U.S. Territories: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

[@camty671]

I am a U.S. citizen born and raised on Guam, and I want to thank you John Oliver.

[@johnree6106]

Go Guam. Hafi Adai.🇬🇺

[@jsilva7005]

Let me see your birth certificate

[@jjsantangelo49]

J Silva I get you’re making a joke. And I get these are KZbin comments, but STILL, go FUCK YOURSELF

[@knites09]

I am sorry USA is treating Guams people terriable.. I wish the USA country would accept you or leave your country. I am with you

[@macchersl6571]

Hafa Adai. Ma fañagu giya gi islan Guåhan.

[@papua5028]

I can still remember in the late 60's and early 70's how many of my Puerto Rican neighbors were drafted in puerto rico to the Vietnam war, and returned in coffins with the american flag over them, ironically killed defending a country in which the didn't have a voice or the right to vote. Treated as an alien race, and used as cannon fodders.

[@kingkillerstripe4467]

@Carolann Cannuli-Denton yeah but their own had rights unlike Puerto Ricans do so what exactly is your point huh?

[@kingkillerstripe4467]

@Carolann Cannuli-Denton Oh OK fair enough good point

[@Onigirli]

@@kingkillerstripe4467 lol you thought she was disagreeing with you, didn't you?

[@kingkillerstripe4467]

@@Onigirli sadly yes that's exactly what I thought my bad

[@nitwitt50]

@@Onigirli Lol I thought that, too.

[@MuggsMcGinnis]

When it comes to Puerto Rico and American Samoa, the USA is guilty of taxation without representation.

[@saunigafaafiaula5706]

J D you might need to do your research again

[@riotact884]

Washington DC as well

[@darthironamerican]

Hahaaaaaaaah I got that joke

[@JoseHernandez-xy8mj]

@J D We also give soldiers lives.

[@sticks4632]

You know, the whole reason that america exsists

[@mowtow90]

Oh the irony. The most anty-colonial country in the world , has colonies and treats them the same way the British Empire treated them.

[@cyprel]

USA has always only been anti-colonial when it suited their agenda. Mainly when it came to 'fighting the commies'.

[@T.Gorzkiewski]

I think those are the Anglo-Saxon principles that they've mentioned.

[@reddyshreddy5050]

Srinivas Metta you kinda can actually...also the Brits ain’t the only colonial empire

[@HerbiieIsBest]

No, the British Empire treated theirs better

[@john-paulhunt9798]

Oh pardon me Bill Maher as Trump humps lady liberty being a daughter of ole mother England.

[@charlee_hotel]

I'm Puerto Rican and I cringe at the people who say I'm an immigrant. I'M A GODDAMN NATURAL BORN US CITIZEN!!!!!!!!

[@devonchristian7200]

Joe Dubya me too and I'm from the USVI

[@sebastianportalatin5658]

AY ME TOO!

[@samt.1369]

Joe Dubya Yes!! You may be a U.S. natural born citizen on papers but to the eyes of many white americans, you will always look like an alien. Europeen immigrants don't have this problem...

[@charlee_hotel]

Samnang T I'm actually very white passing. I usually get "but I thought you were white" or "why are you white?"

[@devonchristian7200]

Sebastian Portalatin which part Rock City or Twin City

[@victortachiquin4965]

John Oliver is such a patriot, brave man for speaking about all these issues that are very important. He probably just sees himself as a comedian, but he's a fucking hero to be honest.

[@chinoloko82]

Vic Tach he is british. a british patriot maybe

[@lwhitetea]

Felicia Ang He's actually a permanent resident of the US. While not a US citizen (yet?), I would still say he's American

[@jlogg8738]

Felicia Ang Hes more of an American Patriot than a LARGE portion of US citizens. Where you were born does not make you a patriot of that nation.

[@AidanMillward]

+lwhitetea He's a US citizen by marriage. His wife's a medic in the US Army. He's also from Birmingham. Makes him even better.

[@lwhitetea]

I don't know if he has become a citizen yet, but he had a green card through employment. He does this great stand up about not wanting to use his wife to get a green card cuz it felt like it was "cheating" lol. Look it up, its a good one

[@hoosierjonny336]

It is sad that you learn more about injustices being committed today through a comedy skit than through our actual news sources!

[@Tan87ful]

Hoosier Jonny exactly smh

[@leftyelomis1824]

This is an actual news source. I don't necessarily want my news to be serious, I want it to be accurate and impartial.

[@mayankshrivastava3554]

Check out The Onion. That's predicting the future news at it's best.

[@mjmota]

but this way is roughly 99% more entertaining but what you say is true and shameful

[@elfhighmage8240]

Actually, the serious news does inform us of stuff like this every day. Problem is that we don't pay much attention, focusing on reality TV shows and such.

[@Rains215]

You know it's bad when a British comedian is pointing out that America is essentially practicing taxation without representation.

[@jacintovski]

This comment just has to be pinned

[@hsihdbssbcjtzksk7426]

And they do that to their capital as well. Wtf

[@ebonaparte3853]

This must be pinned.😂😂😂😬😬😬

[@Toomuchbullshitt]

Oh wow so true! 😂💀

[@apmcx]

I mean we are self aware enough to put it on the DC license plates - where it is also true.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

I was born under 48 stars and had an uncle give his life on Guam. The Guamanians remained true to the USA throughout the Japanese occupation and many gave their lives remaining loyal to the USA. If babies born to illegal immigrants are American citizens then they, along with the Samoans, VIs and Puerto Ricans at the very least deserve to be American citizens and have the right to vote for president. So they add a few more electoral votes and it takes half of those to win the electoral college, what's the big deal?

[@1967sluggy]

VI's? I didn't realise we live in the Mass Effect universe.

[@Ryoichi94]

Despite this comment having been posted over a year ago, I still comment on it. VI means Virgin Islands.

[@leahpatts6007]

indy_go_blue60 My grandmother who is Chamorro doesnt realized Chamorro citizens cant vote. I dont argue her, but she really is devoted to her country.

[@Tan87ful]

Wow smh

[@saeedvazirian]

Those decisions are their mistakes. Do not make the fatally flawed mistake of appealing to politicians, let alone killing innocent people for them. This is the Guamanians' fault.

[@weirdaljedifan2]

Last Week Tonight has the unique ability of making me laugh while also making me INCREDIBLY ANGRY.

[@dmac5472]

indeed lol

[@KevinP32270]

haaaaa

[@abilitynorth]

Trump seems to be determined to hit back at Puerto Rico for some unstated grievance. He took their $600,000 for doing nothing but he still talks as if they are lazy and can't run a business. Trump should be happy they don't have power now so they wouldn't see him use tax dollars that could go to Puerto Rico take a direct line to his pocket. Maybe he forgot that there are alot of people in the US who are watching him use their tax dollars for his own benefit.

[@thomasevanko8434]

WHACKY STICK!!

[@manofnam]

Christie Beck i think that makes you a maniac.

[@BlueHooloovoo]

Wow, I never knew that the U.S. Territories were so poorly mismanaged. I find this treatment of those "citizens" absolutely deplorable. Shame on the U.S. government.

[@BlueHooloovoo]

***** Interesting. However, in terms of military service and voting rights that needs to be addressed because the way the system is set up now is just terrible.

[@Cruxad0]

Its citizens without the quotes. ;)

[@christianvelez7240]

***** I assume that you haven't gone to any of these islands? The people want to have those voting rights and statehood but some think that the US government thrives upon their taxes, take note that i said think, which explains the inconsistency on the matter of voting for statehood or territory. I live in Puerto Rico, and not to many know that we have the Law of Cabotage in which we pay a lot more in terms of tax for the transportation of clothing, hardware, food, etc. through the sea port. Our economy is suffering of these but we still live with it and i dont know if Hawaii has it too but i think that no US territory should be neglected in such ways, just try to put yourself in their shoes and see how hard it is.

[@DollhouseKR]

***** just to clarify a bit, in the 2012 elections statehood won in PR. BUT! Congress has been looking for excuses as to not grant it. I guess they rather have us like we are and get the 60+billions in commerce and taxes per year. Sighs. And people believe the US is supporting! We only get about 6 billion a year in welfare, and that's including education. If only we had free commerce and a chance to build our economy.

