The allure of the United States remains potent, drawing the eyes of populations worldwide, particularly in Latin America. While historical prejudices once hindered expansion south of the border, today’s America boasts a vibrant multicultural tapestry, with over 50 million foreign-born residents. This cultural shift, coupled with strategic interests, reignites the debate on incorporating new states.
Amid discussions about Greenland potentially joining the United States, and the desire to control the Panama Canal, the people of Panama should have the opportunity to decide if they want to become a state. They would likely be unwilling to accept territorial status. Panama has a population of 4.7 million and is slightly larger than West Virginia. The country boasts well-developed highway infrastructure and a significant banking sector.
Panama, with its strategic location and control of the Panama Canal, presents a compelling case. A referendum on statehood could potentially see support from a population eager to access the economic opportunities of the United States as well as raise the standard of living in Panama.
The main obstacle to a referendum is the banking sector. As a U.S. state, the sector would undergo radical changes. Currently, this sector drives Panama’s economy and manages the wealth of hundreds of thousands of individuals who value secrecy. Panama has experienced several instances of leaked data, revealing the extent to which billionaires and politicians globally utilize this sector for questionable purposes. One such instance was the Panama Papers, which exposed the hidden financial dealings of kings, business leaders, and politicians. These revelations highlight the potential consequences of increased transparency if Panama were to become a U.S. state.
The drivers of the Panamaniam people to become a state is clear. The median salary is 1200 dollars per month, higher in the cities at about 1800 dollars a month. This is 21,000 dollars the year. The Panamian people know that this and the idea of becoming a state in a country where the median salary is $48,000 sounds great to them.
A yes vote is certain, annexing Panama as a state presents both solutions and new challenges.
On the one hand, it offers solutions to pressing issues like drug trafficking and migration. Panama serves as a crucial chokepoint in the northward flow of drugs and migrants from South America. By controlling the Darien Gap, the U.S. could more effectively stem the movement of hundreds of thousands of people and illicit substances. Many Latin American countries currently turn a blind eye to this traffic to avoid conflict with powerful cartels, a problem that direct U.S. involvement could mitigate.
Furthermore, gaining control over the Panama Canal would allow for better management and address the ongoing water crisis. The canal system relies on water from Lake Gatun to operate its locks. However, a persistent drought has depleted the lake, hindering ship traffic. The situation is exacerbated by reports of preferential treatment given to Chinese vessels over U.S. ones, a source of tension for the American government and the reason President Trump has voiced his desire to take the Canal by force if neccessary. A potential solution involves constructing a large power plant to pump water back into the lake, estimated to cost around $5 to 10 billion. While the canal has historically been profitable due to its reliance on natural water flow, this investment would ensure its continued operation and solidify U.S. control over this vital trade route, however each transit would not have the same profit as before.
However, incorporating Panama also presents challenges. Birthright citizenship would likely need to be revoked in the new state to prevent a massive influx of people from neighboring Central American countries seeking U.S. citizenship. Additionally, some U.S. politicians may harbor prejudices against admitting 4.7 million people from a predominantly Hispanic nation, despite the country’s increasing diversity. However to look at it in a different perspective, 4.7 million people could provide a location for US companies to have lower cost manufacturing or US retirees to go to retire and gain care.
There are numerous standards and regulations that would need to be addressed, but none of them present insurmountable obstacles.
But now, the challenge lies in convincing Panama’s leaders to agree to a referendum on US statehood. That’s where the CIA comes in, setting a plan into motion. Various incentives, concessions, or favors could be offered.
Whatever the case, if the USA can convince Panama to hold a referendum statehood is certain, there’s another, even closer, candidate: Cuba. Given the chance, it’s guarnteed the Cuban people would overwhelmingly vote for statehood. Panama could be an example. This would resolve a long-standing thorn in the side of the USA. However, unlike Panama, Cuba would require far more investment from the US government to address its widespread dilapidation. Integrating Panama would be a breeze compared to Cuba.
