Friday, March 23, 2007
Blue Dogs howl when tails caught
OK, I almost missed this. Thanks to my friend, and lurker, K. Kat, for bringing it to my attention.
House Republicans derailed efforts yesterday (Thursday) to give the District congressional representation when they injected the city's gun ban into the debate and turned an expected vote into a tumult.
Read all about it from The Washington Times.
Two things.
Uno. There is one right and honorable -- and constitutional -- way to give people living in the District of Columbia full representation in Congress: Make the District of Columbia into a state. The Dem leadership is being sneaky here.
Two-o. The Repubs successed in playing the Blue Dogs off against liberal Democrats. It wasn't the first time, and it won't be the last. Libs ignore the Dogs at their own peril.
--ER
House Republicans derailed efforts yesterday (Thursday) to give the District congressional representation when they injected the city's gun ban into the debate and turned an expected vote into a tumult.
Read all about it from The Washington Times.
Two things.
Uno. There is one right and honorable -- and constitutional -- way to give people living in the District of Columbia full representation in Congress: Make the District of Columbia into a state. The Dem leadership is being sneaky here.
Two-o. The Repubs successed in playing the Blue Dogs off against liberal Democrats. It wasn't the first time, and it won't be the last. Libs ignore the Dogs at their own peril.
--ER
Comments:
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As a former resident of the District of Columbia, yet a transitory one (I lived for four years on a theological seminary campus, and only voted in one local election, concurrent with a national one), I am conflicted over the statehood issue, but I agree with your basic point.
One plan I saw in the early '90's would have provided for Congressional control over all "National Areas" - the Capitol, the Mall & Smithsonian, the White House, all Federal Property, essentially (kind of like in local municipalities, where the feds own the Post Office and Army recruitment offices), leaving residential areas to local control. The problem, of course, is what, exactly constitutes "federal property" - does that include areas where members of Congress and their staffers live? As inept and corrupt as the DC Police force historically has been, I can see why they might want protection from uniformed federal marshals. It isn't an easy nut to crack, and my jaw isn't that strong, so I leave it to my betters. Any thoughts?
One plan I saw in the early '90's would have provided for Congressional control over all "National Areas" - the Capitol, the Mall & Smithsonian, the White House, all Federal Property, essentially (kind of like in local municipalities, where the feds own the Post Office and Army recruitment offices), leaving residential areas to local control. The problem, of course, is what, exactly constitutes "federal property" - does that include areas where members of Congress and their staffers live? As inept and corrupt as the DC Police force historically has been, I can see why they might want protection from uniformed federal marshals. It isn't an easy nut to crack, and my jaw isn't that strong, so I leave it to my betters. Any thoughts?
Ideas? How about the entire population of D.C. going on a non-violent strike until they give them Statehood. Simply sit down and refuse to do anything or move. I think that about a week before the Annual Budget is schedualled to be passed would be good timing.
It might make it more effective if American Samoa, Puerto Rico, et. al. would join them.
It might make it more effective if American Samoa, Puerto Rico, et. al. would join them.
# posted by 
: 8:44 PM
: 8:44 PM
Except, of course, DC was never supposed to be a major metro area, and wasn't really until about 1940 or so. The reason it was created the way it is is because it was always conceived as the home away from home of Congress, who would have a voice in its governance, so in a way, it was conceived, originally, very democratically (it would be governed by those who lived and worked there). Now, of course, this idea has outgrown its usefulness to some degree, but there is still the fact that it is our nation's capital, and its sole purpose as an independent entity (not a part of Maryland or Virginia) is because it serves as seat of our national government. I still insist it is a tough nut to crack.
I think we need to move the functions of the Federal Government to a new city in the sand hills of Western Nebraska and give D.C. back to Maryland and turn it into one giant national museum and theme park.
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# posted by : 11:48 AM
: 11:48 AM << Home