[@jcruz78]

Karla Ramos Just to clarify, in the 2012 status referendum there was a total of 1.736.893 valid votes. 798,938 voted to maintain the same status and 937,955 voted to change the status. Only those 937,955 were then supposed to choose between the other three options. But a total of 1,317,029 votes were counted for the second part, therefore 379,074 votes did not count, because they were contradicting what they chose in part one. This was caused by misinformation on how to vote.

[@roxanne410]

For those who wanted to know, the full house dog passed away peacefully in his sleep in 1998

[@Happymali10]

He almost made it to ten years old, despite being a rescued stray AND fighting cancer: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Buddy_(dog)

[@ajlngc]

Damn

[@MC-xx4fd]

Thank you for looking this up and telling us with sensitivity and love for that good boy ❤

[@defensivekobra3873]

Good boy

[@dcatura1]

Hey asshole, that dog had a name, and on TV it was Comet.

[@leonyoung4707]

As someone that call's American Samoa home, its nice to know someone cares about home!

[@bentleybrant]

+Leon Young bro i never even knew about this. i mean, i know the process of you guys becoming a state or even voting for president is probably going to be hard but its nice to see there has been a little light on the subject. i give my best wishes here from FL

[@Fetidaf]

For what it's worth I think you guys, as well as most of our other territories (except Guam cause fuck Guam) should be full fledged states or at the very least given the same rights as states, I would love to see "all polls reporting in Puerto Rico" for a presidential election before I die...

[@kaym7800]

You are American! People are fighting to get you your rights. It will happen. People just have to come together!

[@bmac4]

Wow way to act like a racist turd. I sure hope the rest of Guam doesn't act that way when someone on the internet hurts their feelings, else I too would call them un-American.

[@sandramorgan5074]

+Robert MacIntosh to be fair though the other guy was racist first so i think it was appropriate to get a little triggered but not to say the same rhetoric that he said.

[@Epoch11]

Thank you for these stories. I would never have known this if you had not brought it to my attention.

[@sanedem]

+Mark G Same here.. it's like... holy shit. >_

[@tres913]

+sanedem +Mark G Oliver is easily worth the cost of an HBO subscription. Just sayin'

[@blindedby2monkeys]

+Mark G god bless americ.....mom? dad? what happened? i was a zombie for a moment there.....

[@mgfan4lf]

I agree, better than the Lame Stream Media, carry on Sir John lol

[@WarEagleGaming]

We need to fix a lot of stuff in America

[@MrSuperman2312]

We have soldiers from those countries, have NO VOTE, and go to war for a country that refuses to give them citizenship???...As a Navy Veteran i am ashamed, and appalled at this behavior that has been perpetuated for over A CENTURY.....

[@wii3willRule]

Thank you for your service! And yes, I agree completely.

[@TzokoliT]

I agree, but it's good to remember that Guam and Puerto Rico are America. They are not separate countries, which just makes the situation more obviously unfair.

[@888nevik]

Well we are citizen's

[@molentils6472]

You should see the situations crated in the places that the US invades. I mean when the army and navy start bombarding a country- oh wait, I didn't mean...

[@saeedvazirian]

As a Navy veteran AKA as an idiot who fought for corporate interests. No sympathies for you or 'American Samoans' who join these terrorist, imperialist, violent organisations.

[@keegansmetanko3755]

Someone from my school back in middle school went to puerto rico to visit family and the teacher asked what was it like getting a passport... the bad part is she was a history teacher and should know damn well he never left America in the first place

[@bernadetteferis7533]

I work at a tourist destination here in Puerto Rico and I have them asking if a "local" currency is also used around the island, do we also need to carry out passports for road checks; I was also told that I "speak" pretty good English for a Puertorican.

[@avalon629h]

The sad truth is that many US citizens (like myself) favor equal rights for our brothers and sisters in the territories, but our politicians in Washington represent their own interests and not their people.

[@Toomuchbullshitt]

Yet we still vote for these goons to ride our asses around.

[@lizzy5812]

I am puertorican and it baffles me how many puertorican soldiers are fighting your wars and yet we do not have a right to vote and god forbid when we win the Powerball, the level of discrimination against us is overwhelming.

[@incomments2864]

Yup this gets me so mad. They only don't want us to be the 51rst state just because we speak Spanish and have Jewish blood. Too much racism going on.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

+Raven Dark Lord The geniuses in Washington probably can't figure out how to put a 51st star on the flag.

[@ek9graphicdesign170]

+Raven Dark Lord jewish blood?

[@incomments2864]

+EK9GraphicDesign yeah, Puerto Rican is not a race, we are a mix of many races, mostly Israeli, African and Native American Indian. Also Italian, British, Greece, German and the list keeps going.

[@andrewshepherd1633]

+Lizzy Maybe it's just because I've lived near military towns my whole life, but I've not once heard anyone speak ill of Puertoricans or Puerto Rico in general. I've never met anyone who doesn't want it admitted as the 51st state. My only comment is that, through my research, I've been under the impression that your governor and political party situation has prevented your home from putting forth serious proposals to become a state. I could very well be wrong and I would love for you and others more knowledgeable on the subject to educate me. I was also under the impression that referendums among the people were partially responsible for the lack of proposals (in that way, I'm jealous- it's been too long since the US had referendums on laws).

[@lukusblack6442]

I had no clue about any of this shit. How can you be allowed to die for a country when you can't even vote on it's policies?

[@burkeschmollinger9230]

***** They enjoy the same rights as every other American, just like every American who lived in the New Mexico territory a century ago. Exception being American samoans, who are nationals not citizens (unfortunately). edit well unless you want to start talking about universal suffrage and civil rights in that NM territory a century ago....but that is to be assumed. The world was kind of a shitty place back in that gilded age.

[@wyvernlord23]

That's nothing new.The Egyptian Charioteers couldn't vote for Pharaoh, Napoleon's Imperial guard couldn't vote on policies. The slaves fighting for England in the revolutionary war couldn't vote for their freedom, and the Royal Navy couldn't vote for the king of England, but they died all the same for their country. Democracy is a VERY new privilege in history. If you love it, you have to defend it.

[@carschmn]

Many "foreign" soldiers get American citizenship if they serve in the military.

[@tecnocato]

Uniblonder You are wrong, not just wrong, completely wrong. Get your facts right before posting inaccurate political comments. FIRST, all Puerto Rico residents DO PAY federal taxes: "Puerto Ricans are also required to pay most U.S. federal taxes, with the major exception being that some residents do not have to pay the federal personal income tax." SECOND, Your "They benefit... but of not want to pay them" may be a racist opinion if you knew and ignored the preceding facts - you can also correct your statement with a simple "I didn't know" and help us Americans in PR achieve citizenship equality. THIRD, You are wrong again when you say that we "can decide to become a state". The American truth is different. In 2012 we voted against the current relationship and then in favor of statehood among decolonizing alternatives. We are subject to Congress actions or inactions where we do not have a vote as explained by in the video. We cannot make Congress act without your help. We have never have, in the entire history of the US, a Congress approved and legally binding referendum on status. They all have been sponsored by the local government. So, even with the last one favouring statehood, your Congress will not act. Contact your Congress representatives and ask them about American citizens in Puerto Rico. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Puerto_Rico

[@FlatlandsSurvivor]

In the Vietnam War they were drafting people over 18 when the voting age was 21. Rather than raise the draft age they lowered the age people became legally adult.

[@AndreasNV]

Hello, 2015. I'm sorry to tell you nothing has changed.

[@californiarespublica]

Sadly writing letters to all my reps

[@CoffeeKitty.]

@@californiarespublica hello 2019, 2020 here, sitll nothing changes

[@trucetruce335]

I didn't even find this until 2020

[@Miketrill_ng]

@@trucetruce335 Same my guy, didn't find this until June of 2020 in a History class assignment!

[@Ravengal101]

Hello 2020! This shit might get worse.

[@mirandadalgetty6441]

Thank you, it is a privilege to be here in Waffleton DP, in the United Sporks of Amoogaboink.

[@StardustLegend]

Have you been to New Spork City yet?

