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NY17 Candidate Allison Fine Emphasizes a Commitment to Empowering People

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My interview with Allison Fine, congressional candidate for the 17th District, took place late in February and was slated to run as part of the mix inside May Mother’s Day editions prior to the print editions being canceled. So here it is for our online edition, one in a series of profiles of congressional candidates for the 17th District we have been presenting. 

During this period of quarantining and isolation too, if there is one thing I’ll remember most from speaking with Allison Fine it was her immediately relaying to me her #1 passion: to make sure every single person is known, seen and heard. “So much of what has pulled us apart in the last 30 years is people feeling invisible, unheard and powerless.”

Allison Fine, candidate for the 17th District  PHOTO by Grace Bennett

Fine has authored three books relating to harnessing technology for social good. “My entire career has been about giving people the tools and the power to manage their own life,” she said, noting she initially focused on helping nonprofits define and measure their success. More recently, she has worked with the Gates Foundation on the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on social change. As chair of the National Board of NARAL, the Pro-Choice America Foundation, she also sought to give people the tools to have autonomy over their own lives.

“Over the last 30 years we have seen the collapse of the middle class, and that is why our politics don’t align with our people, why we don’t have the political will for common sense gun control and reproductive freedom,” Fine said, noting the resultant loss of accountability. She believes that her focus on giving people that voice and power makes her unique in this race.

“It is that kind of building and shifting power to give more people a voice and the ability to control their own life that I know best in this race. So, this is not a moment in time to elect people who are career politicians and have worked inside this system – this is a time to have people who have very different experiences building and creating power outside to take us into the next chapter,” Fine argues.

Policy Priorities

The mother of three (her children are 24, 22 and 19), she is excited about trying to pursue change now that she is an empty nester. Fine is particularly passionate about women’s issues, dedicated to enabling women to control their own futures, both physically and financially. “The Republican Party is centered in controlling women; if it’s not abortions, it’s birth control or making sure we don’t get paid equally or we don’t have paid family leave,” she said. Citing the fate of Roe v. Wade and the realities in many states, she adds that “this is a fight worth having and winning, because over 70% of people in every state of the country believe in safer legal access to abortion. We need to build the political power and will to move past this bottleneck to full women’s equality,” she added, pointing to the Women’s Freedom agenda detailed on her website.

Fine is also dedicated to increasing job security. “So many people feel like the ground is moving beneath their feet economically.” She notes the uncertainty regarding benefits for increasing numbers who are contractors, freelancers, or “gig” workers, as well as everyone’s concerns about retirement and their children’s futures. She worries that her own kids will never be able to afford to live in communities like where they grew up (Irvington) or where she lives now (Sleepy Hollow, where she was raised).

Fine points out that with a quarter of NY17 LatinX, immigration must be addressed, noting the current administration’s “shameful” terrorization of both the documented and undocumented. “We need comprehensive immigration reform, a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people living in the shadows, we need to protect the DACA kids. We also need to hold accountable companies exploiting undocumented workers. I would love us to become a country where don’t just accept immigrants, we welcome them, as wonderful participants in our society, as people starting businesses, raising their families, working very hard, as those are the principles our country is built on,” Fine said.

A former synagogue president, Fine is also committed to fighting the rising wave of antisemitism and hate crimes. She points to the “separating” of communities, and advocates for having community mediators to bring different groups together in creative ways to increase understanding.

Noting too how technology has aided isolation of people and communities, Fine adds that “we are at the beginning of what I call “Online Onland Intersection.” As a legislator, she would push to hold social media companies accountable for misusing and selling personal data and failing to keep people safe online. She also points to co-working spaces as an example of maintaining the need for communal contact even while pursuing individual business interests.

Relatedly, Fine says “we desperately need people in Washington who understand automation and what is about to happen to our jobs, to our people, to our communities,” and calls automation an “equal opportunity disruptor” that will result in job losses everywhere – Wall Street, paralegals, the medical profession, and service industries. “Across the board, we need to make sure we have people who are making sure technology is harnessed ethical ways, that people are in charge of the technology and not the other way around and that we are investing heavily in workforce development because people are going have to create different kinds of occupations.” She added that access to capital, especially for traditionally overlooked groups like women and people of color, is crucial to create new businesses to support these new realities.

