The Loudest City with the Quietest Voice

in Student's Blog, Summer 2016
August 11th, 2016

by Christina Lucas (Summer 2016) 

This summer I had the opportunity to become a part of the Washington D.C. community, culture, and politics. By the end of the summer, I had mastered the art of running down the escalator to catch the 8:50am train, engaged in numerous presidential candidate debates, and volunteered at the local elementary schools. Before arriving to D.C. I imagined “a city on professional overdrive”, a heaven for political junkies. Washington D.C. did not fail to embody this persona (and I loved every part of it); however, this beautiful, historic, and patriotic city had so much more to offer then I could have ever imagined.
Between the casual Sunday museum strolls to the Friday Night scene in Adams Morgan and everything in between, this city encompasses a one of a kind lifestyle. This vibrant city is filled with top academic scholars, hard working Americans, and the future of tomorrow. Therefore, when Walter and Lisa asked us what issue made us tick, the answer was simple and all around me. Every day on my way to work, every Friday field trip, and every city excursion, I came across posters, “DC Statehood”. After all the people I met, all places I saw, and all the conversations I had, I still cannot comprehend how a city that is so educated on political issues, has such a small voice on the matter.

Believe it or not, Washington D.C. has no representation in the senate and has on represented in congress, but they don’t have voting rights. The Washington Statehood movement has been ongoing since 1801, D.C. people have been fighting for the rights that were the foundation of this country’s democracy. Therefore, it is not an unreasonable to demand a voice on the laws that they will abide by. Also, Washington D.C. isn’t any small town. It has approximately 600,000 residents, more than the state of Wyoming. Washington D.C pays $1.6 billion a year in federal tax. Washington D.C. has a larger economy than 14 states. So if the constitutional integrity of giving everyone equal representation wasn’t enough, these facts prove how much of a contribution Washingtonians are to this country.

During my time in D.C., I had the opportunity to work at a think tank known as The Foreign Policy Initiative. My job entailed keeping up with current events and managing my own research projects throughout the summer. I had the chance to go to briefings on the hill, give presentations in front of my policy director, and engage in conversation with all the intellectual people in my office. The office culture was always discussing what the newest event of the day. Even between the interns, we were always challenging each other on our opinions of issues that would be effecting our future. Everyone was so in tuned with everything around them and they thrived on always learning more about the issues. Therefore, how is it that some of the most intellectual people I have ever engaged with have no say at all on the issues they precisely research for a living? The think tank I worked for held various conference calls and candidate briefings to advise and educate the politicians on the hill, yet they don’t have their own politician to advocate for them.

On every Friday Field Trip, there was never a time I didn’t see a bunch of little posters advocating for “DC Statehood” outside the metro stop. Whether it was on a walking tour with Dan King or a visit to the White house, every inch of the city is covered in these signs. As I said before, Washington D.C. isn’t just all about the political and international issues, within the city lies a multitude of social issues effecting everyday Americans. My favorite field trip of the summer was our volunteer trip to DC Prep, it showcased a whole other world of DC that many people do not think of when they think of our nations capital. It was an eye opening experience to volunteer at a school with a mission, “to bridge the educational divide in Washington, DC by increasing the number of students from under-served communities with the academic preparation and personal character.” Although most of the students came from underprivileged communities, their eyes were filled with hope and their smiles could brighten anyone’s day. Schools such as DC prep work hard to ensure every child has a successful future. This city faces education and community poverty issues everyday, yet they do not have a representative advocating and voting for reform bills… its truly shocking.

Another part of the BUDC program that challenged me to think in ways I never had before was Professor Colliers “Democracy and Democratization” course. This course delved into the question, “what is a democracy”? Not as simple to answer as you may think. Throughout this course, we had the opportunity to have open discussions on a variety of topics, including what a democracy is composed of and is America a democracy? One of the topics we discussed was “DC Statehood” and the pros and cons of having the district become a state. We all debated back and fourth the issue, bringing up arguments such as “taxation without representation” and how “DC Statehood” would effect politics, blue vs. red state. Our class could go for hours arguing with each other about a topic like this, fortunately Professor Collier was there to change the slide to the next topic of debate. The course offered an insight to the core values of democracy and really put into perspective how our world has evolved and the the future to come. By far one of the most interesting classes, I recommend it to anyone.

Outside of my internship and my classes, I had time to explore the city and really get a feel of what it was like to be a part of the community. I enjoyed my classic weekend adventures in Adams Morgan: first a visit to my favorite Irish pub Shenanigans, then a dance party at Johnny Pistolas, and finally a jumbo slice for the walk home. I visited countless Smithsonian Museums and Art Galleries. I participated in the D.C. Pride festival and saw the city shine through the colors of the rainbow. I ventured into different districts and (attempted) to try every type of food possible. I learned that ‘D.C. Brunch’ was a marathon not a sprint and happy hour is the best place to find your next job. Ultimately, I was able to share all these experiences with incredible people and make ever lasting friendships (Floor 3 is the best floor)! I loved every part of my BUDC experience and I cannot wait to someday become a resident of this extraordinary city. Hopefully by then, the country will have realized all the city has to offer, and allow the residents to have equal representation in Congress. Until then, Washingtonians will keep fighting for their rights and prospering as a community.

 

Christina is a Senior studying International Relations and Economic and interned at The Foreign Policy Initiative.