[@NidorinoAlliance]

That was, indeed, a line in this video

[@snivy2002]

I have heard Califorkia is pretty nice.

[@StardustLegend]

Communist Skittles I also heard flooridork is a great place to visit, they have Dosney World!

[@clovewine]

Isn't it right below Joeregia? Heard their capitol Mylanta is known for their strip clubs that some folks put the Oh my in front of it. And don't get me started on Chavanah, with all that charm. Oh the Charm!

[@dannylew8299]

I was never taught about U.S. territories in school. Off the top of my head I have no idea where these places are... and they're supplying my military with soldiers. This is shameful.

[@PrettyGirlOtaku]

dannylew8299 Puerto Rico is in latitude 18 North, longitude 66.7 west. Is a tiny island, about 105 miles from left to right, and about 38 miles from top to bottom, with a mountain range in the middle. Is quite humid in the north, but dryer in the south. Is very heterogeneous; you'll see tons of redheads where I used to live (like 1/6 of my maternal side of the family are redheads), and people of all sizes, shapes, and colors. I mean, I'm like a (much) taller Aubrey Plaza (the deadpan chick from "Parks and Recreation"), but my younger brother looks quite Jewish, and the youngest one looks Native American (paternal grandma is 1/4 Native American, from NM). Food is very expensive in PR. Yes, my dad did time in the USMC and Army. I did time in the Navy. Many 'Ricans had been invaluable for the American military through the 20th and 21st century, that's true. The Virgin Islands are a few miles, north east of PR. They're smaller, and the climate is similar to PR. My bff is from over there. Is very expensive to live there. The Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are quite close to each other. They're hundreds of miles to the east of the Philippines. Like PR and the VI, things are expensive down there as well. However, the ethnic makeup is a bit more homogeneous (Chamorros being the main ethnicity). The last territory are the American Samoa. They're Polynesians (very robust).

[@justamoose220]

dannylew8299 Same. I can't remember if those territories were even mentioned in school.

[@PrettyGirlOtaku]

Nobody learns about them, but you best believe that 'Ricans DO learn about the States in school (especially in middle and high school).

[@succsipp926]

I was taught about them in school...

[@succsipp926]

Well you really don't NEED to learn about other countries/territories. It's not really about being better but it's kind of unn

[@matthewsexton5490]

Exactly right & we go to war "to spread democracy abroad." Might want to spread it at home first. When was the last time we got to vote on government policy?

[@dogguy8603]

they pay less taxes then people in states and can still govern themselves

[@matthewsexton5490]

dog guy They aren't bound by federal law?

[@axis1247]

+Matthew Sexton They are bound by federal law they just arent bound by the Constitution

[@matthewsexton5490]

axis1247 So they are bound by federal law, but have no representation concerning those laws.

[@axis1247]

+Matthew Sexton Yeah thats basically the problem

[@irontribeissues9104]

I am so angry to hear people say you “gave your land” to the military when it was TAKEN.

[@far2ez539]

Owning something you cannot defend against a conqueror is quite literally the same as giving.

[@jamesmoore1317]

@@far2ez539 no it isn't shitbag

[@Unknown_Entity001]

@@far2ez539 Get your bullshit colonialism thinking out of here.

[@samaraisnt]

AKA colonization hunny.

[@papapeethehunks]

@@far2ez539 NO! It's not the same.

[@bjmartinez6808]

Mr. Oliver, you couldn't have explained it better. You're a gentleman in all the extent of the word. Thank you so much. A US citizen from Puerto Rico.

[@TheBrianFlanagan]

You’re*

[@EmilioReyes_97]

" Alien customs"? Well by that logic shouldn't we have cut off Florida years ago XD?

[@imalonelycow6475]

Emilio Reyes Florida will be under water soon

[@JoseHernandez-xy8mj]

true

[@meme-lu2yu]

No thank you, I don't want to enrage their alligator overlords 🤭

[@neillenhart6838]

Live in Florida and please god by all means cut off Florida and give me another excuse to get out of this state.

[@sticks4632]

Hey we arent weird we just are less corrupt. Sunshine act, look it up

[@esleeeq]

I am a native of Guam and yes, there are many Chamorros who join the military. My own father is an Air Force veteran and a cancer survivor. And we get denied the right to vote.

[@esleeeq]

+Sagal Aden Exactly. Many Chamorro men and women sacrifice their lives for a country that's not even theirs to begin with.

[@darylblack7394]

+esleee You're surprised that a nation built on slavery and genocide is racist?

[@esleeeq]

+Daryl Black Not at all. Racism is still alive today.

[@darylblack7394]

esleee I know, despite Anne Coulter's protestations that there is no more racism when it gets brought up after police shoot black people for being black. As a Caucasian American I am completely embarrassed by how some of us act and want to scream at the rest of us when they talk about being the defenders of freedom when they really only mean the defenders of freedom for white men.

[@myman5472]

+esleee It's better if you come back and join Spain

[@usgator]

We got back-filled to full combat strength by a unit of the Puerto Rican National Guard. A Puerto Rican soldier saved my life when I was pinned down on Dec 4th, 2003. They were there, with us, through all of the invasion, right on the front lines, and served with honor and distinction. They deserve full rights.

[@DuranmanX]

If America is the greatest country in the world, then there is no hope for this world

[@Nerdamania]

trust me it isnt, but there is no hope for the countless f**kheadz that think it is.

[@Marinealver]

Puerto Rico voted both statehood and succession down multiple times. 1993 was the last official vote for state hood while 2012 poll say that they were interested in applying for statehood and not a official statehood vote. As for that vote only slightly larger than 46% of those from poll total preferred statehood. check your sources before making statements about who can vote and who can't. I am sure I could find something unproportional about any other nations voting system assuming they actually have a voting system that doesn't involve a President4life.

[@nightlightabcd]

Jukka Kammer- Then the world should certainly be thankful that your country is not the worlds superpower. By the way, what is your country so we can look up things about it. If the world knew as much about your country, present and past, the US would like a like a genius.

[@DuranmanX]

Sublimation I also hear a lot of good things about Switzerland

[@Nerdamania]

nightlightabcd Finland.

[@Fungamerplays]

"Turnout for what?" I LOST IT His dance moves are just too good

[@mechanicpluto2430]

*TURNOUT FOR WHAT*

[@LizzyAnn_Comedy]

“…the great philosopher Lil Jon” Whole thing was pure gold.

[@tylergerald]

I feel like I'm gonna be THAT guy sharing a John Oliver video every single day of the week...people just need to watch these!

[@espalorp3286]

Exactly. These are pure enlightenment. Hate to preach like a preacher but it's true.

[@skpicky]

+Tyler Scott Why? Because everybody needs a laugh? I'll agree with that, but the stuff he presents is no less biased and factual than anything else on television, including MSNBC and Fox News. Sometimes they get the story right, sometimes the bias is so blatant you can taste it. Sometimes they make a good point, sometimes they are just going for ratings.

[@estefanolivares4159]

+skpicky because hopefully by sharing all those videos it will get people to think about issues that they never knew existed, like the case with the us territories

[@KidIndigo1]

+skpicky Give me an example of one of Oliver's stories that was factually inaccurate and just for ratings, please. I can wait.

[@The00Blue00Phonix]

EYE ESTONIAws says a Eyy as Ty as WORSE Deesz dad rtf

[@Mike-rn5yr]

It’s 2019, and I’m happy to immigrate back to this video

[@msbr0000]

It's now 2020 and *hard same*

[@ceciliacain9890]

It’s 2021 now, same

[@anthonygonzales3523]

It’s now mid 2022

[@hilariofreire]

The video is not available in australia because they play a Rihanna song and also a peace of the "América's got talent" show. When videos are blocked its because of copyright issues from songs or shows like that.

[@KittJT2]

Its called a proxy. You're on the internet. You can watch anything you want.

[@9manny99]

Its proxy time

[@AvangionQ]

talesin Socialists, you say ... I don't think you know what that word means.

[@AvangionQ]

talesin So, you care to devolve to troll level? Look up a definition on your own, pick the one you think is correct.

[@rylyshane]

Someone should edit together an Australia friendly cut replacing all of the copyrighted materials with some ridiculous, public domain material.