Fine also agrees that “the climate crisis is our existential crisis of the time,” and that the federal government “must invest in innovations that become commercial enterprises, to protect communities from rising temperatures, rising water, to vary the grid, and create jobs.” And she finds the lack of common sense gun control “confounding,” supported by the majority of the country but the inaction political.

A Crowded Field, With Many Women

Fine is impressed with how smart and well-intentioned her competitors are for this congressional seat. She is proud that so many women are running: “It’s awfully important who is at the table.. It matters for what issues are at the top of the agenda,” she said, pointing to countries like Finland that have a legislative majority of women that focus on issues like equal pay.

“Last year I created an effort called The Network of Elected Women because women are getting elected at record levels, at the municipal level around the country, county, town and village. We have 25 women here in Westchester who come together once a month and they support one another and they learn together and some of them are then taking the next step,” Fine said, describing the “virtual” meetings of the group. She added that New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool has been a part of the council from the beginning, and it convinced her to run for Supervisor after being on the Town Board, an example of the need to convince women to take the next step for leadership positions.

“A couple of weeks ago, Goldman Sachs said it wouldn’t take any company public that didn’t have one female board member. Really? One? That’s how low the bar is set. Why isn’t it a third? Why isn’t it two-thirds? One?”

Personal Role Models and Being A Fighter

Fine points to her own mother and grandmother as her role models. Her grandmother, eventually fired for leaving her Lower East Side sweatshop sewing machine to march for suffrage, had arrived in the US in 1905 at the age of five on a boat from Lithuania, but found the courage to be an early fundraiser for Israel and fight for women’s rights while raising three sons. Fine describes her own mother as an introvert who found the courage to run for chair of the Westchester/Putnam Girl Scouts and eventually the Tarrytown school board, where she fought for children’s education for 10 years.

From them, Fine became a fighter: “you have to lift people up and move them forward. That’s what I do – I build communities and move them forward every step of the way,” she said.

Visit allisonfine2020.com for more information on Allison and her policy positions.

A March for Kids, Planned by Kids

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On March 24th, approximately 850,000 students and adults took to the streets of Washington, DC., with other “sibling marches” taking place across the country, including locally in White Plains. This event, which was appropriately titled “March For Our Lives,” was completely organized by Parkland, Florida students, including Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg and Cameron Kasky.

These teens have become the most outspoken supporters of the gun control movement since the February 14th shooting at their high school. Other notable figures also took part in and financially supported event. The march gathered international attention, was widely covered by the media, and received praise from leaders around the world.

(L-R): Jake Mikesell, Ari Silver, Maxwell Keilles

A Day to Remember

As plans for the march came together, I spoke with some friends from Greeley and we decided that we were not doing enough to help. So in the early morning hours of March 24th, we boarded a bus at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains to travel to Washington D.C.  We arrived in D.C. at around 11 a.m., but the ride itself was particularly emotional for me because I was able to sit for the first time and reflect on what had unfolded over the last month.

As we approached the parking lot at RFK Stadium, we were swarmed by hundreds of busses filled with marchers of all ages. Once parked, we trekked towards the city with homemade banners in hand. Everywhere we walked, the surrounding community had opened their doors to offer food and support to the thousands of protesters who had come from around the country. As we walked, we took in the beauty of the city and the blooming flowers and finally arrived to the sight of the Capitol Building. I was overcome with emotion as I fully recognized the importance of the day.

Horace Greeley junior Maxwell Keilles shared his thoughts on the event. “The march was one of the most important things I feel that I’ve done and I felt great that I was able to hear such inspiring speeches from so many wonderful people.” Another Greeley junior, Jake Mikesell commented, “I chose to attend the march because I am a high school student and hearing about mass school shootings and students my age dying is horrific and should be stopped. Gun reform should be much stricter so that schools can be safer.”

