THE OPPOSITION

The right to full participation in our democratic process should be the birthright of every American citizen and not denied Washingtonians just because they reside in the capital city.

During the recent Statehood Debate in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Republication opponents promised to appeal statehood on constitutional grounds all the way to the Supreme Court to stop D.C. from becoming the 51st State.

But there is nothing in the constitution that prohibits Congress from making D.C. a state. Using the principles of non-violent direct action, leveraging economic power, and civil disobedience the members of the Douglass Commonwealth Coalition plan to organize Americans and supporters of democracy everywhere to demand Statehood for D.C. now.

End Taxation Without Representation!

D.C. residents are the only Americans required to pay federal taxes and at the same time denied voting representation in Congress.

Achieve Self-determination!

Congress exercises tyrannical control over the lives of D.C. citizens, with the right to veto legislation, fire elected officials, and change the form of government at any time.

Achieve Budget Autonomy!

Congress seizes locally raised tax revenue and tells D.C. taxpayers how they can and cannot spend their own money.

Restore Full Democracy!

D.C. citizens are denied the fundamental human right to self-determination. D.C. is operated under a "home-rule" system in which Congress holds the governing power, and each member of Congress is a supreme overlord above every D.C. citizen.