Back in those days the NY movement had some pretty solid people with Levis, Hence, Jamie Hecht, Mike Kane, Cristian Flemming and others. Jamieson was there, of course, but was viewed as somewhat of a well-intentioned but intellectually hapless participant. He was unable, at that time, to exert his will upon the group. There were simply too many smart people involved. But he was very dedicated and attended most of the vigils at ground zero and group meetings - etc etc.
the bottom fell out soon after the one-two-three punch of Riverside Church (in which Sander Hicks destroyed our event) - Jimmy Walter's ballroom charade - and Bush's re-election.
after that it appeared that all the old regulars - including myself - disappeared. Les took over and the next few meetings i attended were populated with what appeared to be all new faces. A new kid Luke materialized with huge posters he had printed up declaring the towers demolished. he seemed to have no reverence for the 'old guard' - and appeared to be Les' strongest supporter.
Other weird Characters started showing up – like one guy who would wear a Charles Manson t-shirt at ground zero with “Crazy White Mother-F*cker†written on it.
Another older guy (I think his last name was Martucci) started showing up and was deep into the illuminati nonsense. I seem to remember him at one point sending out a mass email to sabotage Nick Levis that was quite clearly intentional. Later, at the premier of my film in Tribeca, he tacitly threatened me, bragging about how he was able to ‘get people fired’ and ‘ruin people’s lives.’ Important to note here that Jamieson introduced Martucci to the group.
And then, of course, Tom Fotti. Tom seemed like a smart guy. He played the role of the compassionate musician folksy guy – yet seemed impervious to real dialogue. I can remember thinking – gee – this guy seems cool (compared to the others) – I wouldn’t mind trying to work with him. But – there was definitely something wrong with him. There was very clearly a front.
It is also important to note that Jamieson, as the new self-appointed ‘leader’ of the NY movement gained the partnership of Father Frank Morales and St Marks church.
Do I really need to go there?
And lastly – there were these two new guys – Max and Julian who had a combined height of about 15 feet. They seemed like the only reasonable ones in Les’ weekly circle of activists. None of the old guard was there anymore. Levis showed up sporadically, but grew increasingly frustrated – as did Max and Julian and myself. What in HELL was Les doing with NY911Truth????
It all ended when we attempted to confront Les on his distribution of Criminal Politics – and we approached Frank Morales on his support for Les. How COULD a priest allow the distribution of this material – and speakers like Nico Haupt – appear in his church.
Morales seemed very fair. Too fair. Big tent fair. Come one come all – everyone can have their turn and speak at St Marks.
So – we reserved time for our very own Nicholas Levis to speak.
Morales weeks later reneged. no explanation given. It appeared that Les Jamieson now had full control of the church and the shell of what was once NY911Truth – and activists like Levis, Max, Julian and myself walked away permanently.