Rod Grams: “we have come together--Republicans and Democrats, without regard to party affiliation and without any political…”

“we have come together--Republicans and Democrats, without regard to party affiliation and without any political agenda--to ask the President to reverse a decision that has had widespread, unintended consequences. In the Capital City of a nation built ``of the people, by the people, and for the people,'' there is no room for fear, roadblocks, or barricades. The American people agree, and I am heartened by their support. By mail and through the Internet, hundreds of them have urged me to continue this campaign to restore Pennsylvania Avenue to its historic use. I wish I could share each of their messages with you. I want to tell you, though, I have heard from military experts who tell me the present closure would do nothing to blunt a terrorist attack, former-- even current--White House employees who are ashamed of what Pennsylvania Avenue has become, long-time residents and more recent transplants to the District, and Americans from every corner of the country. They have said it many different ways, but their message is the same and that is: give us back Pennsylvania Avenue.”