Progressive Politics

For sure it’s not up to us whether they should pursue statehood, but understanding the objection to tourism is important to being a successful tourist

• as a tourist I expect to go somewhere and spend way too much money getting at least some exposure to a different culture or spectacle. I expect to be respectful and open minded. I hope to have an authentic experience rather than an Americanized or fast food experience. I expect some locals to earn quite a bit of money off my travels, even if I can’t afford it
• as someone living in a city that does attract a lot of tourists, I see that it makes a huge contribution our local economy. Some thing’s are tourist traps but local culture thrives and those of us living here are not unduly impacted
• cruise ships seem like a nightmare in many ways. In this context perhaps it’s a sudden overwhelming flood of tourists that has most impact, plus they wouldn’t be staying so the local benefit is minimized
• I’ve encountered the occasional rude or disrespectful tourist but not very often

Actually, no, understanding objections to statehood is also important. I mean it’s their choice but the highest form of patriotism is self-criticism, learning to be better. Regardless of their choice, I want to understand how we can make the US better

Have you looked into how native Hawaiians feel about being a US state?

I’m not sure that’s a good analogy. Given the history of Hawaii with corporate control, natives being pushed off their land and now a minority on their own islands, that more like asking the Sioux how it’s going. Clearly an era we did poorly.