Musicians & Moments of Silence

Shortly after our arrival the event commenced. Multiple musicians performed, including Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame and Ben Platt from Dear Evan Hansen. The two had come together to perform a song that they had written for the event. Shortly after, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School delivered heartfelt speeches. The most notable was Emma Gonzalez’s, who held a six-minute moment of silence. The six minutes represented the amount of time it took for the shooter, Nikolas Cruz to kill 17 people in Parkland. Throughout the moment of silence, the crowd yelled “never again” in perfect unison. Other teens and kids who had been directly affected by gun violence also spoke to the large crowd. It was unlike anything I had ever witnessed.

Gun Control Takes the National Spotlight

While students take to the streets in a call for action, lawmakers in Washington are looking at ways they can change our nation’s laws for the better. According to Politico, polls show that support for greater gun restrictions has risen dramatically since the Parkland shooting. Still, most politicians who receive funds from the NRA, refuse to deny such politically motivated payments, which has caused public outrage. The already serious issue has caused much polarization.

Looking Ahead

The events that unfolded on March 24th are not the end of this movement, they are only the beginning. Students plan on organizing numerous events and walkouts to help spread the message that “enough is enough” and that it is time to take action. These events are taking place during an important year, as the midterm elections are set to take place this fall.

Walkouts have already been planned for April 20th, which is the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School. Students are trying to figure out how they can be more active in their communities and local governments.

One piece of advice that Representative Nita Lowey shared during my recent meeting with her was to go out and vote. I found this message to be the most inspiring, since it is likely to have the most direct effect on the individuals who make our laws. For students who are not of voting age, I would encourage them to call their local representatives, voice their opinions and ask for support on specific legislation.

In Remembrance

On April 20th, during National School Walkout, we will take the time to remember the lives of the 12 students and 1 teacher who were killed in Columbine High School 19 years ago. And we also keep in our minds all who have lost their lives to gun violence. While this has been an emotional and eye opening time for myself and my peers, this has been an opportunity for students and adults to find their voices and realize where they stand on this controversial issue and what we can accomplish together.

Westchester Students Voice their Ideas to Tackle the Challenge of Gun Violence

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Students Meet with Rep. Nita Lowey and Law Enforcement Officers to Discuss Gun Violence in Aftermath of Parkland Massacre

White Plains, NY, February 27— At the outset of a round table discussion about gun violence–with over a dozen Westchester students and several law enforcement officers participating–Congresswoman Nita Lowey expressed her frustration over the refusal of the powers that be in Washington to address a range of gun control reform initiatives she has introduced over her years in office.* 

“I could walk you through the legislation that I have introduced,” she stated, calling out Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, in particular. “But I’m here today to listen to all of you, to get all your ideas.”

The students gathered in the auditorium of the White Plains Public Library on February 23 proceeded to share their concerns and their ideas in the aftermath of the Parkland massacre that took 17 lives on Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Williams, Executive Director of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, attending too, said it is “important to speak up and speak out… One day, it was in Parkland, Florida; the next day, it could be in our own community. We need to lead our community and nation.”

The kids shared this in common: They want to be heard. They also were nearly unanimous in desiring a ban of assault weaponry (outside New York State too), greater campus security, and they all want improved background checks.

Ryan Burton, a sophomore from Pleasantville High School, stated: “Students have a voice. We matter.” Kevin O’Neill, a senior from the same school: “We feel very passionate.” Rebecca Bachenheimer of Horace Greeley High School: “I am happy to have this voice I can use.” From White Plains High School, stated Melissa Rodriguez: “We want to use our voices to help ourselves and generations to come.” Ari Silver, a junior at Greeley, too: “If we don’t speak now, then what’s going to happen next?” 

Michelle Mazzocchi of the New Castle Police Department, and the Chappaqua Central School District community resource officer, said she is working anew with all six schools in the District. “We are working on building a rapport with our schools to make sure kids are safe when they go into school.”

Lowey asked ‘what positives’ the kids have witnessed in their schools since the shooting.

Joseph Kennedy of Iona Prep said his school has implemented the use of ID cards with doors locked at all times.

The kids who attend schools with open campuses with multiple entry points expressed acute worry and a desire to either limit entry points, establish a ‘single point of entry’ or strengthen existing ones. “If someone who looks like me walks in, anything can happen. I think we need more security, more check points,” one student said.

“What scares me the most is not much has changed at all,” one student said, referring to the ease anyone has gaining access to automatic rifles. “There’s not much a school can do if someone like that who is so scary and determined walks in with a gun.”

