Dear friends,
The indictments are public. NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces a charge for wire fraud, two counts of solicitation of a contribution from a foreign national, and one count each for receiving foreign campaign contributions and bribery.
Adams — who could face 30 years in prison if convicted — matched Donald J(esus) Trump’s hubris:
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, I would be a target —and a target I became.”
The picture painted by the Damien Williams, the US prosecutor for the Southern District of NY, is of a public official abusing his power and position for personal gain and directing his own staffers to commit crimes on his behalf.
The indictment says that following his inauguration in January 2022, Adams took direction from foreign contributors. Most egregiously, there is this:
On April 21, 2022, a Turkish official messaged an aide to Adams, noting that Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day was approaching, and repeatedly asked for assurances that Adams would not make a statement about the Armenian Genocide. “Adams did not make such a statement,” the indictment says.
The mayor refused to acknowledge the mass killings of some 1.5 million Armenians by the Turks in the early 20th century because he was on the payroll. The indictment includes this hard-to-spin exchange:
The Adams Staffer wrote, “100K? Do you have a chance to transfer that here? .. . We can't do it while Eric is in Turkey," to which the Promoter replied, "Let's think." After this conversation, the Adams Staffer asked ADAMS whether the Adams Staffer should pursue the unlawful foreign contributions offered by the Promoter, and contrary to the Adams Staffer's expectations, ADAMS directed that the Adams Staffer pursue the Promoter's illegal scheme.
The investigation is still underway, and it seems likely that there will be additional charges. As it stands there is evidence of corruption dating back to 2016, when Adams was Brooklyn Borough President.
To be clear, Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence in a court of law. He is not necessarily entitled to the public’s trust, which he has betrayed repeatedly.
I had called the incident “batshit crazy,” based on the reckless and disproportionate response to fare evasion in a crowded station.
Now, that footage from officers’ body cams and nearby security cameras has been released, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Brad Lander have concluded that the shooting needlessly endangered the public.
[The] footage shows [Derrell] Mickles entering a train after being pursued by the officers. Footage shows Mickles is holding a knife. The officers shoot Mickles with two ineffective tasers. . . and Mickles backs out of the train back onto the platform. Mickles begins to walk away in the direction of the entrance that he came in, while pulling out the ineffective tasers. When Mays cuts him off by exiting a different train door, Mickles runs toward Mays for about three seconds, with Mays jogging backwards and Wong pursuing the two from behind. Mickles then stops and stands still. Both officers have their guns drawn, pointed at Mickles. After between one and two seconds of Mickles standing still, with his hands by his side (knife in one hand), officers open fire.
Adams’s continued defense of police violence is yet another reason that New Yorkers have no more patience for the mayor.
It’s time to call for Adams to resign. Make it personal.
I went to urgent care this morning, since I was worried about another case of Covid (I’m negative!). There was a fat co-pay, but I can afford to prioritize my health. Many other people cannot access health care or child care or home care without making impossible choices.
CDPAP, the consumer-directed personal assistance program, has made it possible for folks with disabling conditions who require care at home to employ family members and neighbors. This program does double-duty; it provides paid employment for people who are often already caring for neighbors and family and it means that people who need care are in trusted hands.
Watch the video that explains Governor Hochul’s attacks on CDPAP and then take action to preserve the home care choice our loved ones depend on!
Next week, I’ll be delivering letters to the governor demanding that NYS invest in home care. Please take this quick action to add your voice on behalf of people who depend on home care and the good people who provide care.
Write a letter to Governor Hochul and New York legislative leaders to demand investments in home care. This action is from NY Caring Majority.
If you want to canvass without leaving NY state, join Caring Majority Rising to GOTV in three upstate congressional districts.
Sign up for the orientation meeting online on Tuesday, October 1 with Ana Maria Archila of the Working Families Party.
As I write, there are demonstrations in midtown Manhattan calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza. I was going to be there, but I’m taking care.
Sign the petition calling on Kamala Harris to enact an arms embargo on Israel. This quick action is from Not Another Bomb!
with love,
L