Territorial Reform
We the United States of America were founded in a rebellion against our imperial rulers. We preached representation and self-determination for all. Our founding fathers cried out against colonialism. Unfortunately today we are the colonial power. Though not as much as we once were, we still have colonies in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Not to mention our nation's capital does not have representation in congress. Our most well-known colony is Puerto Rico which has seen the disastrous results of being our colony. Last year Hurricane Maria a devastating storm, destroyed the island leaving many people today over half a year later still without power and with much of their other infrastructure yet to be rebuilt. Congress did give some money to help out but nearly as much as they gave to the Houston area who experienced a less severe hurricane only a month before. Our congress and government does not care about Puerto Rico or any of our other territories because there is not political reason to care. Territories do not have voting congressional members or elect the President, so what is the big deal for a member of congress if they frequently disrespect the territories. Our government not caring about our colonies is a big issue but is worse to think that our government is being hypocritical in their actions. They refuse to give these colonies real representation in congress. We fought for our independence because of this issue! Also, the District of Columbia home to the federal government has no representation in congress. Although it can still vote for President, Congress can tax D.C. without consent from their people. Again this was a cause of the revolutionary war. We must let all of our territories have the option to achieve statehood or independence so we do not further disenfranchise these people.
My Plan:
Step 1: All of our populated territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) and the District of Columbia will have an election occurring on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November to determine if they will become a state or achieve independence. D.C. will not have the option to become independent because it is the nation's capital. This allows each of our territories to determine their future for themselves.
Step 2: If a territory or district votes to become a state there will be an election exactly 5 weeks later determining if territories want to join together to become states. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands can become states together while the three Pacific territories can also join together when applying for statehood. This lets the smaller territories such as American Samoa and N. Mariana Islands become states even though they do not currently meet the population requirement to apply for statehood by themselves.
Step 3: If a territory votes for independence the United States will help them ready themselves for independence and the U.S. will fully recognize the new countries in two years. A transition period of two years is necessary for the new country to get ready for independence and achieve a stable democratic government on its own.
Step 4: All citizens of American Samoa will be given full citizenship of the United States of America if American Samoa votes to remain a Commonwealth or to ac hive statehood. Citizens of American Samoa are considered nationals by the federal government and not citizens. It is undemocratic that we have not granted these residents citizenship already.
With my plan the United States allows its territories to achieve self-determination in a respectful matter. To see the election ballot for each territory and more click here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1be_U_ACn0mF6PjrO_DJL7qoD289LdqskHou9XbL8jhY/edit?usp=sharing
My Plan:
Step 1: All of our populated territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) and the District of Columbia will have an election occurring on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November to determine if they will become a state or achieve independence. D.C. will not have the option to become independent because it is the nation's capital. This allows each of our territories to determine their future for themselves.
Step 2: If a territory or district votes to become a state there will be an election exactly 5 weeks later determining if territories want to join together to become states. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands can become states together while the three Pacific territories can also join together when applying for statehood. This lets the smaller territories such as American Samoa and N. Mariana Islands become states even though they do not currently meet the population requirement to apply for statehood by themselves.
Step 3: If a territory votes for independence the United States will help them ready themselves for independence and the U.S. will fully recognize the new countries in two years. A transition period of two years is necessary for the new country to get ready for independence and achieve a stable democratic government on its own.
Step 4: All citizens of American Samoa will be given full citizenship of the United States of America if American Samoa votes to remain a Commonwealth or to ac hive statehood. Citizens of American Samoa are considered nationals by the federal government and not citizens. It is undemocratic that we have not granted these residents citizenship already.
With my plan the United States allows its territories to achieve self-determination in a respectful matter. To see the election ballot for each territory and more click here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1be_U_ACn0mF6PjrO_DJL7qoD289LdqskHou9XbL8jhY/edit?usp=sharing
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