Henry McCants of White Plains High School advocated stricter background checks everywhere: “Not everyone should be able to own an automatic weapon.  People with mental disabilities shouldn’t.”

Det. Morgan Cole-Hatchard from the Pleasantville Police Department lamented that there was too little follow up after acquiring a gun permit. “People’s circumstances change,” she said. “They may experience physical and mental health decline. If I have to renew my driver’s license, people should have to renew their permit.”

Lowey asked all gathered whether persons on the terrorist watch list should be permitted to purchase guns, another piece of legislation that has been thwarted.  No one advocated that. “I’m glad that’s unanimous,” she said.

She noted that the NRA has extraordinary power, and referred to a listing of members of Congress and Senate who receive”an enormous amount of money” from the NRA.  “People are so afraid of them,” said. “Not me, though. I’m proud of my zero rating from them. “Those who get a lot of money from them are quick to introduce legislation (the NRA pushes) like conceal carry laws. “Everyone carrying a gun is not the answer.”

One student asked Lowey to address campaign finance reform, too. “Without a doubt the amount of money spent in these elections is obscene. The Koch Brothers are spending mega millions, and organizing again,” she answered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She told the kids that people like former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, “who has recovered somewhat, travels with her husband to support legislation to oppose NRA initiatives. She was shot in broad daylight.”

 Joseph from Iona Prep was for conceal carry. He said he “learned from my dad “an officer with the NYPD for 25 years” that it is “better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

One home-schooled student, Sophia Libman-Roshal, disagreed and advocated for the reinstatement of an assault weapon ban.  “I really don’t want to get shot,” she said.

Rebecca stated that she does support the Second Amendment, but noted potential dangers with conceal carry. “How many are going to get shot first, getting into the holster and out, there can still can be misfiring. You may not be able to stop a shooter in time.”

Said Ryan: “The AR-15 is almost identical to the M-16 used by the military. Why are these even in the hands of civilians? It is not right.”

Lowey offered that “the NRA  should either disappear or to work with us to at least be open to some sensible gun legislation.” She encouraged all the kids “to talk to your parents and neighbors about the powers of your vote. Make sure everyone understands what you stand for and what you believe in.”

“Too many people don’t exercise the right to vote,” she added. She thanked Indivisible Westchester for “registering people. They are making an amazing difference.”

Regarding ‘conceal carry,’ Lowey said that she is against having ‘so many weapons out there.”

“Consider if two people fight on a bus.  Not everyone is as responsible as your father,” she said to the young man from Iona.

“Does anyone think we should be able to purchase assault rifles?” Lowey asked the group. No one responded in the affirmative.

“Ok, we should take that off the table too.”

One student suggested:  “Rifles should be completely removed from society. If anyone wants to use an AR-15, they should go somewhere. Even if you are responsible, go to a shooting range, and hand the gun back when you are done.”

Another said people buying need to be reminded of the dangers of weapons. “What is their need for automatic firing to feel protected?” he asked.

Lowey said buy-back programs have been successful. “We should probably do more of them.” She lauded the recent Westchester County legislation closing down the Gun show at the County Center.  Gun violence is so simple’ yet solving the issue so complicated, she said. “There is no reason that at least some of the legislation could pass to show progress.”

“No youngsters should feel their lives are in danger when going to school,” she said.

Detective Morgan Cole-Hatchard from the Pleasantville Police Dept. expressed reservation over an outright ban. “It is my personal opinion that unfortunately the second you make an all encompassing ban on anything, it immediately becomes desirable on the black market, expensive and lucrative to anyone with access to them.”

The option of arming teachers, as advocated recently by the President, was discussed too.

A White Plains High student: “With guns present you are way more likely to have an accident.”

NCPD’s Officer Mazzocchi commented against this option: “Teachers went to school to teach; this is not what they signed up. Arming teachers is unsafe, and will scare students.”

Det. Morgan Cole-Hatchard talked about the hazards of  arming teachers. First, she explained that “active shooter training” was instituted in police departments around the country followed the massacre at Columbine. She said at Parkland, “the officer who arrived took a long time to respond… and waited for a Swat team,” but that according to active shooter protocol, “If I’m the first one there, I’m going in and going after that person to get rid of that threat. If it’s two people, two go in, or if three, we all do. There are scenarios we go through… We walk through and know our schools, so if a call comes in and someone’s in the library, all of our officers know where that is and the quickest way to get there,  so help is coming, but we are going in. 

