On December 30th, 2011 in response to the attempt to censor us we AGAIN opened up an Essay Contest with a prize of $100 and promised to post the winner on our site and distribute it to all our supporters. The premise of the essay is, “Merit Matters is wrong because...”. How could our opponents resist?
Well, resist they have. They had until the first day the new entry test was administered - March 15, 2012 - to submit entries but failed to do so.
How could this be? We know that although our supporters are growing faster than ever, we still have detractors. Are they not able to fashion a well thought-out essay? Or is the premise their problem- our positions are not wrong so it is impossible to muster an argument that they are?
In any event, we will once again donate the $100 to a charity supported by our attorneys, Sullivan and Galleshaw. Our opponents should know, however, that they may still submit an essay on the premise above at anytime and we will post and distribute it. We are not expecting them to, however, since they have had the opportunity to do so since 2010 but have not. That reminds me- the Vulcan Society leaders have not yet invited me to Vulcan Hall for a debate, either. I wonder why?
Now, about our next meeting. It will be held 7:30pm on Tuesday, April 24th at:
Connolly’s Corner
71-17 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378
All are welcome, especially those who disagree with us. In fact, they will be able to speak whenever they want and will be afforded all courtesies and respect.
When they are not speaking, we will be and we will talk about our efforts including the Amicus brief, the Vulcan prep course, the home visits, the EEO Unit etc. etc. etc. Things have certainly been busy of late. We will also answer questions, and introduce any and all of our newly minted Division and Battalion Representatives who can make it.
One of the main thrusts of this meeting will be an explanation of why we are doing what we are doing and why it is important for all who believe in equal treatment and care about the future ability of the FDNY to protect the residents of NYC - as well as each other - to speak out and take action. Some believe that our opposition to the lawsuit, the judge, the appointed monitors and the arguments made by the Vulcan Society leaders will in some way hurt the FDNY by giving the opposition ammunition to use against us. Consider that the ruling that reading comprehension ability is not required to be a firefighter was made before the judge knew my name or Merit Matters was formed, and you will conclude that meekly submitting to edicts from on high will in no way protect us. Groups and individuals across the country have successfully fought back against the same arguments made here (and we are in contact with many of them, including the New Haven 20). Even if our fight is not ultimately successful, and quota hiring is once again forced upon the FDNY, we will have gone down swinging in that fight - and will continue to fight.
So join us. Realize that if quotas are utilized for hiring they will next be used for promotion (and already have been in NYC in the past).
See you on the 24th.
Paul Mannix
President - Merit Matters
516-848-9847 cell
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