how to do this on the How to Help page of this web site if you need help.
to Bo… please don’t take this wrong.. its just a question.. (I love Brasil and Brasilians so if it sounds like I’m attacking them.. please don’t misunderstand…. just asking).
You said: “I feel quite certain that the Brazilian embassy in the U.S. and in other countries has made Brasilia aware that this case has become a public relations nightmare for them and is putting them in a very bad light internationally”
However, up to now, it appears (????) that the power/influence of the individuals holding Sean is more important to the judicial system in Brasil than the fact that Brasil is in a ‘bad light internationally’… would that be a fair statement??? (asking you if you think this is true..?)
IFFFF that is true… how can we as a group of concerned individuals show the Brasilian judicial system/government that we do not intend to go away and be quiet until they resolve this fairly and return Sean to David? (and that goes for Brasilians as well as Americans.. maybe MORE IMPORTANTLY BRASILIANS) How can we show them that despite the power and influence of these individuals it would be much better for Brasil to return Sean to David than to continue to bow down to the power/influence of these individuals?
Hope you understand what I am asking. Until Brasil realizes that this is truely a nightmare that will be really bad for Brasil internationally unless they return Sean to David it seems they will prefer not to address and resolve the issue.
(Do you remember the Elian Gonzalez case in the US a few years back (boy from Cuba). The US I dont think felt it was right to return Elian to Cuba but they did because of the public pressure internationally… at least that was my impression.)
I know many countries feel like the US is trying to tell everyone what to do (and I sometimes agree (IM american btw)…. so they must understand this is NOT just us trying to tell them what to do. Brasil must feel/see that it will be much better for them INTERNATIONALLY to return Sean than to allow this situation to continue as is..
Understand?
Do you have any thoughts/ideas on we can accomplish this ? (asking)
To Greilly;
Don’t worry about offending me Greilly, I’m an American that’s been living in Brazil for nearly a decade whose only child is American/Brazilian.
As far as your first question, I wouldn’t say that the power/influence of Lins e Silva is more important to the judicial system of “Brazil” than the bad international exposure, I would say that it’s more important to some judges in the city/state of Rio de Janeiro, where this family comes from and weilds significant influence. Up until now this case has not gone in front of a judge that does not call Rio de Janeiro “home”. Even at this moment, the case being in Brasilia at Brazil’s supreme court the judge that will decide if the case remains in Brasilia, which would be great for David and Sean, or goes back to Rio, which will be a defeat, is from Rio! But let me say this, he knows well that numerous people are watching on this one. In my opinion this case is going to stay in Brasilia and when the supreme court hears this case it’s open and shut. It’s a black and white case. I’m familiar with cases exactly like this in other states in Brazil where the states denied the other parent, a foreigner, custody, and gave it to the brazilian grandparents. When the case was heard by the supreme court in brasilia the states decisions were reversed and the parent finally got custody.
As far as how can people like us make a difference, I think that everyone is doing a really good job. Keep e-mailing politicians and media both in the U.S. and here in Brazil. Keep putting pressure on the Brazilian embassy in New York. Also, naturally if we could organize protests here in Brazil, specifically with large numbers of Brazilians protesting, in front of the state courts in Rio as well as the supreme court in Brasilia….would be great. Also, organize protests in front of media outlets (O Globo, BAND, etc) protesting their unwillingness to report on a story that is more than newsworthy in Rio, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife, Fortleza, etc.
As far as the U.S. trying to tell Brazil what to do, well we know that’s not the case whatsoever. And any human with any sense of right or wrong whatsoever can see that. This is a matter of Brazil honoring the Hague Council to which they belong. I would love to see the Hague pressure Brazil to either start honoring their obligations or risk being removed from the organization. What’s the use to belong to an organization if you’re not going to comply with it? Also, really believe that everyone should bombard Hillary Clinton’s e-mail and try to do something, anything, to get her attention. Find out where she’s going to be and organize a protest. Get something into her hand to tell this situation, and not only this particular situation, but apparently the dozens upon dozens of other American cases, and from what I understand, hundreds if not more of international cases in the same, or similiar, situation as David and Sean.
I wanted to share this with everyone. The response I received from the Brazilian court.
Let’s keep the pressure on!
