NationStates Jolt Archive

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.

If a majority votes for statehood somplace, their choice should be considered, sure. I think the Puerto Ricans turned it down recently. 50's a fine round number either way. :p

The petitions for Puerto rican statehood have only been narrowly turned down, it is a real possibility that they could become a state.

we have no need to expand the number of states but if puerto rico was interested after a fair vote (id prefer that it have to be 2 votes in a row) then id be fine with PR being the 51st state.

If a majority votes for statehood somplace, their choice should be considered, sure. I think the Puerto Ricans turned it down recently. 50's a fine round number either way. :p

If a majority votes for statehood somplace, their choice should be considered, sure. I think the Puerto Ricans turned it down recently. 50's a fine round number either way. :p

Yea to have 51 States would just be odd. Then again, just think of the sales figures flag makers would have! They would be rolling in dough as Americans go out and buy a new flag with 51 stars!

If a majority votes for statehood somplace, their choice should be considered, sure. I think the Puerto Ricans turned it down recently. 50's a fine round number either way. :p

But imagine the marketing capabilities of having 52 states. Then we could start selling playing cards with states on them!

I would not mind at all if Puerto Rico became the 51st state. Unfourtunately, there's probably too many people in the US that don't want an OMtehG SPANISHISHISHISHISHISH state.

Actually, in Quebec, 33% supported joining the USA.
The same Survey showed that all across Canada, as many as 20% supported joining the USA.
Didn't see that one coming, although admittedly this was taken before the Iraq war.

Puerto Rico, as always, is unclear. I think it may vote to become a state this time though, as they must have another referendum within the coming year

Click Stand;13384142']But imagine the marketing capabilities of having 52 states. Then we could start selling playing cards with states on them!

And the flag making business will boom.

we have florida, arizona, texas, and, oh yeah...NEW MEXICO already...;)

If Puerto Rico doesn't become a state, which they probably won't since they get all the benefits but no taxes (although they can't vote for president...), then the next likely thing to becoming a US state is a Moon colony and then possibly a Mars colony.

Long time till that though, because they'd need a decent population to become a state.

And the flag making business will boom.

It already is. Where do you think all those burning flags come from?

What could be more American than the 51st state, Saudi Israelistine and the 52nd, Afraqistan?

I think we could just boot out New Hampshire, since they want to seccede from the Union anyway, add Puerto Rico, and still leave the flag as it is with 50 stars. We might have to remove one of the 13 stripes, since New Hampshire was one of the 13 original colonies. Not sure how that flag thing works though. :eek:

I always assumed it would rise from the depths of Texas!

we have florida, arizona, texas, and, oh yeah...NEW MEXICO already...;)

dont forget california.

It would be great if some canadian provinces joined the Union as states. Think of the natural resources as well the available room for population growth.

What about D.C.?

It would be great if some canadian provinces joined the Union as states. Think of the natural resources as well the available room for population growth.

On the contrary, I want my state to join Canada. Maybe we could work out an exchange for Alberta.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/448/jesuslandbz3.png (http://imageshack.us)

What about D.C.?

Considering DC just declared that the Bill of Rights didn't apply to them...

What about D.C.?

dc is too small.

if the residents of dc want to vote in national elections (and who can blame them?) then the residential sections should be divided up between maryland and virginia so that they can vote.

I think we could just boot out New Hampshire, since they want to seccede from the Union anyway, ...

Do you have any proof of this statement? What percent of the residents would want that?

I can actually see and would support the joining of Canada and the U.S as long as the U.S would get to keep our name, flag (with the new stars) and form of government.

On one hand I wish PR would become a state. On the other, I don't really want another big Spanish lobby who would get quite a few seats in Congress. They're not really American...we just stole them from Spain. The PRans here still think they're not American even.

I can actually see and would support the joining of Canada and the U.S as long as the U.S would get to keep our name, flag (with the new stars) and form of government.

I'm confused, are you Canadian or US?

