Dear Steve, I have been authorized by ADC to engage you in settlement negotiations. ADC was established as, and continues to be, a human and civil rights organization and has no desire to engage in a battle with someone who shares its principles. It is an organization made up of a variety of people who may not, and need not, agree politically but who nonetheless share a desire to advance the cause of human and civil rights. Accordingly, and because of its status is a 501(c)(3), ADC does not engage in political endorsements nor does it take political positions either here in the U.S. or abroad. Some of its members have been disappointed with ADC’s reluctance to call for the abdication of the Syrian government. ADC’s reluctance is consistent with its policy of not engaging in any conduct that could be perceived as political. That, however, does not mean that ADC has remained silent regarding the events in Syria. ADC has forcefully and categorically denunciated state violence and has also called for the opposition to resist resorting to arms. ADC supports the Syrian people’s call for democratic and liberal reforms. It recognizes the Syrian people’s, as well as all people’s, inherent and inalienable right to free _expression_ and self determination. ADC stopped short of calling for regime change in Syria not because it does not support the Syrian people’s right to change their regime but because such an action would be considered a political statement that establishes a precedent certain to place ADC in a position where it may be called upon by others of its members to take positions for or against certain other Arab regimes. Such a consequnce would undermine ADC’s ability to undertake its primary goal of fighting for the American-Arab community’s civil rights and liberties here in the United States. ADC believes that its goals are shared by Mr. Jandali because it sees itself as on the same side of this ongoing battle to enhance and preserve the fundamental rights of all people. ADC’s commitment to the principles Mr. Jandali holds dear is evidenced by ADC playing his song “Watani Ana” at its conference. “Watani Ana” has become the anthem of Syrians demanding democratic reforms in Syria. ADC recognized that and played it to demonstrate its support of the Syrian people. It is incongruous to believe that ADC adopted Mr. jandali’s song and its powerful message while rejecting Mr. Jandali. ADC, therefore, wishes to have Mr. Jandali accept a formal apology on behalf of ADC. ADC is prepared to issue such an apology in a press release and on ADC’s web site. Please propose a statement that satisfies Mr. Jandali while remaining sensitive to the organization’s reputation and status. Please also provide any additional demands Mr. Jandali requires besides a statement of apology. Sincerely, Haytham Faraj, Esq. PUCKETT & FARAJ, PC _______________________ WASHINGTON DC METRO The Law Firm of Puckett & Faraj, PC 1800 Diagonal Road Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-706-0442 Phone 202-280-1039 Fax DETROIT METRO The Law Firm of Puckett & Faraj, PC 835 Mason Street Suite 150-A Dearborn, MI 48124 313-457-1390 Phone 202-280-1039 Fax The information contained in this electronic message is confidential, and is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that any use, distribution, copying of disclosure of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this communication in error, please notify Puckett & Faraj, P.C. at 703-706-0442 or via a return the e-mail to sender. You are required to purge this E-mail immediately without reading or making any copy or distribution. |