Rock Creek Park is lovely... it's enchanting. The creek's sounds soothe me as I walk alongside it. Strolling through Georgetown, appreciating the conservation and restoration of different landmarks representing USA history. Driving to Black Broadway to pick up something tasty from an Ethiopian restaurant. Sitting on the porch swing, watching the vehicles roll up and down the street, and people-watching. As I continue to swing, I reflect on how ahhhlllll the folks who reside in D.C. do not have representation in Congress, do not have voting power. How folks in D.C. are taxed at one of the highest rates in the nation with no representation in Congress. How Congress members from various states can overturn D.C. laws without any approval from D.C. citizens. How Congress took voting rights from D.C. citizens waaaaay back in the day once D.C. reached a majority Black population. That's right, taxation without representation, anti-Black tactics dating back to the late 1800s; 700,000+ citizens not treated as equal in the nation's capital... THE NATION'S CAPITAL!
People do not know that D.C. is not a state. Even on Washington, D.C. government forms, you have the 'state' field available with 'District of Columbia' as an option to select – why is that?? It makes no sense. Mayor Bowser, please do something about that. But it’s not just on D.C. forms, it’s on every form that I’ve ever completed where I must list my place of birth; and if I don’t put anything into the ‘state’ field, I receive an error stating that I must complete that section. The reason why this short field on a form makes such a huge impact is that the public sees these forms, and in turn, believes that D.C. is a state – hence believing that D.C.’s citizens have the same rights as other citizens in the United States (well, besides people in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico). This is why I’ve been asked “Which city in D.C. are you from?” I have myriad replies, “I’m from D.C., it’s only a city… Taxation without representation. Periodt… Violation of civil rights… Racism.” I just say all the words that illustrate the blatant disregard for D.C.’s citizens’ rights.
I escape the daze of injustice and once again re-focus onto the folks walking down the street… then I realize, “Dang, all my neighbors are gone. All the Black folks are gone.” *deep breaths*
Here's a great article on the HISTORY OF THE DC STATEHOOD BATTLE
SIGN THE PETITION FOR DC STATEHOOD, SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW CITIZEN