DC statehood

[Lizard Queen]

What do you all think about this? I read an article explaining the arguments. In the comments, others suggest the land, other than the federal buildings goes back to Maryland. I think I prefer that option, although it severely limits the political advantage of the move. I think that if a change is made, it should only be in order for the citizens of DC to have the same representation as the rest of us. I think a small city-state goes too far in the other direction.

What do folks living in the area think of that possibility--going back to Maryland? Is it a non-starter? Like, would Maryland refuse because it just brings big headaches?

[oped]

DC has more people than Wyoming... and a shitload of infrastructure. I agree it’s a big if on does Maryland even want it?

Puerto Rico needs statehood too.

[Lizard Queen]

Definitely Puerto Rico. Maybe Wyoming should be melded into surrounding states.

[Tennesseer]

trump doesn't want D.C. to gain statehood.  Stated it would be run by Democrates and the U.S. Senate does not need two more Democratic party senators. 

I won't get into the trump race issue of Wyoming being majority white while D.C. is majority black.

[Lizard Queen]

I would hope that this could be a principled change that isn't done for the political advantage of one party over another. Of course, there's no way that's going to happen with our Congress, so I'm sure they could find a neutral solution where the citizens of DC get better representation.

[thyme4change]

It is terribly unAmerican that they don't have congressional representation. I am in full support of them gaining the rights we have bestowed on other citizens. I don't really care how it happens, even if one way would benefit me politically.

I also think we should restore voting rights on people who have served their time in jail and are now out and about.

[oped]

Jun 30, 2020 8:05:25 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

It is terribly unAmerican that they don't have congressional representation. I am in full support of them gaining the rights we have bestowed on other citizens. I don't really care how it happens, even if one way would benefit me politically.

I also think we should restore voting rights on people who have served their time in jail and are now out and about.

Particularly given how minorities are over represented in felony charges. 

[justme]

Jun 30, 2020 8:05:25 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

It is terribly unAmerican that they don't have congressional representation. I am in full support of them gaining the rights we have bestowed on other citizens. I don't really care how it happens, even if one way would benefit me politically.

I also think we should restore voting rights on people who have served their time in jail and are now out and about.

That's apparently a political thing too. Desantis has done everything he can to stop felons from voting in Florida after a statewide vote to give them the right back. The latest court try was smacked down, but he's still trying.

[thyme4change]

Jun 30, 2020 8:24:02 GMT -5 justme said:

Jun 30, 2020 8:05:25 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

It is terribly unAmerican that they don't have congressional representation. I am in full support of them gaining the rights we have bestowed on other citizens. I don't really care how it happens, even if one way would benefit me politically.

I also think we should restore voting rights on people who have served their time in jail and are now out and about.

That's apparently a political thing too. Desantis has done everything he can to stop felons from voting in Florida after a statewide vote to give them the right back. The latest court try was smacked down, but he's still trying.

The practice was born of racist roots, and encouraged the justice system to be unfair. The restoration of rights is being denounced by racists.

[oped]

Have you watched 13th ? Its not an easy watch, but basically we supplanted slavery with Jim Crow and then with mass incarceration.  The entire system needs to be pulled down and restructured. 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jun 29, 2020 18:02:03 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

What do you all think about this? I read an article explaining the arguments. In the comments, others suggest the land, other than the federal buildings goes back to Maryland. I think I prefer that option, although it severely limits the political advantage of the move. I think that if a change is made, it should only be in order for the citizens of DC to have the same representation as the rest of us. I think a small city-state goes too far in the other direction.

What do folks living in the area think of that possibility--going back to Maryland? Is it a non-starter? Like, would Maryland refuse because it just brings big headaches?

why? do you live in dc or maryland?

What is the definition of a state? Any area that says it is and congress says - ok - you're a state?


If DC wants to be a state, why not have them go for it?

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Jun 30, 2020 8:11:34 GMT -5 oped said:

Jun 30, 2020 8:05:25 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

It is terribly unAmerican that they don't have congressional representation. I am in full support of them gaining the rights we have bestowed on other citizens. I don't really care how it happens, even if one way would benefit me politically.

I also think we should restore voting rights on people who have served their time in jail and are now out and about.

Particularly given how minorities are over represented in felony charges. 

That was a huge motivation for pot becoming illegal on the federal level.   Now not only do you have a reason to arrest civil rights activists you can strip them of their ability to vote you out of office.

[Lizard Queen]

Jun 30, 2020 8:42:07 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Jun 29, 2020 18:02:03 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

What do you all think about this? I read an article explaining the arguments. In the comments, others suggest the land, other than the federal buildings goes back to Maryland. I think I prefer that option, although it severely limits the political advantage of the move. I think that if a change is made, it should only be in order for the citizens of DC to have the same representation as the rest of us. I think a small city-state goes too far in the other direction.

What do folks living in the area think of that possibility--going back to Maryland? Is it a non-starter? Like, would Maryland refuse because it just brings big headaches?

why? do you live in dc or maryland?

What is the definition of a state? Any area that says it is and congress says - ok - you're a state?


If DC wants to be a state, why not have them go for it?

Because Maryland gave up that land in the first place to create DC. There was a specific reason for creating DC separately from the states in the first place, so that the capital wouldn't be a part of any of the states in the union. Also, I don't think creating new ministates is a very efficient use of resources.

And no, I don't live there. That's why I wrote the OP to see what the people who actually do, think about the whole thing. Would they be cool becoming part of Maryland, or not really? I can see Maryland not wanting the headache, but I could foresee it becoming gentrified quickly when subjected to a different tax structure.

[TheOtherMe]

I think both DC and Puerto Rico should become states in their own right.  Neither gets equal representation and we now terrible Puerto Rico was treated after the hurricane.