FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guns for Tots: Libertarians Launch High-Caliber Toy Drive

1/22/03 – Bemused at New York City Council’s attack on water pistols and other toy armaments, the Manhattan Libertarian Party announced today the launch of “Guns for Tots,” a new philanthropic program that will put toy guns in the hands of the city’s youth while it’s still legal.

“Playing with a water pistol is one of the most cherished rites of childhood,” declares Jim Lesczynski, spokesman for the Manhattan Libertarian Party. “We want to give that experience to New York’s children before the spoilsports in City Hall take it away permanently.”

Intro 0298, sponsored by Council-members David Weprin (D-Queens) and Albert Vann (D-Brooklyn), would prohibit the sale or possession of any toy gun. Current law provides exceptions for toy guns that are brightly colored or otherwise obviously not actual firearms.

“We think Weprin and Vann are all wet for going after our kids’ Super Soakers,” says Lesczynski. “I have a toddler myself, and I was looking forward to watching her play with a squirt gun this summer, just like all of us did in our youths, including these hypocritical council-members. We drenched each other, and we lived to tell the tale.”

The Manhattan Libertarian Party will be collecting toy guns and cash contributions for the purchase of toy guns from its members and other interested citizens between now and February 6, the day the Council’s Consumer Affairs Committee has scheduled a hearing on the legislation. After testifying at the hearing and making a statement to the press on the steps of City Hall, Lesczynski and other members of the party will head uptown to distribute the toys guns outside P.S. 72 in Harlem.

Lesczynski expects some criticism of the Guns for Tots program, but he says the Libertarians aren’t concerned. “We’re doing this for the children,” Lesczynski explains. “If we can bring a little joy into the lives of New York’s youth – while such joy is still legal – then Guns for Tots will be a success.”

Contact: Jim Lesczynski, Media Relations Director

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