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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Palumboism on March 21, 2019, 11:45:49 AM

Title: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Palumboism on March 21, 2019, 11:45:49 AM
Why don't America's territories become states already?









It seems to have worked out for Hawaii.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IRON CROSS on March 21, 2019, 11:52:08 AM
Why don't America's territories become states already?









It seems to have worked out for Hawaii.


& 'American' Samoa  ;)
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: residue on March 21, 2019, 11:52:41 AM
Why don't America's territories become states already?









It seems to have worked out for Hawaii.

they would also all be massive welfare states
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on March 21, 2019, 01:07:14 PM
It's come up to a vote in PR several times and they voted no.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: LurkerNoMore on March 21, 2019, 01:18:59 PM
Cause we don't want their asses in our club.  We only took Hawaii because of it's strategic location.  Why else?  It's not like they have contributed to the country otherwise.  Bunch of meth heads and chubby boob males running around. 
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: robcguns on March 21, 2019, 02:01:14 PM
Better question why haven’t we disowned them.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: tres_taco_combo on March 21, 2019, 03:00:40 PM
honest answer?

50 is a good round number

Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: JAGO on March 21, 2019, 03:07:00 PM
they would also all be massive welfare states

Bingo, because they would qualify for federal money ( disaster relief, infra structure etc. )

J
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Big Daddy Caine on March 21, 2019, 03:10:45 PM
Cause they'll vote democratic and the gop can't have that happen.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Moontrane on March 21, 2019, 03:59:21 PM
The Virgin Islands voted on the matter in 1993.  Most voted to remain a territory,
but voter turnout was less than 50%, so it didn't change anything.  Most things move
very slowly there, lots of apathy, I’m sorry to say.  

1/3 of SS disability claims in Puerto Rico are for mood disorders.  In contrast, 10% of SS
disability claims in Montana are mood disorders.  For a time, not being able to speak
English qualified as a disability.  I don’t think the U.S. would benefit from PR’s statehood.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on March 21, 2019, 04:58:19 PM
What advantage would PR get by becoming a state?

PR's are US citizens.

The country gets aid and disaster relief from the US.

It gets military protection.

There is nothing they really don't get except representation in Congress and the Senate.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Moontrane on March 21, 2019, 05:51:45 PM
What advantage would PR get by becoming a state?

PR's are US citizens.

The country gets aid and disaster relief from the US.

It gets military protection.

There is nothing they really don't get except representation in Congress and the Senate.

Federal highway funds for the train tracks from PR to Florida?  :D

PR's population is declining, and the fertility rate is in the crapper.  It's becoming and island
of older folks.  Perhaps in a couple generations Disney will buy large swaths of land and build
a theme park and hotel.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on March 21, 2019, 06:22:00 PM
Federal highway funds for the train tracks from PR to Florida?  :D

PR's population is declining, and the fertility rate is in the crapper.  It's becoming and island
of older folks.  Perhaps in a couple generations Disney will buy large swaths of land and build
a theme park and hotel.

A couple years ago I was seriously considering going to PR on vacation.

However, it is expensive and has a high crime rate so I didn't.  As long as you stay in the tourist areas it's ok which is like most places.

From what I read you have to stay way out on the west end, away from the city.



Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Go 4 It on March 21, 2019, 06:25:12 PM
Anybody here ever been to Guam? I was offered a job at a big resort there, didn't end up taking it, but heard it's beautiful.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: myt1 on March 21, 2019, 10:05:57 PM
Posts 2-9 answered the question very well!

Nicely done fellers 8)
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Palumboism on March 23, 2019, 11:40:31 AM
What advantage would PR get by becoming a state?

PR's are US citizens.

The country gets aid and disaster relief from the US.

It gets military protection.

There is nothing they really don't get except representation in Congress and the Senate.

Basically they're getting all the benefits of being an American state without having to pay federal taxes and without being able to vote for president.  I understand why they like this situation.  Who would want to pay Federal income taxes. 