[@drivein4]

The biggest champion of American citizens is not their own president but a British comedian.

[@john-paulhunt9798]

And medium gets a wackie stick. No sale!

[@BostonMBrand]

“Immigrants, we get the job done.”

[@soilstress]

John Oliver is now a US Citizen as well, but still cant be president...

[@BostonMBrand]

Derek Lemon too bad. I doubt Oliver would want the job but I would trust him over Bunker Boy any day.

[@soilstress]

@@BostonMBrand no one you would want to have the job wants the job.

[@MsTendus]

Did America not get independence on no taxation without representation? This is embarrassing for their country if they really do not want to make them states they should let them have their own governments that what we do in Britain even islands not far from Britain have their own governments.

[@gregorenstein6994]

They need to have a referendum and vote to apply for Statehood. Puerto Rico did this a few month ago and it failed. They wanted to stay as territories so that they do not have to pay federal taxes. Also if they were to become a state they would have some of the worst economies in the USA. You must be a state to have a vote, I don't see anything wrong with that.

[@molentils6472]

Their government gave up on those ideals as soon as they could, they kept the rhetoric of course, then proceeds to build in empire of exploited and oppressed colonies.

[@Imaginethat19]

+Greg Orenstein wrong! Puerto Rico is been a US territory since 1898, in 1914 Puerto Rico voted down US citizenship and was ignored. 3 years later it was force into puertoricans mandatory citizenship. 1954 it became a commonwealth. in 2012 PUERTO RICO HAD A REFERENDUM FOR STATEHOOD, INDEPENDECE, STATEHOOD WON 64% OF THE VOTES.....AND IT WAS IGNORED....NOW THE FACTS! PR HAS MORE US CITIZENS THAN 23 STATES, HE BEEN IN EVERY WAR. HAS SEND MORE SOLDIERS FOR CAPITAL THAN ANY OTHER STATE, MORE SOLDIER HAVE DIED FROM PR PER CAPITAL THAN ANY OTHER STATE. WE PAID 13 % SALES TAXES, SS, MEDICAID INCOME TAXES AND YET WE GET LESS BENEFITS THAN ANY OTHER STATE......NOW DO YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT?

[@gregorenstein6994]

Please edit your comment to remove the all caps then I will read it and respond.

[@NoNameAtAll2]

+Greg Orenstein that was rude

[@chickensangwich97]

Pssst if we eliminated the electoral college, then all of these citizens could vote for President, regardless of whether they want to go through the process of becoming states

[@soggygrogbottom]

At least mandate that the college must vote in line with his/her electorate.

[@Archangel251]

Pssst you have to amend the constitution first

[@thisisnotachannel]

I have been a vocal proponent of the abolishment of "our" biased, corrupt electoral college for the better part of a decade. The electoral college existing is why I haven't voted since Gore "lost" to G.W. Bush... even though he fucking WON the popular vote. Our votes mean literally NOTHING. In other words, I agree.

[@thisisnotachannel]

@@Archangel251 And that's hard to do? Only if you ask politicians... most of whom have never worked a real job in their entire lives. So of course they would consider sitting on their asses and talking a difficult task. Jebus forbid they have to actually WRITE SOMETHING... or STAND UP for five minutes. Gimme a break. Changing the constitution is not a difficult task. It requires an eraser, a pencil, and someone with half a brain to make them work together. Oh, wait... Congress is full of quarter-wits... I guess it might actually be hard for them.

[@veil6655]

What's the alternative?

[@aquastoxic-dome3655]

I am a Puerto Rican and it is extremely hard to ignore how much the U.S diminishes our territory but still they use us to their convenience. Part of the awful situation P.R. is in right now is because we depend on the U.S to make some of our decisions and most of the time either they ignore us, put us aside or simply say NO. We love who we are but we deserve to be respected for who we are as well.

[@888nevik]

were like a child trying to tell our stepdad that "Dad my pants is on fire please help"

[@CosmicTeapot]

+888nevik more like a slave telling his master ''Can I please not die?''

[@aquastoxic-dome3655]

No more like "can you return us some of what we have done for you?

[@Tan87ful]

💯💯👏🏽👏🏽

[@tannerwilson4843]

Toic-DOME I know some in P.R. want to become a state! But what about declaring independence from the USA? Is their much interest for that?

[@ineslime3929]

"Turnout for what?" *dances jerkily* GETS ME EVERYTIME HAHA

[@sumairb9978]

i came back to this video just for that moment 😄

[@TempestTossedWaters]

Hahaha America, what happened to no taxation without representation?

[@MasterAsra]

To be fair none of the territories actually pay Federal Taxes either.

[@lrmatoslago123]

MasterAsra Actually, we do pay federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare etc... It's been a misconception from som time that we dont. Everything that comes in, pay taxes before it get to the stores, public etc.. so yeah, plus if you work for the Federal Government you pay income tax as well.

[@DarkdustDragon]

Luis Matos That is fucking disgusting, and a front to basic human decency.

[@Lonewolf6565]

They are not states therefore they have no voting rights. If they actually wanted voting rights they would be petitioning to become states. But they dont want to be under US federal law so they just sit around complaining about not being able to vote in elections that influence laws and policy they dont actually want.

[@marcinkierzkowski2470]

Lonewolf6565 yeah john oliver seems really anti democratic with this smear piece, because in reality its electoral colleges that actually decide presidents. those places just dont seem big or vital enough to actually make that happen for themselves.

[@rockycvs3]

Absolutely Love Guam. I lived there for over 5 years and recently moved back to the states...Absolutely broke my heart to leave, it was the best time of my life so far. Me and the wife plan on moving back there in a few years.

[@tfcjon]

As an American, this makes me angry and sad. However, I am going to write a letter some politicians. This needs to be changed. We should not be a place that allows us to take people into our military to fight and die and then not be represented by same government that they are protecting. How embarrassing for us!

[@noelredillo8499]

Jonathan, you dont have to feel bad. Recently a young lady named Janet wanted to know in what war was Puerto Rico "front and center" . I felt she needed a short history class. I told her about the Borinqueneers, in WW1, WW2 and the Korean "police action". I am sure this history lesson was as shocking to her as it has been to you.

[@Tan87ful]

Exactly. I almost want to say that the US residents of these US territories shouldn’t even join to sign up for service since they are not regarded as full US citizens. It’s inexcusable

[@Valkbg]

If you are able to die for your country and then you should be able to vote for the people who decide when you should die

[@Tan87ful]

Valkbg exactly

[@tagaloasroyallinesheartofp3478]

Jonathan Phillips that's just not Human!...how sad I'm from independent Samoa.

[@TehOberon]

I weep for you US. A country with so many good things, yet even more bad ones..

[@rowannyooom6958]

Indeed

[@p7outdoors297]

Heer heer

[@docmike2904]

Ironic isn't; no taxation without representation is why we fought the American revolution and now we're doing the exact same thing to someone else.

[@dylankeller8890]

+Doc Mike Except we don't tax them

[@DavidVT23]

Tell that to DC

[@feynstein1004]

My thoughts exactly. Every American is like, the founding fathers wanted this or that. I think the founding fathers would have hung their heads in shame if they knew about this.

[@calebmauer1751]

+Dylan Keller, I think taking 27% of a country's land to use as a military base is a form of taxation.

[@shenghan9385]

Dylan Keller bullshit! Your government don't impose any import or export duties on them? Your government don't put duties on goods sold there? No tariffs, duties or any exercises? How about the mineral resources in those territories? Who gets to issue the license to mine resources? Licenses to deal in pharmaceutical drugs and goods? what about alcohol and tobacco levies? Because they are all in fact taxes one form or another. Remember what happened at Boston back then, when they mentioned tax, it's not just anything like income taxes. So, just real, mate!

[@raealyssa5211]

As someone who was born and raised on Guam it's hard to be political and not be able to vote it really takes on a toll on my mental health ngl

[@SkiDaBird]

We are so attached to the 50 states concept. Give DC, Puerto Rico, Guam et al what they deserve. We don't even have to call them states, just give them the full legal power.

