Filmmaker And 9/11 Truth Activist John Albanese Endorses NYCCAN
Is it time to endorse NYC CAN?
70,000 signatures. A groundswell of endorsements from some of the most prestigious and well-respected names in and out of the 9/11 Truth movement, anti-war movement, government and military officials, and, most importantly, the victim’s families.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the underlying language, history and personalities of those involved, it cannot be disputed that NYC CAN represents perhaps the most unified and historic groundswell of public support for a 9/11 investigation in the history of the 9/11 Truth movement. We cannot turn our backs on the self-evident nature of this historic collaboration.
For this reason I can no longer withhold my endorsement.
I am well aware of the problems inherent in this initiative. As one of the last few holdouts in the 9/11 Truth community, I too was deeply concerned with various aspects of this initiative. But, in many respects the widespread attention, and unifying character of the many endorsements, and the community outreach associated with the initiative, makes this not just a referendum on the events of 9/11, but also a virtual referendum on the nature of the 9/11 Truth movement itself.
With so much widespread support and exposure NYC CAN will once and for all create a high-profile platform for an open and honest dialogue – not just about the events of 9/11 – but about OURSELVES - and our ability to maintain our dignity and credibility as a movement in the face of what will invariably be organized efforts to disrupt our efforts – from without and within.
At this we cannot fail. We cannot ignore the call of 70,000 New Yorkers, and countless others worldwide, who have taken a stand for creating this unique platform for truth.
It is for this reason that I would like to announce my full endorsement for the NYC CAN, and my intentions to work towards publicly supporting and promoting this initiative.
But, to those among us who may seek to discredit or diminish our efforts, please know that the public endorsements of so many people has created a unique mandate for credibility. This is in fact a PEOPLE’S initiative.
I, for one, welcome this historic moment in the 9/11 Truth Movement, because the unique unity this initiative has created now shines a very powerful spotlight – not just on the events of 9/11 – but on the credibility and nature of our own efforts.
It is my hope that we, as a community, can prevail. It is my hope that this spotlight will once and for all exorcise out the full truth behind, not just 9/11, but about who we are as a community and what we stand for, and who and what we allow to represent our cause. It goes without saying that, should this initiative pass, a considerable amount of public HOPE and SCRUTINY will become focused on those entrusted with the sacred task of breathing life into the investigation. Let us hope they do not fail us.
We have only one shot at gaining credibility in the public's eye – and NYC CAN affords us a very powerful public forum for determining for ourselves, once and for all, if we can discern fact from fiction – and friend from foe.
This, I can fully endorse.
John Albanese is a New York City filmmaker ("Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime") and one of the earliest members (2003) of New York 911 Truth.
- Jon Gold's blog
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Well said...
John Albanese...
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
Way to go John.
Good to see.
John's comment from 2 weeks ago.
"and don't forget all the internal landmines waiting to explode - should this thing actually pass and $10 million actually materialize.
1 - the media will have a field day making a mockery of the initiative.
2 - the 'plants' will make sure to direct the investigation into embarassing cul-de-sacs of useless research.
3 - the disruptors in the movement will be out - in force - creating one division after another based on anti-semitism and Pentacon rubbish and no-planes and tv fakery and the kitchen sink.
4 - and these three problems above will all work in a sickening symbiotic relationship - the 'plants' bowing to pressure from the disruptors to investigate rubbish like PentaCon - that will in turn feed the media ammunition to embarass us - that will in turn divide the movement and discourage the public - that will in turn empower the disruptors even more, etc etc.
***of course there are those who claim this initiative is our ONLY hope - its all we got - so we must support it. ***
well - let me say this. if this thing DOES pass - i had better hear the legitimate voices of this movement - EVERY FRIGGIN DAY - fighting tooth and nail to defend the integrity of the initiative. i had better see 911Truth.org and AE911Truth and Gold and Blogger and everyone else - ourselves included - lining up to make sure that this monster we created stays on its leash."
http://www.truthmove.org/forum/topic/871/page/4?replies=85#post-8506
It hasn't passed yet John. Why are you "lining up?" And why are you so directly contradicting yourself with the "one shot" comment after criticizing "those who claim this initiative is our ONLY hope?"
