US Politics Issue Post: DC Statehood (Written May 4th 2021)
The issue: The residents of DC (about 700k) do not have proper representation at the federal government level. They have no representative in either congress or the senate This is especially harmful because their city is basically controlled by the federal government (specifically congress) in all respects and congress basically does not care. The result of this has been one of the most poorly managed areas of the country and basically the residents of DC getting the shit end of the stick at all times.
It should be noted that this is a race issue as much as anything else. DC is primarily non white and the rights of DC citizens are being gutted by a primarily white federal government.
What DC statehood means: DC becomes a one city state. They get two senators and a number of congress reps. They get all the infrastructure of a state and a city to govern themselves. This would provide the city with proper representation and management.
It would also undeniably give a significant political power boost to the democrats, especially in the senate with 2 virtually guaranteed seats for the foreseeable future.
This would create a constitutional anomaly that will need to be fixed. As far as I can tell this is basically inconsequential and easily rectified because literally no one will want it to remain in place.
Purposed alternatives: All alternatives basically boil down to DC being absorbed into one or more surrounding states, becoming more or less a normal city in the USA. Republicans seem to be converging on making it a part of Maryland in order to dilute the DC populations political power as much as possible.
My position
I support statehood. DC is a unique city with way too many DC specific issues that would be glossed over if absorbed into another state. The proposals that it be cut up among multiple states are especially ridiculous and would basically ensure that DC residents are never able to move as a single people to address their unique issues.
From a pure ethical standpoint the fact that DC does not have proper representation is inexcusable. It is both incredibly racist and authoritarian how the DC population is currently governed. It is of the utmost ethical importance that this be rectified as soon as possible.
Also I want the democrats to have more power, plain and simple. The republicans have been throwing out all the rules in blatant power grabs for the last ten years. It is not so much that I want democrats to have power as I want something to counteract the actions of the out of control republican party.
This is a keystone issue. If we can pass DC statehood literally all progressive positions will become significantly easier to enact for all of the future of our country. As such, it is of the utmost importance on a strategic level for anyone who cares to improve our country.
Where we are at
A bill has passed in Congress. As long as the senate filibuster remains in place this issue is dead in the water. No progress will be made either way.
Major Players
Biden & Harris: Support statehood and are actively pushing for the bill to pass.
Republicans: Universally opposed for political power reasons.
Joe Manchin (Senator of West Virginia): Opposes eliminating the filibuster, opposes statehood via bill and insists on a constitutional amendment, which would be a first time this was ever required for the creation of a state.
I’m not going to be shy about this, Manchin is a piece of shit spineless centrist and holds more blame for lack of progress than basically any other one person in the country (at the moment). As long as this asshole remains the republican appeasing piece of trash that he is no major progress will be made on DC representation (along with a long list of other progressive items).
He also opposes statehood because he enjoys an immense amount of personal power as a swing senator in a 50-50 locked government.
What we can do
Support elimination of the filibuster: This is a must pass issue if we are going to get anything large scale done. What is more, there is some chance that we can flip a republican on the issue, especially republicans living in swing states. If you live in a swing state with a republican senator write your senator. Organize protests if possible, letter writing campaigns will be a great tool if not.
Concerning Joe Manchin: Outside of people living in West Virginia, unfortunately not much unless we are able to gather the will to go full scale protest mode over this. If you have a democrat senator, swing or not, write them to make it absolutely clear that you expect them to support DC statehood. We need every single democrat on board. In West Virginia any action to bring Manchin to task for his failure will be critical. Writing senators, writing news papers, protests, etc.
Shift the political landscape left on this issue: Target centrists and moderate democrats and conservatives throughout the country on the issue. Focus on grass root efforts, especially if you live in a swing state.
How to talk about the issue
Talk to your family and friends, focus on the idea of how critical representation is and how DC is a unique city with unique needs.
Do not be afraid to pull the racism card, it applies here.
Invoke Donald Trump and police abuses of the DC people last year during peaceful protests.
Point out that the DC residents will be forced to turn to increasingly desperate measures as they have no legal recourse to have their issues addressed.
When faced with the same situations the founding fathers turned to destructive riots, and that according to American precedent and values the citizens of DC would be entirely in the ethical right to do so now.
The fact that DC residents have not yet turned to destructive riots at a large scale is a sign of their commitment to peaceful resolution of the issue, but their patience will not and should not last much longer.
Anyone who embraces American ideals should support ANY effort of the DC people to secure their rights, including up to destructive protest if they decide to take it there, according to precedent and tradition established by the founding fathers and outlined in the declaration of independence.
Quote the declaration if you can, centrists and moderates love that shit. Invoke the Boston tea party.
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