[kimber413]

This is what I wrote to Oprah.

Please, help us!

Please, Oprah, do a show soon about international adoption, in particular, Russian adoption. Tell the world how wonderful it can be for both the parents and the child. Spread the word that, if not adopted, these children would have lingered in orphanages, to be released at 16 with nowhere to go and no way to get an education or make something of themselves. Show what happens to these orphans once they are turned out on the streets; a life of crime, prostitution, and, most likely, death at an early age.

Because of negative press over things that have happened in recent years to adoptees in the U.S. (including Masha’s story), some parties in Russia are trying to shut down adoptions to Americans. Thing is, 99.9% (literally) of adoptions to the U.S. from Russia are successful, and these children grow up to be so much more than they would have if they'd lingered in the Russian system. Happy, healthy children that are loved, cared for, and nurtured into decent, productive human beings. They bring joy to their adoptive families, and they give hope to the friends they leave behind that they, too, may find a permanent home with a real family.

We aren’t ripping children from the open arms of families in Russia that want to adopt them. There is still a stigma against adoption in Russia, and most of these children will never find a place to call home other than a poorly funded, understaffed, bare-bones orphanage, where they have nothing, not even a stitch of clothing, to call their own. There are nearly 800,000 children lingering in Russian orphanages right now, 70,000 of which are available for adoption. Please help us, Oprah, by doing a show highlighting the good side of Russian adoption before it's shut down forever, and no more children can be saved.

[kretzklan]

For the Washington Post - I just spoke to someone - she said we need to send emails with our concerns and the stories we'd like to see to foreign@washpost.com

[bdaddy]

Thank you!

[bdaddy]

Here is the Phone numer:

703-854-3400

or 800-872-7073

Left a message fo Brent Jones the reader editor. If anyone else has a better contact at USA today, please post it.

Thank you.

Thanks for your support everyone..together we can make a difference!

[cathvash]

Vickie, How do you think the Russian press will translate "love him to pieces"?
I can see the headlines now: "American adoptive mother states she hacks her loving child to pieces"

Sorry guys, Needed a lighter moment...

[bdaddy]

Too funny!!

[mikeintexas]

I'm on board... this is my long day for teaching (until 9 pm), but I'll do some fierce e-mailing and phone calling tomorrow first thing. This is a TERRIFIC idea!

[maddensmom]

I am with you too. Keep giving us the info of anyone who will listen. I'll e-mail and call anyone at all...

[hbmom]

Thank you all for doing this! I wish I could write about a positive story. Maybe soon.

[cici32]

I just ran across this thread and will start working on writing up my part after I get Andrei settled in for the night.

[Mare1012]

Great idea Bdaddy!!! We are also waiting but are more then willing to help in anyway we can. Let me know if there is ANYTHING we can do.
Thank you everyone for your support you are showing!

[lovestruck]

Yes, yes, send the letters to Oprah!! I am still waiting to meet my baby, but I will also write Oprah begging for help!!

Also I have emailed family and friends all over asking if they know anyone who has completed a Russian adoption to contact me so I can pass this along so they can get involved.

Thank you for starting this thread bdaddy and his other
half and all of you who have already started getting your stories out!!

[tchr_678]

Just wanted to let you all now that I emailed the moscow times and will email more places as soon as I have the chance. I promise I will do whatever I can to help the rest of you have your dreams come true.

[mgwurster]

Awesome idea! We are obviosly still waiting, so I don't have an adoption story to tell, but will pray, and pray, and keep praying these letters work!

[teachsafe]

Went on the NY Times website and the email for the editor is www.letters@nytimes.com I will write a letter later tonight and help in anyway I can. I remember all too well how I felt as a waiter and could not imagine life with my son. Let's all help bring these children home!