As for armed teachers, the Pleasantville Detective added:

“If I’m going into a school and a quarter of the teachers are armed… Some teachers look pretty young these days,.. we could have a bad situation.”  It’s unlikely that those teachers would go through the same active shooter training that a police officer goes through, she added.

Another student from White Plains High School does not necessarily oppose arming teachers but limiting this option.  He said it was ‘debatable’ and that it should include “only teachers who volunteer: and that there should be designated locations around the building with access to weapon. 

“Only designated teachers go who are willing to put their lives on the line, grab a weapon and defend a school,” he said.

Another student said she’d feel much safer with more officers stationed in and around schools instead. “I’d feel less safe with teachers armed. Most would not know how to defend themselves in a school shooting. There are plenty of teachers who become criminals too.”

Lowey had invited these students to participate in the round table after several  reached out to her expressing their fear of gun violence in their communities, particularly in their schools, as well as their frustration with congressional inaction on gun violence.

In a post roundtable statement, Lowey added: “These mass shootings, including the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, continue to shake all of us to the core, and students are left fearful for their safety. That’s unacceptable, and congressional Republicans must join Democrats in commonsense reforms to reduce gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and improve public safety. The students I spoke with today demand action, and it’s past time that the Republican-controlled Congress take meaningful steps to end this nation’s gun crisis.”

* From www.lowey.house.gov: Lowey is a member of the congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and has been a leader in fighting to prevent gun violence, including working to strengthen background checks, close the terror gap loophole, and ban assault weapons and bump stocks. Last Congress, Lowey introduced the NICS Community Protection Act, which would close the Charleston loophole by providing 14 businesses days rather than three for a background check to be completed by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This week, Lowey sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to allow a vote to lift the ban on federal gun violence research. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey has repeatedly offered an amendment in the committee to provide funding for the CDC to conduct gun violence prevention research.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average 96 Americans, including seven children and teens, are killed with guns every day, while nearly 13,000 are the victims of gun homicides every year. According to The American Journal of Medicine, among high-income nations, 91 percent of children 14 and under who were killed by a firearm lived in the United States. The U.S. has the highest rate of gun ownership in the world as well as a significantly higher gun homicide rate than other advanced countries.

 

 

 

 

Citizens Rally for Greater Gun Control & Against ‘American Carnage’

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A Key Message from those Gathered Today: “Vote Them Out”

Erin Fuller, survivor of the Las Vegas Massacre, addressing the crowd.

White Plains, February 18–“I am still trying to process the fact that we escaped the largest shooting massacre in U.S. history.” These were the first words I heard as I leaned in to listen, joining a crowd filled with several hundred activists, public officials and concerned citizens, many holding pointed signs and breaking out in chants such as “Vote Them Out” or “Shame on Them” condemning the NRA or politicians who have been bought by them or who have otherwise failed to act. 

The rally–organized in response to the Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 students, a coach and teacher dead–called for a battle against stagnation and corruption in the fight for greater gun control on a regional, state and national level, too.

The words were from Erin Fuller, a 30-year-old survivor of the October 1, 2017 Las Vegas massacre, which killed 58 people, and injured nearly 500 more. Invited by the rally organizers, Fuller, in her first public address since the Vegas shooting, described a wave of nausea which caused her to leave the concert premises with her fiancé in search of a bathroom. Later leaving a hotel lobby, the two stepped outside again to listen to the music when they heard the pops…

Fuller continues to cope with a ‘flood of emotions.’ “Every night I close my eyes and hear the gun shots and think of the lost lives of those beautiful people.”

“We can no longer sit by and wait for politicians to create change,” she later added.  “18 shootings this school year… This is American Carnage and it is unacceptable.”

Her comments and those of other speakers in front of the steps of the white shingled Westchester Republican Committee Headquarters on Mamaroneck Avenue encouraged voting out those who have consistently voted against gun control and reform measures. The failure to ban the AR-15 assault rifle used in so many shootings including Las Vegas and Parkland was a focal point today too.

