Imagine wrapping yourself in that little number.

What are the arguments against DC statehood?

QT

the main arguement is that black folks vote Democrat

OK... I'll assume that's snark. But seriously - what's the real argument here? I see from Yglesias's article that part of the issue is the need for a "federal district" - what's that all about? Why do we need a federal district? Is that mandated in the constitution? Etc.

QT

Puerto Rico too!

Let's keep it an even number of states.

I love the idea... where do I sign...

Well... I went and looked up the issue and unbelievably, there is no legitimate case against DC statehood - it's just a political hot potato. I owe Lee an apology. :( (SORRY!)

There does seem to be a legitimate alternative, which is to cede the same area Yglesias proposes for statehood back to Maryland, as the City of Columbia, instead of the State of New Columbia. Apparently Maryland folks might not like the idea too much - but again, this would only be for political reasons, not for any legitimate concerns.

Hmmm.

QT

The residents of DC who advocate statehood use the "Taxation without representation" slogan, and that is a legitimate issue. But it seems another easy solution would be to make DC residents exempt from federal income tax. There's probably good arguments against this, but I don't see it mentioned as an alternative in any of the discussions.

Not that I'm opposed to statehood or anything but wouldn't another alternative just be to give their current elected representative voting rights in the House?

I was only being slightly snarky...

The fact is the D.C. statehood would mean Democratic pickups in the Congress. That makes us happy and them sad.