Anti-Rivera ad was full of lies

To the editor:

This is to provide information on the group called Common Sense New Yorkers from an advertisement the group purchased in the Aug. 11 edition of The Riverdale Press.

Internet searches show that Common Sense New Yorkers is a super PAC funded by billionaires, notably Stephen Ross, who is a major real estate developer. This PAC is funding mailers to New York City voters attacking local candidates who support progressive agendas. Their goal is to stop progressive Democrats from winning local elections. 

What they are saying about these progressive candidates is not true. They are lying, including what they said in this newspaper last week about state Sen. Gustavo Rivera.

Sen. Rivera has written to The Press on July 21, stating he does not support the boycott, divestment and sanctions agenda, and that he believes that Israel has a right to exist. 

The quote in the ad about Linda Sarsour, according to Sen. Rivera’s staff, is not connected with Israel or BDS.

It pertained to an unrelated issue, but as it is included in the ad, it seems that Sen. Rivera backs Ms. Sarsour’s Israel agenda.

He does not.

I have thought of The Riverdale Press as being a place to find accurate information. I am upset and surprised that you would print an ad such as this without checking the facts. 

In not doing so, you have linked yourself to lies and quotes that are not related to the issues discussed. Just as one cannot yell “fire” in a crowded theater, I don’t believe that it is free speech to spit out lies in the name of free speech. 

We cannot allow liars and billionaires who want to further their own agenda to use their oodles of money to send out false information to voters — and right before an election — in order to sway the vote to benefit themselves.

I am hoping that you will print whatever information Sen. Rivera will probably send to you for the Aug. 18 Riverdale Press. I want to hear what he says again. 

You may also Google the July 21 issue to find the senator’s previous letter.

Ariana Holback

EDITOR’S NOTE: State Sen. Gustavo Rivera has not submitted a letter for the Aug. 18 edition.