We, the undersigned, join ChangeNYC.Org in supporting Rafael Martinez-Alequнn, Ralph E. Smith, and David Wallis, three online journalists unfairly denied press passes by the New York City Police Department. We believe that the right of a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we applaud civil rights attorney Norman Siegel for bringing suit on behalf of these three journalists to protect this fundamental constitutional liberty.

The NYPDs refusal to issue these three journalists press passes demonstrates a bias on the part of the City against New Media and the blogging community. As bloggers, citizen journalists, and readers who depend upon online publications as an essential source of independent news, we stand together with Rafael Martinez-Alequнn, Ralph E. Smith, and David Wallis. Their lawsuit is a significant First Amendment case vital to asserting and protecting the right to a free press for every online journalist in New York City and across America. We strongly urge the City of New York to immediately reform its system of granting press credentials to recognize the importance of New Media.