The US Territories

[Valmy]

So glad John Oliver did this bit last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CesHr99ezWE

It has always been a point of annoyance that the Territories have this frankly un-American status. My position has always been each one needs to decide to join as a state (or part of a state or something) or go independent but territory status was always supposed to be an expedient. It just seems so counter to our values to have this situation continue of second class citizenship for people in the territories on a permanent basis. I know it doesn't really register on most people's radar, I mean we normally rarely care much about what goes on in neighboring states much less in the territories but maybe John Oliver will make my case better than I can

Anyway that is really all I have to say on it.

[Monoriu]

I think statehood will be quite difficult.  Statehood means one of the parties may get two additional precious senate seats, and the other party will try to block it.  I also imagine that a lot of the US territories aren't economically viable, and they probably rely on US aid and linkage.  So going independent may not be an option. 

I grew up in a colony.  It is not a big deal.  Being a second class citizen with a roof over one's head is much more preferrable to being a first class citizen in a failed state and not having food on the table.  Political representation is over-rated. 

[Valmy]

I grew up in a colony.  It is not a big deal.  Being a second class citizen with a roof over one's head is much more preferrable to being a first class citizen in a failed state and not having food on the table.  Political representation is over-rated.

Well it is a big deal to me. The US should not have colonies in the 21st century.

[PRC]

I grew up in a colony.  It is not a big deal.  Being a second class citizen with a roof over one's head is much more preferrable to being a first class citizen in a failed state and not having food on the table.  Political representation is over-rated.

Well it is a big deal to me. The US should not have colonies in the 21st century.

What about satellite states?

[Valmy]

What about satellite states?

No I don't think satellites should be given statehood. As far as I know they have no permanent inhabitants.

[Monoriu]

I grew up in a colony.  It is not a big deal.  Being a second class citizen with a roof over one's head is much more preferrable to being a first class citizen in a failed state and not having food on the table.  Political representation is over-rated.

Well it is a big deal to me. The US should not have colonies in the 21st century.

Is that the view of the people who actually live in those territories?

[Barrister]

What do you have against territories!!!111

[Syt]

Beeb gets all territorial when it comes to Canada.

[Barrister]

Beeb gets all territorial when it comes to Canada.

I will defend the Yukon Territory till the day I die. 

[jimmy olsen]

3.9 million of those 4.1 million live in Puerto Rico (and the US Virgin Islands which would probably end up a county of PR if it ever became a state). It's the only one that can become a state.

[Martinus]

Perhaps the rest can be given a vote as a part of D.C.? That's how Poland deals with votes from Poles permanently living abroad, for example.

[Martinus]

By the way, that was a great piece by John Oliver.

[grumbler]

I'm not sure where the outrage should be directed; these territories are territories by choice.  The idea that the US has to destroy them to save them seems to me to be a puritan position that ignores the reality that the needs of these territories is better-met by their existing status (even if it was supposed to be temporary) than any alternative available.

The shame is that the District of Columbia continues to exist as it does.  Unlike the territories, people there pay US income tax, and yet have no voice in the legislature.  A simple retrocession of the inhabited portions of the District to Maryland (much as the portion across the river was retroceded to Virginia) would solve all the problems associated with the peoples' rights, without having to amdend constitutions or upsetting the balance of political power.

[dps]

I grew up in a colony.  It is not a big deal.  Being a second class citizen with a roof over one's head is much more preferrable to being a first class citizen in a failed state and not having food on the table.  Political representation is over-rated.

Well it is a big deal to me. The US should not have colonies in the 21st century.

Is that the view of the people who actually live in those territories?

At various times, Puerto Rico has had votes on whether to apply for statehood, seek independence, or continue commonwealth status.  IIRC, the voters have always chosen to continue commonwealth status.

[jimmy olsen]

At various times, Puerto Rico has had votes on whether to apply for statehood, seek independence, or continue commonwealth status.  IIRC, the voters have always chosen to continue commonwealth status.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rican_status_referendum,_2012

Should Puerto Rico continue its current territorial status?
            
Yes    46.00%
No    54.00%
Which non-territorial option do you prefer?
            
Statehood    61.16%
Free Association 33.34%
Independence    5.49%