I Support NYCCAN
Jon Gold
7/31/2009
This is my endorsement of the NYCCAN initiative. It's obvious that I endorse the initiative from the amount of NYCCAN posts I've made but this is a different kind of endorsement.
Today, an "anti-truther/debunker" site posted the letter (thanks to Loose Nuke for this version) written by the City Clerk that explains why they didn't allow the petition on the ballot.
The reasons given were:First, the federal government has jurisdiction over an investigation into the attacks that took place on September 11 as well as the causes of those attacks. Establishing a local commission to conduct such an investigation far exceeds the proper scope and purpose of the petition process of the MHRL. Second, the petition fails to provide an adequate financing plan for the Commission as required by section 37 of the MHRL. Third, the petition's method of designating Commissioners conflicts with state laws relating to the election or appointment of public officers and the residency of public officers. Fourth, the petition overrearches in its attempt to confer a range of law enforcement and prosecutorial powers on the Commission. Fifth, the subject of this proposed amendment to the Charter does not relate to an existing Charter provision as is required by section 37.
Like most things I read on those sites, it made me angry. It didn't make me angry because of the usual inaccuracies, name calling, selective memories, slander, and other bullshit we usually see. I was more angry at those who wrote the petition. I would have thought that those responsible would have made every effort to make sure the petition was legally sound.
After I had a little time to cool off, I heard from John Albanese who said, "I endorsed this initiative because I already consider it a symbolic success. This initiative has succeeded in demonstrating that 70,000 New Yorkers, over 100 victim’s families & first responders, countless volunteers on the street, and supporters from all over this nation, still care about this issue – and will never stop organizing to demand answers."
He was basically looking for the positive in a sea of negative. Something I admire, and something I tried to do for the "Week of Truth."
With regards to the petition not being legally sound, I can't comment on the law. I'm not a lawyer. However, the "federal government" has FAILED MISERABLY with ITS "investigation into the attacks that took place on September 11." THAT MUCH I can guarantee you. If the "federal government" can't be trusted to investigate the attacks, then it falls to the people to do so. The reason I have always endorsed the idea of a new investigation being put onto the ballot is because if we rely on the "powers that be" to have a REAL investigation into the attacks, it will most likely never happen. However, if you leave the decision up to the people, it will most assuredly happen. A real investigation that leaves no stone unturned, that gets to the truth, that holds people accountable, and FINALLY brings justice for the horrible atrocity that took place on that day. That is what we are trying to do isn't it? That is why I endorse it.
As we learned today from the latest NYCCAN release, "the City Clerk maintains the Petition fell short in several areas but it should be emphasized that this is the legal opinion of the Corporation Counsel, the City of New York’s top lawyer, and will be challenged in court by lawyers for the five plaintiffs."
I don't know much about New York politics. What I do know is that the City of New York has treated the 9/11 First Responders horribly over the years. If that is any indication, then in my opinion, the City of New York's lawyer can't be trusted.
A long time ago, I promised that I would never turn my back on the 9/11 Families. They have been through UNSPEAKABLE horrors. If they want to fight this, then that is what I endorse. I endorse the fight. Just as I always have.
Do it for the families. Do it for your families. Do it for your friends' families. Truth and justice must be served.
