The question has been asked time and time again by Filipinos as well as Americans.
And I thought about it actually during a talk I had with some of my friends this week. It is undeniable that the standard of living in the United States of America is one of the highest in the western world; being the Only Hyper Power of the world and the greatest economic power to ever exist, this cannot be denied.
So the question is, would it be better had the Philippines been matriculated and assimilated in the United States of America; made into the 51st state?
I talked about this with friends; and I have a friend who is Puerto Rican, who voiced out his opposition to it; claiming that the Philippines would loose its nationhood. But I also voiced out to Fernando, a friend, that Puerto Rico itself benefits from America.
He remarked, "But Puerto Rico isn't an American state."
And i replied him, "Yes, but it is an American territory; with all Puerto Ricans given American citizenship. Are exempt from taxation from America, enjoy the American dollar and billions of dollars of investment and American military protection. With all Puerto Ricans given the rights as any American citizen. "
He did not answer back. And he knows this is true.
Puerto Rico, like the Philippines and Cuba, were one of the possessions that was lost to the United States from Spain during the Spanish-American War of 1898.
I just wonder how the Philippines would be like had it become the 51st state or a territory of the United States.
I mean think about it, these are things to been considered:
1) All Filipinos would be given American citizenship, and rights as all Americans under the constitution of the United States
2) The Philippines would be the target of massive American investments; to develop the islands; educational growth, logistic growth per se domestic infrastructure; tourism; natural resources etc.
3) A good percentage of the American population would be of 'Filipino' ancestry. Filipinos would actually be a major ethnic group of American society.
4) The Philippines, by right of statehood, would be enjoy higher standard of living and cost of life as compared to its neighbours.
5) Military umbrella. As a state, no nation would dare step on Philippine soil; as it would be 'American' soil.
6) Filipinos would have free range to travel; and to move to any state or territory of the United States of America.
What do you guys think? Your views? Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=14189.0