Clarke Blasts Big Tech’s Role In Anti-Biden Advertising
U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D- Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) yesterday blasted the big tech companies of Facebook, Google and Twitter for posting a Trump campaign ad that erroneously states that Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., offered Ukraine $1 billion in aid if the country pushed out the man investigating a company tied to Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.
The Biden campaign demanded the ad, which CNN refused to air, be taken down, but Facebook executives argued the ad is, “grounded in Facebook’s fundamental belief in free expression, respect for the democratic process, and the belief that, in mature democracies with a free press, political speech is already arguably the most scrutinized speech there is.”
Clarke argues that big tech has chosen profits over democracy while inserting themselves into the American people’s elections by allowing the spread of misinformation through political advertising full of falsehoods against Former Vice President Joe Biden, at the behest of Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign.
“We must all be gravely concerned because this decision has the power to influence our elections. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am highly disturbed that Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign is yet again using misinformation techniques to influence an election, a tactic also used in 2016. The recent ad against Former Vice President Biden is a deep deception of the American people through false and misleading advertising–this ad could have been shut down, but Big Tech has chosen to pad their pockets rather than allow for a fair playing field for candidates running to serve the American people,” said Clarke.
“Let me be clear, political ads that contain blatant falsehoods, regardless of political party, should be dead-on-arrival when attempting to be placed on social media platforms. Big tech companies must be accountable and reject misinformation campaigns–including advertisements–for the safety of the American people. We cannot stand idly by as the sanctity of our democracy is tainted,” she added.
Eugene Hosts 2019 NYC Haitian Day Weekend Celebrations
City Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Garden), in partnership with the Haiti History and Culture, Inc., Haitian Solidarity, The Haitian American Council on Unity and Empowerment, For The Love of Haiti, and the Haitian community, this weekend.
The celebration comes as three years ago, Eugene introduced and saw passed two pieces of legislation – Resolutions 687 and 664 – asking the City of New York, the State of New York and the federal government to establish October 9 – the date of the Battle of Savannah, Georgia as NYC Haitian Day in recognition of Haitian contributions to the United States. The date commemorates the historic battle in 1779 when free men from Haiti fought alongside American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
“It is a great honor to host the 2019 NYC Haitian Day Celebration,” said Eugene. “This is such an important occasion for the Haitian community, as we come together to acknowledge and celebrate our contributions to the United States, past, present, and future. The date of October 9th reminds us of the tremendous contributions of our Haitian ancestors to the history of the United States. We are recognizing these accomplishments as a symbol of who we are and what we can still achieve as people when we work together. I am very proud of every Haitian who has come to the United States to work hard and contribute to the success of this country.”
The festivities start at 12 noon, tomorrow, Oct. 12 where Eugene and distinguished guests will preside over the Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony at Bowling Green’s Charging Bull Triangle in Lower Manhattan.
The 2019 NYC Haitian Day Celebration will continue at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13 at The Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights/Lefferts Garden, which will see the Haitian community inspire and uplift one another while working to improve the community and embrace a stronger future.
Colton DMV Recall Information Bill Signed Into Law
Assemblyman William Colton (D-Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) this week saw Gov. Andrew Cuomo sign his legislation requiring the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) to publish information on its website to assist persons in determining whether a safety recall has been issued on motor vehicles and related equipment signed into law.
“I am very pleased that Governor Cuomo has signed this bill. Recalls pose a major threat to roadway safety and a threat to the people who drive these vehicles or those near the vehicle in question, such as pedestrians and other drivers and I believe that this information must be displayed to the consumers,” said Colton.
“By putting this information on the DMV website, it will increase motor vehicle registrants’ awareness of recalls and provide useful information for the consumers by which they can determine whether their vehicles are subject to a recall. A greater number of vehicles can be repaired in advance and be safe for all those who use the public roads,” Colton added.
Levin Lauds Agreement to Ban Incarceration on Rikers Island
City Council Member Stephen Levin (D-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Fulton Ferry, Greenpoint, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg) yesterday hailed the council’s Land Use Committee in passing a resolution authorizing the City Council to file an application at the Department of City Planning to remap Rikers Island so that it will not be allowed to house incarcerated individuals after 2026.
The application will be co-filed with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) and Department of Correction (DOC).
The map change at Rikers will be done through the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and will ensure that the island will never again incarcerate New Yorkers. Through this ULURP, the city will seek to have the island designated as a “Public Place” on the City Map, which will ensure future development of the site will be solely for the public benefit.
