D.C. Mayor Gray calls for 'full independence' for his district

D.C. Mayor Gray calls for 'full independence' for his district

2011-07-04 11:41:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- District of Columbia (D.C.) Mayor Vincent Gray on Monday renewed his calls for 'full independence' of his district as the country marks Independence Day.

Independence Day, which is commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. The national day is commonly celebrated with fireworks, parades, ceremonies, and other public and private events to celebrate the history of the United States.

The status of D.C., the U.S. capital, has been an issue for years with some calling for the district to be declared a state, giving it more political powers. Others have argued against it as some prefer the head of the American government to be located in an area that is not part of any of the 50 states.

"Independence Day in the nation's capital is a magnificent experience," said Mayor Gray on Monday. "Each year, millions join us for 'A Capital Fourth.' The 4th of July is a time for all Americans to come together and celebrate their shared history."

But, Gray noted, D.C. residents pay more than $3.8 billion in federal taxes each year while they are not represented by a voting member of Congress. The U.S. Constitution requires that voting Senators and Representatives are derived from states, which Gray calls a clear example of 'taxation without representation.'

Gray said D.C. operates largely as a state but is subject to direct interference in its governance by Congress. The Mayor said he is committed to working with Congress and President Barack Obama to secure 'full representation and autonomy' for the district, although it is unlikely that it status will change anytime soon.

A statement from Gray's office said the district is being treated unfairly.

Similar issues are also a hot topic in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico where some would prefer the island in the Caribbean Sea to become a U.S. state, while others want Puerto Rico to become an independent country.

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