I'm confused, are you Canadian or US?

I am what I am.

I'm confused, are you Canadian or US?

It wouldn't really matter.

United States of America means the states in the Americas that are united, so Canada could easily change their name.

I am what I am.

Fair enough! :p

Fair enough! :p

Aside from being what I am, I also enjoy United States citizenship.

Throw out the Antarctica treaty and take that section of unclaimed land there in as the 51st state. Actually, divide it in to two so we can have playing cards like the dude on the first page said.

On the contrary, I want my state to join Canada. Maybe we could work out an exchange for Alberta.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/448/jesuslandbz3.png (http://imageshack.us)

I've thought of that, but I think New England being it's own country would be way better.

dc is too small.

if the residents of dc want to vote in national elections (and who can blame them?) then the residential sections should be divided up between maryland and virginia so that they can vote.

They only have 40000 less people than Vermont...and a density 9 times that of New Jersey--the densest state. They get taxed, but not represented. I don't see why they shouldn't be a state. Things have changed quite a bit since 1800 when it couldn't be allowed to be a state.

They only have 40000 less people than Vermont...and a density 9 times that of New Jersey--the densest state. They get taxed, but not represented. I don't see why they shouldn't be a state. Things have changed quite a bit since 1800 when it couldn't be allowed to be a state.

It's a little, itty bitty square of land.

Do we really want to give the people running this country more power?

On the contrary, I want my state to join Canada. Maybe we could work out an exchange for Alberta.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/448/jesuslandbz3.png (http://imageshack.us)

hey you should add clark county in nevada to the U.S of C, seeing as how that is where las vegas(AKA sin city) and paruhmp(i.e. the legalized prostitution) are. I always wanted to say I was canadian

I think we could just boot out New Hampshire, since they want to seccede from the Union anyway, add Puerto Rico, and still leave the flag as it is with 50 stars. We might have to remove one of the 13 stripes, since New Hampshire was one of the 13 original colonies. Not sure how that flag thing works though. :eek:

I think that was Vermont.

we have no need to expand the number of states but if puerto rico was interested after a fair vote (id prefer that it have to be 2 votes in a row) then id be fine with PR being the 51st state.
i think that it says in the Const. that in order for a new state to be admitted 2/3 of the current states must vote for it to be admitted. Then it becomes a state.

It's a little, itty bitty square of land.

So is Rhoad Island.

On one hand I wish PR would become a state. On the other, I don't really want another big Spanish lobby who would get quite a few seats in Congress. They're not really American...we just stole them from Spain. The PRans here still think they're not American even.
Hey!
I am an American, I just happen to be from Puerto Rico. A large number of Puertoricans are afraid that statehood will rob them of their 'latino' socio-cultural identity, which is why the referendum results are so divided on the issue of statehood, commonwealth and independence.

At any rate, when Cuba ceases to be 'a threat' or America fails to see any way Puerto Rico could be of use as a territory, namely, if America feels it no longer needs a place from which to monitor the Carrib. and the Atlantic, then it can just 'boot' Puerto Rico, as easy as that.

I think we should at least recognize our newly gained Middle Eastern territories as such (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan) before naming a 51st state.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.

British Columbia... isn't that in North Montana?

So is Rhode Island.

Just 18 times larger...

Do we really want to give the people running this country more power?

That's not the issue at all. The "people running this country" (e.g. Congresspersons, Cabinet members, etc) already retain full voting rights in their home states.

It is a common misconception that DC is the seat of the federal government and nothing more. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It is a city just like any other, home to more than 500,000 ordinary citizens (myself included). Most of us don't work for the federal government. We hold the same variety of jobs as everyone else in this country. We pay the same federal taxes as everyone else in this country. Citizens of DC have fought and died in every war this country has fought. And yet our representation in Congress is limited to a single non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives.

I personally don't care about statehood per se for DC. But it is antidemocratic to deny the citizens of the nation's capital the same congressional representation that the rest of the country enjoys.

