Posted on 02/25/2014 7:26:55 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Manila, Philippines - It’s all about oil. U.S. interest seems to be shifting from the Middle East to Asia, particularly the oil-rich waters surrounding the Philippines, China, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Tension has been rising among and between the governments of these countries over territorial claims in around South China Sea and the Spratly Islands.
Overtly, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in the Philippines to try to ease tensions between the Manila and Beijing governments, urging China to go easy on imposing no-fly and no-sail zones over the disputed territories between the two countries.
Covertly, as confirmed by latest tweets from suspected American security secrets leaker Edward Snowden, Kerry is in Manila talking up the Aquino government to seriously consider becoming the 51st state of the U.S. Kerry said that becoming a U.S. state would be in the best interest of the Philippines because it would essentially put the American military at its disposal in its dispute with China. Of course, what Kerry is not saying is that it would grant the U.S. full access to the area’s rich oil resources.
The Filipino sentiment against American colonialism has significantly changed since the U.S. military bases were practically driven out of the Philippines in the early 1990′s. There is a growing displeasure with the Manila government. Filipinos are fed up with political dynasties, incompetence, corruption and all that kind of stuff.
Is it time to add another star to the stars and stripes?
Didn't Guam only become American territory after WW II? Prior to that it was a Japanese possession. And before WW I it was a German colony.
Several FReepers live there.
No. Not a red state. Asians are thoroughly used to the idea that the government is going to be tyrannical and/or corrupt so you vote for the clan, preferably your own clan, that will give you the most stuff or will give your clan or ethnic group the most privileges and the most government jobs so that some of the corruption can be funneled back home.
The Philippines is nearly 95% Christian, already.
Do you really think we need that many Democrat senators? Yes, PR is run by a nominal Republican Party but it would not send any sort of Conservatives to the Senate. Its Republican Senators would be effectively Democrats like Boehner and McConnell.
The USA took Guam from Spain the the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Then it became a U.S. Territory and the Locals Achieved U.S. Citizenship after WW2.
Threw.
“57 States” was a slip reference to the 57 Moslem nations in the world. I am sure that the kenyan would like to make the Phillipines 58th state on that list.
“Well, if it happens I might consider moving there.”
_____________________________________________________________
If that happens, I will leave here.
Ah, so. My mistake.
Satire?
Snowden is the greatest American hero of my life.
gesundheit
Guam is too tippy. Could capsize at any time.
No, more’s the pity.
They marry early there, told me a Filipina, I used to know, grandmother at 39, whose own grandmother was still living.
Works for me.
Too far away.
Not culturally compatible.
Next!
I have a house there and yes there is grinding poverty there in some places. Other spots are quite nice. Regardless, in all places the people are great. Very hardworking, friendly, and hospitable to a fault.
You should go. I think you might change your mind.
Add the US Virgin Islands to the list as well.
Yes, But Virgin Islanders are Citizens Right?
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