Seriously, how much more ironic could this be?

Queen Elizabeth II is visiting Washington today. Washington was named for one of the leaders of the fight for independence against the repressive British empire — then led by King George III — a battle that was in part provoked by a general frustration with the levying of taxes and the denial of representation.

And yet, over 200 years later, the residents of Washington still pay taxes and lack formal representation in the U.S. Congress. And while we enjoy the right to choose our local leaders, their decisions are still subject to review and rejection from members of Congress, few of which can logically claim to represent the city’s residents (Rep. Louie Gohmert excepted, of course). Way back when, people in these conditions were called “subjects.”

In recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Washington, today we’re proposing a one-day retrocession to the United Kingdom. So for what’s left of the day, we should all speak in cockney accents, take an hour off for afternoon tea, drive on the left, refer to Metro as “the tube,” drink warm beer at a local pub and read Londonist. OK, so really we’re just looking for an excuse to cut out early and go drink beer, warm or any other variety. Who’s with us?