[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   STATEMENT SUPPORTING SELF-GOVERNMENT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to voice my 
unequivocal support of the right of the 600,000 residents of the 
District of Columbia to be self-governed. There is no reason on Earth 
that these American citizens must take orders from the federal 
government on how best to use locally-collected tax dollars. The 
federal government already dictates to them how they must use their 
federal taxes. Now this body wants to deny them the freedom to decide 
what to do with their local taxes.
  We have heard a lot of talk in recent days about how much we as 
Americans cherish our freedom and liberty. Yet, there are those among 
us who believe that freedom and liberty ends for residents of the 
District of Columbia when they make decisions contrary to their wishes 
and beliefs. The District of Columbia, like any other local 
jurisdiction, should have the right to pass its own laws and spend its 
own local-taxpayer raised funds without congressional interference.
  I am certain most of you would resist federal interference in the 
local affairs of your cities and counties. Whether it involves matters 
of health, safety or the education of children in your Districts--these 
are decisions best left to the people who must live or die with their 
choices.
  Who are we in this body to ram our beliefs and ideology down the 
throats of others? I understand why my colleague Congresswoman Eleanor 
Holmes Norton and the people of the District of Columbia are angry and 
upset. I urge you to let the people of the District of Columbia decide 
what to do with their tax dollars.
  If liberty and self-governance is available for some Americans, then 
it should be given to all Americans.

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