As to DC being too small - if DC were a state, it would not be the smallest in terms of population.

We are citizens of the capital of this nation, and yet we are treated as second class citizens. There is no moral justification for this. How can we claim to bring democracy to other countries when we refuse to grant it to those who are neighbors of the Capitol and White House?

Just 18 times larger...

Point.

So what should we do instead? They deserve representation.

It's a little, itty bitty square of land.

...with half a million disenfranchised American citizens living there.

It may be little, but it's big enough to be home.

Besides, Vatican City is a sovereign country and it's less than one mile square. DC is considerably bigger than that!

Point.

So what should we do instead? They deserve representation.

Sure they do. The answer is to redraw the bounderies of DC. Have all the residential areas partitioned off to Maryland or Virginia.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.

I think Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Poland should be part of Germany, agree or disagree?

america has too many states now. alaska should be part of canada, or a new nation of pacific rim states and provences. hawaii and the remaining off shore colonies granted indipendent nation status.

at some point america is going to have to be broken up like a.t.and t. and the old soviet union. those regeons might still remain a loose confederacy, but no longer a single, all TOO powerful, nation.

=^^=
.../\...

america has too many states now. alaska should be part of canada, or a new nation of pacific rim states and provences. hawaii and the remaining off shore colonies granted indipendent nation status.

at some point america is going to have to be broken up like a.t.and t. and the old soviet union. those regeons might still remain a loose confederacy, but no longer a single, all TOO powerful, nation.

=^^=
.../\...
Give it back to Russia:p

dc is too small.

if the residents of dc want to vote in national elections (and who can blame them?) then the residential sections should be divided up between maryland and virginia so that they can vote.

They do vote in national elections. What they don't have is a vote in Congress. Also, D.C. was carved out of land from MD and VA, but VA took back their part in 1846 (it's now the city of Arlington, and part of the city of Alexandria). The remainder would have to go back to MD. An alternative would be to put VA's part back in the District.

They only have 40000 less people than Vermont...and a density 9 times that of New Jersey--the densest state. They get taxed, but not represented. I don't see why they shouldn't be a state. Things have changed quite a bit since 1800 when it couldn't be allowed to be a state.

so divide the residential areas of the city up between VA and MD and then they will be able to vote all they want. leave the non residential government areas alone.

or put the whole city into maryland, i dont care.

that way everyone gets a reasonable vote.

I would not mind at all if Puerto Rico became the 51st state. Unfourtunately, there's probably too many people in the US that don't want an OMtehG SPANISHISHISHISHISHISH state.

If they want statehood, why should anyone care? They're already American citizens without statehood.

I am what I am.

Popeye?

I think Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Poland should be part of Germany, agree or disagree?

That question was settled more than 60 years ago, kthanxbai.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.New Sherbet Forever!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/ulteriormotives/Flag-of-New-Sherbet.jpg

They're already American citizens without statehood.

As are the people of the US Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa any of which could become a state.

I'd rather see some of the bigger states broken up into smaller ones, but PR statehood is fine too.

dc is too small.

if the residents of dc want to vote in national elections (and who can blame them?) then the residential sections should be divided up between maryland and virginia so that they can vote.

There's no constitutional restriction on the geographical size of a new state, only on the population thereof.

There is a constitutional requirement (IIRC) that there be a Federal District that serves as the seat of government.

Under the circumstances, the only two viable options (assuming the status quo isn't an option) appear to be to grant DC statehood or to return DC to Maryland, but in both cases maintaining a geographically truncated 'Federal District', perhaps including Capitol Hill, the Mall, the White House, and the 'Federal Triangle' (the southern side of Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol up to the White House).

As a non-American former resident of DC, I've always suspected that one of the central objections to DC statehood from Republicans has more to do with the arrival of 2 guaranteed Democrat senators and at least one guaranteed Democrat Representatives.

