November 17, 2007

Office of Public Information

75 Greene Ave

Box C

Brooklyn, NY 11202

Your Eminence:

Being a Roman Catholic, I am writing this letter to voice my utmost displeasure with Father Tom of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, NY.

My wife and I have been loyal permanent vendors of their outdoor and indoor flea market for several years. We were actually introduced to each other at this market by our friend and fellow long time vendor who recently passed Paul Sabino. About two weeks ago, my wife and I were expelled permanently from the indoor and outdoor flea market due to the fact my wife Lisha, who is properly learning the English language, had an argument with Father Tom. The argument was predicated due to my wife Lisha obtaining some food ( a piece of bread) from the inside auditorium which she was unaware was for a birthday party they were having. One of the servers first told Lisha that she could take the food; while a second server then told Lisha that she would have to pay $10.00. While Lisa, who tried to explain this and has a habit of talking loudly, was approached by Father Tom. Both Father Tom and Lisa were arguing but I was never confronted about this to voice my opinion before expelling us. Lisa asked him to see me to explain to him what she meant in English but he declined which I can only assume is due to racial prejudice.

As a result of this disagreement, We were asked to leave the indoor market. I was also advised by Ms, Evelyn Drumm, that Father Tom has also expelled us from the outside market indefinitely.

Let me be perfectly clear on this fact. My wife is Chinese, and may be hard to understand at times but is not a reason to be expelled from a market over a piece of bread. Many customers there are Chinese which Lisha often gladly helps other american sellers translate for them to make a sale.

There is no doubt in my mind that this altercation and expulsion was unjustified and based solely on a prejudicial condition. Why else would Father Tom not talk to me about this before making his decision. I am further appalled to see such unreasonable actions from a priest. Since when, in United States of America, can a person have a disagreement and then be expelled from the markets and jeopardize a person’s livelihood especially during an economic recession.

I am also filing a complaint with Civil Rights Commission and American civil liberty’s union. I will also be notifying the media and posting on websites about this injustice.

This is a disgrace and an outrage that a Roman Catholic Church take this type of action.