Kwame to Childers: Join Me at the Shooting Range

For more information contact: James Jones, Communications Director
202.462.6000 x12 office / 202.557.4864 mobile / jjones@dcvote.org

COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Office of At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown
Chair, Committee on Economic Development

Chair, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2010

For More Information Contact:
Michael Price, Cell: (202) 445-4510

Kwame to Childers: Join Me at the Shooting Range
Voting rights vs. 2nd Amendment is a false choice

WASHINGTON-Mississippi Congressman Travis Childers wants Americans to make a choice between the District's right to Congressional representation and the Second Amendment of the Constitution. At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown believes this is a false choice between two fundamental rights. He invited Rep. Childers to support DC statehood and if he does, Councilmember Kwame Brown will join him at a shooting range to discuss how to reduce gun violence in the District.

"I don't think we have to choose between representation and guns," said Councilmember Kwame Brown. "Mississippi residents have the right to bear arms and I don't want to tell them how to run their state. If Rep. Childers fully supports voting rights, I'm willing to join him at the range to show that we're not against guns, we're against gun violence. I'd like to hear his constructive ideas on how the District can reduce gun related crimes."

Councilmember Kwame Brown also asked that Rep. Childers consider the men and women who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for freedom and democracy. The same brave soldiers do not have equal representation in Congress like those in other 50 states. On Memorial Day, we remembered District soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and hope that one day their memory will be honored with full statehood.

Voting rights has been at the forefront of Councilmember Kwame Brown's agenda. Thousands of tourists and peaceful demonstrators pass by the voting rights message board located in front of the John A. Wilson Building across from Freedom Plaza. The Council unanimously supported his bill to construct the message board, which was installed in time for President Barack Obama's inauguration. The board was the brain child of local reporters Mark Segraves and Bruce DePuyt. As President Obama passed the Wilson Building in the inaugural parade, a message asking him support DC statehood was loud and clear. Now Americans from all 50 states can see how many federal tax dollars are paid by District residents without Congressional representation.

For more information or to interview Councilmember Kwame Brown, please contact Press Secretary Michael Price at 202-445-4510 or mprice@dccouncil.us.

Michael Price, Press Secretary
At-Large D.C. Councilmember Kwame R. Brown
Chair, Committee on Economic Development
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Rm 506
Washington, DC 20004
Ph: 202-724-8159
Cell: 202-445-4510
Email: mprice@dccouncil.us
www.kwamebrownatlarge.com