[mgj-discuss] Help Make October 1st a B.A.D. Day in DC

[Adam Eidinger]

October 1st Will be a B.A.D. Day in DC
B.A.D.=Budget Autonomy for the District

We've had enough. October 1, 2003, the beginning of the fiscal year, 
will be a B.A.D. Day for those in support of full Democracy for the 
District of Columbia. On the day DC residents are formally 
disenfranchised and democracy is disabled, we will fight back. Using 
diverse tactics, such as lobbying, petitioning, and protesting, District 
residents and friends of democracy will push for an end to DC's 
underclass status. We will demand budget autonomy as a first step--and 
begin a concerted new fight for freedom, statehood, and voting rights.

Help make B.A.D. Day a major city happening that grows each year, until 
we get our democratic rights! The first planning meeting for B.A.D. Day 
will be Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 11am at the Flemming Center [1422-26 
9th St. NW].

Residents of the District of Columbia have had bad days since Article I, 
Section 8, Paragraph 17 of the U.S. Constitution allowed Congress to 
have "exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over" the area 
that was to become Washington, DC.  DC residents have been denied 
fundamental rights--ones that most Americans consider essential for a 
democracy.

Unlike states, we don't elect or appoint our judges; instead they are 
appointed by the President. Unlike states, we have no representation in 
Congress, yet Congress can overturn our local laws. Unlike states, we 
are the 'Federal City'--we pay federal taxes, we serve on federal juries 
we are subjected to all federal laws--yet, we have no formal say in the 
federal government.  

On Wednesday, October 1, 2003, we will take a stand:

For every time federal legislation has passed without DC residents
getting a chance to weigh in;

For every time the District's budget priorities have been delayed 
because Congress won't pass the DC Appropriations Bills by the start of 
the fiscal year;

For every time Congress offends local democracy by passing our budget 
for us;  

For every time our voter-approved referenda, initiatives and recalls 
have been overturned by overzealous Members of Congress; and

For every time we have demanded change and been ignored;

We've had enough. Enough is enough!

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