Tuesday, 21 October 2008 - 9:59 PM EDT

Name:

"anonymous"

I am shocked and I think it's unbelievable that no one has heard the WHOLE truth or even really thought hard about this topic......What people don't know is the other side of this story, I actually know that in fact, when Rick posted his profile on meet up there was no photo and very little in his profile. He didn't even live in the area and never attended one meet-up.

Now as a parent that does NOT discriminate and would welcome fathers to participate in groups and play dates etc....people have to understand that there can be a huge safety risk. Our Phone numbers , first and last names as well our addresses can be posted for meet-ups etc.

I am sure Ricks intentions were good when he joined the group, but you have to understand as a mother or a father, when little is known about some of the members particularly men(which is unfortunate). that parents are concerned. So in all actuality I'm sure he was asked to leave for that reason.

People also don't understand what a "Mommy and Me" group is! Some of the topics discussed at the meet ups are very very personal including topics that deal with your breasts, nipples, gynaecologic, and all the factors that go with birthing etc. I hope any man that wants to join these groups realizes it is very very personal to women and why some may have concerns about discussing these subjects in front of men. Of course it is nice to get some male perspectives on parenting etc, but I am not so sure any man could fully understand many of the things a woman's body goes through first hand!

So in all actuality Rick being asked to leave has nothing to to with discrimination or being narrow minded as the media has everyone believe. I feel this was done to enhance an untrue story to make for a better read!!! How unfair!

My heart goes out to the mothers and organizer of this group because I know the intentions were well, especially when this is a non profit support group that is trying to create a better sense of community for new moms. And in fact if anyone reads the legalities of the Meet Up .com group she was with in every right to refuse this particular member given the circumstance!

Now what would you of thought of any mothers group who would have kept a member which whom you thought suspicious( male or female). I am sorry we live in a world of perverts and sex predators, but I think this Moms group did the right thing in this case. When you actually know ALL the facts, then you can make up your mind! It's just really very sad to see how everyone made this into something totally untrue...Please people, know your facts before you judge!!!! Fathers were allowed to come to certain meet ups and were encouraged to meet the other dads as well!!!!

The women in this group have the biggest hearts and they were truly in the right place. They are the real victims here. How sad!

The paper as as well as anyone exploiting this matter should be ashamed of themselves!!!

Shame on you!