A MORE PERFECT UNION: DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION OFFERS VISION FOR AN AMERICA FREE FROM GUN VIOLENCE

https://elections.bradyunited.org/press-releases/a-more-perfect-union-democratic-national-convention-offers-vision-for-an-america-free-from-gun-violence

 Washington, D.C., August 19, 2020 - The faces and stories of gun violence survivors and advocates have been the throughline of the Democratic convention, underscoring how this issue affects every community across our nation. From last night’s roll call to tonight’s programming featuring former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and activists Emma Gonzalez and DeAndra Dycus, the message is clear: we need a Biden-Harris Administration to help end gun violence, and continue to work through and after this election to create real change.

This convention has offered a vision of an America that takes this crisis seriously.

Brady Campaign President Kris Brown shared:

“Tonight, the Democratic National Convention began with a testament to the toll that gun violence takes on all communities in our nation. We heard from survivors and activists who have committed their lives to stopping preventable tragedies. We know in our movement that access and participation in our democracy and the effort to prevent gun violence is inseparable. We also know that in this election, that democracy is under threat. It is why Brady is committed to ensuring that we are not only engaged in this election, but are working to expand access to our democracy for all communities in this country. For we know that the communities most and actively disenfranchised in our democracy are those also most affected by gun violence. The movement to end gun violence in this country is inseparable from the effort to expand access and participation in our democracy. It is why former President Barack Obama warned tonight, ‘Do not let them take away your democracy.’ We must all participate and engage in this November’s election, even as it is under threat.

The Brady Campaign applauds the Democratic National Convention for highlighting gun violence as a clear public health and safety crisis and calling us all to working in this election to solve that crisis. The Brady Campaign stands with former Vice President Biden and Senator Harris in the resolve to solve that crisis.”

The Team ENOUGH Executive Council shared:

“As the generation that will be forced to live and reckon with the consequences of policies that favor the status quo, we know we cannot be complacent. It is essential to have elected officials who listen to people from marginalized communities that experience the weight of gun violence every day - communities whose needs and interests are often ignored or actively suppressed. It’s why Team ENOUGH has continued to work to expand access to our democracy this election, so that all voices and especially those historically and continuously disenfranchised are heard this November. We cannot solve this problem until all of us are seen and heard in this process, instead of being told to sit down and wait our turn.

But, we will not achieve equity with words alone, we need action. We will not rest during this election to elect gun violence prevention champions up and down the ballot. And, we will not rest in our work to help them enact change and create a new reality for all Americans.”

During his time as a Senator, Joe Biden was a critical voice in shepherding through both the Brady Bill and the federal assault weapons ban. He was an original sponsor and instrumental in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act. He forcefully opposed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) which gives the gun industry unprecedented protections under law.

As Vice President during the Obama-Biden administration, Vice President Biden was tasked with developing and implementing common-sense policies to keep Americans safe while the U.S. Senate refused to pass comprehensive legislation. Vice President Biden’s work helped to close loopholes and expand resources for Americans. He is willing and able to work without Congress to keep Americans safe.

We know that a Biden-Harris administration will listen to the voices of all Americans who are calling for needed fixes to our gun violence epidemic. This week’s convention has shown that clearly, and the Brady Campaign is proud to reiterate its support for their vision of an America free from gun violence.

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 Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.

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