RE: Sean Goldman
From: carlene
Sent: February 4, 2009 3:40:46 PM
To: secretaria.jurisprudencia@stj.jus.br
Dear Ana,
I sincerely want to thank you for your response to my email. It is very encouraging that this matter is taken very seriously, as all cases involving children should.
As a parent who has had to fight for custody of a child, I find some of the decisions made very troubling. While you maintain that the court is acting in a responsible way, it is difficult from my perspective to see this.
David Goldman consented to Sean leaving the country because he was told they would be gone for a two week visit. It was only after Bruna arrived in Brazil with Sean and her family that she indicated that she would not be returning with Sean. This is child abduction. As a parent, Bruna acted in an irresponsible and selfish manner. She obviously knew what she was doing was wrong because she waited until she was safely back in Brazil to indicate in anyway that she did not want to be married to David Goldman and live in the United States anymore. She knew without a doubt if she petitioned for divorce in the United States, she would not be granted custody and permission to remove Sean Goldman (an American citizen) from his home and father in the United States.
The Brazilian courts did not act responsibly by not dealing with David Goldman’s court action in a timely manner. It was 16 months after the child was in Brazil before the case was even looked it. It appears that the Brazilian courts have used loop holes in Haia Convention to Bruna’s advantage. Instead of being held accountable for her actions, she is rewarded.
It is very difficult to understand how the Brazilian courts are so very concerned for Sean’s well being, physical and mental health at this point in time. Four years ago when Sean was suddenly and unlawfully removed from his home and father’s life, Sean’s well being was of little concern. Again, it appears that the Brazilian courts have used this argument to their advantage.
I also wonder what evidence the court is basing the argument that “there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation.”
The damage began 4 years ago when the court allowed Bruna to retain the child in Brazil. This was not the doing of David or Sean Goldman. This was Bruna, her family and the Brazilian courts. Any psychological damage or harm Sean Goldman suffers is not the fault of his father.
In recorded telephone conversations between Bruna and David Goldman, she stated that David Goldman was a good father. Anyone who considered their child was in grave danger would not say such a thing. It is obvious to me that Bruna was not concerned for Sean’s safety while he was with David.
My personal experience with custody issue is that all parties involved were examined by a psychologist. This evaluation also included my son, who at the time was 8 years old. The Canadian judge in his wisdom recognized that while he was qualified and experienced in family law and custody matters in the court of law, he was not qualified to evaluate and determine psychological effects on the child. He left that up to experts in that field.
It is not reasonable to expect an eight year old child to make such a big decision on their own. It is unfair to add that pressure on him. Children of that age may express what they want but are not developmentally capable of making such choices, especially if there is pressure from other involved parties.
This case has many flaws from the beginning. Primarily that the case was not dealt with properly from the very beginning four years ago. The court’s decisions failed to recognize that Sean Goldman had the right to continue his relationship with his father. The court’s also failed to ensure that Bruna was made responsible to, at the very least, facilitate a relationship between Sean and David. The courts kept Sean and David apart and used to Haia Convention to justify it’s actions.
Sean’s rights were viloated by his mother, her family and the Brazilian courts. Sean did not ask to be removed from his father. Sean did not ask to move to Brazil. Sean is a victim, just as much as David Goldman is.
David Goldman has always been capable, and willing to provide the very best care for his son, as he did before Sean was abducted. People like myself will not stop talking about this, and holding people and court’s accountable for their decisions and actions.
Once again, thank you for allowing me to express my concerns and opinions. I agree that you are not able to help me, as you were not able to help Sean Goldman as well.
I hope you have a nice day,
Carlene
CANADA
——————————————————————————–
To: carlene
Subject: Re: Sean Goldman
From: Secretaria.Jurisprudencia@stj.jus.br
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 13:01:20 -0200
Dear Carlene,
Our judicial system is acting wisely as always, doing what is best for the child, no matter what “adults” say. The decisions took here in Brazil are based on the Haia Convention as so:
“Article 13
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, the judicial or administrative authority of the requested State is not bound to order the return of the child if the person, institution or other body which opposes its return establishes that –
a) the person, institution or other body having the care of the person of the child was not actually exercising the custody rights at the time of removal or retention, or had consented to or subsequently acquiesced in the removal or retention; or
b) there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation.
The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order the return of the child if it finds that the child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate to take account of its views.
In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, the judicial and administrative authorities shall take into account the information relating to the social background of the child provided by the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child’s habitual residence.”
