I have talked to some american and canadian friends about this idea. I have also talked to some puerto rican and american friends about the idea of Puerto Rico joining (something that is way, way closer to actually happening). I think they are similar topics as it pertains to how folks from those regions feel about a possible annexation.
Americans regarding Canada joining
- Do they really want to join though?
- California has a higher GDP than them, why do we need them?
- Most of CA is ice and the majority of people are close the border and want to be here. We don't need that headache
- We can barely govern ourselves as is, states should be seceding, not more states joining
- Why would their Prime Minister want that? Just so he wouldn't have a job?
- No need to spend all that time and money, if we ever need their resources, we'll just take it
Americans, regarding Puerto Rico joining
- They are broke, highly unemployed, highly uneducated population, horrible schools.....why do we want them?
- Don't see the need for it, we don't have the money to help them. If anything, we should let them go their way
- Aren't they already a state?
- As long they make their official language english
- Could be a good idea if they can turn their problems around. Beautiful island, beautiful beaches, with the right government and leadership, it could be the Hawaii of the east
Puerto Ricans and Canadians regarding joining the union
- We are going to lose our (Puerto Rican/Canadian) identity, which is the heart and soul of what we have
- A lot of talk about olympic games and national team/national pride
- (PR)If we don't join soon, we'll be close to what Haiti is now, by joining we can rebound
- (CA)Could be good for people who are looking to move to the US and work legally
- (CA)Would have to change the gun laws and health care system
Regarding point 1, I think you don't have to lose your sense of self of where you're from and your origins. New Yorkers, Californians, and especially Texans certainly don't. I would expect to see something similar, i.e. PR flags and Canadians flags all over. On point 2, I think it's silly to let that hinder progress., but I understand. There's a healthy rivalry between the US and Canada in hockey, rugby, etc as well as Puerto Ricans love their PR boxers and basketball players. So, I understand and if that's really that big a hindrance, you could have the nations play separately like they do in the UK. I would prefer to have one nation represented internationally in sporting events, but the UK model would work if sports is that big an issue.
I would like to know on timing and circumstances you guys think for an annexation to happen.
Regarding PR, if Pierluisi or Fortuno (both very pro statehood) defeat Padilla (or another one from his party), then I believe the binding referendum will be put to a vote rather quickly (it's already been approved by the federal government, with a 2.5M budget). My understanding is that it'll ask, "are you in or out" - basically independence or statehood. Once that's done, I would expect a 51st star on our flag, maybe by as early as 2020 or earlier. I do worry about the current state of PR, it'll take a while to turn that mess around.
Regarding Canada, I don't know, it seems to me that, if Alex's research is accurate, the timing where there was most support from both sides of the border was when the US economy was booming and the Canadian economy was lagging. US/CA dollar ratio was around 1.4 or 1.5. So I believe some similar circumstances would need to happen. Basically a booming US economic and an economic crash in Canada (I read about a house bubbling happening in Canada right now, not sure how true that is). Maybe the US/CA ratio to get up to 1.7 or higher and then we can start seeing more support on both sides. As is, I don't see much support happening. Would like to get some of you guys' opinions on what it would take.