Don't give up the fight

The April 19, 2011 letter sent to Mayor Vincent Gray from more than 100 members of Congress regarding reinstatement of the ban on District funding of abortions for low-income women demonstrates why District residents must continue to fight for statehood and free this city from its Congressional shackles. 

I found the letter to be very disrespectful to our Mayor. The tone of the correspondence is condescending and patronizing, and its authors have temerity to suggest that our Mayor would consider breaking the law and continue District funding of abortions for low-income women.

Some have focused on this matter as a debate on pro life versus pro choice. But to me, the issue at hand is the right of self-determination. This is about the residents of the District of Columbia, through their elected representatives, having the right to determine how local dollars are spent.

Because of this city’s unique status as a “district,” its residents have been denied the basic tenants of democracy—full representation in the House and Senate, and the budget autonomy granted to the 50 states that comprise the union.

Today, the sticking point is the funding of abortions. Tomorrow, it might some other issue, like funding for needle exchange programs. And until we achieve statehood, we will continue to be fodder for Congressional legislators and other special interest groups who want to impose their will on the residents of the District of Columbia.

So, we must continue the fight. Instances like this, where we are a pawn traded away as part of a larger end game, should not discourage us, but make us stronger and more determined than ever. As Bob Marley said, “Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight.”

Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr. is the D.C. Councilmember representing Ward 5.