Endorsing the initiative is very different from defending it's integrity. That's what you were doing offering a critical voice along with the few of us who very clearly see it's problems.
I find your behavior confusing.
Not Fair -- But True
The future of this movement resides in multiple science-based arguments that make sense. If you think we have enough already then you rest too comfortably. More research and forensic analysis are needed, including replicating past results by different investigators. The totality of convincing, highly logical information must be overwhelming. The wide open path to failure is thinking our information is already overwhelming and that all we need is more effective advertising or better PR. We are like the blind, mute, quadraplegic, non english-speaking, unwashed drug addict with a criminal record trying to get a job baysitting schoolchildren -- we have to try harder. Its not fair but its true.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wow...
You REALLY don't want this to succeed. Pointing out problems with the initiative is one thing, but pointing out contradictory statements from someone who admits he was on the fence in a thread where he is now showing his support is as low as you can get.
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
Jon, it's just a public
Jon, it's just a public comment, it's not like he's posting a personal email.
Almost any event, article or organizing effort is made better through critique. When something is incapable of withstanding critique, even from within, it will not survive long outside of it's own supportive circle, which will bring much more harsh critique. Critique helps to strengthen serious and significant proposals.
I think John made some good points.
What he just did...
Is NO different than pointing out to George Bush that he said, "we do not torture", or "I don't think anyone anticipated the breech of the levees", or "there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction" after news contradicting those statements came out. I know what the purpose of me pointing out those contradictions to George is. What is the purpose of Jules doing it?
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
thoughts
Why hasn't John A posted this endorsement himself at Truthmove.org, his main soap box? Jon, how did you get ahold of John's endorsement, and did he say anything with it?
Jules may be a crotchety cassandra, but sees the potential problems clearly, providing valuable counterpoint and direction for keeping the investigation honest and on track. Jules and Jon are both passionate about getting truth and justice- Jon's defensiveness belies his own underlying concerns about the investigation's integrity, methinks; Jules' gripes are not going to derail NYC CAN, but the forces that have been bringing disruption and discredit for the last nearly 8 years may be able to, and activists should be prepared.
John A's comments from 2 weeks ago:
"1 - the media will have a field day making a mockery of the initiative.
2 - the 'plants' will make sure to direct the investigation into embarassing cul-de-sacs of useless research.
3 - the disruptors in the movement will be out - in force - creating one division after another based on anti-semitism and Pentacon rubbish and no-planes and tv fakery and the kitchen sink.
4 - and these three problems above will all work in a sickening symbiotic relationship - the 'plants' bowing to pressure from the disruptors to investigate rubbish like PentaCon - that will in turn feed the media ammunition to embarass us - that will in turn divide the movement and discourage the public - that will in turn empower the disruptors even more, etc etc."
are right on, and are not in contradiction with his current statement, as can be seen from his conclusion:
"I, for one, welcome this historic moment in the 9/11 Truth Movement, because the unique unity this initiative has created now shines a very powerful spotlight – not just on the events of 9/11 – but on the credibility and nature of our own efforts.
It is my hope that we, as a community, can prevail. It is my hope that this spotlight will once and for all exorcise out the full truth behind, not just 9/11, but about who we are as a community and what we stand for, and who and what we allow to represent our cause. It goes without saying that, should this initiative pass, a considerable amount of public HOPE and SCRUTINY will become focused on those entrusted with the sacred task of breathing life into the investigation. Let us hope they do not fail us.
We have only one shot at gaining credibility in the public's eye – and NYC CAN affords us a very powerful public forum for determining for ourselves, once and for all, if we can discern fact from fiction – and friend from foe.
