Democrats Start Recall Petition To Remove Mayor Sam Joshi And Council President Nish Patel

Edison Becomes The Flashpoint In National Debate Over Free Speech And First Amendment

A township council meeting in Edison, New Jersey, has erupted into a national controversy, raising questions about free speech, patriotism, and the boundaries of decorum in public spaces. The incident, which saw resident Joel Bassoff forcibly removed from the meeting for holding an American flag during his public comment, has ignited a firestorm on social media and thrust Edison into the center of the culture wars.

Bassoff, a lawyer and vocal critic of the council, was protesting newly implemented rules that limit public speaking time and prohibit the use of “props” during public comment. He argued that these regulations, are designed to stifle dissent and prevent residents from effectively holding their elected officials accountable. As he voiced his opposition, Bassoff held up the American flag, an act deemed a violation of the new rules by Council President Nish Patel. Patel ordered Bassoff to put the flag down, and when he refused, police officers escorted him out of the meeting.

Democratic Council member Rich Brescher has publicly expressed his strong disagreement with the proposal to ban the American flag from council meetings. He believes that the flag is a symbol of national unity and pride, and that removing it would be disrespectful to the country and to veterans who have fought for its values. “The presence of the flag encourages decorum and reminds those present of the importance of their civic duty and respectful discourse. Banning the flag would be a step towards censorship and the suppression of patriotic expression. I will not support Mayor Sam Joshi or Council President Nish Patel on this or any other effort to limit the public’s rights provided by our constitution. This is how Democrats get Republicans elected”

“I will start with a Thanksgiving message to all our veterans who are not with their families this Thanksgiving, who are on the line fighting to keep this flag of America flying high and here in Edison we are talking about the flag as prop” said Councilman Ajay Patil as he held up a flag very similar to the one Joel Bassoff held up before police escorted him out of the meeting. “What a disgrace, what a disgrace.”

This incident quickly went viral, with video footage of Bassoff’s removal circulating widely online. Many viewers expressed outrage, accusing the council of authoritarian overreach and blatant disrespect for the American flag. The incident tapped into existing anxieties about free speech and the perceived erosion of traditional values, with many commentators framing it as a symbolic clash between patriotic Americans and an overzealous, “woke” local government.

“To consider the American flag and the Constitution a prop when someone raises it is an insult to what the flag is, what the flag stands for and what this country is,” resident Maryann Hennessey told council members.”For you to consider the use of the American flag a prop is disgusting.”

The controversial decision by Mayor Sam Joshi and Council President Nish Patel to ban the American flag at meetings has sparked outrage amongst local democrats with calls for immediate action. A grassroots movement started by Edison Democratic Committee members is rapidly gaining momentum, fueled by democrats determined to overturn this ban and hold accountable those responsible. A recall petition is underway, targeting Mayor Sam Joshi and Council President Nish Patel, who spearheaded the flag ban. Organizers of the petition argue that Mayor Sam Joshi and Council President Patel have grossly misrepresented their constituents’ views and undermined the freedoms provided by the Constitution.

Democratic Committee members are spearheading a bipartisan recall effort arguing that the ban on the American flag is not only an affront to the first amendment but also a symbolic attack on the very principles of freedom and democracy that the flag represents. They will start collecting signatures this week and continue until forcing Mayor Joshi and Council President Patel to a recall election or reversing there decision and repealing the ordinance. A clear message that any attempt to suppress the first amendment will be met with fierce resistance from not only republicans but local democrats as well. The recall petition has become a rallying point for residents who see it as a crucial battleground in the fight to uphold the right to free speech.

District 20 Democratic Committeeman Rob Kentos said “Those who actively participate in suppressing the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment forfeit their right to expect support from those they seek to silence. Mayor Sam Joshi and Council President Nish Patel, through their actions to ban the American flag, have demonstrated a disregard for the very principles that underpin our democracy. It is the duty of every citizen to stand against such tyranny, and withholding support from those who undermine our freedoms is a crucial step in defending our rights. We cannot, in good conscience, stand with those who would deny us our fundamental right to express our beliefs and values.”

“To ban the American flag from our town meetings is a slap in the face to everything it stands for. It’s a symbol of our unity, our freedom, and the sacrifices made by countless men and women. I’m deeply offended by this attempt to erase our national identity from a place where we, the people, come together to conduct the business of our community.” said District 57 Democratic Committeeman Joe Romano who is also serves as the Board of Education Vice President.

District 26 Democratic Committeeman Brian Calantoni said “To me, the American flag evokes a deep sense of pride and belonging. Growing up, I was taught to stand tall during the Pledge of Allegiance and to respect the flag as a symbol of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for our nation’s ideals. The flag reminds me of the values that we strive to uphold: liberty, justice, and equality for all. It encourages me to reflect on what it means to be an American and the responsibilities that come with that identity. Our forefathers didn’t think our flag was a prop and neither do I”

District 3 Committeeman Raj Bhagia “The banning of the flag is an attempt to erase the stories of resilience, the dreams of a better future, and the deep gratitude for the opportunities this country has provided. It’s personal, emotional, and profoundly unsettling for me who sees their identity and values reflected in its folds. This moment can be a rallying cry to honor the ideals that made it significant in the first place.”

Republican Chairwoman Sylvia Engel stated “I believe all 9,715 registered republicans will sign the recall petition to remove both Mayor Joshi and Council President Nish Patel. The ban on holding the American flag represents a blatant attack on our First Amendment rights, specifically the freedom of speech. This action undermines the very foundation of our democracy, where the right to express our patriotism and beliefs should be protected, not suppressed.”

In the aftermath of the incident, the Edison Township Council finds itself facing intense scrutiny and mounting pressure. A planned protest outside the next council meeting is on Monday 12/9 at 6:00pm is expected to draw a large crowd that could include gubernatorial candidates from both parties, indicating that this controversy is far from over. Whether Mayor Joshi or Council President Patel will reconsider their position or double down on its stance remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the incident has turned Edison, New Jersey into an unlikely battleground in the fight over free speech, wokeness, and the meaning of American patriotism.