As others have noted, DC residents already vote in Presidential elections



As to other potential 51st states, I insist - nay demand - that the US government bring back Franklin and Jefferson!



The State of Franklin existed for four years not long after the end of the American Revolution, but was never recognized by the union, which ultimately recognized North Carolina's claim of sovereignty over the area. A majority of the states were willing to recognize Franklin, but the number of states in favor fell short of the two-thirds majority required to admit a territory to statehood under the Articles of Confederation. The territory comprising Franklin later became part of the state of Tennessee.

On July 24, 1859, the formation of the proposed State of Jefferson in the Southern Rocky Mountains was defeated by voters. On October 24, 1859, voters instead approved the formation of the Territory of Jefferson, which was superseded by the Territory of Colorado on February 28th 1861.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.

That'd be cool. We could swallow all of Canada while we're at it and become and economic superpower!! Though something tells me the Canadians would be less than thrilled...

america has too many states now. alaska should be part of canada, or a new nation of pacific rim states and provences. hawaii and the remaining off shore colonies granted indipendent nation status.

at some point america is going to have to be broken up like a.t.and t. and the old soviet union. those regeons might still remain a loose confederacy, but no longer a single, all TOO powerful, nation.

=^^=
.../\...

Alaska was bought from Russia in 1867. If the US wants to give it up, if Alaskan want to leave the US, and if Canada wants it, they can pay today's land and property values for it. Keep in mind that Alaska is 663,267 sq mi, so Canada would be paying a HELL of a lot of money for it. As for Hawaii and the other offshore territories, they don't want independence (IIRC, both Puerto Rico and American Samoa recently had referendums regarding independence, and both chose to remain territories of the US).

That'd be cool. We could swallow all of Canada while we're at it and become and economic superpower!! Though something tells me the Canadians would be less than thrilled...

Who cares what Canadians think anyway?

america has too many states now. alaska should be part of canada, or a new nation of pacific rim states and provences. hawaii and the remaining off shore colonies granted indipendent nation status.

at some point america is going to have to be broken up like a.t.and t. and the old soviet union. those regeons might still remain a loose confederacy, but no longer a single, all TOO powerful, nation.

=^^=
.../\...

Canadia is way to large as it is.

Give it back to Russia:p

We payed for it, they would have to buy it back for trillions.

hey you should add clark county in nevada to the U.S of C, seeing as how that is where las vegas(AKA sin city) and paruhmp(i.e. the legalized prostitution) are. I always wanted to say I was canadian

That map is based off of the 2004 election results.

At least I can say that I'm Canadian. Go Massachusetts.

We payed for it, they would have to buy it back for trillions.

Try quintillions ($1,000,000,000,000,000,000) seeing as to how Alaska has a pipeline and is a major source of oil.

There is a constitutional requirement (IIRC) that there be a Federal District that serves as the seat of government.

Under the circumstances, the only two viable options (assuming the status quo isn't an option) appear to be to grant DC statehood or to return DC to Maryland, but in both cases maintaining a geographically truncated 'Federal District', perhaps including Capitol Hill, the Mall, the White House, and the 'Federal Triangle' (the southern side of Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol up to the White House).

You are correct, and I kinda agree with you. All one needs to do to fix the problem is cut up DC a little and sack the residential districts, and any residential districts that can't be cut out because they're too encircled, give the people living there incentives to GTFO. Otherwise, it's their own fault for living there -- they knew moving in that DC never had, does not, and probably never will have congressional representation.

But those who don't like that, and won't be re-allocated to VA or MD in the residential district cuts of DC, should be allowed to move and not have to take a major financial hit, since that's also crap.

Alas! Thou hast forgotten Superior! Please do click on mine link...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_%28proposed_state%29

Ok thats enough middle english for me today. Anyways Superior is a proposed seccesion of the upper peninsula of michigan from the lower... thats a link to the wiki article about it right there.

