"There are no problems that exist in the District that have been solved elsewhere in the country. Whatever problems exist in this city exist other places"

This quote by Chaka Fattah is highlighting the truth that the District of Columbia is not special in its battles. The issues that exist in the District are not unique to the city, but are shared by numerous other cities and towns across the nation. Fattah is suggesting that the District must not be viewed as a separated case, however rather as part of a larger national problem. He is also implying that the services to the District's problems need to not be limited to the District, however must be looked for from other cities and towns that have actually already discovered success in resolving similar issues. By acknowledging the shared nature of the District's problems, Fattah is motivating the District to look beyond its own borders for solutions.