OPINION:
Concerning the ill-advised cries for statehood for Washington and Puerto Rico, I say this: Our country was founded as a confederation of states, with each having equal standing in the union.
In Article I, Section 8, clause 17 of the Constitution, the Founders authorized Congress to create a federal district to house the nation’s capital. This was so that no one state would have undue influence over the U.S. government, or vice versa. As to the argument that District residents cannot vote, well, no one is being forced to live there. Anyone can solve the problem for him- or herself any time by simply moving across the line into Maryland or Virginia.
Puerto Rico has a different language and culture from the United States. In that case, I personally think independence would be a better option.
Finally, the United States has four other territories: American Samoa, Guam, the North Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. No one is talking about statehood for any of them. In fact, it does not even appear to enter into anyone’s thinking. Why not?
THOMAS M. CRAWFORD
Laurel, Maryland
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