Letter to New York City Council

Alton H. Maddox, Jr. Telephone: 718-834-9034
FAX: 718-834-1275
16 Court Street, Suite 1901
Brooklyn, New York 11241



August 25, 2004


Hon. Gifford A. Miller
The Speaker
New York City Council
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Re: Right of Dissent in NYC

Dear Sir:

If published reports are correct, groups like Act Now to Stop War & End Racism Coalition and United for Peace and Justice, rather than the New York City Council, are seeking to uphold the right to dissent in New York City. Groups may come and go but the New York City Council is supposed to be the voice of the people and a permanent institution to uphold constitutional rights.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s lease to Gracie Mansion was secured only because of the political shenanigans of some Democratic hustlers. Since his ascendancy to City Hall, the City has continued its turn to the right with members of the City Council acting more like his sentries.

New York City has a rich history of dissent and it is particularly rooted in the trial of printer Peter Zenger which resulted in his acquittal because of jury nullification. The New York Legislature created Central Park not only to displace Blacks but also to prevent Black expansion. Bloomberg is continuing this legacy by choosing which groups are fit to use it.

Very truly yours,


cc: Members of the New York City Council