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Posted by on Jan 16, 2018 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Demand the Ban

 

Announcing a Direct Action to DEMAND THE BAN

Make semi-automatic assault weapons illegal nationwide

  • Meltdown and Repurpose an Assault Weapon as a Symbol of Life
  • March to and Legal Rally at U.S. Senator Toomey’s Office
  • Deliver the Repurposed Assault Weapon to Senator Toomey
  • Nonviolent Civil Disobedience to Demand the Ban

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 in Philadelphia

10:00 am:    Gather at Arch Street Friends Meeting House, 4th and Arch Streets Ceremonial meltdown and repurposing of an assault weapon into a Symbol of Life

11:00 am:    Procession to Senator Toomey’s Office, 200 Chestnut Street                        Short walk from Arch Street Friends Meeting House to Senator’s Toomey’s office

11:30 am:     Legal Rally at Senator Toomey’s Office                                                          Demand Toomey’s Co-sponsorship of S.2095, Assault Weapons Ban of 2017

12:00 Noon: Nonviolent Civil Disobedience Action*                                                                     A group of nonviolent advocates will attempt to deliver the Repurposed Assault Weapon/Symbol of Life to Senator Toomey and will occupy his office until he co-sponsors S.2095

Why are we demanding a nationwide ban on rapid firing, semi-automatic assault weapons?

While the profiles of mass shooters vary, their weapon of choice does not. Rapid-firing, semi-automatic assault weapons have been used in multiple mass shootings over the last five years in the United States, causing unimaginable carnage and human suffering. These weapons are designed to kill as many people as possible, in as little time as possible. They are weapons of war that have no legitimate role in civilian life. Enough! We Demand the Ban.

For more information: http://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/hardware-ammunition/assault-weapons

Why are we focusing on Senator Patrick Toomey?

When U.S. Senator Patrick Toomey (R-PA) co-sponsored the 2013 Toomey-Manchin bill to expand national background checks on gun sales, he received extremely favorable national media coverage. In 2016, Senator Toomey was endorsed by some national gun violence prevention organizations and individuals, helping the senator win reelection in an extremely close race. It’s time for Senator Toomey to earn his reputation as a national leader to prevent gun violence. Since he has refused to meet with Demand the Ban organizers to discuss a ban on assault weapons, we are mobilizing people from Pennsylvania and throughout the United States to bring the Demand the Ban to Senator Toomey’s office in Philadelphia on March 21, 2018.

 Why are we conducting Direct Action and Nonviolent Civil Disobedience?

Recent public opinion polls have reported that 2 in 3 Americans support a ban on rapid-firing, semi-automatic assault weapons. Yet, our national political leaders refuse to act to protect our children and families. In the great tradition of the U.S. movements for slavery abolition, women’s suffrage, civil rights, and other human rights struggles, we are calling on members of the gun violence prevention movement to take direct action and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience. Gun violence prevention advocates from the Philadelphia-area, across Pennsylvania, and throughout the United States are invited to join us on March 21, 2018.

*Individuals participating the nonviolent civil disobedience action WILL be risking arrest. Any individual participating in the nonviolence civil disobedience action will be required to attend a day-long non-violence training and pledge to adhere to the Action’s nonviolence discipline. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE NONVIOLENCE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ACTION ON MARCH 21st, PLEASE CONTACT: Terry Rumsey at terry@delcounited.net or

484-326-1370

 The Demand the Ban Direct Action is being sponsored by:

CHARLES Foundation, Delaware County United for Sensible Gun Policy, Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence, Raw Tools, and The Simple Way

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Posted by on Jun 19, 2016 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

100 Strong March to Congressman Meehan’s Office

100 Strong March to Congressman Meehan’s Office

 

Over 100 supporters of Delaware County United for Sensible Gun Policy participated in a spirited march from the Springfield Friends Meeting House to the office of U.S. Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-PA7) on Saturday, June 18th, in response to the June 11 mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub that killed 49 people. The fired-up gun sense advocates delivered a Call to Action to Congressman Meehan calling on him to support a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Delco United is lobbying Congressman Meehan to co-sponsor H.R. 4269, legislation that would ban assault weapons and large-volume magazines. Read a summary of the bill here.

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Hundreds of motorists honked their horns in support as the marchers, carrying signs and banners calling for an assault weapons ban, proceeded down Sproul Road (Rt. 320) to the Congressman’s Springfield headquarters. Robin Lasersohn, Co-Chair of Delco United, read the group’s Call to Action to Meehan, and then placed a poster-sized placard with the written Call to Action at the front door of the locked building that houses Congressman Meehan’s office. Delco United also e-mailed the Call to Action to the congressman on Friday. Terry Rumsey, Delco United Co-Chair, had spoken with Congressman Meehan earlier in the week, asking him to co-sponsor H.R. 4269.