“I have been pushing for a plan that meets the needs of my community and directly impacted New Yorkers across the city, and I am glad to see this concern is being listened to. One of our strongest tools in city council is our land use control and this action will create a legally binding mechanism for the closure of Rikers long after myself and this administration are out of office. I will continue to push for changes needed in the proposal, including further reduction in capacity and significant re-investment in directly impacted communities, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Speaker and Mayor on each of these areas,” said Levin.
Rose Denounces Anti-Semitic Terrorist Attack on German Synagogue
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island), chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism who recently chaired a joint hearing on the challenge of white nationalist terrorism at home and abroad, yesterday denounced the recent terrorist attack on a German synagogue during the Jewish High Holy Days.
“This disgusting terrorist attack was meant to cause incredible destruction and devastation while sowing fear in the Jewish community on one of the most somber of Holy Days. I pray for the family and loved ones of the two who were killed, and am grateful that the terrorist was unable to break down the doors. But make no mistake—this was not an isolated incident. The spread of anti-Semitic, white nationalist terrorism is a global threat propagating online through social media and the dark, anonymous, corners of the internet,” said Rose.
“That’s why it’s ever more imperative for tech companies to reexamine their policies, redouble their efforts, and work hand-in-glove with law enforcement agencies—and for Congress to continue working to stay ahead of these threats,” he added.
Lentol Notes Street Naming For Cono D’Alto
Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-Greenpoint, Williamsburg) yesterday recalled fondly longtime Williamsburg resident Cono D’Alto, who recently had the corner of Graham Avenue and Conselyea Street co-named Cono D’Alto Way in his honor.
Council Member Antonio Reynoso (D-Williamsburg, Bushwick, Ridgewood) sponsored the co-naming legislation and he and Reynoso, along with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Greenpoint, Queens, Manhattan) joined in the recent ceremony to unveil the new street sign.
“Cono D’Alto [who died in 2009] was a successful small business owner in the neighborhood who always remembered what is important in life. He owned and managed a specialty delicatessen, called a salumeria, which produced some of the freshest pasta and homemade mozzarella in the borough. Traditionally an Italian-American neighborhood full of shops that sold fish, meat, espresso, poultry, olive oil, bread, pasta, pizza and other Italian groceries, Cono’s deli was at the top of the list of places where the whole neighborhood shopped. If you were down on your luck, he wouldn’t charge you,” recalled Lentol.
“After September 11, 2001, Cono cooked and transported food to workers who labored at the World Trade Center site. He was passionate about his country, and his city, and he considered it his duty to help the massive cleanup efforts in this way. In memory of those who perished on 9/11, Cono installed a plaque on the delicatessen building to remind us all about what happened. It is still there today,” he added.
Bichotte, Louis Hold Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte (Flatbush, Ditmas Park) and City Council Member Farah Louis (D-East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, Midwood) next week will hold a pregnancy and infant loss remembrance day.
The day will see mothers in New York and around the country, who have been silently impacted by the loss of a loved one gone too soon, gather to share experiences as well as solutions/resources proposed to help reduce the number of pregnancy and infant loss.
Bichotte along with other elected officials and advocates have used their platform to bring awareness to the need for information sharing, new legislation, improved practices, and available resources to help reduce the unnecessary loss that has been experienced by countless women and provide support.
The event will kick off at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Brannan Sets Birthday Bash/Fundraiser
City Councilmember Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach) is holding a birthday bash/fundraiser next week.
“This fall will mark two years since the people of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, and Bensonhurst sent me to the New York City Council to fight for them. I’m proud of what we’ve done to help hardworking families in our first two years, and I’m excited about what’s to come,” said Brannan in an email. “So let’s celebrate all we have accomplished so far (and my 41st birthday!).”
Click on the flyer to make a donation and RSVP.
Maimonides Hosts 13th Annual “Ride2Live” Benefit
The Maimonides Breast Cancer Center, in partnership with Bikers of Brooklyn, is hosting a benefit, led by Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Director of the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center this Sunday, Oct. 13.
Dr. Borgen, a proud owner and motorcycle rider himself, will lead the tour through the streets of Brooklyn, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research at the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center.
Registration for the Ride2Live begins at 9 a.m. at the Gilbert Rivera Pavilion, 745 64th St., between Seventh & Eighth Avenues. Breakfast will be provided during registration. The Ride will commence at 12 Noon, take a scenic tour through Brooklyn and end at the Hudson River Yacht Club, 2101 Bergen Ave., where there will be a lively after-party featuring live music, raffles and barbecue favorites.
