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I would be more for giving these island territories complete sovereignty of their own. As well as giving Alaska complete independence and its own sovereignty. I think the USA should have tried to buy the Baja peninsula from Mexico. Imagine how many people would retire there instead of taking overall kinds of small towns in the USA and turning them in to resorts or retirement communities that out price everyone else.
If they want sovereignity, they need to plan to get off the U.S. dole...and few of the territories are prepared for that, as few are self-sufficient in terms of trade As far as getting out-priced, look at the U.S. Virgin Islands; beautiful, and expensive. Your scenario brings up more problems than it answers.
I am very disappointed in our country for not taking better care of it. I think the US government should do more for the country and the people.
With all due respect, the federal government is the biggest meal ticket on Guam you could possibly imagine. Honestly, there are so many federal dollars flooding to this island, it's hard to come up with any more ways for Washington to take better care of it.
GovGuam is notorious for inefficiency, wastefulness, outright corruption, nepotism, and general ineptitude.
If Guam can't effectively manage the bounty of resources that the federal government provides--and thus far, there's little evidence of progress toward good governance and responsible management--there's nothing more that can be done.
Most humans have an innate desire to achieve economic progress that leads to success. However, the means to accomplish such a goal requires a clear vision and a plan that can be realistically implemented to achieve the desired results.
Occasionally, I hear saber rattling by Guamanians who are not satisfied with the economic and political status quo as they express their desire for something better. One such idea includes the discussion that statehood for Guam is possible, despite the employment of logic and intellectual honesty. I find the plausibility of this option truly ridiculous for a myriad of reasons. However, for the sake of argument, I will go way out on the proverbial limb and breakdown the pros and cons of such an idea.
The obvious advantages of Guam statehood benefit the welfare queens with regard to medicaid, medicare, section 8 housing, enhanced food stamp benefits and better representation by having two voting senators as well as a voting representative in congress to help bring home the pork. In addition, the people of Guam would be able to vote in the presidential election. The obvious disadvantage of statehood is that the people would be forced to pay federal taxes, which would likely make the fragile island economy worse.
The notion of Guam becoming a full partner with the greatest nation on earth is unlikely because the political climate of Guam is a loose confederacy of politically warring tribes driven by family loyalties that are not rooted in principled economic and social convictions. Thus, the political landscape is void of any meaningful debate or policy discussions due to the fundamental lack of convictions. The typical Guamanian politician may call themselves a Democrat or Republican. However, their respective political subdivisions have no platform, no vision for the future and the reason that they do not have political debates is that they stand for nothing other than self promotion. The problem is made worse by the electorate treating the elections like a high school popularity contest. In addition, the electorate often demonstrate their indifference by not holding their elected officials accountable for incompetence and corruption.
When Alaska was allowed to enter the Union in 1948, it was because Alaska had something to contribute. The natural resources of Alaska included vast amounts of timber, oil, natural gas, minerals and commercial fishing opportunities. When Hawaii was admitted into the Union in 1950, it was an agricultural powerhouse in the production of export commodities such as sugar, pineapples, bananas as well as a desirable tourist destination. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands offered a strategic location for military bases. Therefore, what does Guam have to offer and why should they be allowed to be a full partner in an exclusive club called the United States of America.? With the exception of staging two relatively insignificant and replaceable military installations and a sub-standard tourist destination, what can Guam bring to the national political table other than its insatiable appetite for welfare benefits and its deference for mediocrity? Since Guam is likened to a political infant, it must be treated as such until proven otherwise. A plausible compromise to such an aspiration might include petitioning the state of Hawaii to allow Guam to be included as a distant, yet extended part of the Hawaiian Islands. Such a compromise would allow the political landscape of Guam to mature gradually and mitigate the potential for damage. The thought of allowing Guam to be an independent state would be like handing a loaded gun to a three year old child. To express this another way, it would be like trying to teach a monkey how to use a ball point pen, after much frustration, the monkey will likely just poke you in the eye with it.
Responsible citizens that yearn for positive change must realize that they must force their local politicians to be responsible, accountable and have workable solutions. This can be achieved by having meaningful debates between the prospective candidates running for office. In addition, quit looking toward the federal government for handouts and demonstrate a real plan for economic success. Implement a grass roots initiative leading to a political dialogue with Hawaiian officials that could lead to a statehood compact as a distant, yet extended part of the Hawaiian Islands.
There's nothing more saddening than people letting themselves get swept by imperialism....
I'll leave it at that. If this makes people in this forum hate me, then so be it, but there's nothing more saddening than that....
Most humans have an innate desire to achieve economic progress that leads to success. However, the means to accomplish such a goal requires a clear vision and a plan that can be realistically implemented to achieve the desired results.