Otherwise, we’ve read your message, but could not help you. Our work is based on revealing the content of Superior Tribunal de Justiça judicial decisions, after they are published, to our clients around the world.
We’re sending documents found in our data base about the theme (they’re in Portuguese).
To contact the members of parliament, visit Câmara dos Deputados or Senado Federal sites.
David Goldman’s suit is now on Supremo Tribunal Federal. To monitor the decisions of that constitutional court of justice click the link: AI/728785.
We appreciate your contact and wish you a good day.
Ana Cristina
carlene 31/01/2009 12:03
Para , ,
cc
Assunto Sean Goldman
I am sending this letter in regards to David Goldman and his son Sean Goldman who is a US citizen taken to Brazil by his mother Bruna, and her family.
The Brazilian courts have done everything in their power to prevent Sean Goldman to return to his father, David Goldman. In several past Brazilian court documents, it has stated that it would cause undue hardship to return Sean Goldman back to the United States.
The Brazilian courts had very little regard for Sean Goldman’s well-being, he mental health, and protection when he was illegally removed from the United States by his mother in 2004. It did not matter to the courts that the very strong parental bond between David and Sean Goldman was being destroyed by the unilateral and selfish choice of the mother to separate the father and son.
Now that the mother has tragically died, the Brazilian courts are still managing to keep Sean and David Goldman from being reunited. The courts have stated that the child needs protection during this difficult time, however, the same court failed to recognize the traumatic experience it must have been for Sean Goldman when he was suddenly separated from his father with little contact. This was not Sean’s choice. These were choices made for him without his best interest in mind.
David Goldman was the primary caregiver for Sean while David and Bruna was married and lived in the United States. David was there when his son was born, he loved him instantly. David provided day to day care of Sean while Bruna worked. He provided unconditional love, care, concern to Sean. He bathed him, fed him, played with him, cuddled him, hugged him, spent every minute of his day giving all he could to Sean. They spent countless hours spending quality time together which greatly contributed to his well being, mental health and protection.
David provided Sean with the foundation of who he is. David’s blood runs through Sean’s veins, and no court in the entire world can change that. David is and always has been Sean’s father.
I am asking you to do what is right. Please do not bow to the pressures of Bruna’s family and new husband. The Brazilian courts have failed Sean Goldman in the past by keeping him from his father, David Goldman. Now is your opportunity to reunite Sean and David Goldman. Now is your opportunity to restore confidence in the Brazilian courts and Brazil. Now is your time to show the world that Brazilian lawyers and judges are not corrupt and will not be manipulated by powerful citizens.
There are many cases in Brazil where children are now living after being abducted from another country by a parent. Please end this. Make the changes that need to be made.
Sean and David Goldman have already lost 4 precious years. Please, return Sean to his father David Goldman so they can rebuild what Bruna, her family and the Brazilian courts stole away from them.
Carlene
CANADA
Hi Carlene,
I simply agree with you. I know that your letter clearly states that a 8 year old is not of a proper age to be able to make such a desicion, especially not knowing all the facts and truth. How ever this is brazil. The land where their biased for their own goes against the truth and honesty of all. This is why it is so important to talk to the governements of Brazil, the United States, Canada, others. Let them know what is going on and work towards finding a workable solution.
How ever, while we are doing this, Sean is spending another day, with that other man posing as his father, doing things with him that David is supposed to be doing and not allowing Sean any type of contact with David at all. Talk about a violoation of Human Rights! It is too bad that this person does not have any kind of campassion in his heart, anything of a soul in body. I guess it is too much to ask for him to allow Sean to have a phone call, an email to his natural sole surviving parent. Even when you are in prison, held captive they allow you to receive correspondance. Shows what type of an animal we are dealing with here.
Surprise, I got the same response from Ana Christina as Carlena did.. as i am sure many did.