I think it's time America gave these territories an ultimatum.  Either become a state or become your own country and loose your citizenship. 
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: catracho on March 24, 2019, 09:47:22 PM
They would most likely be democrats. Republicans don't want 2-8 more democratic Senators.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: BlackMetallic on March 24, 2019, 10:09:48 PM
How much do they pay in American taxes?
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on March 26, 2019, 04:34:51 AM
How much do they pay in American taxes?

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-law-and-policy/do-puerto-ricans-pay-us-taxes/

"U.S. citizens who have lived all year on the island are exempt from filing taxes to the federal government of the United States as long as all of your income was from Puerto Rican sources only. However, if you receive income from anywhere else in the world, including the United States and/or if you are an employee of any agency of the United States in Puerto Rico, you must submit a form to the federal government."
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: denarii on March 26, 2019, 05:40:46 AM
if you spend half the year, ie winter, in PR you pay hardly any taxes.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: dan18 on March 26, 2019, 05:46:50 AM
Why don't America's territories become states already?









It seems to have worked out for Hawaii.
It helps the US greatly in terms of economics. According to records, Puerto Rico is costing the US over USD22 billion a year, but as a state, it can contribute nearly USD2 billion to the US Treasury every year.3. It offers more opportunities for Puerto Ricans. As previously mentioned, a high percentage of Puerto Ricans are living below the poverty level, but this would not be the case if their country’s statehood goes into effect. This means that all residents would get access to job and they would also have to pay the same taxes as we do
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: hardgainerj on March 26, 2019, 06:15:11 AM
is guam a shithole
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: dan18 on March 26, 2019, 06:21:14 AM
is guam a shithole
No they do a lot of business with Hawaii I actually liked it better  Guam is a destination like no other. Only on Guam can you find star-sand beaches, crystal clear blue skies great food its like a small island retreat and the woman are nice..
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: HTexan on March 26, 2019, 01:06:55 PM
honest answer?

50 is a good round number


Nope, honest answer. Money. And why became a state? Went you don't have to pay taxes, and get the same benefits, minus voting?
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Palumboism on March 27, 2019, 07:50:28 AM
Nope, honest answer. Money. And why became a state? Went you don't have to pay taxes, and get the same benefits, minus voting?


The ballot said would you like to pay federal taxes, yes or no.  Most people said no.  I can't understand why.

Seriously, it needs to be more painful to remain a territory than to become a state.  They've made it the other way around.  America's being to easy on these territories.  There needs to be an ultimatum either you become a state, or you loose your territory status.  Having territories that never become states seems pointless and costly.

Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: oldtimer1 on March 27, 2019, 06:03:23 PM
They get federal money but pay no federal taxes on their pay checks. Why would they want to become states? They can get welfare, food stamps, social security, medicare and not pay into it.  They get bridges built and highways without paying for it. If they become states then then the free ride is over.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IRON CROSS on March 27, 2019, 11:44:59 PM
They get federal money but pay no federal taxes on their pay checks. Why would they want to become states? They can get welfare, food stamps, social security, medicare and not pay into it.  They get bridges built and highways without paying for it. If they become states then then the free ride is over.

US Military outposts  ;)
Just like US bases on other countries islands.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: HTexan on March 28, 2019, 02:36:55 PM
US Military outposts  ;)
Just like US bases on other countries islands.
Originally yes, not too much of a benefit in the modern world, with its drones, satellites, intercontinental missiles, etc.
 
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IRON CROSS on March 28, 2019, 10:38:57 PM
Originally yes, not too much of a benefit in the modern world, with its drones, satellites, intercontinental missiles, etc.
 


Like US military bases on British island in Indian ocean, new 1 in Darwin, new 1 in Croatia,.......... ;)
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Gregzs on July 13, 2020, 02:54:40 PM
Trump floated idea of selling Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, says ex-Homeland Security head Duke

President Donald Trump raised the possibility of selling Puerto Rico in 2017 after Hurricane Maria devastated the U.S. territory, former acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke told The New York Times.

"The president’s initial ideas were more of as a businessman, you know," she told the Times. "Can we outsource the electricity? Can we sell the island? You know, or divest of that asset?"

Duke, who took the helm at the Department of Homeland Security after retired Gen. John Kelly left to become White House chief of staff, said the possibility of selling Puerto Rico was "never seriously considered or discussed" after Trump floated the idea, according to the Times.