Cars honked and passerbys hollered in support of the group, a rally that had been quickly organized by Indivisible Westchester, Up2Us and the Million Mom March, Northern Westchester Chapter in response to the Parkland shooting.

Shelly Mayer, a Democrat running for a seat in the State Senate, described gun control bills and bills for research into gun violence that are being blocked from reaching the floor of the state Senate. Recently elected County Executive George Latimer’s success in banning the Gun Show at the Westchester County Center, she said, shows that “we can get out and organize and elect people who reflect our values. Saving lives should not be a partisan issue.”

State Assemblyman David Buchwald recalled, “This is not the first time we have gathered on this issue.” Buchwald had won against a Republican incumbent five years earlier, following Sandy Hook, running on a platform strongly against gun violence. Buchwald co-sponsored and passed the New York Safe Act, “which has helped put New York on the path to a safer state. Connecticut followed, but far too few places have taken the lead since,” he said.

From Yonkers Majority Leader Michael Sabatino: “In the last election, only 18% of voters showed up to vote….That’s not acceptable… people died for the right to vote.”

A spokesman on behalf of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand implored everyone to make sure they come out to vote to help protect Americans.

Fuller had added that stricter laws were also needed to protect citizens “from persons clearly needing treatment and exhibiting wild and predictive behaviors,” and described herself as infuriated by the ease at which the perpetrator was able to pick up weapons.

“I am sick and tired of this country being reactive rather than pro-active,” she said. “Every citizen needs to step up to the plate… See something, say something before it’s too late.”

Regarding the AR-15 assault weapons employed by shooters, in a separate interview with the Inside Press, Fuller stated: “I don’t understand why any person would need access to a military style weapon. I can’t wrap my head around that.  It blows my mind. In Florida, you can’t rent a car till you’re 25 but you can buy an AR-15!”

She spoke of her admiration for “the kids standing arm in arm in front of the school” in Parkland.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” she said. “This issue transcends gender or age; it’s life or death with children being shot and killed just for going to school.”

Following the rally, Jessica Meller, co-president Million Mom March Northern Westchester Chapter, noted that the outrage of the crowd was palpable. “Of the many protests and marches I have attended, I’ve never seen this level of anger and determination.”

She said the youths from Parkland “who are demanding legislative action and organizing school walk-outs are inspiring adults and giving them more courage to be vocal and reason to be optimistic…

“Actually, it’s very simple: Kids do not want to be shot to death in school, or anywhere for that matter.  They are going to be a force in the upcoming elections, literally voting for their lives.”

Molly Greece of Indivisible Westchester reminded that it comes down to money for the NRA and money for gun manufacturers. “We need solid laws in place so we can sue them,” she said.

“We felt we had to do something this week,” said Iris Weintraub Lachaud of Up2Us. “This was our answer to ‘your thoughts and prayers.'”

Barry Graubart, a regional director for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, noted the upcoming March for Our Lives event on March 24; a student and teen led march in Washington D.C.  “We’ll be helping with regional events in conjunction with the kids from Parkland.  “It will be an amazing opportunity for teens and students to have their voices heard on this.”  Visit marchforourlives.com

Meanwhile, asked how she keeps going, Fuller answered that despite “the grief that still bubbles up, I have no choice but to be optimistic.  If I fall into pessimism…I’m not going to heal. The only path to healing is to believe that things can change.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey on the Fight for Gun Control: “If Only as Simple as Apple Pie…”

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By Grace Bennett

Congresswoman Nita Lowey expressed her frustration over the lack of progress in protecting children and teens from gun violence, as she accepted an “Apple Pie” Award during a private Bedford event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Million Mom March and promoting the Brady Campaign, which advocates universal background checks, to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

Million Mom Honorees L-R: Jill Brooke, Donna Dees-Thomases, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Elise Richman.
Million Mom Honorees Jill Brooke, Donna Dees-Thomases, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Elise Richman.
With Rep. Lowey: (L) Alex Dubroff, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and Jessica Meller, volunteer for Million Moms March.
With Lowey here: (L) Alex Dubroff, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and Jessica Meller, volunteer for Million Moms March.