This, I can fully endorse."
John A can clarify (Jules, why don't you ask him?), but i think he's not saying NYC CAN is the Truth Movement's only shot; he's pointing out that the NYC CAN initiative has basically "one shot at gaining credibility in the public's eye".
And as he says, "It is my hope that we, as a community, can prevail. It is my hope that this spotlight will once and for all exorcise out the full truth behind, not just 9/11, but about who we are as a community and what we stand for, and who and what we allow to represent our cause"
"exorcise out the full truth behind, not just 9/11, but about who we are as a community and what we stand for, and who and what we allow to represent our cause"
"who and what we allow to represent our cause"
nyccan.org lists the 9/11 families' questions, which were mostly ignored by the 9/11 Commission, as the foundation and outline for a new investigation. Imho, the http://justicefor911.org/ criminal complaint and investigative outline (that Spitzer blew off despite a major activist lobbying effort and the 2004 Zogby poll), should also be employed. There's no need to get into divisive 'cul de sacs' which will dash NYC CAN's credibility in the public eye, and if anyone now part of NYC CAN attempts to do so, they should be removed. Sincere activists care about mass murder, treason, the destruction of the Constitution, the lies, corruption, manipulation of reality and history and the exploitation of it all to justify war and consolidation of power in the hands of corrupt elites, but the concerns of the survivors, the first responders, and the 9/11 victims' families run even deeper as they were there and/or lost people on 9/11 who were part of them. The concerns of the family members should be front and center; the Bush Administration and the 9/11 Commission robbed us all of truth and justice, but robbed them most of all, and they see more clearly than any of us, I think. I don't trust many people in the so-called 9/11 Truth Movement, but i trust the Jersey Girls, Bill Doyle, Bob McIlvaine, Donna Marsh O'Connor, etc. to understand and do the right things.
It's been nearly 8 years since 9/11- the Truth Movement has been attacked and divided at every opportunity, but has since grown larger, wiser and stronger. Like John, I hope enough has been learned to neutralize the efforts to derail a new investigation, that have already been attempted, and will be applied full force should NYC CAN be added to the ballot, passed by the voters, get funded and underway.
http://911reports.com
http://www.historycommons.org
He sent it to Janice...
To post, and she forwarded it to me.
Here is part of an email I sent to Ted Walter last night:
If this passes, and we know that's a big if, we have to make sure that it does not become a circus. We have to make sure that the investigation is exactly what the families want, and we have to make sure that justice is served.
John didn't "say" anything in the email. The email consisted of just the endorsement. John Albanese changes his mind. Does no one remember his letter endorsing the idea of Controlled Demolition after a very long time of not endorsing it?
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
it's at 911Truth.org
http://911truth.org/article.php?story=20090724133626109
http://911reports.com
http://www.historycommons.org
Yeah, a bit crochety. I think I'm right just like everyone else.
"It's been nearly 8 years since 9/11- the Truth Movement has been attacked and divided at every opportunity, but has since grown larger, wiser and stronger. Like John, I hope enough has been learned to neutralize the efforts to derail a new investigation, that have already been attempted, and will be applied full force should NYC CAN be added to the ballot, passed by the voters, get funded and underway."
Seeing this effort move forward the way it has, I'm really frustrated feeling like the movement is NOT wiser and stronger. But I certainly hope so.
I also hope that John and Jon, two people who have earned my respect for their concern and efforts over the years are able to work from the inside to keep this thing in bounds. But that's a tall order, and they are only two people.
There really aren't all that many who know where those boundary lines fall. John and Jon won't have a lot of support. I will very likely be one of those who's supporting their critical engagement from the outside. And it's really frustrating that Jon seems to think I have some kind of ego based reason for my concern.
THERE ARE MAJOR PROBLEMS AND REASON TO BELIEVE THEY WILL BE DIFFICULT TO ADDRESS
And I really believe that both John and Jon will end up being disappointed to find that their efforts are in vain. I COULD BE WRONG. Of course. However, all my griping is based on the possibility that I'm not. Of course.
