Graffiti artist Blake Lethem, aka Keo, who did the backdrop for the Howard Dean rally in NYC's Bryant Park, back in August (covered by the Tent Show on Aug 30), has been arrested by the NYPD Transit Vandals Unit for allegedly vandalizing subway trains back in 1999.
"New York City Council member James S. Oddo yesterday sent a letter to presidential candidate Howard Dean, attributing the recent arrest of a graffiti artist to the publicity generated after Governor Dean used the artist’s work as a backdrop for a campaign rally. The day after the rally in August, Council member Oddo sent Governor Dean a letter criticizing his use of graffiti art.
Mr. Oddo, who is the Republican minority leader in the City Council, said in the letter to Governor Dean: “Much to my delight N.Y.P.D. sources informed me yesterday that the information included in newspaper articles that resulted from my August 28, 2003 letter to you voicing my disdain for your selection of such a backdrop provided the N.Y.P.D. with details where Mr. Lethem resided.”
Mr. Oddo went on to suggest in his letter to Governor Dean that the candidate “invite some other miscreants and criminals” to his events in New York so that they too can be captured by the police.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, in a news conference yesterday to announce the continuing work on the City’s third water tunnel, said he did not believe politics was the motive for the arrest.
In the Mayor’s management report released recently, graffiti, which is categorized in the Police Department’s report under “Quality of Life violations,” was not even mentioned as a targeted crime.
One graffiti artist, now apprehensive about speaking publicly, said he was troubled that Mr. Lethem was arrested and put in jail with violent criminals for an incident that took place four years ago. He said the graffiti community was trying to focus on ventures that make money for graffiti artists."
New York News Network
The New York Post published an editorial crowing about the arrest:
"Kudos to the NYPD for a clever bit of police work that not only nabbed a subway vandal, but also sent a necessary message to one of the clueless Democrats running for president."
I hereby proclaim and pronounce anathema, and do curse, denounce, and lay malediction upon Councilman James S. Oddo, Mayor Micheal R. Bloomberg, and the New York Post for their manifold offenses.
Remission of mortal sin will be granted to any pilgrim who sends an email to any or all three of these miscreants, reproving these recalcitrant sinners for their most grievious errors.
His Loveliness the Pope, the Reverend and Doctor Omed (SDAABS)
Mayor Bloomberg's email: http://nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html
James S. Oddo's email: oddo@council.nyc.ny.us
Send a letter to the Editor of the New York Post here.
BCC Dr. Omed to receive your Certificate of Remission.
