Norton Says ANC Protest Shows Protest of Congressional Abuse Reaching Grassroots
Norton Says ANC Protest Shows Protest of Congressional Abuse Reaching Grassroots
April 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said the ANC commissioners who protested yesterday the 2011 budget deal signed by the President last week showed leadership important to the struggle because of their ties to local neighborhoods. One ANC commissioner, Keith Silver of Ward 6, was arrested, but commissioners representing all wards blocked Constitution Avenue until told to move. "I applaud the personal statement of Keith Silver, who was arrested," Norton said. "But arrest is not possible for everyone. ANC commissioners have sent an important message to residents by showing that there is more than one way to fight back. The most important thing residents can do is to be present and to show up when Congress invades the District's rights." She said that the ANC-initiated action, the demonstrations by and arrests of D.C. elected officials and students last week, and the work of DC Vote, which has organized protests throughout the 112th Congress, show that the ingredients for a broad, citywide coalition to protect and advance the city is taking shape. She said that she anticipates even more brazen action by Republicans when Congress returns from spring recess. Until now, residents have focused on the Senate, but Republicans are chiefly responsible for anti-home-rule actions.