claytonchilders.com

This blog will grow from my work, at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, work that I love, connecting the ministry of the church with making a difference in the world. Moving out of the pews into the streets to stand for progressive, faithful change.

About Me

Name:
Location: Manassas, Virginia, United States

I work with the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society which is located in the United Methodist Building next to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill. (amazing real estate!) In my work I train church leaders and members about faith and public policy issues and how they can be engaged in the process. I began work at GBCS Feb. 1, 2001. So George Bush has been in his office one week longer than me (a coincidence that's not my fault). In my previous life I served as a pastor in South Carolina and Virginia for about 16 years. Now my wife, Denise, is the only pastor in our family and I'm the pastor's spouse. We have two sensational daughters, Allison and Carly who are 21 and 17.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Washington DC - left out again

As many of us went to the polls yesterday to vote for senators and representatives, U.S. citizens living in Washington DC were once more left out.  Yes, as incredible as it sounds, people living in DC have no representative in congress (other than a Delegate who can’t vote on the floor, only in committee).  How is this democracy when we arbitrarily disenfranchise 550,521 of our own citizens.  There are more people living in DC than there are in Wyoming (population 479,602). Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota have similar populations.  All of these states have one full member of the house of Representatives, plus two senators.  How could this be.  Is this not taxation without representation.  Did we not learn anything from the American Revolution which was fought to give every person a voice in our democracy?  Could it be that Washington doesn’t count because Washington is 57% African American and everyone knows African Americans overwhelmingly support democrats.  This is an travesty of justice and must be addressed. Otherwise, we need to go ahead and turn in our “democracy credentials.” 

 

Rev. Clayton Childers

Director, Conference Relations

United Methodist General Board of Church and Society

(202)488-5642

 

posted by clayton childers | 3:12 PM

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