Should Arlington Be Reunited with Washington DC?

Introduction

For years, various discussions have revolved around the potential reunification of Arlington County with the District of Columbia. However, such a move faces significant challenges and no real backing.

In recent months, some individuals and even a few local politicians have suggested that Arlington, which is currently part of Virginia, rejoin Washington DC. Yet, such a proposal raises numerous questions and concerns about the practicality and appropriateness of the move.

The Current Standings

Zach Perucca, a(NAME NOT PROVIDING) in Arlington, clarifies that it's incorrect to consider Arlington as part of Washington DC. Historically, Arlington has been part of Virginia since it was named, and it remains squarely within Virginia territory. This brings into question the rationale behind any push for reunification.

Perucca further argues that if the District of Columbia (DC) were to become a state, it should instead restore parts of itself to Maryland and Virginia that were originally taken from them. This perspective highlights a potential shift in territorial division to address historical imbalances.

Public Opinion and Reunion Possibilities

The question remains: would Arlingtonians and DC inhabitants be in favor of such a reunion? Surveying the populace is crucial in determining community sentiment.

Perucca poses relevant inquiries, such as whether DC wants to reunite with Arlington, or if Virginia would be willing to cede Arlington back after 175 years of being part of the commonwealth. He emphasizes that any decision should be based on the will of the citizens directly affected.

Legal and Political Constraints

The Constitution of the United States restricts the possibility of a simple reunification. Article IV, Section 3 specifies that land can only be added to or taken from a state with the consent of the state. This means that both Virginia and the proposed New Columbia (if DC achieves statehood) would have to agree to the potential cession of Arlington County.

Such a move is highly improbable given several factors. Arlington, with its substantial political and economic power, would benefit little from becoming part of DC. In the state and federal political arenas, Arlington wields considerable influence.

Economically, Arlington is known for its high-end real estate and corporate infrastructure, which provide significant tax revenue for Virginia. Therefore, there is no incentive for Virginia to give up such advantages.

Conclusion

In sum, the reunification of Arlington with Washington DC is not a feasible or desirable proposition. Any attempt to forcibly reunite the counties would face substantial obstacles and would not align with the constitutional guidelines and the best interests of the affected parties.

The key takeaway is that any territorial changes should respect the wishes of the affected population and align with legal constraints. Until there is a clear and overwhelming consensus for such a change, the current arrangement of Arlington as part of Virginia is likely to remain intact.