Dear Rev. Rodriguez and the
leadership of the NHCLC,
On November 9, I published an article on Rev. Rodriguez and the NHCLC. In this article I noted that the
Rev. Derrick Harkins, head of Faith Outreach for the Democratic National Committee, is listed and pictured at the NHCLC website as a member of your Advisory Board. Shortly after posting this article I received a public comment from Rev. Harkins, followed up by a personal email from him, both attesting to
his shock that he was being publicized as a supporter of the NHCLC. Here are
the exact words as they appear at my article’s web page:
I wanted
to take a moment to let you know that that it came as a surprise to me that I
was still listed as an Advisory Board member to the NHCLC. I have not had any
connection with them or Sam Rodriguez in more than six years, and stand at
polar opposites with Rev. Rodriguez on most issues. At the time when immigration
reform was being debated in Congress (2006-2007), I was one of a very few
African American clergy to voice my support. I gladly collaborated with a
number of groups working toward the same end. Unfortunately since then Rev.
Rodriguez has embraced some perspectives that differ from my own. I have no
association with NHCLC, or the advisory board in any way, and will inform them
to remove any reference to me.
Thank You
Derrick Harkins
These comments from Rev. Harkins prompt me to ask the
following questions of the leadership of the NHCLC:
1.
When will you correct your website by removing
Rev. Harkins from your Board of Advisors and taking down his picture from all
promotional materials associated with your organization?
2.
Why has Rev. Harkins been listed on our advisory
board when, according to him, he has “no association with NHCLC, or the
advisory board in any way”?
3.
Are there other figures on your publicity
materials that are similarly unaware of the way that their reputation is being
used to enhance the public image of your organization?
4.
The NHCLC has been a part of amicus briefs siding
with major power companies. Is the leadership of NHCLC aware that the
organization is siding with power companies in these lawsuits? How does this relate
to the stated mission of the NHCLC?
Given the public nature of these questions this letter will
be published as an open letter, as will any reply you send to me.
Sincerely,
Greg Metzger
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