Occasionally, I hear saber rattling by Guamanians who are not satisfied with the economic and political status quo as they express their desire for something better. One such idea includes the discussion that statehood for Guam is possible, despite the employment of logic and intellectual honesty. I find the plausibility of this option truly ridiculous for a myriad of reasons. However, for the sake of argument, I will go way out on the proverbial limb and breakdown the pros and cons of such an idea.
The obvious advantages of Guam statehood benefit the welfare queens with regard to medicaid, medicare, section 8 housing, enhanced food stamp benefits and better representation by having two voting senators as well as a voting representative in congress to help bring home the pork. In addition, the people of Guam would be able to vote in the presidential election. The obvious disadvantage of statehood is that the people would be forced to pay federal taxes, which would likely make the fragile island economy worse.
The notion of Guam becoming a full partner with the greatest nation on earth is unlikely because the political climate of Guam is a loose confederacy of politically warring tribes driven by family loyalties that are not rooted in principled economic and social convictions. Thus, the political landscape is void of any meaningful debate or policy discussions due to the fundamental lack of convictions. The typical Guamanian politician may call themselves a Democrat or Republican. However, their respective political subdivisions have no platform, no vision for the future and the reason that they do not have political debates is that they stand for nothing other than self promotion. The problem is made worse by the electorate treating the elections like a high school popularity contest. In addition, the electorate often demonstrate their indifference by not holding their elected officials accountable for incompetence and corruption.
When Alaska was allowed to enter the Union in 1948, it was because Alaska had something to contribute. The natural resources of Alaska included vast amounts of timber, oil, natural gas, minerals and commercial fishing opportunities. When Hawaii was admitted into the Union in 1950, it was an agricultural powerhouse in the production of export commodities such as sugar, pineapples, bananas as well as a desirable tourist destination. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands offered a strategic location for military bases. Therefore, what does Guam have to offer and why should they be allowed to be a full partner in an exclusive club called the United States of America.? With the exception of staging two relatively insignificant and replaceable military installations and a sub-standard tourist destination, what can Guam bring to the national political table other than its insatiable appetite for welfare benefits and its deference for mediocrity? Since Guam is likened to a political infant, it must be treated as such until proven otherwise. A plausible compromise to such an aspiration might include petitioning the state of Hawaii to allow Guam to be included as a distant, yet extended part of the Hawaiian Islands. Such a compromise would allow the political landscape of Guam to mature gradually and mitigate the potential for damage. The thought of allowing Guam to be an independent state would be like handing a loaded gun to a three year old child. To express this another way, it would be like trying to teach a monkey how to use a ball point pen, after much frustration, the monkey will likely just poke you in the eye with it.
Responsible citizens that yearn for positive change must realize that they must force their local politicians to be responsible, accountable and have workable solutions. This can be achieved by having meaningful debates between the prospective candidates running for office. In addition, quit looking toward the federal government for handouts and demonstrate a real plan for economic success. Implement a grass roots initiative leading to a political dialogue with Hawaiian officials that could lead to a statehood compact as a distant, yet extended part of the Hawaiian Islands.
Bob & Lily R
Yes, Hawaii was admitted. But was the wish of the native Hawaiian people?? did they want Statehood??
Don't you think the people of the islands should have a say as to their future??
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonah K
No need to go to all that trouble. If the U.S. adds Guam as a state, some Hawaiians (http://www.opihi.com/sovereignty/sovereig.txt - broken link) wouldn't mind seeing Hawai'i be a sovereign nation again -- that would also keep the number of states at 50.
Guam alone does not seem to have a large enough population to justify statehood. Although with the relocation of US military units and the expansion of the US Airforce presence, it is expected to increase by 40,000 people over the next six years.
The US would gain:
1. exclusive economic rights to a vast expanse of water
2. ensure a permanent and secure frontier with Asia.
The Micronesians would gain
1. access to free movement into the US (if they so choose)
2. acess to US government aid and private development.
And the whales might like additional safe havens from Japanese hunters as well. Of course, the Micronesians would have to decide if this is to their liking but it does seem like a reasonable proposal.
Last edited by rhomas913; 03-10-2009 at 07:34 PM..
When Alaska was allowed to enter the Union in 1948, it was because Alaska had something to contribute. ... When Hawaii was admitted into the Union in 1950, it was an agricultural powerhouse in the production of export commodities such as sugar, pineapples, bananas as well as a desirable tourist destination.
In the interest of accuracy, I wanted to state that both Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959.
In the interest of accuracy, I wanted to state that both Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959.
is hawaii really a state?? Native hawaiians really doubt that, being their monarchy was overthrown and all...
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