[@gregorymartin9746]

SkiDaBird Disagree - you can either (a) vote to become a state (obey our laws, fly the US flag, pay taxes, etc.) or (b) vote to remain a territory, born as US citizen (and can vote, but no senators or reps), can fly own flag, do own laws, taxes to your territory, etc or (c) vote yourself out and be on your way/stand alone (hope you will still be our friends though! - at least set trade/tourism deals)). These are the choices (and yes, we would let any of them go - hardly critical to national security or anything else these days). Cannot hang around being a territory while demanding full states rights.

[@kylefarrell2238]

actually they didnt make dc a state because they didnt want the capital influenced by a states laws

[@JessieBanana]

+Gregory Martin Lol, you make it sound like it's them wanting to "hang around being a territory". I'm pretty sure we're the ones who occupied them, in a long history of colonialism, and now continue to exploit them while only giving them partial rights. I'm sure they would be happy to either be a state or have their country back, minus the US military.

[@gregorymartin9746]

+JessieBanana Hi Jessie - actually you should google it. In 2012, Puerto Rico had the internal vote to become our 51st state (and there was much discussion going on). In a relatively narrow vote, 54% voted against statehood and they remain in territory status. Weirdly though, in a separate poll 61% supported statehood - not sure what that is about. And if Puerto Rico wants to break away, I am cool with that (hope they would remain our friends though).

[@GlanderBrondurg]

+Gregory Martin They don't get to "vote on becoming a state". That is the job of the United States Congress. The last territory that had to wait so long to become a state was Utah, where it took from 1847 to 1896 to become a state (because Congress hated the Mormons and didn't want to see them in the Senate). Hawaii was a formal U.S. territory from 1898 to 1959, which was even a little bit longer still. Puerto Rico became a territory in 1917, and if it becomes a state that will have been the longest any territory remained and did not become a state. It is not their choice. Each of these territories would gladly become a state if Congress would let them. Fall all over themselves for that matter to be even given the opportunity. The blame here falls entirely on the United States Congress entirely that none of this has happened. In the case of Puerto Rico, they have even demanded statehood in a formal referendum.... something not even required by the U.S. Constitution.

[@Thund3rstruck57]

John Oliver please do a main segment on how ridiculous, dangerous, and misinformed the anti-vaccination movement is and why vaccines are absolutely necessary. Thanks. -a biomedical engineer

[@occiferjehons2329]

If they do, I really hope they point out that Bill Maher is one of those anti-vaccin asshats.

[@frustbox]

He already did

[@vplgery]

Occifer, could you provide me the source of that? I'm surprised he's anti-vaccine. Thanks

[@OhWellWhatTheHell1]

Thund3rstruck57 I mean, he tends to do issues that aren't getting very much attention. To my knowledge, this is getting plenty. And most of it on the correct (pro-vaccine) side.I want his next segment to be on something I never even knew was a problem.

[@occiferjehons2329]

frustbox /watch?v=tB5DLf1Qt78

[@jaydaniel4666]

Did John Oliver. A person WITH a British accent just try to put on a British accent?

[@coriklocek1841]

We as Americans try to use a southern accent all the time...

[@monkiram]

LOL so true

[@esleeeq]

Jay Daniel British accents are different depending on where they're from. Some sound more posh than others.

[@carultch]

Yeah, John Oliver has a Brummy British Accent.

[@josephinewinter]

it is a very weird british accent - kind of hyper on helium with a transatlantic hint - nb am british

[@jp4431]

Revolutionaries: no taxation without representation US territories: ironic

[@StephySon]

D.C residents as well

[@gf4913]

@Juan Flores Every state receive federal money for infrastructure and Guam gave a quarter of Its land to the US military. How is that not enough to be treated as citizen? (Rethoric, don't answer)

[@CornOfTheBreads]

You know the biggest complaint would be that other americans have to add more stars onto the flag and how that would be too confusing.

[@1967sluggy]

Even though in another episode he added an extra star to the flag and no one really noticed. The thing with the "but we have to add another star and teach kids about another state" argument is it shows you forgot that America has added states before.

[@CornOfTheBreads]

Bazingaman 117 I know I am just pointing out what a stupid argument it and why most grumpy americans will complain I see no reason not to add these as states, other then xenophobia. also most americans dont even know every state.

[@Falcon4224]

Giving US Territories full US citizenship wouldn't require the addition of any more stars on the flag. These islands can still be territories, follow full American law, have full American rights, and not be considered "states". Only Puerto Rico (to my knowledge) is fighting for statehood. The rest just want equal rights with their citizenship.

[@andrewterrels1709]

Actually most of these places don't want statehood, they just want to be Citizens, Puerto Rico has that and they don't really seem to want statehood because that would make them have to pay federal income taxes, which it is important to note they do not have to pay because they are not states. It would grant them vote in congress, but when offered representation in congress but at the same time losing a large chunk your income, people just don't care that much. They do want the right to vote and all the rights of a U.S. Citizen but could care less about statehood.

[@francescoarellano7513]

+Falcon4242 Hate to tell you, all applies except representation and a few constitutional rules...and yes we pay taxes hidden as rules, ex: All imports by same shipping co. with highest % prices in the WORLD! to the tune of 75 Billions of profits a YEAR . Exploitation of working force for shit salaries in a country with more educated people than the US itself???? Stripping of educational, health and other services to sub standard levels and this is AMERICA??? Just 5 Billions in aid a year? Philly gets more! The shitbags in Congress do 88 Billion a year in their pussy ways. Obamas 20 Trillion also a problem???? FYA

[@MultiHydralisk]

Wow. I...genuinely feel bad now. *goes to think on this big nugget of information for a while*

[@poppaDehorn]

now im gonna go get some bk nuggets 10 for $1.49. maybe ill get 20.

[@MultiHydralisk]

poppaDehorn I'll join you on that.

[@snitox]

I don't get it since when does American popular votes count? The electoral decides who wins or not. To me it seems like legalizing Guam to vote is just for them to get the feeling of making a decision. Even if a president who gets 70% of the popular votes maybe because its Beyonce or some other big celebrity, the Electoral college will just choose a fit president and totally ignore the popular American citizen vote. This is all foo bar.

[@rossbarn6858]

XxKNightROxX says the person,,,eligible to vote,,or just whines to whine beyonce? really kid,,? that much hate? LOL yeah,,,you are,,fubar,,,,or as you like it,,lol,,,foo bar lol

[@Chocohalation]

Ross Barn I think I would agree with you, except that I can't read your comment. Please fix it.

[@parishanover]

I'm not american and this is embarrassing even to me.

[@boiicashthehizzle]

i bet only america could make you feel second hand embarrasement, and that, is what truly makes this country special

[@justinblake552]

@@boiicashthehizzle damn lol true though.

[@cowboymooman8776]

I just feel horrible and i live in asia

[@AmandaPlaysMinecraft]

I only first saw this through my (college) history class which linked this because it talks about US territories, up until then it hadn't ever been seriously talked about in school or ever really brought up. feels kinda messed up that It wasn't even seriously mentioned until college even if this video is 7 years old.

[@TofranBohk]

I didn't know they couldn't vote.

[@josesolismusic]

That's why it need reminding.

[@HouseFullaFrogs]

***** Did you hit your head or something?

[@WinstonTheFrog]

Nick Adams Give the Russian guy a break. Doing things in other languages is tough.

[@Lonewolf6565]

They dont actually want to vote if they did they would petition to become states. But they arent states and do not want to be states because they want their own federal laws. This video is stupid its bitching and moaning about voting rights of people who do not want US laws. They want their own federal laws and do not want to use US federal law so they should not be able to vote and influence laws they do not follow or want. If they want to vote they can petition to become states otherwise they are second party political influences. If they do not want to become states then they can fuck off.

[@ShivaX51]

Lonewolf6565 Doesn't really make up for American Samoans not being citizens though. That's pretty stupid on every level and is something that would be easy to fix.

[@jothewerewolf]

"wacky stick!" that is so horrible and so hillarious in so many ways at once.

[@Anna-ls6vk]

Hafa adai! Thank you for making this video. I appreciate any voice that tries to help our islands. Thank you, from Guam!