Hawaii, adding all those other Pacific territories/commonwealths to Hawaii.

Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Isles, Guantanamo, and all those other Caribbean territories/commonwealths into the West Indies.

Guyana, they seem to have a lot of Americans there. Possible addition to the West Indies state.

Taiwan. Not going to happen unless the PRC collapses and the ROC fails to take over, but it's been suggested.

Israel. I wouldn't put it past Bush to do it.

Lincoln in East Washington and the Idaho Panhandle
Jefferson in South Oregon and North California.
Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Franklin in North Tennessee.

Also, for no particular reason, I've felt that Baja California North and Baja California Sur should be added to California.

I can actually see and would support the joining of Canada and the U.S as long as the U.S would get to keep our name, flag (with the new stars) and form of government.

The day that happens will be the day I fly to the United Kingdom and tear up my Canadian passport.

The day that happens will be the day I fly to the United Kingdom and tear up my Canadian passport.

Well, I said I would support it under those conditions, but really, no one wants canadians.

Given the nightmare that is immigrating to America I would find it enormously convenient for Britain to be the 51st state.

Edit: Trying to immigrate to America is a nightmare. I would like to assure all Americans reading this that there isn't a bad dream currently applying for a visa.

I don't know. 50 is a nice round number,and has a good ring to it. 51,not so much. Also I don't know, I just can't see Puerto Rico as a state. Although I'm sure Hawaii and Alaska seemed odd at time. But that was different. I mean those came duribng a post-war boom. I mean they were timely,and logical. I don't know if we can handle another state. Also almost everyone speaks Spanish there and people are all hopped up ogver immigration right now.

Given the nightmare that is immigrating to America I would find it enormously convenient for Britain to be the 51st state.

Edit: Trying to immigrate to America is a nightmare. I would like to assure all Americans reading this that there isn't a bad dream currently applying for a visa.

Thats why I get pissed when people are like "zOMG deportz teh M3xicanz" I mean it takes what.....10 years to immigrate to America? Thats ridiculous. If people want to come here so badly, we should make it as easy as possible, and as safe as possible. (only canidate to adress that, to my knowledge, is McCain)

Well, I said I would support it under those conditions, but really, no one wants canadians.

I wouldn't mind....they could bear the burden of being associated with us;), while, in a spirit of self-sacrifice, moderate our positions further to the left, while having to deal with the fundies:headbang: They could take away our trigger-happiness, and in the meantime they can learn that they don't need the highest percentage of governmnet officials per person out of all coutnries in the world;)

I wouldn't mind....they could bear the burden of being associated with us;), while, in a spirit of self-sacrifice, moderate our positions further to the left, while having to deal with the fundies:headbang: They could take away our trigger-happiness, and in the meantime they can learn that they don't need the highest percentage of governmnet officials per person out of all coutnries in the world;)

Or, they could come to love guns just as much as Americans do. ;) After all, if anyone invades the U.S with occupation in mind, quite a few people with guns will take have a little problem with that. That is on top of the military mind you.

It would be great if some canadian provinces joined the Union as states. Think of the natural resources as well the available room for population growth.
Yeah, we will be brought down enough with your economy without being part of it, thanks.

I can actually see and would support the joining of Canada and the U.S as long as the U.S would get to keep our name, flag (with the new stars) and form of government.

Try getting Canadians to agree with that. As bad as our current leader is, I'd pick any of Stephen Harper, Jack Layton, Stephan Dion or Elizabeth
Somethingorother over your politicians.

Alas! Thou hast forgotten Superior! Please do click on mine link...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_%28proposed_state%29

Ok thats enough middle english for me today. Anyways Superior is a proposed seccesion of the upper peninsula of michigan from the lower... thats a link to the wiki article about it right there.

I don't think I would mind that very much.

Yeah, we will be brought down enough with your economy without being part of it, thanks.



Try getting Canadians to agree with that. As bad as our current leader is, I'd pick any of Stephen Harper, Jack Layton, Stephan Dion or Elizabeth
Somethingorother over your politicians.

