Since its founding, the people of the District have not enjoyed the same rights as other Americans. As a result, Washingtonians are expected to bear the burdens and duties of citizenship and obedience to the laws while having no say in their creation, a major inequity in a republic that purports to stand for liberty and justice for all.   

This blog will examine the background of this inequality and feature the voices of LWVDC members and District residents who are currently undergoing illegitimate occupation by National Guard troops because of their lack of statehood.