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The event was covered by the Delaware County Daily Times, KYW News Radio, and three Philadelphia television stations (ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates).

Read sample news coverage here. https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/06/18/protesters-march-for-gun-control-in-delaware-county

http://www.delcotimes.com/article/DC/20160618/NEWS/160619662

The Board of Directors of Delaware County United for Sensible Gun Policy would like to thank the more than 500 supporters from Delaware County who took action this past week after the Orlando tragedy by calling or e-mailing Congressman Meehan and Senator Toomey, attending Wednesday’s vigil and die-in, rallying and marching at yesterday’s Call to Action, or doing a combination of all those empowered acts of citizenship.

Delco United asked a lot from you this week.

You gave more than we asked.

Congratulations, you are a part of reinvigorated gun sense movement that will not relent until we have radically reduced gun violence in the United States of America.

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Posted by on May 23, 2016 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Rally Rocks the Rotunda!

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On Monday, May 16, 2016, four busloads of Delco United supporters, carrying 135 Delaware County gun sense advocates, departed from Media and Chester and joined over 500 others from across Pennsylvania to pack the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Newly elected State Senator Tom Killion (R-9) said, “In 13 years serving in the House of Representatives, I have never seen a crowd this size in the Rotunda of the Capitol.”

Watch a great video compilation of the event here.

The Delco bus brigades and the big rally at the Capitol received front page coverage in Tuesday’s Delaware County Daily Times. Read the article here.

Also, check out the great television coverage from ABC’s Harrisburg affiliate.

State Representative Leanne Krueger-Brankey (D-161), who was recently endorsed by Delco United as a Gun Sense Champion, greeted the bus riders from Media when they arrived at the Capitol.  State Representative Thaddeus Kirkland (D-159, also serving as Mayor of Chester) joined Chester residents in the crowed Rotunda for the historic rally. Mayor Kirkland and his staff played an instrumental role in supporting the organizing to fill two buses from Chester.

State Representative Jamie Santora (R-163), also endorsed by Delco United as a Gun Sense Champion, was a featured speaker at the rally and called for the House Judiciary Committee to allow a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. Newly elected PA Senator Tom Killion, who had been endorsed by Delco United during his election run, “I can’t wait to start my senate career by moving forward with Senate Bill 1049 (comprehensive background checks bill).”

THANKS TO ALL OF THE SUPPORTERS OF DELAWARE COUNTY UNITED FOR SENSIBLE GUN POLICY WHO TOOK TIME TO GET ON A BUS AND RALLY AT THE CAPITOL MONDAY AND ALSO TO THE INDIVIDUALS, CONGREGATIONS, AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO MADE GENEROUS FINANCIAL DONATIONS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

 

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Posted by on Mar 19, 2016 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Rally in the Rotunda for Background Checks

 

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Every campaign has a critical, signature moment when it requires an unprecedented show of citizen support to advance a cause to a position where victory becomes possible.

May 16, 2016 is that moment when we need YOU to help pass legislation establishing comprehensive background checks on gun sales in Pennsylvania.

A new public opinion poll released by Franklin & Marshall College reported that 88 percent of Pennsylvanians support comprehensive background checks on gun sales. With the November elections fast approaching, NOW IS THE TIME for our state legislators to hear the voice of the 88 % who want them to act and pass this common sense measure to protect our children and families.

PA United for Background Checks, a statewide campaign of organizations and congregations, is calling for Pennsylvanians from cities, towns, suburbs, and rural areas across the Commonwealth to pack the Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday, May 16th for the Rally for Background Checks. The Pennsylvania Senate and the House of Representatives will both be in session that day.

 We demand passage of Senate Bill 1049 and House Bill 1010 – NOW.

Three buses will be taking gun sense supporters from Delaware County on May 16th . THESE BUSES ARE ALREADY FULL! If you are interested in attending the rally, please make plans to drive.  If you are willing to drive others in order to maximize attendance at the rally, please email or call Delco United Co-Chair, Terry Rumsey:  terry@delcounited.net or 484-326-1370.

PA United for Background Checks is counting on a strong showing from Delaware County. We realize you may need to take a personal day off from work, or school, or from other scheduled activities. We are asking you to make that sacrifice and to make those arrangements now.

Thank you!

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