But as I earlier said, the land would be nice, but the canadians not so much. You people are such snobs.

But as I earlier said, the land would be nice, but the canadians not so much. You people are such snobs.

We could always exterminate the Canadians, a la American Indians.

Thats why I get pissed when people are like "zOMG deportz teh M3xicanz" I mean it takes what.....10 years to immigrate to America? Thats ridiculous. If people want to come here so badly, we should make it as easy as possible, and as safe as possible. (only canidate to adress that, to my knowledge, is McCain)

What do you mean by "10 years to immigrate to America?"?

We could always exterminate the Canadians, a la American Indians.

And soil our minds looking at them? NEVER!

It would be great if some canadian provinces joined the Union as states. Think of the natural resources as well the available room for population growth.

Learn how to use your own goddamn land and get your bloody fingers out of everybody else's pie! >.<

... Alternatively, take Quebec. I'm tired of hearing their whining.

Learn how to use your own goddamn land and get your bloody fingers out of everybody else's pie! >.<

... Alternatively, take Quebec. I'm tired of hearing their whining.

Our pie is very large...we just want more of it. We are addicted to pie.

Wasn't there a movement that wanted to separate New York City from the rest of the current State of New York?

Alas! Thou hast forgotten Superior! Please do click on mine link...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_%28proposed_state%29

Ok thats enough middle english for me today. Anyways Superior is a proposed seccesion of the upper peninsula of michigan from the lower... thats a link to the wiki article about it right there.What about Kanawha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Kanawha)? :(

america has too many states now. alaska should be part of canada. hawaii and the remaining off shore colonies granted indipendent nation status.


Uh, why should Canada have Alaska, why do they deserve it more than the United States. And Hawaii isn't a colony.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.

British Columbia isn't available as US state. Unless you want to go to war against the Commonwealth and NATO, of course.

source: www.nato.int

Article 5
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security .

Article 6 (1)
For the purpose of Article 5, an armed attack on one or more of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack:

on the territory of any of the Parties in Europe or North America, on the Algerian Departments of France (2), on the territory of or on the Islands under the jurisdiction of any of the Parties in the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer;
on the forces, vessels, or aircraft of any of the Parties, when in or over these territories or any other area in Europe in which occupation forces of any of the Parties were stationed on the date when the Treaty entered into force or the Mediterranean Sea or the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer

British Columbia isn't available as US state. Unless you want to go to war against the Commonwealth and NATO, of course.

source: www.nato.int

Article 5
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security .

Article 6 (1)
For the purpose of Article 5, an armed attack on one or more of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack:

on the territory of any of the Parties in Europe or North America, on the Algerian Departments of France (2), on the territory of or on the Islands under the jurisdiction of any of the Parties in the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer;
on the forces, vessels, or aircraft of any of the Parties, when in or over these territories or any other area in Europe in which occupation forces of any of the Parties were stationed on the date when the Treaty entered into force or the Mediterranean Sea or the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer

You misunderstand, some of them actually want to join, its like Quebec wanting to leave canada, only they want to join the U.S. No fighting involved.

You misunderstand, some of them actually want to join, its like Quebec wanting to leave canada, only they want to join the U.S. No fighting involved.

Let's see some sources. I don't believe that a sizable percentage of Canadians want to join the USA. Why would we?

Let's see some sources. I don't believe that a sizable percentage of Canadians want to join the USA. Why would we?

Not sizable, it is probably lower now but a 2001 poll said 1 in 5 canadians would not mind or like the idea of annexation. About 19 to 15 percent in all of the lower provinces execpt quebec, in quebec it was 33 percent.

Do you have a link for this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/annexationist_movements_of_Canada

Not sizable, it is probably lower now but a 2001 poll said 1 in 5 canadians would not mind or like the idea of annexation. About 19 to 15 percent in all of the lower provinces execpt quebec, in quebec it was 33 percent.