My opinion is based on all my past experience in the movement. John and Jon have similar experience and yet don't seem as skeptical as I. They have every right to their opinions which I'm sure are based on a good deal of thought. And yet, as noted, I still think I'm right here.
And so I'm really frustrated. I feel like this whole thing still has the imprint of Les Jamieson, that there will be more scandal than success, and that the result will be greater division and burnout. But as you note, my voice alone could not divide the movement. At times everyone needs someone to adamantly take a side to demonstrate very clearly a difference of opinion. People have to know that someone really believes this is a mess.
Oh for heaven's sake...
Yeah. So I'm no better than a debunker and I want the movement to fail. I'm scraping the bucket to undermine your promotional efforts and all my comments are useless and merely intended to divide.
Jon, I'm not interested in your thoughts on my behavior. You are certainly free to share them. But they reveal to me that you are behaving defensively and that you are having a difficult time remaining objective about the nature of this ballot initiative.
Yes, it it's present form I do not want this ballot initiative to proceed. I feel very strongly that it was set up to fail, that it will waste a great deal of movement time and resources, and that it may result in a great deal of bad press, frustration, and burnout.
I do not at all share your confidence in the ability of a couple people such as yourself and John to participate with the intention of preventing the initiative from going south. I appreciate the thought, but as I don't find it at all practical, I'm not going to support the notion.
I had been appreciating John's thoughtful commentary about the problems we see with the initiative. He has in fact written more critically on the subject than just about anyone. And yet, now he is endorsing it and contradicting himself in the process. I'm disappointed. As I suggest above, I feel that endorsing the initiative is not necessary in order to be a critic. I recognize that there could be some strategic benefit to critique that is perceived to be coming from a supportive source. But endorsing the initiative when few of your stated problems with it have been addressed makes no sense to me.
As you do not share my concerns, or believe that you will somehow be able to resolve them in the future, we are obviously not going to agree on a response to the initiative. But don't question my commitment to the movement when I'm standing up for what I believe is best for it. It feels too much like you are suggesting that dissent is unpatriotic.
Nope...
But it sure seems calculated. You do what you want Jules. As someone pointed out to me the other day, there are more important things to concern myself with than Jules' comments.
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
My letter to Democracy Now!
Hello,
As a listener and supporter of Democracy NOW! for several years, I feel that it is my duty to ask you to please report fairly on the NYC Coalition For Accountability Now (http://www.nyccan.org).
Over 70,000 New Yorkers have signed the petition for a new investigation into the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Over 80 family members have publicly signed on to support the coalition in addition to many survivors and first responders.
I feel that this is an important milestone in getting a complete accounting of the hows and whys of 9/11. Its important because 9/11 is the founding motivation for US wars of aggression against sovereign middle eastern states that have killed over 1 million innocent people. It has also served as the motivation for the attacks on civil liberties in the United States, torture, and many other despicable things.
Please consider it.
-Nicholas
________________________
“The greatest purveyor of violence in the world today -- my own government.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.ubuntu.com
Good job.
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
Air America needs to hear it!
Very nicely worded letter zombie bill. I wrote one in a similar vein myself. Hopefully it will be taken to heart by Democracy Now!
Just thinking: Where is Air America on this?
Where is Air America on this?
CONTROLLED
NYCCAN Action Alert
I heard from Amy Goodman that the best way to get DemocracyNow to cover a news story is to contact them at producers@democracynow.org. Below is the email that I sent. Please contact them and let them know that this is something they should DEFINITELY be covering. Thank you.
