U.S. territories not doing well, economically.

[fuzzybuddy]

I knew nothing about Guam. I went to some sites about our Territories. I found out our Territories are not doing well at all. Guam has high unemployment, crime, racial tensions; Puerto Rico, the same-almost 50% unemployment; Virgin Islands, the same. These people are American citizens., and some of these things are going to come back and bite us, like the Virgin Islands-over a billion in debt. I'm no expert or anything, but I was shocked at how bad things. are. I thought Guam was an island paradise, it ain't.

 

[BobF]

I knew nothing about Guam. I went to some sites about our Territories. I found out our Territories are not doing well at all. Guam has high unemployment, crime, racial tensions; Puerto Rico, the same-almost 50% unemployment; Virgin Islands, the same. These people are American citizens., and some of these things are going to come back and bite us, like the Virgin Islands-over a billion in debt. I'm no expert or anything, but I was shocked at how bad things. are. I thought Guam was an island paradise, it ain't.

Good post. It is true about the US and other territories. Deep debt is one of the US's biggest problems and not many seem to care. We do have to reduce our national debt soon or the penalties will become too great.

When that all happens there will be little the US can do anything about health care or welfare programs. Back to the 1930 days once again. Hungary, do something for some one for a meal or find a shelter, Salvation Army, for a roof and a meal. National defense, maybe some but not like what we have today. Protect the people is part of our Constitution so maybe some of our younger folks could get some shelter, food, and health care if they can enlist.

Better times will come but first we must face our challenges and correct many mistakes.

 

[Deucemoi]

I spent a couple of years stationed on Guam in the navy way back in the 70's. It was a paradise similar to hawaii but with people from asia nations instead of americas. Many military bases there, also in the path for many destructive storms, with a history from japanese occupation during wwii.. A lot changes over time and Guam may now not be as when I was there.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I only know what I read. Employment rate=30%, half the natives don't have electricity, and the bases are gradually taking over the island. 40% of the island is a base.It is an island and there is a limit to the poplualtion it can sustain-water, trash, waste.
But I did wonder why Asians vacationed in Guam.

 

[oldman]

Puerto Rico is also in deep debt. I think this is their main reason for wanting statehood, along with some other perks that they would be entitled to, but their debt is issue number one ? Do you agree?