The Editor, Sir:

This an open letter to Mr. Davidson: custodial fathers:

Sir, I commend you for stepping up and filling your role as a "proud single custodial father ..."

I would ask though, Mr. Davidson, that you do not let your pride in your accomplishment blind you to what could be a totally different reality.

Do you know how many fathers there are for these four children? I think not. We do know though, that there is one mother. Did you read of any father(s) stepping up and asking for those children? How many fathers are there? One? Two? three? Four? Pray tell. We know one thing, there is ONE mother. Why would you make such a statement as you have without knowing the facts.

Let's say there are two, or three or four fathers. Let's say there is one father: Where is he/they? In jail, without a job, without shelter for him/themselves, mentally ill, physically ill, disinterested. Would you send these children to them/him? Or, would you seek to keep these children with their mother while long-term evaluations can be done?

Clearly, you do not know much about family dynamics, developmental psychology or even the culture in which you live. So, again, 'big up' an' nuff respec' for what you do in your situation. Look beyond and think before you speak (write).

Let me say sir, you know little about the society and the impact that separating children from their mothers at such a young age can have. I hope that you have stayed abreast of developments in this story. The 'agents for change' who are trying to provide this mother with a way to keep her children together while giving her support are the ones who make sense here.

I am, etc.,

E. A. ROLLOCKS

BluMahoe@aol.com

Detroit, Michigan

Via Go-Jamaica