To: Int'l Olympic Committee
Restore These Athletes
Drs. Tommie Smith & John Carlos need to be restored into the Int'l Olympic Community
Why is this important?
The Community Action Committee of the New York City Police Council of Retired Guardians requests your support.
It has been some 49 years since Dr. Tommie Smith & Dr. John Carlos protested conditions in this country at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. In the aftermath of their protest, they were kicked out of the Olympic Village and not allowed to participate in any further competition(s) at those games. They were also banned “for life” from any affiliation(s) with the International Olympic Committee and to the best of my knowledge, The U.S. Olympic Committee as well.
In our humble opinion, the time has come to have these men re-instated into their rightful places in the Olympic Community and the history of our country. After all, did the United States not PARDON Richard Nixon after the Watergate Affair? Did not the Republic of South Africa “embrace” the late Mr. Nelson Mandela to the point where he was elected President of that country? Has the United States, “forgiven” Japan, Germany & Vietnam after the wars we fought with them? Hasn't Martha Stewart "recovered" from her transgression? And I’m sure there are many more similar incidents that have occurred since 1968 on the International Stage.
Dr. Smith & Dr. Carlos’ action(s) on that day were nothing more than an attempt to peacefully protest the situation of African American people in this country as they existed at that time. So did Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer and countless other individuals at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Almost 49 years in “exile” should be enough “punishment”.
If anyone has read Dr. John Carlos' Book, “The John Carlos Story”, you know the repercussions he has suffered since 1968.
It is our sincerest hope that upon receipt of these many signatures in support of Drs. Smith & Carlos, the International Olympic Committee will take the Correct and Just course, and restore these athletes their proper rights and entitlements within the International and U.S.Olympic Communities.
Thank you all for your support in this endeavor.
Pete Ahern
Community Action Committee
NYC Police Council of Retired Guardians
It has been some 49 years since Dr. Tommie Smith & Dr. John Carlos protested conditions in this country at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. In the aftermath of their protest, they were kicked out of the Olympic Village and not allowed to participate in any further competition(s) at those games. They were also banned “for life” from any affiliation(s) with the International Olympic Committee and to the best of my knowledge, The U.S. Olympic Committee as well.
In our humble opinion, the time has come to have these men re-instated into their rightful places in the Olympic Community and the history of our country. After all, did the United States not PARDON Richard Nixon after the Watergate Affair? Did not the Republic of South Africa “embrace” the late Mr. Nelson Mandela to the point where he was elected President of that country? Has the United States, “forgiven” Japan, Germany & Vietnam after the wars we fought with them? Hasn't Martha Stewart "recovered" from her transgression? And I’m sure there are many more similar incidents that have occurred since 1968 on the International Stage.
Dr. Smith & Dr. Carlos’ action(s) on that day were nothing more than an attempt to peacefully protest the situation of African American people in this country as they existed at that time. So did Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer and countless other individuals at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Almost 49 years in “exile” should be enough “punishment”.
If anyone has read Dr. John Carlos' Book, “The John Carlos Story”, you know the repercussions he has suffered since 1968.
It is our sincerest hope that upon receipt of these many signatures in support of Drs. Smith & Carlos, the International Olympic Committee will take the Correct and Just course, and restore these athletes their proper rights and entitlements within the International and U.S.Olympic Communities.
Thank you all for your support in this endeavor.
Pete Ahern
Community Action Committee
NYC Police Council of Retired Guardians