Connie, I just got a chance to thoroughly listen to you before the Tennessee General Assembly and I must say, the Chairwoman, Representative Michael Curcio, and Representative Iris Rudder’s comments and questions are disturbing.

First, the chairwoman said “I have teacher friends who say that a child with behavioral issues believe it’s the fault of the parents”. Then she goes straight into “drug use”.

Let me address Mrs. Chairwoman (sorry didn’t catch her name)..so what you’re saying is that removing a child from his or her parents is often necessary because a child has bad behavior??? Are you even serious Mrs. Chairwoman ?? Should your children have been removed from YOU because a teacher “thinks” that YOU are the cause of behavior that’s not suitable to a teacher’s classroom?? Mrs. CHAIRWOMAN….I’m APPALLED that you even asked such a question as a member of the legislative body of Tennessee. Let me ask you…What is the line in the sand where a parent is FIT to UNFIT based on the behavioral issues of ANY American child?? Please tell me the line of demarcation.

To Representative Michael Curcio: When you addressed Mrs. Reguli, you asked if she was a medical expert in a condescending way to discredit her; this gives me great pause about you and your ability to govern. Mrs. Reguli is an “expert” in dealing with the juvenile and family court issues which include the broken Foster system and Child Protective Services. To insinuate one has to be a “medical expert” to properly quantify a problem teeters on ridiculous, closer to absurd. The truth of the matter is…these medical “experts” are part of the problem which Mrs. Reguli did not have time to expound on, but if she did, I’m certain her “expertise” in these issues would confirm this. One not need be an expert in any field to determine the broken, kids for cash system. Speaking of medical experts…why don’t you call the Cabinet and ask how much TRAINING a social worker gets in the MEDICAL FIELD??? Because when a social worker comes into the home of a citizen, they count and handle prescription medicines WITHOUT SANITARY GLOVES…and 4 out of 4 social workers I’ve dealt with could not do SIMPLE MATH to count the prescription meds. Also, this borders on a NATIONAL HEALTH CRISIS because of all people, the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH just happens to NOT WEAR GLOVES to count these meds. Think of how much hand to disease contact these workers deal with out in the field each day. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. So Mr. CURCIO, when you asked Mrs. REGULI if she was a “medical expert”…..you should have asked if SOCIAL WORKERS are being trained properly to handle playing the role of God, doctor, psychiatrist, and so on. Perhaps you should learn the FACTS.

To Representative Iris Rudder: Boy, you just had me FLOORED with your comments. Did I hear you correctly say that a child “never deserves to be reunited with a parent if they use drugs”??? Is that what I heard you say?? And right here is where CPS is getting the majority of children. …👉prove the parent a drug user and the public will agree that the child doesn’t deserve to be with his or her family. And this is what happens. Well let me tell you Mrs. RUDDER…I’ve known many people who “used” drugs whom you would NEVER know they’re using. Should we take those kids too?? So a parent who smokes marijuana is UNFIT to parent?? If you believe that Mrs. RUDDER, I question your own mental fortitude. The question should be…why is the state TAKING CHILDREN because a parent uses drugs??? There’s plenty of fully functional drug users and abusers, I dare say they may be sitting right next to you in the legislative body. The “DRUG USE” excuse to separate parents from children is getting old, and the scheme is being told to the masses. That’s why only 3% of child removals are for actual ABUSE Mrs. RUDDER…that’s because NEGLECT needs NO PROOF. I’m APPALLED at your comments.

I’m sorry Connie, I think these representatives HAD to be addressed and I hope each and every one reads it.

My letter is on the way to you. I hope it makes it in time and thank you very much for advocating for the rights of children…AND parents across this nation.