Do you have a link for this?

Do you know what the question was? It would change things dramatically if the question was 'do you think Canada should annex the USA?' rather than 'do you think the USA should annex Canada?'.

It is highly unlikely that the U.S would annex canada, Canada is NEVER going to be able to annex us.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/annexationist_movements_of_Canada

Do you know what the question was? It would change things dramatically if the question was 'do you think Canada should annex the USA?' rather than 'do you think the USA should annex Canada?'.

It is highly unlikely that the U.S would annex canada, Canada is NEVER going to be able to annex us.

That's not what I was asking.

Canada could *totally* annex the U.S. The War of 1812 was just a warm-up, when the economy's been good and collapsed we can just march right in to "intervene". No one'll see it coming, it's perfect.

On another note, one slightly less silly, Canada (if somehow magically annexed) wouldn't really be one state... There's ten provinces and three territrories. That's up thirteen new areas... and I doubt people'd want to go for anything less than that, as it'd dramatically lower representation which is already tiny for some areas.

You are correct, and I kinda agree with you. All one needs to do to fix the problem is cut up DC a little and sack the residential districts, and any residential districts that can't be cut out because they're too encircled, give the people living there incentives to GTFO. Otherwise, it's their own fault for living there -- they knew moving in that DC never had, does not, and probably never will have congressional representation.

But those who don't like that, and won't be re-allocated to VA or MD in the residential district cuts of DC, should be allowed to move and not have to take a major financial hit, since that's also crap.

By that argument the colonies never should have declared their independence from Britain, since it was their choice to live in the colonies - which were not represented in Parliament - to begin with.

Denying voting rights to citizens based on where they live - particularly when they happen to live in the nation's capital - has no moral justification whatsoever.

So is Rhoad Island.

Rhode Island also has the bomb.

Do any Hawai'ians and Alaskans even want to do so. . . honestly, shouldn't we be doing what the people of the states want to do. I still want D.C. to become a state. My idea would be to give all of the populated territories to become full states, so that is Guam, Virgin Islands, Marinara Islands, Puerto rico, and American Samoa are all states.

Do any Hawai'ians and Alaskans even want to do so. . . honestly, shouldn't we be doing what the people of the states want to do. I still want D.C. to become a state. My idea would be to give all of the populated territories to become full states, so that is Guam, Virgin Islands, Marinara Islands, Puerto rico, and American Samoa are all states.

"Marinara Islands"? :D

I don't think that the people of American Samoa want statehood, because that would make maintaining their identity and traditions harder.
And there's currently a minimum population requirement for statehood, which at least some of those territories probably fall far short of...

By that argument the colonies never should have declared their independence from Britain, since it was their choice to live in the colonies - which were not represented in Parliament - to begin with.

Denying voting rights to citizens based on where they live - particularly when they happen to live in the nation's capital - has no moral justification whatsoever.

While the situation was a little different with the colonies vs Parliament and D.C, I can see your point, but I can also see the point of not having representation in congress for the capital.

I really think we should just give the residential districts to VA and MD, and keep residential districts out of D.C, except for congressional apartments, or something, which, I believe, was the intent.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.

We need to just make Mexico our 51st state. That eliminates some huge problems....and they want to be Americans anyway. This way they don't have to jump the border. :rolleyes:

I don't think that the people of American Samoa want statehood, because that would make maintaining their identity and traditions harder.

Right. See, right now they have the best of both worlds. They get to preserve their traditions and identity while simultaneously taking all of the benefits of being part of one of the world's largest economies. They get it all.

On the contrary, I want my state to join Canada. Maybe we could work out an exchange for Alberta.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/448/jesuslandbz3.png (http://imageshack.us)
That map, though, completely ignores that Alberta has the second highest proportion of areligious people in Canada (24% of Albertans have no religious affiliation - only BC's 27% beats that).

