The petition
My name is Steven aka watchman steve at snt flea market, and 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. 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 Wang, who is still properly learning the English language, had a disagreement with Father Tom. The disagreement 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. She went inside auditorium only with the intention to use the rest room before we started to pack up to go home. Then as she was exiting one of the servers first told Lisha that she could help herself to some food; while a second server then told Lisha that she would have to pay $10.00 for a piece of bread. 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 a week later. Lisa asked him to see me at the time this happened 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 a week later 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 simple piece of bread.
We are both well known at this market especially for our vintage watches , watch repairs and jade jewelry. We were actually introduced to each other at this market by our friend and fellow long time flea vendor who recently passed Paul Sabino (God rest his soul). Lisha also often helps other American sellers translate to Chinese customers to make sales and I feel expelling us will only hurt other vendors and customers in future.
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 man of God. Since when, in United States of America, can a person have a disagreement and then be expelled from the markets and jeopardize a persons livelihood especially during an economic recession and Holy holiday season?
Churches are suppose to show generosity not penalize someone for a disagreement. This is not the way a church should show holiday spirit to your fellow man.
I am also filing a complaint with Civil Rights Commission and American civil liberty union. I We 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.
If you also feel we should be reinstated into this flea market please sign petition, Thank you.
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