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Most people here in the U.S don't know that Guam and the Commonwealth of The Northern Marianas are U.S Territories and that the people there are also Americans.
I've been to this lovely Island a few years ago,and it was amazing to see such a great diversity of people,and yes they use the U.S Currency and the same U.S Postal Stamps and English is also widely Spoken,and they drive on the right side of the road.
This Island is Modern and has all the conveniences of a Small City..The Natives of the Marianas Islands are called Chamorro's and the Native Language is also called Chamorro.
The Lifestyle and Culture appears to be a mixture of Native Chamorro,Hispanic,American,Asian and other Pacific Islander influences.
I also found an interesting website called "Statehood For Guam" and I was wondering what are your thoughts about having Guam as a U.S State???
What's really sad is that most Americans don't know much about The U.S Territories.
Puerto Rico has a good chance of becoming a State with it's Large Population,Area and proximity to The U.S Mainland,while Guam and The Northern Marianas Islands have only their Strategic Location as an Asset in achieving Statehood.
Quote:
Originally Posted by krudmonk
Puerto Rico, too, but most Americans are shallow enough to hate the idea just because 50 is a nice, round number.
I have been to Saipan, which is part of the N. Marianas) a few times. The big advantage there is that as a U.S. Territory any thing manufactured there from U.S materials is "Made In America" and so you pay no duty when shipping it to the U.S. The factories in Saipan are for the most part owned by Chinese or Koreans so foreigners are getting the benefits even though they aren't U.S. citizens. Cheap labor from all over Asia are brought to these islands so in fact the U.S. is supporting the things we most complain about.
I think the Marianas should be given their independence and we can reduce then money we spend there and use it to reduce the deficit.
These Islands have already been influenced by the West for more than 300 years,so Independence is not going to save the Language or Culture.
I have a Chamorro Friend who told me that if the Natives want to save the Language and Culture then it all starts at Home.
Most people in The Marianas Islands also don't want Independence,but would rather have a continued relationship with the U.S,whether it's to remain a U.S Territory or Commonwealth or to eventually follow Statehood.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hustla718
Should be free. Statehood would ruin the islands culture.
If we do get any more states, we should try to make more states after that until we stop at another nice round number like 60 or 70.
But seriously, we have many ways of getting more states like Eastern Washington and Idaho Panhandle turning into the state of "Lincoln" or "Cascadia".
We could always add two while combining the Dakotas and Carolinas. That keeps it at 50.
Also, don't forget the State of Jefferson. That's really the only one I know.
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