Why were D.C. residents gathered outside Representative Trent Franks (R-Arizona) office this week? Residents mobilized by DC Vote protested against Franks’ bill that would disallow abortions in D.C. after 20 weeks, and the fact that he didn’t allow Delegate Norton to speak at the hearing. If Franks wants to ignore our Home Rule and stamp Arizona politics on D.C. residents then why shouldn’t we ask him to address other constituent concerns, like metro repairs and broken street lights?

On the Rachel Maddow Show, Del. Norton called Franks’ bill a “straight-out cowardly case of bullying.” She said:

Here you have a bill that affects only my district, no other districts in the United States, which signals out to the residents of the District of Columbia and says, ‘You women will not be subject to the constitutional mandate of Roe versus Wade. You alone can have an abortion only until 20 weeks. By the way, don’t talk to us about how this violates the 14th Amendment as well, which treats you differently from women in other states. Not only are we going to try to impose that on you, but we don’t want to hear from the only voice you have in the house, you have no voice in the senate; we shut her up, so we don’t hear from D.C. residents at all.

This issue reminds Washingtonians of the ways in which the federal has been meddling with our affairs for years. For instance, passing same-sex marriage legislation was a great victory but it only marked the beginning of a longer fight we are reminded of today.  The District’s status as a non-state means that opponents of marriage equality can wait for a more friendly Congress to prohibit same-sex marriage from taking place. Legislation already in place, including rights to have a safe abortion, that is threatened allows us the opportunity to defend and demand something finally be done about an injustice –  taxation without representation.

Norton said to Maddow: “[L]et me tell you something about us, we know how to fight back.”

#BusboysGood: AJ Head

#BusboysGood: AJ Head

Busboys and Poets Events Manager AJ Head talks to us about tranisitioning and his creative life.

IMG 6188

Our Annual New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch

It’s that time of year again to rummage through your closet for your most stylish pajamas for our annual New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch! This is our 15th pajama brunch and it’s always a great photo op with family and friends. We’ll be open at 8 AM at all locations on 1/1/20 with $5 mimosas … Continued

Busboys and Poets Books Review: From Headshops to Whole Foods

Busboys and Poets Books Review: From Headshops to Whole Foods

From Head Shops to Whole Foods by Joshua Clark Davis is a scholarly examination of activist entrepreneurs who use business as a tool to enact social and political change. It’s a far-reaching subject to dedicate this sort of academic rigor to, and the author limits his examination to four subjects: African American bookstores, head shops, … Continued

holiday

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Gift Cards

Delight a friend, family member, co-worker or maybe even yourself with a gift cards to Busboys and Poets! Our gift cards can be used to purchase food (mmm sweet potato pancakes), drinks (Langston Cooler, anyone?), books and any other items sold at our bookstore. This includes Busboys merch, notebooks, cards and other fun gifts. Send a physical … Continued