From the start, my position has been that both the process and objectives of the mass espionage were counter effective to our national security aims, illegal and consequently must cease.
Even if there was one or even several credible leads, such massive infringement upon the basic civil rights of millions of Americans Muslims could never be condoned and compromised. It is abundantly clear that the espionage activities were not driven by proven police investigative techniques such as actionable leads but rather by a blind islamophobic and thus discriminatory culture so intensely promoted by the right-wing groups and political leaders.
This is a bittersweet acknowledgment that is long overdue. It reaffirms my long-held belief that the moral compass of America will find its rightful place as the protector of the rights of All Americans.
We now reach out to our NJ Governor Christie to dismiss the irrational decision by his Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa, who recently legitimized the actions of the NYPD. Both the Governor and many in law enforcement have privately told us they value the relationship they have developed with the Muslim community. The spying has left the precious trust in pieces and only a public and an unequivocal stand will render possible the outreach effort.
More importantly, we await the lawsuit brought by Muslim Advocates against the NYPD to produce a legal opinion affirming the inalienability of our civil rights, the absolute right to the presumption of innocence and the universality of due process.
Meanwhile, I hope Ray Kelly, NYPD Police Chief, will do the right thing and step down. His now is America’s shame. In a February 2007 interview, Kelly refused to apologize for spying on Muslims. To redeem himself, he needs to urgently reconsider his decision.
