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BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ SAYS NO TO BUSH AGENDA AT “1,000 POINTS OF HOPE” RALLY

Photographs by Amelia D’Entrone
Photo: Borough President Markowitz lights the way to a brighter future with rally participants. Pictured from left to right: Yehudit Moch (Kensington) Genes Thompson (East New York), Borough President Marty Markowitz, Cheryl Cook (East Village), and Melissa Stewart (Lower East Side).

On Thursday, September 2, 2004, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, members of the Brooklyn community, and elected officials gathered for a candlelight vigil in Prospect Park to protest the Bush Administration’s anti-urban policies and to light the way for a better future. Brooklyn’s “1,000 Points of Hope” rally coincided with rallies held across New York and throughout the nation.

"When it comes to a second term, voters in Brooklyn should tell President Bush to fuhgeddaboutit -- just like he has forgotten about Brooklyn and the City of New York,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “The Bush Administration’s misguided, anti-urban policies have brought higher unemployment, increased transportation fees, record-high gas prices, less affordable housing and less funding for education, while dividing Americans instead of uniting them, and turning back the clock on a women’s right to choose.”

“Brooklyn would be better off with John Kerry in office,” continued Markowitz. “Our country needs an international leader who will be respected by the world community to initiate a global peace process. Kerry has a plan to fight terrorism alongside our allies and other freedom loving peoples and at the same time, he will work hard to enhance the quality of life for Americans at home.”

Other elected officials who spoke at the rally included Representative Major R. Owens, Assembly Member Jim Brennan, Council Member Yvette Clarke, and Council Member Bill de Blasio. “1,000 Points of Hope” is sponsored by the Democratic National Committee in partnership with local community members to say Mission Not Accomplished and America Can Do Better.

After the speaking program over 300 participants walked to the entrance of Grand Army Plaza - across from the Arch. Devin Cohen, President of Independent Neighborhood Democrats, organized Brooklyn’s “1,000 Points of Hope” rally.