Compare that to religiously homogenous states like Texas, where 92% of the population identifies itself as Christian.

The only thing Alberta has in common with the US is a preference for low taxes and the right to bear arms.

The map also ignores the fact that states only go blue or red due to the electoral system, and votes and political persuasions are in fact extremely mixed throughout all states. They are not homogeneously one party or another. Not even close.

Yea to have 51 States would just be odd. Then again, just think of the sales figures flag makers would have! They would be rolling in dough as Americans go out and buy a new flag with 51 stars!

We could just let one of the others go. Isn't Texas mostly Mexican now anyway?

The map also ignores the fact that states only go blue or red due to the electoral system, and votes and political persuasions are in fact extremely mixed throughout all states. They are not homogeneously one party or another. Not even close.

Yes. The nation isn't this, (http://www.lawprofessorblogs.com/taxprof/linkimages/generosity0512map.gif) or even this (http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/politicalblog/wp-content/Red%20states%20blue%20states%20cartogram.jpg). It's this. (http://www.anthonares.net/purple_state.png)

What a gay looking country.

I have been reading lately about the idea of a 51st state. It seems to me that the most likely choice would be puerto rico, but there are several other options. In fact there is a a minority in BC (british columbia) that wants to be a state. Anyway, what do you guys think of this idea.I think it's a great idea.

I always assumed it would rise from the depths of Texas!

No. This (http://z.about.com/d/urbanlegends/1/0/U/8/catfish1.jpg) is what you get out of the depths of Texas.

we have florida, arizona, texas, and, oh yeah...NEW MEXICO already...;)Arizona and Florida are still pretty Germanic.

The map also ignores the fact that states only go blue or red due to the electoral system, and votes and political persuasions are in fact extremely mixed throughout all states. They are not homogeneously one party or another. Not even close.

Not to mention that all people who vote one party or another subscribe to that ideology. Well over 50% of black democrats in Maryland are against gay rights. And you have to distinguish between Labor Union Democrats, Minority Democrats, Leftist Ideologue Democrats (for lack of a better word), religious Republicans, repubitarians, Neocon Republicans, etc etc. Party membership actually indicates relatively little.

We could just let one of the others go. Isn't Texas mostly Mexican now anyway?

Naw. The Mexicans hold the largest percentage, but that's like 17% or something.

I wonder, once the Mexicans become the majority in the southwest, will they secede to Mexico? Infact, I see a lot secesionist movements, Alaska independance, Texas indep, northwest including BC, northeast, southwest,hawii or however you spell it.

Guam should have statehood. I have a Guamanian friend who tells me they mostly want to be a state. XD

No. This (http://z.about.com/d/urbanlegends/1/0/U/8/catfish1.jpg) is what you get out of the depths of Texas.

I, for one, welcome our new fish overlords. :D

Not to mention that all people who vote one party or another subscribe to that ideology. Well over 50% of black democrats in Maryland are against gay rights. And you have to distinguish between Labor Union Democrats, Minority Democrats, Leftist Ideologue Democrats (for lack of a better word), religious Republicans, repubitarians, Neocon Republicans, etc etc. Party membership actually indicates relatively little.

Exactly. Our superparties are not truly representative because they combine so many different political ideologies under two gigantic tents. If our political system was like most other democracies we'd have a much wider range of political parties and this whole mentality of two sides wouldn't exist.

Zukariaa;13392322']Guam should have statehood. I have a Guamanian friend who tells me they mostly want to be a state. XD
Do they meet the minimum population requirement?
If not, then would they consider re-merging with the Northern Marianas (from which they were separated c.1900 AD) in order to reach it more rapidly than they could do alone?
Would they consider 'Commonwealth' status, such as is currently held by both the Northern Marianas and Puerto Rico, instead?

The only reason Puerto Rico isn't a state yet is because whenever it comes to a vote, the options are "Yes," "No," and "None of the above." If that last option weren't included, Puerto Rico would already be a state.