[@NVFlyer]

When I was in Iran on holiday, I was buying a ferry ticket and they required my nationality on the ticket... except their computer system did not have "American" as an option, so the lady selling tickets listed me as "American Samoan"... I had to explain to her what American Samoa was.

[@samuelademeso9041]

Ha at least Iran recognized American samoan

[@Zguy09]

"American Samolia"? Christ help us....

[@nickharris2638]

not american

[@jamesallan5985]

The first time I heard him say it I thought he said "American Somalia"

[@ThebestThebest-gt5dj]

+James Allan thats just somalia

[@agrimg]

time?

[@carultch]

How does he mess up the pronunciation of Samoa? It is pronounced EXACTLY the way it is spelled.

[@GL-ys8je]

If your willing to go to war and die for your country then you should be at least citizen with full rights what a disgrace.

[@MySamoan1]

For some a country they've never seen.

[@zenith0707]

+Tuugasala Leiato The same can be said for most Texans.......

[@MySamoan1]

Ivar Tangen It's that bad out there? Sad.

[@ghostmobiil]

+Garreth Leatherby Because that would make too much sense and the U.S. does not want that. Nope.

[@brycegooding1278]

+Garreth Leatherby I completely agree

[@SailingSeignior]

I understand why the right-wing fights statehood and/or voting rights for the U.S. territories - it would hurt their party since the territories routinely vote for Democrats. However, why in the hell is the Obama Administration against this? Not only is it the right thing to do but it would help the left-wing garner more votes. Just terrible all around...

[@SailingSeignior]

***** While Puerto Ricans have historically been against it, voters have recently changed their minds. The plurality now supports statehood. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statehood_movement_in_Puerto_Rico

[@SailingSeignior]

***** It was an interesting and very ignorant way to protest, that's for sure. The votes were invalidated for not following election law. You're also assuming all of those votes swung to the anti-statehood position when many of them could have just been uninformed voters. You're grasping at straws. It would be like me saying Barack Obama isn't the President of the United States because 40% of people didn't vote at all or didn't vote properly in 2012 and I just assumed they were all Republican votes making his election invalid. It doesn't fit with the observable facts or construction of our elections. The facts remain the same. The simple majority of votes needed for the first question were in disfavor of keeping territorial status. The second question was determined by first-past-the-post. Statehood won the election. If you're are going to vote then vote properly and don't complain if you don't follow the rules and your vote isn't counted.

[@burkeschmollinger9230]

SailingSeignior Nobody in the territories pays income tax, so it might be that the Republican message is getting lost in translation a little. Since, like, keeping taxes low is #1, 2 and 3 in your generic GOP stump speech. While PR may be overwhelmingly Democrat for a while, I think you would see the business community investor developer types getting a strong base. Who knows...maybe that could be the best thing that ever happens to the Grand Old Party.

[@SailingSeignior]

talesin Wrong. Check your history. Then get back with me. Libtard? Are you 12 years old?

[@SailingSeignior]

***** Fair enough, agree to disagree. The second question was the preferable option rather than keeping territorial status. If the clear cut majority was against statehood then they should have gone with their next best choice - free association. I do agree that there needs to be another vote. It'll likely happen sooner rather than later and the evidence of support for statehood will be much clearer in my opinion because that certainly seems to be the trend.

[@karlo3moons]

I love coming back and rewatching these.

[@andrewc4112]

I think all the territories of the USA should be given the same referendum options that Puerto Rico receives: Every several years, a vote is held in that territory, on whether to become a state, to become an independent country, or to keep the status quo. The choice should be up to the people living there, and I would embrace any of the three outcomes. :)

[@shikharsrivastava3558]

Thing is even though almost 62% people voted to be a state, apparently no action was taken for Puerto Rico?!

[@cogidubnus1953]

Yeah that's right...give them a referendum, then ignore the result...democracy at work in the land of the free...

[@fallenthantos]

I know I talked about this issue with some other people on the Puerto rico video but the vote was abit more difficult than you put it. The vote was a two part vote where for the first part people vote if they want change there relationship with the united states (ie statehood or leaving rather then being a territory.) and that's the part over half of the voters voted yes to however the second part of the vote was where the people picked which they would rather do leave or try to get statehood, however a large part of the voters left without putting any thing on the second part of the ballot which makes this a confusing clusterfuck of situation since they techniqually got like 40% of the total voters voting for state hood and most votes where registered absente since the people didn't answer the second part of the vote.

[@SnowfurOfAwesomeness]

Here in DC it happens each time, and we get ignored each time

[@omairavallejo5595]

Andrew

[@donfolstar]

We wouldn't even need to buy new flags. Do we really need a North AND South Dakota?

[@krombopulos_michael]

I never got that. They're two of the least populated States and still get split for some reason. Same for Virginia and West Virginia, why keep them separate?

[@ajrk95]

Cian first it was a dumb slavery thing, then it was the civil war, and now days its more or less political bullshit about senate seats and the electiral college

[@the-chillian]

Cian West Virginia seceded from Virginia after Virginia seceded from the Union during the Civil War. Whether it should be a state or not, the Constitution forbids alterations to state borders without the consent of both legislatures and Congress -- Article IV, Section 3 -- and no one wants them to merge badly enough to make it happen. I have no idea why Dakota Territory was carved up like it was. We got not just North and South Dakota out of it, but (for the most part) Montana and Wyoming too, none of which have lots of people.

[@MegaMoose1989]

Both were part of the Lakota Sioux tribe and are named for it. There was no reason for it but bribery to get more power in Washington(Dakota territory was flush with gold at the time. Another few are Rhode Island and Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland.

[@masterkang1024]

MegaMoose1989 Connecticut and many other states had claims to the land west of Appalachia that was given up. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_cessions

[@stephh4495]

Oliver needs to do another video based on our treatment of Puerto Rico. Let the territories vote!

[@BryonLetterman]

I met a lot of guys from Puerto Rico when I was in the military. I really never thought about the fact that PR doesn't vote in presidential elections.

[@gekkanshounen5112]

From what I remember, basically the US tried to become a colonial power like the rest of Europe, began its first steps by warring against Spain, and then quickly regretted that decision once they realized they weren't really cut out for it. I'm guessing they're trying to do the next best thing other than outright disowning these places by basically sweeping them under the rug and hope people won't make much of a fuss.

[@Lutranereis]

I wouldn't say they were swept under the rug, exactly. These territories do benefit from an American presence, as America also benefits from them. They simply need every right full citizens have, is all. Hopefully we can do that.

[@ajrk95]

No actually, the us was a very successful imperial power, with heavy influence in the Pacific and south and central America. Most of this happened during the late 19th century and lasted until well after WWII, and the influence they hold is still evident in those regions.

[@chriss.9398]

Lutranereis Then they will start having to pay taxes. Which they probably dont want to do for financial reasons.

[@burkeschmollinger9230]

The US has been a proponent of the free market, vice imperialism, for quite some time. While the European states were dividing up China amongst themselves, for example, America always pushed for the "Open Door." A major exception was the Spanish war, were we took over all that remained, including Puerto Rico...and later gave Puerto Ricans citizenship and the same rights as all other Americans.

[@TheNomad546]

GekkanShounen Untold History of America. Get that book and in the first chapters it covers the colonial era of the USA. Spoiler, It's utterly fucking horrifying.

[@petersmythe6462]

"Anyone who moves anywhere is an immigrant." I mean... That's not wrong... DAMN IDAHOANS TAKING OUR JOBS!

[@MMMM-pq1cj]

You should build a wall and let Idaho pay for it.

[@trypptrapp266]

We will build a great big wall along the northern border of Idaho

[@thisisnotachannel]

Day took er' jebs! Durka durr!

[@veil6655]

That came out of nowhere

[@devincetee5335]

I'm not complaining, but why Idaho? Why not Florida?

[@TheDude2062]

You can say it's Weird.... I prefer to call it CRIMINAL and Deliberate

[@kaym7800]

I also prefer to call it hypocritical and unconstitutional. Something has to be done!

[@TheDude2062]

Yes, I agree. Unconstitutional... But exactly how many American politicians give a damn about The Constitution?

[@cashewnuttel9054]

@@kaym7800 It's been 6 years, have you done anything?

