From the Desk of Mahdi Bray: Stop the Attacks on Freedom of Sppech

MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), has learned that, in an unprecedented action, the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition has received citations fining the organization $10,000 for the placement of posters announcing the September 15 March on Washington DC. The fines come after a campaign led by FOX news calling for the DC government to take action against those putting up posters for the September 15 demonstration.



"The September 15 anti-war demonstration posters are legal and conform to city regulations – government intimidation tactics to silence the antiwar movement will not be tolerated," stated MASF Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.



This is part of a systematic effort to disrupt the organizing for the September 15 Mass March that is timed to coincide with the report of General Petraeus and the debate in Congress on the Iraq war. Iraq war veterans and their families will lead this dramatic march from the White House to the Congress on September 15. The last thing the government wants is to see the streets of Washington, D.C. fill up with throngs of anti-war protesters right in the middle of the debate. But we will not be stopped. Organizing for this demonstration is taking place in cities and towns throughout the country. Buses and car caravans are coming from 90 cities and towns (logistical info here – transportation info here).



Fining the anti-war movement tens of thousands of dollars for putting up Free Speech-protected literature makes a mockery out of the First Amendment.



We can stop this effort to repress the antiwar movement with your help. Here's how:



· Call William O. Howland, Jr., Director of Department of Public Works, (202) 673-6833 or Adrian Fenty, Mayor, Washington, D.C. (202) 724-8876.



· Write a letter (online form here): (suggested) "I am writing to protest the fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up posters for the September 15th March on Washington. The government does not fine politicians who put up campaign posters, or commercial and business interests that plaster Washington, D.C. with posters. It is outrageous that the city, in concert with FOXNews, is attempting to suppress the antiwar movement. Stop the harassment. Stop the fines."



Make a generous donation today made payable to "MAS Freedom" in support of the September 15 March on Washington. Mail your contribution to: