An Open Letter to the American Justice Associates and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
From:
Lindsey Carl Mysse
[redacted for my privacy]
To:
Mr Bernie E. Brown,
Supervisor, Central Branch,
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
200 N. Main Street, Room 800 CHE,
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4131
cc. Winter McDaniel, Site Associate, American Justice Associates
cc. Councilman Eric Garcetti, District 13, Los Angeles
Case Information:
[redacted for my privacy]
Dear Mr. Brown,
I received your letter concerning the “1st [sic] Amendment Presentation” yesterday. A copy of the correspondence is attached for your reference. This is my response.
As a citizen of the city of Los Angeles for nearly a decade I have taught adult literacy, advocated for bicycle lanes, helped audit our streets and sidewalks for accessibility and walkability, and volunteered at numerous arts organizations to bring beauty and delight to this metropolis. I have built my own company as a software developer, and paid my fair share of taxes.
I love this place, and I have worked hard to make this a more just and beautiful place to live. I have been an engaged, responsible citizen.
This offer — of re-educating me to your warped perception of the First Amendment — is insulting, paternalistic, and, worst of all, nakedly extortionist. I cannot, in good conscience, allow money to go from my pocket to a private corporation that provides no discernible benefit to society for the sake of protecting myself from a criminal record.
It is crony-capitalism at its worst and it solves none of the problems that face the city of Los Angeles. Therefore, I refuse to take part.
I look forward to your response.
Very truly yours,
Lindsey Carl Mysse
