NYPOST.COM Post Opinion: Oped Columnists: 'MAINSTREAM' USEFUL IDIOTS By BYRON YORK

"'WE who sign this statement call on all Americans to join together," says the Not In Our Name manifesto. To hear the group's leaders speak, one might think that is actually happening, that there really is a "broad-based movement" represented by these activists. But a look at the people and organizations involved in Not In Our Name suggests otherwise - no matter how many celebrity signatures they might collect. "

I picked up this link on Robichaux.net a while back. It was something that I thought needed a reply, partially because, as a participant in the Feb. 15th protests, I have a stake in the argument over what those protests mean and whether they were effective or even needed.

First of all, I wasn't down at Seattle Center because I want to free Mumia, or because I care what happens in Cuba, or because I'm a Maoist, Marxist or any other kind of ist. I was there on a strictly "ism free" mandate. I was at Seattle Center because of immigrants. I was there because I am an immigrant, and, as such, have significantly less rights than your average Joe American already, and this situation is on the verge of becoming critically worse. I strongly believe that any legislative act that weakens the rights of a segment of society endangers the rights of all. I want very much to become an American citizen and vote, and I hope that by the time I do, I'll have the same liberties that all American's enjoy today. So now you know where I'm coming from.

In his article, Byron York suggests that the Feb 15th demonstrations do not have a broad base because 'Not in Our Name' does not represent a broad point of view. But in fact, where NION gets its money has nothing to do with the broad or narrow base of the peace movement's support. After all, it's not as though 20,000 people ever turned out to plead freedom for Mumia in Seattle, or like there are 20,000 members of the communist party in the city. In order to get those numbers, you need a cause that appeals to a relatively broad base of people. NION certainly does not "represent" my opinions. I do that on my own.

I applaud York for digging up some details on NION's fund-raising practices; although I feel sort of like someone tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear "psst... I don't want to rain on your parade, but some of those people are l-i-b-e-r-a-l-s." Personally, I knew next to nothing about the organization before I read York's article and I'm glad for the information, but I'm not going to let it stop me voicing my opinion.