Quinn, Cullerton urge activists to keep fighting for gun-control legislation
MITCH DUDEK Staff Reporter March 17, 2013 8:36PM
Senate President John Cullerton (left) and Governor Pat Quinn spoke at the United Power "Do Not Stand Idly By" community event, where they were joined by religious leaders from all faiths, who called for sensible action to reduce gun violence. Photographed on Sunday, March 17, 2012 at Chicago Sinai Congregation. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times
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Updated: March 17, 2013 10:12PM
Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton met with community activists Sunday afternoon at a Gold Coast synagogue to support an effort to curb gun violence.
“The only way to beat a powerful lobby is to organize,” Quinn told a group of about 400 at the Chicago Sinai Congregation, 15 W. Delaware. “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and organize.”
The meeting was hosted by United Power, an umbrella group of religious and community organizations from around Cook County that focuses on social issues.
Those at the gathering were urged to contact U.S. Senators Richard J. Durbin and Mark Kirk to help pass legislation focused on stopping illegal gun trafficking and enacting stricter background checks for gun sales.
The measure was part of a new campaign by United Power that will include a coordinated effort to gain wide support to persuade gun manufacturers and sellers to pledge to help curb gun violence.
“The biggest threat we face right now is indifference,” said Oak Park Village President David Pope, who spoke along with several other community leaders. “The threat that we face is NMP: ‘Not My Problem.’. . . This is about all of us, and how many people we can engage.”
Cullerton and Quinn pledged to meet again with the group.
