As bad as things are America is still a great country. And Bush's efforts to the contrary we have more than our fair share of fans out there.
I was reminded of this last week as I visited both Bosnia and Kosovo. America and Americans are heroes in those countries. We are seen as having been a great help to both during their most recent wars with Serbia. And, especially in Kosovo, we are seen as having been essential to their independence.
In both places, several people mentioned – only half-jokingly – that they wanted to be our 51st state.
Which got me thinking, it’s been a while since we added more states – maybe it is time. The last two worked out pretty well for us. Sure Alaska gave us Palin, but she ended up helping Obama get elected in the end. Plus we got some oil and a great cruise ship destination. And Hawaii gave us our current President. Plus some swell beaches.
So I’m taking guesses/recommendations on states 51 through 60. If we opened it up, who do you think/hope would apply for statehood?
My hunches:
Kosovo
Bosnia (but the Republic of Srpska would probably split off and either go independent or join Serbia)
Georgia (which would freak Russia out, but might be Georgia’s best defense against another invasion)
Kurdistan (not quite the independent homeland they always wanted, but better than being 1/3 of a sinking ship)
Dubai (if Abu Dhabi won’t bail them out of the financial crisis they know we will)
Taiwan (for the same reasons as Georgia)
Iceland (for the same reason as Dubai)
Your guesses?