AMERICAN MOMS REJECT BUSHS PLAN FOR A SAFER COUNTRY: HES TAKING COPS OFF THE STREETS AND PUTTING GUNS ON THE STREETS - Moms for Kerry Denounces President Bushs Inaction on Assault Weapons Ban

Moms for Kerry denounces President Bush's inaction on the extension of the assault weapons ban. American moms will support Kerry and Edwards in November because they understand the issues of concern to American mothers and will fight to make our nation safer and stronger for American children, families and all Americans. The group questions Bush's lobbying efforts to Congress on previous pieces of legislation, including Medicare reform, war in Iraq, education and tax cuts, but he refused to get involved in the extension of the assault weapons ban even though he said he supported its extension -- instead, he and the Republican Congress allowed the ban to expire. Meanwhile, the NRA will be supporting Bush and attacking Kerry in the coming weeks -- the same NRA that said they would be working out of the White House in a Bush administration. In addition, Moms for Kerry questions why Bush is taking cops off of the streets and putting more guns on the streets -- is this his policy for a safer and stronger America? American moms say NO WAY!

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) September 16, 2004 -- Moms for Kerry, a national grassroots group of mothers supporting John Kerry and John Edwards, denounced the expiration of the assault weapons ban and Bushs failure to support an extension of the law.

Once again, President Bush has said one thing and done another. He said that he would support an extension of the ban, but he couldnt find time to meet with members of Congress to discuss the legislation," commented Heidi Wanken, the founder of Moms for Kerry.

The assault weapons ban was passed in 1994 and was supported by a bipartisan group. In addition, it received the support of politicians, community leaders and activists across the country. It banned the sale of 19 types of semi-automatic weapons with specific ammunition capabilities. Recent research shows that more than 65% of Americans support an extension of the assault weapons ban, including a majority of American gun owners.

As mothers, it shocks us that during the Republican Convention, Bush tried to scare us into voting for him and talked about monsters in the closet and ghosts under the bed," Wanken stated. Yet when he had the opportunity to take a stand and make a difference right here at home by supporting a law that has reduced violence in our country, he failed to lead and caved into the demands of the National Rifle Association. Apparently the NRA really did get office space in the Bush White House."

The assault weapons ban expired on September 13 after the Republican-led Congress refused to take action to renew the ban. In addition, President Bush has reduced funding for community-based policing programs and his 2005 budget reflects even deeper cuts for these critical neighborhood programs -- he proposed a reduction of more than 80%.

Moms for Kerry doesnt understand how Bush didnt find time to go to the Hill even though he claims to support the ban. He found time to talk with members of Congress about legislation supporting the war in Iraq, wartime funding, his deceptive Medicare reform package, faith based institutions, dubious education policies and tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans," Wanken remarked.

Apparently protecting our children and the average citizen just isnt important to President Bush. Thats why we moms will be supporting John Kerry and John Edwards on November 2 -- because they understand the issues that concern mothers and will make our country stronger and safer. We support Kerry/Edwards because we believe American children and American families deserve better."

Moms for Kerry formed in November 2003 as a core group of mothers determined to make a difference in the 2004 election through grassroots organizing. Following the Bush policies of the last few years that have abandoned Americas children in favor of special interests, the group felt the need to take action and get involved in the political process to make their voices heard. There are more than 100 million mothers in this country and they make up a large and committed voting bloc.

All interested parties are encouraged to visit the website at www.momsforkerry.com to find out more information and get involved with the groups upcoming National Rally Day in cities across the country on Saturday, October 30th at 3:00 pm EDT.

CONTACT:

HEIDI WANKEN

972/562-1614

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