SEIZE THE TIME!
Immediately after Biden declares victory, announce the date for DC Statehood. Establish a working group to write the new state’s Constitution. Waiting for the new Democratic Leadership to ‘invite’ you to begin that months-long process is a passive expectation unworthy of the new, dynamic state. Adopt a dual strategy of negotiating with the Federal Government, but also present them with a series of accomplished feats.
Set the new State’s goal for admission to the Union as: July 4, 2021.
The Constitution Working Group should have the Draft Constitution ready for adoption by an April/May District-wide Referendum. Anticipate a June election for the new state exec. and legislative body, and the appointment of a new state judiciary.
Campaign Funding: Treat DC Statehood as a local/national political campaign. Using grassroots ‘Go-Fund-Me’ as a kick-off initial effort that will ignite local and national awareness and support for the effort.
National leaders like Barack and Michele Obama, Eric Holder and others, would excel as members of the DC Statehood Advisory Board and as vocal advocates and moral beacons campaigning for the cause.
Work with Mayor Bowser, the DC Council, and stakeholders. Mobilize and involve the District’s disenfranchised 700,000+ citizens into order to raise expectations. Also put expectations on the Federal government. Recognize that lack of imagination, failure, the status quo, and an inability to act, are sadly the natural state of many elected leaders. But remember, above all, two old adages, (1) if you want a friend in DC, get a dog, and (2) shyness never got anyone anywhere.
Expect Fierce Opposition: The Republicans will fight it. Ignore them! And remember that opposition will not just come from Republicans.
Rep Holmes-Norton, If not you? Who? If not now? When?
