(Originally published at 911blogger.com) Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and to mark the occasion, here is a new article by Dr. William F. Pepper, a man whose research into the assassination of Dr. King is very well-regarded by a growing number of people. William Pepper's book, An Act of State: The Execution of Martin Luther King presents the fruits of his research, which culminated in a very successful trial by jury in Memphis, Tennessee. (This review by David T. Ratcliffe is an excellent summary of the book, and communicates the importance of the trial: The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Was An Act of State.) Dr. Pepper has made himself available for a new investigation, this time regarding the events of 9/11. In this short piece penned for 911blogger, Pepper makes the case for the NYC 911 Ballot Initiative, and calls on all of us to help make it happen. With Dr. William Pepper on board, this initiative truly has the potential to be historic. - rep.
Re-investigation of 9/11 By an
Independent Citizens Commission
By William F. Pepper
Many, deeply concerned citizens of this Republic and the world have been engaged in tireless, multifaceted research and investigation about the events surrounding the 9/11 tragedy. These patriots have produced articles, essays, books and films which seek to answer the multitude of unanswered questions about this atrocity. Not having researched these questions myself and having no answers, when I have appeared before them I have encouraged the continuation of their valuable work as citizens of the Republic. I have also advised these patriots to be wary of disinformation and provocative irrationality in their midst.
In their numbers are distinguished scientists, engineers, architects, professional people from all walks of life and families of victims who seek closure. Amongst the latter are the colloquially named “Jersey Girls” (Lorie, Mindy, Patty and Monica) for whose courage, determination, intelligence and steadfastness, I have boundless admiration. They propounded 125 questions to the Keane/Hamilton Commission; one was answered. In fact, it was largely as a result of their efforts and those of other victims’ families that a Commission was established in the first place over the initial opposition of the Bush administration.
The failure of that Commission to seek, even address the critical questions is now a part of contemporary history. Former Georgia Senator, Max Cleland, resigned early on in disgust citing official obstruction. More recently, Co-Chairmen, Keane and Hamilton, have themselves declared their awareness that their work was obstructed and denied valuable information, materials and evidence. Consequently, there is overwhelming agreement that the initial government sponsored investigation was a failure in respect of bringing truth about 9/11 to the light of day.
Left alone, all of the incisive, powerful representations and analysis produced by our researching brothers and sisters will be cast into the dust bin of history. The official story will prevail to be learned by succeeding generations of the world’s people.
Put forward under oath before a formally constituted citizens’ Commission –independent of government – their work and conclusions will be tested confirmed or rejected and, at last the truth may emerge.
That is why a group of citizens in the City of New York, aided, supported and encouraged by citizens throughout the United States and the world (remember 80 nations lost citizens in that attack) have come together to mount an effort to put a Referendum question on the ballot in 2008 for the consideration of the voters of New York City, seeking their approval for the establishment of a new, independent Commission to investigate all aspects of 9/11. This Commission will consist of Commissioners who are prestigious individuals, not only from New York City and the United States, but the world.
They will convene with a commitment to go where the facts they accept lead, and they will have subpoena power to compel testimony under oath and full investigative and legal support staff.
I suggest that this will be the death knell for any deceit, disinformation and cover-up, and I encourage all citizens, everywhere, to support the establishment of this Commission and its work.
I note that I have been requested to write this message for publication on the formal Holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In my youth, he became a friend and colleague, those many years ago. I have since spent many years seeking the truth about his assassination; even legally representing the man convicted of killing him who both the family and I knew was innocent and the victim of being set up by the government.
Without doubt, Martin King would be in despair over what has transpired in his beloved native land. I also have no doubt that he would enthusiastically support this quest for truth about the atrocity that has shaken and drastically changed our world. He would remind us that truth crushed to earth will rise again and that we should never continue to mourn into passivity the loss of liberty and our loved ones –but organize.
I call on human beings within sight and sound of this message to rally behind this effort for a new investigation by an independent Citizens Commission and, in your thousands, to support it with massive numbers of volunteer workers as well as monetary contributions.
The website of the 9/11 Ballot Initiative is www.nyc911initiative.org It should be up and running by the end of this week. The NYC coordinator of volunteers is Les Jamieson. You are needed. We are in this disaster together and together our movement must prevail.
A patriarch in my Irish/Scots family established for us the credo — non nobis solum nati sumas - We exist not for ourselves alone. It has informed my life, and in that speck of historical time, no event has so traumatized and challenged the people and the Republic I love as that which occurred on September 11, 2001.
So, then, together, let us join our brothers and sisters in New York City and from the very belly of the beast, seek truth and justice.
W.F. Pepper
