Okay, everybody here should already know that the citizens of the District of Columbia have no real representation on Capitol Hill. First, a primer, then, what you can do, both serious and symbolic.
If, in fact, you are not aware:
- DC residents were not able to vote for President until 1964.
- Our Budget (taxes raised by the District itself) must be approved by the Senate! (For history, see here) Which means not only is it disadvantageous to running a city, but they get to to say "Hey, we won't approve your budget without attaching X ridiculous rider to it." States rights, anyone?
- We have no Senator, no official Congressperson, we have a "non-voting delegate." She can vote on some things, but not many. We have the same power as Puerto Rico or Guam.
If you already know this and want to get to the guts, skip to the flip...
Things you can do to "celebrate" April 15:
First, Write/email/call your Senators and Reps to tell them that if they love freedom, that they support HR 398 IH/S 195 IS, the "No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2005," which was introduced by the Hon Eleanor Holmes Norton in the House and by Lieberman (say what you will, but...) in the Senate. (As opposed to some of the other "compromise" bills that would have us represented by a Maryland senator. Like they would actually do what we want them to? Riiight...
Second, Write letters to the editor. Most people are completely oblivious to the fact that anyone in the land of Freedom Fries doesn't have the right to representation.
Fun facts to include (from dcvote.org) to educate your readers:
DC residents are also soldiers "securing freedom" and making the ultimate sacrifice. Our National Guard was among the first to respond on Sept 11. They were in the first group to go into Afghanistan.
According to DC Vote:
WW I 635 casualties, more than 3 other states
WW II 3,575 casualties, more than 4 other states
Korean Conflict 547 casualties, more than 8 other states
Vietnam 243 casualties, more than 10 of the states
Iraq so far 3
Third, if you aren't good at writing LTEs or if you're feeling especially rebellious -- help us rename RFK Stadium to "Taxation Without Representation Field at RFK Stadium"! The naming rights for the stadium are for sale. This ingenius group had the idea that we could possibly buy the rights ourselves and let the world know. Never work, you say, well, this group is the only one with anything submitted in writing. One company wanted the rights and pulled out. It's only us. The Army weas rumored to have considered it. The deadline was actually up for bids and they extended it, but still no takers.
Help us make it happen -- $10, whatever. Make a pledge (no $ now) For background, link
Thanks everybody!