Hello Abed,
Please review the proposed email below. If you approve it, I will forward it to Steve McNutt.
Please let me know ASAP.
Best,
Haytham
I have been authorized by ADC to engage you in settlement negotiations. ADC sees itself as a human and civil rights organization and has no desire to engage in a battle with someone who shares its principles. ADC is an organization made up of a variety of people who may not agree politically. Accordingly, and because of its status is a 501(c)(3), ADC does not engage in political endorsements nor does it take political positions. 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 stops short at 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 act 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. We know that our goal is shared by Mr. Jandali. Because we see ourselves as on the same side of this ongoing battle to enhance and preserve the fundamental rights of all people. Our commitment to the principles Mr. Jandali holds dear is evidenced by our playing his song “Watani Ana” at our conference. “Watani Ana” has become the anthem of Syrians demanding democratic reforms in Syria. We recognized that and played it to demonstrate our support of the Syrian people. It is incongruous to believe that we have adopted Mr. jandali’s song while rejecting Mr. Jandali. We, therefore, wish to have Mr. Jandali accept a formal apology on behalf of ADC. We are prepared to issue the following apology in a press release and on ADC’s web site. If Mr. jandali desires additional language we are prepared to modify or add to the language proposed to achieve an amicable resolution.
Proposed media release:
The ADC would like to apologize to Mr. Malek Jandali, his fans and the Arab-American community for the unfortunate circumstances regarding the performance of his piece "Watani Ana" at the June 2011 ADC National Convention. We regret that Mr. Jandali’s invitation to the event was withdrawn, but that his song "Watani Ana" was nevertheless played at the ADC annual Gala without his permission.
We are pleased to announce that ADC has reached an amicable resolution with Mr. Jandali regarding this matter. Mr. Jandali is a composer & pianist of the highest caliber. ADC will continue to support him and his powerful message of peace, freedom and harmony. It is in this spirit we hope to move forward and continue to build our grassroots network, as we work to empower Arab Americans.
Haytham Faraj, Esq.
PUCKETT & FARAJ, PC
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