Saturday, February 28, 2009

How many years have we debated DC?

I'm a huge fan of our Constitution, and I always find it funny when Congress argues about the constitutionality of something when we have so many things that happen that were not what our founding fathers anticipated. Like taxes...Or blacks and women voting...So I have a hard time using the argument that DC doesn't deserve congressional representation because the constitution didn't give it to them. Frankly, perhaps DC should become a State, but I'm not sure of the constitutionality of that being allowed to take place, because of Article 1, Section 8:

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;


This would appear to prevent DC from being able to be a state, but Congress did decide in 1973, to enact the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allowed residents to elect a mayor and a city council. Personally if they are not going to be allowed to become a state, or they are not going to be allowed to have equal representation than perhaps they shouldn't be taxed, unlike Puerto Rico or Guam, which also have non-voting delegates, citizens of the District of Columbia are subject to all U.S. federal taxes. Which is why so many feel this is taxation without representation...

This topic has been discussed for quite some time, recently in 2007 it was the "hot topic" for discussion. Now it's come up again and both those for and against are making some of the same arguments few addressing the easiest solution, if you want DC to be like Puerto Rico and Guam? Quit making them pay federal taxes...If you want their money? Give them representation...

13 comments:

Barga said...

An amendment would override that section
We could make DC a state, or not. The government did anticipate territories and not giving them a say in congress so I am sure that this part doesn't fall into the non-anticipatory clause

that said, last two posts on my website (from Whalertly) talk about this in detail

Unknown said...

That was an interesting read Barga...Though I have to say I expected something from you, it was a bit different...

Barga said...

what did you expect?
it was written by Whalertly, not by Barga

Unknown said...

It is a bit confusing to have him post using the name of the blog.

Someone new to the blog would assume it's his blog. You might want to add a brief list of those who are contributors on the sidebar or update your "About" page.

Barga said...

What would you expect from me in terms of what I would post?

that said... I will have a post on it tomorrow, just for you

Unknown said...

That creates a challenging scenario for me to answer you without dissing Whalertly...

So, how about I suggest that in reading past posts of yours, I have found them to be a bit more detailed in their reasoning and without using the word "sucka".

:-)

Unknown said...

As a ps, you don't have to write a special post on my account, you can share your reasoning on his post and I'll be sure to read/comment.

:-)

Barga said...

email me?
does that work?


also... do you want me to reword his post in a more logical manner?

Unknown said...

I can email you, and I don't think you should reword his post, he appears to have his own style and you have yours.

It's not meant as a diss at him, not everyone posts in the same style and you do a nice job when you are focusing on a topic in detail.

Barga said...

i will make my own version of his post (similar reasoning, however), but the post just for you happens to be explaining the persons

Unknown said...

On that, I wouldn't recommend a post, I'd recommend either putting a list of those who post on the sidebar or updating the "About" page. That way any future new readers will have an easy to find method of knowing who's who.

You've put on the blog the basic that new people are posting, but you want to at least list them.

Unknown said...

Barga, email at your gmail.

:-)

Barga said...

I covered it, does it work better for you?

http://whalertly.blogspot.com/2009/03/bargarian-view-on-dc-voting-rights.html