We the undersigned, having profound respect both for the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the institution of American family life, are deeply disturbed by the actions of Children's Protective Services in the State of Texas in removing more than 400 children from their families after one anonymous unsubstantiated claim of mistreatment. We believe such disproportionate action brings into disrepute both the State of Texas and the United States of America, expressing contempt for the family as the basis of our social order and highlighting the over-use of power by state officials whose primary responsibility is to serve the people, not abuse them. We therefore call upon the Governor of the State of Texas, Rick Perry, to take the following action immediately: 1. Assume personal responsibility for the welfare of the children involved, and remove Texas CPS officials from control of the case. 2. Make the reuniting of children with their parents his first priority in managing the situation. 3. Seek the support of the state legislature in curbing the misuse of CPS power, for the better welfare of Texans and as a model for other states to follow. We sign this petition as a way of showing solidarity with the parents whose children have been kidnapped in the name of the State of Texas. In so signing, we in no way condone unlawful marriage or the sexual exploitation of minors.