To the producers of DemocracyNOW,
Currently, there is an effort underway in New York City to get a new investigation into the 9/11 attacks onto this November's ballot. Over 70,000 New Yorkers have signed the petition, and 80 9/11 Family Members have endorsed it (up from 53 three weeks ago), including the famous "Jersey Girls." Noted individuals such as 9/11 Whistleblower and Time's Person of the Year, Coleen Rowley, as well as Peace Activist Cindy Sheehan have endorsed this effort. The mainstream media has completely and totally ignored this "newsworthy" event. The reason I am writing is to ask, no beg, that you cover this extremely important story. It has been 8 years since that horrid day, and there has been no accountability, and no justice. Especially to those victims' family members that have seen the names of their loved ones used to start illegal pre-emptive wars, take away our civil liberties, bankrupt this country, and expand Executive power to the point of no accountability. Please do the right thing, and cover this extremely important story.
www.nyccan.org
Sincerest Regards,
Jon Gold
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
Regarding The 9/11 Commission's "Recommendations"
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?
A healthy debate
I decided that I did not want to get pulled into this debate - which I think is a healthy one - instead opting to wait until some of the initial dust settles - and then weighing in with a few points:
I have no problem with anything Jules has said or done. But we do seem to disagree on some key points - here they are:
http://nyccanwatch.blogspot.com/
"We need to move beyond conspiracy theories and slogans - and return to our roots. 9/11 Truth is no less than a constitution battle to ensure our rights as citizens to demand full and honest answers from our appointed representatives in Washington." JA
A CALL TO ACTION – FORWARD WIDELY
9/11 FAMILIES, FIRST RESPONDERS AND SURVIVORS TO TAKE NEW YORK CITY TO COURT OVER NYC CAN PETITION
July 27, 2009
SEVENTY THOUSAND New Yorkers signed the NYC CAN petition, raising their voices in support of NYC CAN’s demand for accountability. They have chosen to place the decision to create a new 9/11 investigation – a REAL 9/11 investigation – exactly where it belongs: before the voters of New York City this November. The voices of SEVENTY THOUSAND Americans who believe in democracy and believe that government exists to serve the people – and not the other way around – have been GAGGED by ONE so-called “PUBLIC SERVANT” – The New York City Clerk – who denied the petition and the voice of the people.
Welcome to America. Democracy denied.
Did you REALLY expect those in halls of power to honor the WILL OF THE PEOPLE? Did you expect this demand for accountability to go uncontested by those who have forgotten the very meaning of the word? Perhaps this obstruction of democracy would go unchallenged in THEIR America. Not in OUR America.
9/11 family members, first responders and survivors expected nothing less than business as usual and ARE NOT HAVING IT. They are preparing to take the City of New York to court to challenge the wrongful denial of our right to decide on the creation of a new 9/11 investigation.
Friends, your determination and generosity have brought us to this crucial moment. TRUTH IS AT THE CROSSROADS, DEMOCRACY UNDER FIRE AND THE DEFINING MOMENT IN THE QUEST FOR ACCOUNTABILITY IS UPON US. This is YOUR movement and nothing may bring you closer to attaining truth than NYC CAN. Stand in the light and demand ANSWERS, not in the shadows of those who would deny you such answers.
THE BIG NEWS: the most experienced election lawyer in New York City stands ready to represent the 9/11 families, first responders and survivors in court in an HISTORIC FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY AND TRUTH. BUT WE DESPERATELY NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. This is your chance – your ONE chance – to stand with the 9/11 families, first responders and survivors, and demand accountability. THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE WORKED FOR, AND WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE IF WE STAND TOGETHER NOW.
Donate over $25 and we’ll mail you a free NYC CAN button. Donate over $50 and you will receive a free NYC CAN button and a well-made NYC CAN t-shirt.
ACT RIGHT NOW. Go to – http://nyccan.org/donate.php – and donate whatever you can to bring the quest for answers to the biggest stage it has ever had: THE NEW YORK CITY BALLOT.
www.NYCCAN.org
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” Theodore Parker
Do these people deserve to know how and why their loved ones were murdered? Do we deserve to know how and why 9/11 happened?