“We are not seeing progress,” Lowey told those gathered. “It’s hard to believe we are celebrating 15 years.”

Lowey didn’t mince her words regarding mainly Republican legislators (“and the few Democrats who strayed”) voting down key gun control measures, at different points stating they are “fearful of the NRA.”

“After Newtown, we thought that battle was over, but there are members of Congress who are a little thickheaded,” she said.

Lowey also added that the fight was far from over and is the co-sponsor of ever more proposed legislation (see below). “As a mom, I know our voices are powerful,” she stated.

Lowey recalled that the founder of the Million Mom March, Donna Dees-Thomases, had originally imagined a turnout of 10,000.

The group swelled to a whopping 750,000 who assembled in a rally at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Mother’s Day 2000. A release from Lowey’s office noted Secretary Clinton’s attendance that day too and former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, and that approximately 200,000 additional activists in more than 70 cities across the country also participated.

Prior to the Congresswoman’s arrival, some 25-30 guests enjoyed tea and lemonade and treats under a tent sharing stories of their activism…or their horrific loss.

Moms honoring Congresswoman Lowey, remembering the Million Mom March...and keeping the heat ON.
Moms honoring Congresswoman Lowey, remembering the Million Mom March…and keeping the heat ON.

A volunteer with Moms Demand Action and Gun Sense in American, Natasha Natalie Christopher, related that her 14-year-old son Akeal Christopher was shot on June 27th, 2012, by indiscriminate gunfire on the streets of Bushwick, in Brooklyn. “He died in the hospital on July 10th, on his 15th birthday…

“No parent should ever know this kind of pain. While other people are planning their kids’ high school graduations, I am planning a June 26th vigil for my son.” She had arrived with her 8-year old son, Christopher, who has become a “Junior Amabassador” sharing his feelings about what it is like to lose a brother at age five.

Lowey with "Junior Ambassador," 8-year-old Christopher.
Lowey with “Junior Ambassador,” 8-year-old Christopher.

Congresswoman Lowey thanked Natasha for “turning your grief into activism,” and commended Christopher, too. “Your personal story maybe can convince some people.”

Po Murray, chairperson of the Newtown Action Alliance, raised four kids who attended Sandy Hook. She works to advocate for legislative changes, and to build awareness, including organizing an annual national vigil in December to remember all victims of gun violence.
“There’s been a total lack of action from Congressional and State Reps given 30,000 gun deaths a year and 700,000 injuries,” she stated. Some wondered what would be “the tipping point,” or wake up call for legislators while others advocated intiating lawsuits against gun manufacturers. “They are always creating little fires to thwart our efforts,” one attendee noted. “Maybe we need to create a few fires for them too.”

Colette Martin, a volunteer from Queens, described a “silent majority” of gun owners who want to see common sense measures passed. “I have more guns in my home than people,” she stated. “The NRA does not represent me. People leave loaded guns lying around like umbrellas. What the hell does that have to do with the Second Amendment?”

Along with Lowey, also honored during the Bedford event were three individuals central to the first Million Mom March in Washington, DC:

• Donna Dees-Thomases established the original Million Mom March in 2000 after she was deeply affected by coverage of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Center day camp shooting in Grenada Hills, CA, in which five people, including three small children, were killed.

• Jill Brooke, aauthor of “The Need to Say No” and the Editor in Chief of Premier Traveler.

• Elise Richman was an original organizer of the Million Mom March.

Gun violence prevention and gun control are important issues for the New York City area. Suspects on the terrorist watch list tried to buy guns from licensed dealers 2,233 times between 2004 and 2014, threatening national security. Gang members used Metro-North trains to engage in a gun-running scheme to bring weapons bought in Port Chester into New York City for resale. A four-year-old Westchester girl recently accidentally shot herself in the face with a handgun.

In the 114th Congress, Lowey is a cosponsor of:

• The Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act (H.R. 752) that would ban the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition;

• The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act (H.R. 2283) that would require federally licensed dealers to confirm the identity of individuals who arrange to purchase ammunition over the internet by verifying a photo I.D.; and

• The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 (H.R. 1076) that would give the Attorney General the authority block suspects on the terror watch list from purchasing firearms.