I would never go to Brazil after seeing David and Sean’s story. I simply would be to afraid that anything could happen and i would have no protection there. I have always been what somewould say as “overprotective” . When they were younger I was selective on what school trips my children could go on. I didn’t allow a school overnight three hours away in my state. We went on our own as a family with friends. Our children got to visit the science museum in NJ, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. A few months later the September 11th Terrorist Attacks occurred. I look back and think wow that was too close for comfort. For awhile I went on to be a little more protective. For example, we didn’t visit what I refer to as “hot spots”. Meaning any place touristy. After a few years I came to the view that we should see things. We’ll travel together. We even went to other countries. Ones where other terror attacks had occured. Now, after seeing David and Sean’s story I am once again thinking I will live just fine enjoying where I am, what I have and with my family. I do not need to travel. Yes it’s been nice but I can’t imagine being in another country and having no help. Worse still, something happening to my children and me having no help, no control, no say. Yes, bad things can happen here too but atleast it’s in my country and I speak the language, I have family, friends and I know how things work. I don’t need to gamble with going somewhere else.
The reason I stated all of this is to say that I don’t hate Brazil or Brazilians but I will never go there. I’m sure I am not the only person who feels this way. It’s not out of nastiness it’s just for safety and good sense. The more this story about David and Sean is told I would think that the less people will go to Brazil whether it be for the same reason as me or just to boycott it will still hurt their tourism.
Shame on the USA too. It makes me very sad that our country has not brought Sean home. Why on earth has this been going on for so many years!
That poor little boy has a right to be with his father. That poor father has a right to be with his son. Many people figure out how to work things out without resorting to abduction. Sean’s mother, her family and her 2nd husband took the cowards way out and for sure did not put Sean first. I know my children would have been devasted to be taken away from either parent. The Child must come first. If the maternal family isn’t going to do it then the USA and Brazilian Autorities MUST!!!!!!
Let’s Make it right. NOW! Bring Sean Home.
Laura
Good news, David is in route to Brasilia for tomorows meeting and NJ congressman Chris Smith. it appears that Washington is paying attention to this case. here is the recording that I made with my camera, as you can see this is breaking news.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nNmbyCrE4A
Otto Thebarbarian
“b) there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation.
The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order the return of the child if it finds that the child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate to take account of its views.”
Don’t you just love that part?
O God,this is sooooo wrong! I know when they made this law they were thinking that would be the best for the child but… That means,if anyone kidnaps a child,and spend 4 years with the child,means that they wouldn’t bring the child back to his/her parents because the child have “bonds” and is “used” to live with the kidnapper?! This is outrageous!
I’m talking to as many people as I can back in Brazil,most of them have no idea this is taking place there,under their noses. I am a Brazilian living in the US and hoping that Rio’s court WAKE UP!
My prayers go to the Goldman family,May God comfort you guys!
I’m a US citizen but I grew up in Brasil and now I live in USA…I can tell you that the whole judicial system is corrupted…It takes years for youvjust to settle a small claim court, everything in Brasil is slooooowwwww and corrupted…I love Brasil, I love the city I grew up in, I love my friends that are their…
BUT THE COPS AND LAWYERS ARE CORRUPTED, AND IT MAKES THE FEW HONEST COPS AND LAWYERS LOOK BAD(IF THEIR’S ANY!)
It doesn’t matter if you’re guilty in Brasil, money and power will always make you innocent, and will make the courts on your side…
To the two previous posters. I’m an american thats been living in brazil for a decade. I’ve learned a LOT about this country, and even more about my own (the U.S.) since moving here. I’ve also been to court here a couple times and have numerous foreign friends that invested in Brazil and are currently in court. I’m very familiar with the court system and everything that C just said above is 100% true.
But allow me to state a thing or two that you guys, and I’m sure many people, do not know about Brazil.
The way the brazilian constitution is written literally makes Brazil a haven for criminals. Are you aware that a Brazilian citizen cannot be extradited to another country for a crime he committed? So, C, god forbid you ever murder someone, but if you do, as long as you didn’t do it in Brazil, you can return to Brazil and they will NEVER extradite you to stand trial.
Foreigners that are fugitives from the law come to Brazil all the time and immediately get a brazilian woman pregnant because if a foreigner has a brazilian child the brazilian courts will also never extradite him!! The infamous Ronald Biggs who participated in the “Great Train Robbery” lived in Rio de Janeiro for 35 years all the while snubbing his nose at the U.K. and Scotland Yard!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Biggs
These type of “laws” or constitutional clauses really need to be amended if Brazil ever wants to be considered a serious country.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ I just left a message for the President Obama. Not sure if he will get it or it will help. But its worth a shot! Come on people! Let us be heard! We need a happy ending!!!!
herbyourlife…
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