Why Haven't Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Become States?

[oldtimer1]

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.

[IRON CROSS]

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.

[HTexan]

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.
 

[IRON CROSS]

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,..........

[Gregzs]

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

[Kwon]

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.

[Irongrip400]

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.

[BlackMetallic]

How many U.S taxes do these countries, islands, territories pay?

[IroNat]

Territories make good places for military bases.

[Tapeworm]

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.

[Flexacon]

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?

[Humble Narcissist]

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.

[IroNat]

Hawaii contributed Pearl Harbor, surfing, the hula, Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I. (Selleck version), and Elvis movies.

[IroNat]

Puerto Rico...