Maria caused $43 billion to $159 billion in damage to the island and left nearly 3,000 people dead.

Duke said she called for an emergency declaration before Maria made landfall, but then-Director of Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney told her to stop "being so emotional."

"It’s not about the people, it’s about the money," Mulvaney said, according to Duke.

"I never made such a remark," Mulvaney told the Times. "My experience with the acting director was that she rarely got anything right at D.H.S. At least she’s consistent."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/13/trump-mulled-selling-puerto-rico-elaine-duke/5426478002/?fbclid=IwAR3bQbWdlbrCaWo1ojYFiZ2wSCo8K1gUsLPdrImAZFy61u_bJL_CiwXw0VE
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Kwon on July 13, 2020, 03:05:15 PM
Anybody here ever been to Guam? I was offered a job at a big resort there, didn't end up taking it, but heard it's beautiful.


Nice, thanks.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Irongrip400 on July 13, 2020, 03:37:19 PM
Trump floated idea of selling Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, says ex-Homeland Security head Duke

President Donald Trump raised the possibility of selling Puerto Rico in 2017 after Hurricane Maria devastated the U.S. territory, former acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke told The New York Times.

"The president’s initial ideas were more of as a businessman, you know," she told the Times. "Can we outsource the electricity? Can we sell the island? You know, or divest of that asset?"

Duke, who took the helm at the Department of Homeland Security after retired Gen. John Kelly left to become White House chief of staff, said the possibility of selling Puerto Rico was "never seriously considered or discussed" after Trump floated the idea, according to the Times.

Maria caused $43 billion to $159 billion in damage to the island and left nearly 3,000 people dead.

Duke said she called for an emergency declaration before Maria made landfall, but then-Director of Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney told her to stop "being so emotional."

"It’s not about the people, it’s about the money," Mulvaney said, according to Duke.

"I never made such a remark," Mulvaney told the Times. "My experience with the acting director was that she rarely got anything right at D.H.S. At least she’s consistent."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/13/trump-mulled-selling-puerto-rico-elaine-duke/5426478002/?fbclid=IwAR3bQbWdlbrCaWo1ojYFiZ2wSCo8K1gUsLPdrImAZFy61u_bJL_CiwXw0VE

I wonder what it would cost? Aren’t the days of buying land for country’s expansion over? Seems outdated, like an absolute monarchy or something.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: BlackMetallic on July 13, 2020, 04:13:24 PM
How many U.S taxes do these countries, islands, territories pay?
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on July 13, 2020, 05:14:58 PM
Territories make good places for military bases.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Tapeworm on July 13, 2020, 05:22:58 PM
They're not historically or culturally American. They shouldn't be states.

If they're not states then you don't get to tax them. If there's a strategic benefit then the current arrangement is acceptable. If they don't benefit us then cut 'em loose.

Hawaii begged to get in and to this day its people hate you if you're not Hawaiian. There's a lesson in that.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Flexacon on July 13, 2020, 05:28:57 PM
Cause we don't want their asses in our club.  We only took Hawaii because of it's strategic location.  Why else?  It's not like they have contributed to the country otherwise.  Bunch of meth heads and chubby boob males running around.

Okay, but why are you having a go at Goodrum and Vissy?
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on July 14, 2020, 09:49:22 AM
Cause we don't want their asses in our club.  We only took Hawaii because of it's strategic location.  Why else?  It's not like they have contributed to the country otherwise.  Bunch of meth heads and chubby boob males running around.
Hawaii contributed Pellius to us which totally made it worth it.  Hawaii also brings in lots of tourism money.
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on July 14, 2020, 11:02:32 AM
Hawaii contributed Pearl Harbor, surfing, the hula, Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I. (Selleck version), and Elvis movies.

(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2704088/images/o-ELVIS-BLUE-HAWAII-facebook.jpg)
Title: Re: Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?
Post by: IroNat on July 14, 2020, 11:47:51 AM
Puerto Rico...

(https://d3bbd6es2y3ctk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/25090511/bacardi_rum1.jpg)