The Multiracial Activist
Press Release – 21 September 2001
Media Advisory – September 21, 2001
THE MULTIRACIAL ACTIVIST JOINS “IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM” COALITION
The Multiracial Activist
and The Abolitionist Examiner
http://www.multiracial.com/
editor@multiracial.com
760-875-8547 phone/fax
Statement by Editor & Publisher James Landrith:
“As we begin the process of finding those responsible for the horrific actions of September 11th, let us take a deep breath and proceed with caution.”
“Congress and the Administration are currently considering a wide array of anti-terrorism provisions that will have a broad impact on the lives of ALL Americans. A short list of proposals includes: requiring American citizens and foreign nationals to carry national ID smartcards with the capability of tracking medical, travel or other personal data; expanded use of “secret evidence” in legal proceedings against aliens; and expanded right of detention of foreigners for an unlimited period in a time of national emergency.”
“We must be especially careful not to trade away our civil liberties in a rush to “do something.” Now, more than ever there is a need to be vigilant in our efforts to preserve our most basic freedoms. No amount of trading away of long-cherished freedoms will result in a more secure America. Such trading of freedom for security will only result in the existence of neither. Americans need to think six months, a year, or two years down the road when considering the impact of such trade-offs. What looks like a good idea today, may not be so palatable a year or two from now. It may not be reversible.”
“I call on Congress and the Administration to practice restraint and good government when considering how to respond to these tragic events. If a measure is worthy of legislative consideration, then it is also worthy of public scrutiny. Integrity and fairness dictate that there should be no more “middle of the night” votes on any measures that affect the civil liberties of American citizens or legal alien residents. All proposals must be weighed and measured against our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Security means nothing if freedom has been replaced with control.”
“I also call on all Americans to practice restraint and courtesy. We must be careful not to judge others based on perceived appearance or religion. People of many nations and religions lost family and friends on September 11. The blame for these horrific actions lie solely with individuals and specific organizations, not within “ethnic,” “racial” or religious demographics. All those participating in harassment or violence against those they perceive to be of a particular “racial”, ethnic” or religious background must be punished to full extent of the law, to do otherwise would be un-American.”
“With that said, I want to announce the participation of The Multiracial Activist and The Abolitionist Examiner in a brand-new coalition called “In Defense of Freedom,” dedicated to preserving civil liberties in this time of crisis.”
At a press conference yesterday, the Coalition issued the following declaration:
IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM
1. On September 11, 2001 thousands of people lost their lives in a brutal assault on the American people and the American form of government. We mourn the loss of these innocent lives and insist that those who perpetrated these acts be held accountable.
2. This tragedy requires all Americans to examine carefully the steps our country may now take to reduce the risk of future terrorist attacks.
3. We need to consider proposals calmly and deliberately with a determination not to erode the liberties and freedoms that are at the core of the American way of life.
4. We need to ensure that actions by our government uphold the principles of a democratic society, accountable government and international law, and that all decisions are taken in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
5. We can, as we have in the past, in times of war and of peace, reconcile the requirements of security with the demands of liberty.
6. We should resist the temptation to enact proposals in the mistaken belief that anything that may be called anti-terrorist will necessarily provide greater security.
7. We should resist efforts to target people because of their race, religion, ethnic background or appearance, including immigrants in general, Arab Americans and Muslims.
8. We affirm the right of peaceful dissent, protected by the First Amendment, now, when it is most at risk.
9. We should applaud our political leaders in the days ahead who have the courage to say that our freedoms should not be limited.
10. We must have faith in our democratic system and our Constitution, and in our ability to protect at the same time both the freedom and the security of all Americans.
For more information on this broad-based group and to view the Coalition’s list of members, visit the following url: http://www.indefenseoffreedom.org/
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