John Capozzi

How to motivate DC: A Proposal by John Capozzi and Timothy Cooper

Develop legislation that would dedicate a prominent and highly visible monument space somewhere in downtown DC where a statue could one day be built in honor of the person or persons who most contributed to the eventual securing of statehood for the District of Columbia.

Perhaps even today, a pedestal could be erected in that very location on which the future statue would one day eventually sit. There could even be placed on it a huge block of un-chiseled marble, as if to urge people on. Additionally, 4 large plaques would be on each side of the base that would allow for all the names of the individuals who have been arrested, elected or assisted in the effort to make DC the 51^stState.

Such a proposition would be very meaningful from a strategic standpoint, as it would tacitly acknowledge to everyone just how important it is for DC residents to get involved in the DC equal rights campaign--that is to say, how critical it is that each D.C. resident personally contribute to the cause. In a sense, it would be throwing down the gauntlet to every resident of the District of Columbia to do what they can--to make a difference--to change D.C. history.

It would also serve to help elevate the issue by publicly acknowledging that DC--its leaders and activists--thinks that statehood is sufficiently important to the dignity of the people of Washington, D.C. that it would want to honor the person or persons most responsible for helping bring it about in the form of a tribute for all time.

Funding could be obtained from Foundations and donations from supporters at no cost to the DC Government.