The Caribbean Statehood Act

[Nation]

This is a useless piece of legislation, as Tweed said, the current system is fine. It'll take some convincing to get me to vote yes on this, Harry.

[Nation]

*Sen. Nation takes the floor, in a frumpled suit after late-night drinking with the supreme court justices*

We already have individuals in foreign countries who must choose a state residency somewhere, in order to participate. The Atlasian territories in question are NOT  part of the 50 states, just like Sweden isn't, and just like England isn't. Any residents from these territories should do just like everyone else does -- choose an avatar.

[Nation]

Having a state in that area could be useful in controlling problems which have arisen in that area, especially in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

It would also aid if we were to ever mount an attack against Fidel Castro in Cuba as it would allow us a good base for operation not only to the North but out to the East.

The last time I checked, we were already committing our military in other parts of the world which are currently in much more dire straits than Haiti is, and are much more of a threat. We all know Senator Harry's love for Imperialism, and the "benefits" that come out of this manuever are too few to compensate for the immense difficulty that incorporating these areas into a fully functioning, efficient state will be.

[Nation]

Having a state in that area could be useful in controlling problems which have arisen in that area, especially in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

It would also aid if we were to ever mount an attack against Fidel Castro in Cuba as it would allow us a good base for operation not only to the North but out to the East.

The last time I checked, we were already committing our military in other parts of the world which are currently in much more dire straits than Haiti is, and are much more of a threat. We all know Senator Harry's love for Imperialism, and the "benefits" that come out of this manuever are too few to compensate for the immense difficulty that incorporating these areas into a fully functioning, efficient state will be.

Senator Nation,

I meant they would be useful in cases of future dissent in Haiti as a good base from which to stipulate an attack.

I am more thinking in the long term than in the short term here.

I am thinking in the long term as well, Senator Kennedy, and don't believe we need bother ourselves with making Puerto Rico a state.

[Nation]

No one has mentioned the fact that the vast majority of Puerto Rico is a Spanish-speaking state, which would clash with the rest of America.

some implications: what this would mean in practice is that a resident of America's 50 other states who finds himself on trial in the state of Puerto Rico could be expected to defend himself in a foreign tongue. The relatively few who speak fluent Spanish may not object, but the vast majority of mainland U.S. citizens may find this an unnecessary difficulty

A New Yorker arrested for a federal crime in New Hampshire can feel free to defend himself with the help of an attorney based in New York, New Hampshire or any other state. But if Puerto Rico attains statehood, yet is allowed to run its courts in Spanish, only a foolhardy man would not hire a bilingual attorney to defend him in a Puerto Rican courtroom.

[Nation]

Nation, do not forget this is not technically the USA.

Also Harry, I will wait to hear from a delegation from Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Navassa Island before calling a vote.

Excellent idea, Senator Kennedy. Until we have a representative from any one of these islands, we should not have a vote, and I encourage all Senators to not support any motion to vote before then.

[Nation]

Atlasia is based off the United States system, whether you think so or not. Foreign posters register with a certain state. These islands are not a part of the United States, thus any member who happens to be from these territories will have to do so anyway.

I would vote yes on any bill which requires voters from these territories to register with a state in the southeast region. It's essentially the same thing, without all the troubles of statehood.

[Nation]

Correct, my mistake, but my point was that they don't have to pay taxes, things like that. Most don't speak English, and until we have a representative from these territories, it is foolish to grant statehood.

Your comparison to Montana doesn't work because Montana is already a state, has a better probability of getting a registered voter in the forum, and speaks English.

[Nation]

I request that before this measure be put to a vote, we have at least one other Senator besides Mr. Harry that second his motion to vote on the Caribbean Statehood Act.

[Nation]

I request that before this measure be put to a vote, we have at least one other Senator besides Mr. Harry that second his motion to vote on the Caribbean Statehood Act.

I second this motion.

Thank you. I'll contact Senator Kennedy in order to have a vote as soon as possible.

[Nation]

I vote NO on the passage of the Caribbean Statehood Act.

[Nation]

I thank Senator Hughento for voting against this act.

I would now like to quote a little snippet from the most recent issue of The Region -- only more reason this act should never pass:

A protest march disturbed the normal tropical tranquility of the Virgin Islands.  The march, organized by the Virgin Islands People's Party to protest the recent actions of Secretary of Defense Ford, was even more energized by news of Senator Harry's proposed Caribbean Statehood Act.  "It's bad enough that we're treated as third-class citizens by the bureaucrats in Nym, but now it's proposed that we be lumped together with the Puerto Ricans?  We demand that we be consulted before any change in our status!"

The southeastern region may want Caribbean Statehood, but the rest of us don't.