[@cashewnuttel9054]

@@TheDude2062 If it's not working anymore isn't it high time for a revolution then?

[@andriadipura6393]

American Samoan, Guamian, Northern Mariana Islanders, Puerto Ricans, and US Virgin Islanders have been suffering and need to be freed from the brutal dictator regime of United States!

[@thewinnerisds2759]

Lol

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

Under current circumstances, that's more true than ever. So fricking sad.

[@VishalKumar-gj1li]

They are proud of US territory 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅

[@Energyone]

"United States of Amoogaboink" XD

[@niteshtripathi678]

i think he said-- united sports...

[@Energyone]

Nitesh Tripathi Ah, haha

[@maxwell_edison]

United Sporks of Amoogaboink. Get it right.

[@niteshtripathi678]

***** keen ears u got there!

[@trustmpofu5695]

Nitesh Tripathi or a replay button??????

[@KatasaurusRexxed]

It's 2018 and this video still reflects the status quo, and that's really sad.

[@vincentgiasullo]

Katherine Tuckett but they should gain statehood tho

[@YourRealDaddy]

2019 and no different

[@p7outdoors297]

Still true in 2020

[@BinturongGirl]

I have bad news from 2021

[@karaba0]

2023 and no change

[@JamieOfCourse]

I honestly did not know about any of this, which is a testament to the US school system and media. I did not even know these issues existed to be able to research them. I did not even know Guam was a US Territory or that American Samoa existed. I always thought that Samoans were like the Native Hawaiians. I am disgusted in my previous education, as a twenty-two year old college student, and disgusted in myself for not knowing any of this.

[@remembertotakeshowerspleas355]

+JamieOfCourse make up for your former ignorance by informing others.

[@riccorodriguez1128]

+JamieOfCourse hey you can thank your teachers for keeping that away from you,no wonder the education system in the usa is a fucking joke.

[@Tan87ful]

Agreed. Don’t feel bad. A lot of people didn’t know. Smh. I didn’t either

[@desp8161]

JamieOfCourse Maybe it's because you are just stupid

[@jjj1951]

As if you knew, Generic

[@horestoftheforest]

I lived in Guam for 2 1/2 years. It was a chilling experience seeing the photos of fallen soldiers from Guam in the airport. Made me want to throw up.

[@jonathanperigo6853]

I would buy the heck out of that flag if some body made one. (A guy from American Samoa waving a flag with a guy from Guam waving the american flag)

[@peterson7082]

I would pay good money for it to.

[@BlackDevilsCat]

I live in the United sporks of amoogleboink.

[@FutchCassidy]

Am I allowed to move there?

[@android12921]

@@FutchCassidy yes if you are from Waffle town DC 😁

[@zerodiversion4509]

I might do the same thing... Any advice?

[@californiarespublica]

yeah right now i live in coolfromya

[@pikamonketchumlol1237]

I wish to move the Riishmon, Veerginiea

[@smexijebus]

I'd like to pretend that 'alien races' is just a set of events in the Olympic games.

[@AvangionQ]

An interplanetary invasion would have been just as likely ... ;-)

[@juancortes8252]

And that it is just people running to alienated places?

[@ree6612]

I have to renew my passport next year, I'm going to put a check on the box next to "Other" and write in "Alien Race". I wonder if they'll accept that :)

[@BakaHoushi]

In 2012 I actually got the silver medal in the 200m Alien Hurdles.

[@DarkdustDragon]

I hear the 2016 Martian athletes are out of this world.

[@lasmejoradas]

Watching this from Guam, love you John! 🤙🏼🇬🇺

[@codyHEADSHOT]

I spit cookie bits all over my phone at “United Sporks of Amogaboink.” Lmaoo

[@hofender23]

At least more people know about Guam. I'm from the Northern Mariana Islands (John shows our flag on the upper right), the US territory north of Guam. My time in Oregon was full of instances where I have to explain where the islands are to people who ask me where I was from. It was easier to explain if they already knew Guam, but I was not always that lucky.

[@valius1]

+EdBoy I know that feeling, being from Saipan, haha

[@solomonshv]

+EdBoy american kids are spoon fed propaganda from 3 grade and it never stops. on top of that most kids are too stupid and lazy to pick up a history book and learn about the world. the'll read the shit out of harry potter and 50 shades of grey. but god forbid they read something that's actually useful.

[@Tan87ful]

Damn. Smh. That’s crazy. I didn’t know about these territories either.

[@jadenbenavente5321]

From saipan

[@ManiaMac1613]

What I want to know is if the U.S. territories have petitioned to be recognized as official states. Hawaii is currently the only island territory that is officially recognized as a U.S. state (as far as I know). What exactly are the political roadblocks that are preventing these territories from becoming U.S. states? I see little to no evidence that the residents of these territories are opposed to the idea, since it would instantly elevate their status in the eyes of other Americans and they're already U.S. citizens, except for American Samoans (which is downright horrible). And the sad part is that I actually understand why this is an issue; I actually didn't know ANY of this before John Oliver bought it to my attention, and that really pisses me off. But this is the 21st century, people should know about this crap. So what's the excuse? People get riled up in the mainland states about civil rights and even start freaking riots over it, but they completely disregard the parts of the U.S. that are in way worse political/economic condition? That's crazy.

[@wifib6046]

PR did vote for Statehood in an election a couple years ago. maybe do a little research about the subject before you start typing

[@edgarmedina9910]

1 thing Money, Hawaii is recognized b/c of tourism

[@wifib6046]

Shinonome Hakase because tourism doesn't exist in PR?

[@edgarmedina9910]

Wifi B Tourism does exist but the number is far less and businesses for one reason or another dont like to invest that much in puerto rico The next are some sources that state that Hawaii even when in the recession. when tourism was at the lowest its ever been, still beat Puerto Rico by at least doble Read them if you like en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Puerto_Rico en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Hawaii westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/record-number-tourists-visit-hawaii.html www.indexmundi.com/facts/puerto-rico/international-tourism

[@goog0907]

One of the large problems with adding states is that for every new state added all the older states loose some of their power in the government. This is especially true for states with large numbers of delegates in the house of representatives, like California, Texas, or New York, because these states will almost certainly loose representation due to the influx of full US citizens in other states. Also by adding two new delegates to the Senate for each new state the power of each individual senator decreases, further hurting the power of older states. Basically it would be reasonably self-destructive for anyone law maker to vote in favor of statehood because it would ultimately their state's and their own power in the government. Not to mention the sizable portion of the US population which is still, although discreetly, at some level racist. Many Americans just don't want seemingly foreign people to have a say in the government. They just don't understand the depressing situation in these territories.

[@timothyduch948]

I'd like to mention that one of the "WrestleMania" (which I could not possibly care less about) DVD Jackets Features Dwane "The Rock" Johnson whose heritage is also Samoan.

[@zeroeleven6551]

Members of the Samoan Anoa'i wrestling family have actually headlined 12 separate WrestleManias to date. 2 for Yokozuna, 5 for The Rock and 5 for Roman Reigns.

[@mr.shepherd_1776]

They should be given statehood, who's with me?! #MakeThemAState

[@chrischg1197]

Wardog lol, atleast in puerto rico the majority did vote to become a state last time it was done but its bit more complicated than just wanting it to be one

[@djwestbrook36]

Just give them voting rights and citizenship first.

[@chrischg1197]

djwestbrook36 oh, too bad I did not read this sooner. Everyone is PR is an American citizen. But to vote we have to ve in the mainland at least until PR becomes a state.

[@djwestbrook36]

@@chrischg1197 oh ok

[@entewente]

They should drive the Americans out of their lands with violence if needed.

[@sanpatch8447]

Brilliant piece, John.

[@TrueBiblicalChristia]

I'm Canadian and this annoys me.

[@royalcanadianmapping5191]

If Canada had colonies I would treat them just like mainland Canadians

[@royalcanadianmapping5191]

***** yea.

[@carolchen2320]

Yaaaa Canada represent

[@annebelleigh1719]

+Royal Canadian Mapping lets ask natives of canada how they enjoy the treatment they receive.

