The Jewish News' editorial on March 16, “It is time for a voting rights compromise,” notes that D.C. statehood is “an issue worthy of serious consideration and support.” I agree and write to offer several reasons why.
In Talmud, Rabbi Hillel says “what is hateful to yourself, do not do to your fellow man.” In the early 1900s, both Arizona and D.C. desired to be admitted as states. Congress granted Arizona’s petition for statehood, yet over 100 years later, the 712,000 residents of D.C. remain without voting rights and representation that we now take for granted. Those in D.C. bear the responsibilities of citizenship without sharing its privileges. D.C. is home to 32,000 veterans, and residents pay more in taxes than 22 other states.