You know everytime we get another state, they have to redesign the flag. That seems simple enough, but it really isn't. Because it has to be symmetrical too, you know. When we had 48 stars for a while it was simple. Because six times eight is 48. Now our fifty-starred flag has alternating rows of six and five, which I think is ingenious. It looks better than the forty-eight one even. But that's just my opinion. A person who has to design the flag is called a vexililogist. Did you know that? Although Lincoln himself reportedly designed one of our flags. He was a smart man in more than one way. If Puerto Rico ever wants to join, that'd be fifty-one of course. (Some people also think we might have 52 some day. Who'd that be? The U.S. Virgin Islands? I digress.) Now that might create some minor problems. I saw the redesign some time back. And it would require alternating rows of three numbers. And it just doesn't look right IMHO. But you know some people think Puerto Rico should just keep its special status with us, and they say that's what most Puerto Ricans feel anyways. Some people there complain of the influence of U.S. corporations. But you know rich people do bring money with them. They don't always share it, but it's there, available. And some Puerto Ricans think the solution is Communism for their small island republic. Are they serious? But we're at fifty. And I think most people can live with that for now.
states and territories and districts and special arrangements... interesting. these areas send representives toCongress but can't vote? They receive aid but struggle financially from what I hear. The flag looks good flying at my house - especially on a sunny day. but I live in a state where we were once one of the original 13.
But Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands still have to bring something to the party. It's can't be "OK, we are a state now - everybody gets a bigger slab of cash and a brand new power grid"
As a former resident of the USVI I can say they aren't very interested in statehood... they have a very comfortable relationship as it is being a territory. Puerto Rico, next door, is a different situation. They have had many independence vs statehood debates and referendums over the years. I'd say it's 50 -50 as to which side is prevailing.
