[–] TexasDeplorable1135 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
It grants protection from "some" foreign influence. It is usually preceding to a particular area into "statehood". Does it warrant statehood? Or does it warrant independent nation status. That is up to the citizens of that area?
[–] TexasDeplorable1135 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
In other words..... What do you want as a community that you have to live in? Law and order, or chaos and destruction?
[–] NoisyCricket 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
Yes. Territory status provides for mutual defense, access to congressional funding, non-foreign loan programs (basically the US can "co-sign"), travel benefits, trade benefits, adoption of legal standards and laws, and other special privileges.
The best way to think of a territory is that they are a protectorate.
Puerto Rico's value is mostly of historical significance. They provided ports and forts as well as trade access into the United States. They have some very old forts there. These days they provide little strategic value and are an economic anchor. Made worse in more recent times because of the rampant socialist slant combined with their corruption. Which is why they are constantly trying to become a state. It would be a boon to them and an financial disaster and liability to the United States.
[–] AngelofDeath 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
No … I was WRONG! .. An Island can't be a 'shithole' … it's a SHIT PILE! Everyone looking for a handout leeching off me for decades. STEALING from me and my children. I count them as communists, for the most part … those leeching off others.