[@royalcanadianmapping5191]

+Anne Belleigh actually now they are gonna get treated fine

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

Thank you, John Oliver, for bringing more awareness to us U.S. Territories.

[@josecartero748]

This is other times old law Colony finish they progreso yo american You don't can't stop Mr,Presidet and the Congreso they hace to make action Nos to the People survived is this time U,S,A, People 🌎🇵🇷🌍🇵🇷

[@maxwellgordon5885]

I live in the American Samoa 🇦🇸

[@keegansmetanko3755]

love from Illinois hopefully one day our homes are equal in the government

[@nathanielsasa]

Malo lava! I really hope we get voting rights and US Citizenship soon

[@koimatai4600]

Aloau baby!!!!

[@helpfultips1533]

Wow that’s cool

[@fredricabundis3450]

maxwell gordon love. Really hope you guys can become a state soon , 50 is too lonely 😂

[@USAFCAPN73]

That kinda pisses me off that my buddy I went through basic with can't vote and there's fellow soldiers wearing US flags on their shoulders and sometimes getting killed wearing those flags, but have no say in the country they get killed for

[@Airehcaz]

His completely spastic dancing was too much 😂

[@elgordo2162]

I honestly didnt see that coming XD

[@FoxHoundV]

I’m late to the party here. What a mess. I love America. All of it. Left, right and the middle. We have every capability to fix our own problems. These people need to be citizens. We should be proud to stand next to them and call them brothers and sisters. I’m rambling, good luck everyone.

[@LeviOrDie]

Has anyone else watched all of these at least 3 times?

[@Deanwalsh1]

I have watched it two times and I am Bosnian. I never knew this kind of politics even exists.

[@Methylenedream]

Wow, I knew US Territories was an issues but this just .... wow. I don't mean to hate on America but the reason I even know much about these territories is because almost every American I've spoken too don't believe me when i've told them the virgin islands and Guam are part of America and that's mind bogling to me. But I thought these territories voted via a mail in ballot. To hear that these American citizens can't even vote is ... shocking. What is democrazy again? (that was not a typo)

[@reynaldoirizarry5973]

Also Canada is part of America and Haiti, Mexico, Argentina,Bolivia and many other countries in the continent.

[@donparker5349]

@@reynaldoirizarry5973 When we say America, we're not talking about the continents itself. We're talking about the United States when we say America, because the name of the country is too big to use in a normal conversation. If we were talking about the American continents, we would explicitly say, " American *continents.* "

[@schmodedo]

Damn you John Oliver for always being right. Funny how it takes an expat from mother's womb to show us how we're wrong. It's like being slapped by the Queen , herself. Naughty children.

[@TheSensfan09]

+Mike Smith Just say it, just say it, I am not amuzed.

[@ElGibby]

Dear Guam, BVI, American Samoa and Puerto Rico: We know how you feel. Love Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stephen-gi9uz]

Anne Munro do scots not have voting rights in Uk?

[@ElGibby]

@@stephen-gi9uz I was being a bit facetious but actually that is somewhat close to the truth. Westminster is set up so that only England gets the prime minister the people vote for. Even if every seat in scotland, northern ireland and Wales banded together they would still have fewer seats than is needed to make a Westminster majority. Scotland and Wales in particular are largely ignored in the dealings of Westminster.

[@tetra4289]

@@ElGibby That's really not the same thing at all, you have your own parliament and autonomy and you can vote in the general elections. Yes ofc you will always have less voice than England that's because there are less people in Scotland, that rhetoric applies to literally any minority territory in any country ever. And you have citizenship unlike American Samoans.

[@andrewharper1609]

@@ElGibby So you think it's right that 5m people in Scotland and about 2m in Wales should have more say than 50m+? It's supposed to be one person one vote at the ballot not one person one vote with a greater weight for the Scots and Welsh. Bear in mind England bailed out Scotland after its failed attempt at a South American colony. By the way, before you start accusing me of Pro English bias, about 3/4 of my ancestry is Scots, and on my Mother's side part Welsh. Since devolution you've got an even greater degree of representation and home rule and still you're complaining. Some people are never happy.

[@greyone308]

Dear Scotland.... You forgot the fifth. CNMI. Say it with me. C.N.M.I. Its not a territory, its a Commonwealth. We are US land, with US citizens, and US dollar. We dont vote, and I love that fact. We also dont FUKCING PAY FEDERAL TAXES. Keep your fake voting drama show. Ill keep my 30% any day of the week over pulling a lever that dont mean shit.

[@armandtonga4501]

im from Samoa :D

[@LtPeeWeeHerman]

The best warriors/soldiers on the planet!

[@adgboss0086]

+Warriors Panthers fan since 2015 ehh not really cause Americans and the Japanese in WW2 just ran through their islands

[@Captain-Sum.Ting-Wong]

Which one?

[@LtPeeWeeHerman]

Adgboss008 I mean when you have numbers on anybody you're more likely to win

[@yeahjustin]

Somalia**

[@Joppy5100]

What a privilege it is to be here in Waffleton DP in the United Sporks of Amoogaboink!

[@crowcade]

I hate to be 'that' guy, but in the words of Mark Twain, "'If voting made any difference they wouldn't let us do it."

[@MissChocolateLy]

***** I hate to be 'that' girl, but in my own words: Ask the people who can not/are not allowed to vote but want to be able to voice out their opinion on their government's politics how they feel in their country =/

[@crowcade]

T.B. Ly It's not a justification, it's a statement of apathy. Do I think it's a horrible travesty? Sure. Doesn't mean I don't think the overall goal of being given voting rights isn't absurd in the first place. The American electoral system is inherently stupid, the Electoral College is hardly 'democratic'- until the day we're given a direct democracy, voting rights are about as important as who we 'vote' for on American Idol. Though I do agree with you that those people likely feel great indignation and are indeed being treated unfairly, feeling sorry for them won't do anything. Take action. Voice your concern, raise awareness, make change. Sympathy is for tumblr, action is for revolutionaries.

[@crowcade]

T.B. Ly Also I hope you don't misunderstand my comment as some slight against the people who are being wronged. You're correct, it really is a shame that this is a problem we're having at all- but it's indicative of a need for wider social and political reform. Voting is a way to keep citizens appeased without directly involving them in a democratic system, at least in the U.S.

[@FormThisWay]

***** Please tell me why a 15-year-old under the guise of the name "Deez Nuts" is capable of gaining 9% of the vote in a state for presidency if votes don't matter.

[@crowcade]

because the internet is a new, young driving force for elections and the force behind social media has given new life to an otherwise old system. until 'President Nutz' is giving an inauguration though, I'll reserve my judgement. Popular vote doesn't elect presidents. If it did, Bush wouldn't have won in 2000. I'm not saying you have to agree with it, but let's be honest, Americans concept of democracy is a little infantile, or at least in regards to how their election system works. Egypt and Africa are just two examples of how voting can be undermined by greedy politics. didn't know about the 'Deez Nuts' thing either, thanks for sharing that. you learn something new every day.

[@helvete983]

Sadly Timmy still has more chance of going to Narnia than US citizens have of getting equal voting rights.

[@marcosalfaro2399]

As a Puerto Rican myself, I would like to add to john's brilliant information that we can't run for president and that, as explained in john's segment on puerto rico, due to our state of being territory not a state, many laws either don't apply or have ridiculous loopholes, such loopholes are part of the reason our economy is in a dire state

[@charlee_hotel]

If Ted Cruz (someone who was not even born in American territory) was able to run, you (and me, another 'Rican) certainly can. You were born as a NATURAL AMERICAN CITIZEN.

[@archlich4489]

God Bless Amugaboink

[@diligentandhonest]

Arch Lich д

[@MagnusSkiptonLLC]

Make Amugaboink Great Again

[@SWEETIJO]

"Climb into a metal bird and Slip the bonds of this earth" hands down the best line in this monologue 😂. But on a serious note, it's upsetting that they don't teach us about this at all in school.

[@Gambit22003]

John, this is your best story BY FAR. If the 10 million plus views and myself saying that doesn't make it true, idk what else will!? This is just absolutely absurd. A GRAVE injustice. Thank you for choosing your words so carefully in delivering it, and btw, Totally Nailed it!! 😉