http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/05/13/moms.gun.control/index.html
'Million Mom March' draws 100 for gun control
May 13, 2001 Posted: 6:54 PM EDT (2254 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In vastly reduced numbers from last year's
rally, mothers who support gun control were back at the National
Mall on Sunday, renewing their calls for tougher laws aimed at
curbing firearms violence.
Only about 100 supporters attended this year, compared with about
three-quarters of a million supporters who took part in 2000.
"Any child in America can get a hold of a gun today," said Eleanor
Holmes Norton, congressional delegate for the District of Columbia.
"That's why women all across America today are converting Mother's
Day into a day for our children; a day of remembrance for children
dead from gunfire; a day to renew the battle for the gun bills
Congress left on the table last year."
Organizers of the march said this year's attendance in Washington
was lower because the focus was on promoting grass-roots action
rather than a national event. The group held rallies and related
events in 33 states to promote what organizers called "sensible gun
laws."
Also at the rally on the National Mall was Washington Mayor Anthony
Williams who applauded the participants. "Today's rally and the
rallies of 33 other states across the country are visible proof that
you're doing something to end violence," he said.
National Rifle Association spokesman Kelly Whitley said the
organization noticed an upsurge in the call for gun-control
legislation after last year's march, but added the agenda changed
with the election of President Bush.
The Clinton administration was actively pushing new gun-control
legislation, while the Bush White House says it would like to work
with existing laws.
"We are really excited to see a new administration -- one that is
looking to actually enforce the law against criminals, which we
think will have a great impact on crime in this country," Whitley
said.
Whitley said he believes the new Bush administration is why the
Million Mom March has not focused its attention on Washington, but
has instead gone to the state and local level to change laws.
Event founder lauds bipartisan support
Last year's march drew 750,000 mothers and others to the mall. Since
then, the organization has formed 235 chapters across 46 states.