The summary is:
The text is a transcript of a segment from the show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, where he discusses the lack of representation and autonomy for the residents of Washington DC. He explains the historical and political reasons why DC is not a state and how Congress often interferes with its local laws and budget. He argues that DC deserves a vote or statehood and makes fun of the arguments against it. He also changes the song that lists the 50 states to include DC and its plight.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. America is made up of 50 states and a federal district called Washington DC.
2. Washington DC does not have full representation in Congress, meaning its residents cannot vote on federal laws or taxes.
3. Washington DC has a larger population and a higher GDP than some states, but Congress has the power to override its local laws and budget.
4. Congress has used this power to block or interfere with DC's decisions on issues such as needle exchange, abortion, and marijuana legalization.
5. DC's lack of voting rights is unique among democracies and has been criticized by figures such as the Dalai Lama and President Obama.
6. DC has tried to get a voting representative or statehood for decades, but has faced resistance and indifference from Congress.
7. The current flag has 50 stars, one for each state, but a 51-star flag could be used if DC became a state.