As the only American city under direct congressional control, Washington has served historically as a testing ground for federal policy initiatives and social experiments -- with decidedly mixed results. Well-intentioned efforts to introduce measures of socialjustice for the district's largely black population have failed. Yet federal plans and federal money have successfully created a monumental federal presence -- a triumph, argues Howard Gillette, of beauty over justice. Beginning in 1790, Gillette traces the ambiguous ...
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As the only American city under direct congressional control, Washington has served historically as a testing ground for federal policy initiatives and social experiments -- with decidedly mixed results. Well-intentioned efforts to introduce measures of socialjustice for the district's largely black population have failed. Yet federal plans and federal money have successfully created a monumental federal presence -- a triumph, argues Howard Gillette, of beauty over justice. Beginning in 1790, Gillette traces the ambiguous legacy of congressional involvement in Washington's urban development.
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