This is a proposal to offer an option to part with external territories that haven’t fully integrated into America.
- Some Hawaiians feel that the loss of their kingdom outweighs the benefits of being part of America. Would they like to restore their kingdom, or in hindsight are they glad to have become a state?
- Puerto Rico culturally aligns more with Latin America with English taking a back seat. Would they prefer to fully adopt English and Americanize, or is independence a more realistic path?
- Native American reservations function as virtual nations within our country. Would citizens prefer to fully integrate, becoming American citizens only, or would they prefer to exist as fully independent nations, with all that entails?
Many groups feel they would be better off leaving the United States for one reason or another. While their claims may have merit, I wonder if it’s truly the case that such groups would be happier and better off on their own.
Personally, I believe Puerto Rico should go — culturally, they’re not even close. I love Hawaii, but its people should affirm the desire to stay — a choice to be American without pressure. Native Americans, as well — they lost, tremendously, and it is their great fortunate they are still here to reflect on it. Are they positive on their American identity, or would they prefer to venture out on their own?
It seems that many of the groups that have struggled most in America are those that, for one reason or another, failed to fully integrate. This lack of integration holds them back, and it holds the country back as well. In some cases, such as the above examples, their land was not part of U.S. territory at the time of annexation. That’s life. Still, if these groups could, despite historic differences, make the choice to actively support the American cause, or not, it could be incredibly uniting.
Ultimately, there should be one American identity, one American language, one American culture. Fortunately, American identity and culture is fairly broad, comfortably able to fit those of Hawaii and Native Americans, just as it does a wide range of other regional identities and cultures. The choice to be American should be theirs, and with that choice, their contribution to our shared future will be constructive and positive.
I also think it would be a testament to how well Trump, Musk, and the rest of the team rein in the government if it is unquestionably beneficial for any territory to choose to remain in the Union without force.