Many members and interested individuals have written to me, asking why NYC C.L.A.S.H. does not organize acts of civil
disobedience to protest the ban.  It is the most valid of questions in light of our situation.  Rather than continuing to answer
everyone individually I believe a blanket response is now in order.

As the leader of this group I cannot call for civil disobedience because I am a NYC Police Officer.  With less than one year to go before I retire I'm not about to jeopardize my pension by asking people to break the law I was sworn to uphold.

NYC C.L.A.S.H. itself, as an organizational name, also cannot call for civil disobedience.  That doesn't make me any less
disappointed than you might be about it.

We're in this particular dilemma because it appears that since NYC C.L.A.S.H. was formed in June of 2000, originally in
response to cigarette tax hikes, no other NYC resident has chosen to go to the lengths needed to organize such a group and
take on the work that needs to be done.  I hardly say this to congratulate myself or the small handful of people that work
closely with me. I welcome others to help carry the load.  But facts are facts.  Right now that leaves you all with me --
someone who cannot lead you to certain extremes such as defiantly lighting up indoors.

While I do not encourage civil disobedience, still, some members and non members have expressed an interest in organizing
outside of NYC C.L.A.S.H.  We can't stop you from doing that.  If you are interested in speaking to each other, write to us at outside@nycclash.com and we will put you in touch with each other.

Our message now is BOYCOTT