US to join the Commonwealth?

[Robin Hood]

According to reports, initial suggestions that the US could join the Commonwealth as an associate member, have received a positive response in Washington.

The Commonwealth (formerly The British Commonwealth) consists of 52 nations who have historical links, usually through empire, with Great Britain. These countries have things like democracy, English law, language etc in common.
These nations include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa etc.
The organisation is headed by the Queen (as a figure head) and seeks to cement cultural and trade ties between members, as well as cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

How do American board members feel about this proposal?

[BeNotDeceived]

Sounds interesting; if it were to happen I'd live in a commonwealth of the USA which itself would become a commonwealth; weird

[Watcher]

Ummm, no offense to any of you who may be members of the Commonwealth, but absolutely NOT. We have cultural and historical ties with those countries, but our political system is far different.

We see a continual uptick in anti-free speeck laws and prosecutions in UK, and in Australia - completely at odds with our First Amendment. There are people in UK and Australia being prosecuted under Blasphemy Laws, and for "hate speech" because they were openly critical of something or someone.

We see a hard-core opposition to gun rights in the Commonwealth countries, including confiscation and prohibition of private firearms - completely at odds with our 2nd Amendment.

We see prohibition against the right to peacefully assemble, and to protest, when it goes against the elite positions - again, completely against the first amendment.

We see an emerging security state, with CCTVs on every street corner in the cities.

We do not believe that there should be ANOTHER government structure above our Constitution, nor a Queen, King or Prince above our President. I recall watching the BBC series about Elizabeth last year, specifically the part right after her father died and she became Queen. A very aged and failing Winston Churchill, the great warrior-leader who shepherded his people through the great struggle, came to give his weekly report to her. She invited him to sit, and he refused, saying that

"a Prime Minister never sits when visiting the King or Queen."

And I thought to myself, what BULLCRAP. Here is a young woman, with no experience or particular acumen or intellect (by her own admission), who is deemed far more than the mere commoner standing before her.

While I have great respect for the British people, and for the systems, traditions, etc... that we derive from them, this idea that some are born better than others is the WORST of what we inherited from them.

Thank goodness that such a move would require an amendment to the Constitution, or possibly even a Constitutional Convention - which would be opposed by masses of people.

[Robin Hood]

The one downside I can see is that the US would then participate in the Commonwealth Games.
England (the nations of the UK participate seperately in the Games - England, Scotland etc) usually come top of the medals table and I suspect that would no longer be the case.

On the flip side, it would mean the games could take place in the US.

[Obrien]

According to reports, initial suggestions that the US could join the Commonwealth as an associate member, have received a positive response in Washington.

The Commonwealth (formerly The British Commonwealth) consists of 52 nations who have historical links, usually through empire, with Great Britain. These countries have things like democracy, English law, language etc in common.
These nations include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa etc.
The organisation is headed by the Queen (as a figure head) and seeks to cement cultural and trade ties between members, as well as cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

How do American board members feel about this proposal?

No thanks - Watcher gave a good summary of the multitudinous reasons to avoid joining.
Besides, that would needlessly obfuscate all the BoM prophecies about you folks being the Mother Gentiles.

[gclayjr]

Robin Hood.

Thought Question:

How Many Nations freed themselves from the British Empire as a result of successful military revolution, as opposed to a negotiation?

Answer 1. The United States.

If we fought and WON a revolution to become separate, and we developed a unique, inspired constitution to guide us as a Constitutional Republic (even though there are forces within this country trying to drive us away from these founding principles), why would we give up this uniqueness, just to become another among many? I guess, if that were to happen, we will have completely given up that unique thing that is The United States of America, and those who do not value that uniqueness will have won, and true patriotic Americans will have lost.

Regards,

George Clay

[mes5464]

God bought our freedom from the English crown with blood. We should not give that up.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Ummm, no offense to any of you who may be members of the Commonwealth, but absolutely NOT. We have cultural and historical ties with those countries, but our political system is far different.

We see a continual uptick in anti-free speeck laws and prosecutions in UK, and in Australia - completely at odds with our First Amendment. There are people in UK and Australia being prosecuted under Blasphemy Laws, and for "hate speech" because they were openly critical of something or someone.

We see a hard-core opposition to gun rights in the Commonwealth countries, including confiscation and prohibition of private firearms - completely at odds with our 2nd Amendment.

We see prohibition against the right to peacefully assemble, and to protest, when it goes against the elite positions - again, completely against the first amendment.

We see an emerging security state, with CCTVs on every street corner in the cities.

We do not believe that there should be ANOTHER government structure above our Constitution, nor a Queen, King or Prince above our President. I recall watching the BBC series about Elizabeth last year, specifically the part right after her father died and she became Queen. A very aged and failing Winston Churchill, the great warrior-leader who shepherded his people through the great struggle, came to give his weekly report to her. She invited him to sit, and he refused, saying that

"a Prime Minister never sits when visiting the King or Queen."

And I thought to myself, what BULLCRAP. Here is a young woman, with no experience or particular acumen or intellect (by her own admission), who is deemed far more than the mere commoner standing before her.

While I have great respect for the British people, and for the systems, traditions, etc... that we derive from them, this idea that some are born better than others is the WORST of what we inherited from them.

Thank goodness that such a move would require an amendment to the Constitution, or possibly even a Constitutional Convention - which would be opposed by masses of people.

I could not have said this any better. I lived in Australia for over 4 years; I have permanent residency there. I love the country and the people; I don't care for the government. However, when it comes to socialism, Australia is the best run democratic socialist country in the world. It beats how the U.S. is run hands down. American is mostly socialist with a couple notable exceptions. We can still defend ourselves and own guns, and our freedom of speech is much less regulated. The U.S. is just as heavily regulated as Australia and has a heavier tax burden. The major difference between Australia and the U.S. is that Australia is openly socialist; the U.S. is covertly socialist. Also, Australia does not allow homosexual marriage.

There is a quickly growing sentiment in Australia for it to leave the Commonwealth. One of the fastest ways I know of to irritate an Aussie is to call them British. I know because every now and then, when I'm feeling stupid and adventurous, I tell my Aussie wife she's so British. Of course, I don't say that when I'm within arms reach or if I don't have a clear exit to safety.

[Robin Hood]

The Commonwealth is not the British Empire people... good grief! It's not even the "British" Commonwealth.
This business of "freedom bought with blood" is a massive over reaction.

But if you don't want to join you'd better let Mr Trump know.

[Robin Hood]

Ummm, no offense to any of you who may be members of the Commonwealth, but absolutely NOT. We have cultural and historical ties with those countries, but our political system is far different.

We see a continual uptick in anti-free speeck laws and prosecutions in UK, and in Australia - completely at odds with our First Amendment. There are people in UK and Australia being prosecuted under Blasphemy Laws, and for "hate speech" because they were openly critical of something or someone.

We see a hard-core opposition to gun rights in the Commonwealth countries, including confiscation and prohibition of private firearms - completely at odds with our 2nd Amendment.

We see prohibition against the right to peacefully assemble, and to protest, when it goes against the elite positions - again, completely against the first amendment.

We see an emerging security state, with CCTVs on every street corner in the cities.

We do not believe that there should be ANOTHER government structure above our Constitution, nor a Queen, King or Prince above our President. I recall watching the BBC series about Elizabeth last year, specifically the part right after her father died and she became Queen. A very aged and failing Winston Churchill, the great warrior-leader who shepherded his people through the great struggle, came to give his weekly report to her. She invited him to sit, and he refused, saying that

"a Prime Minister never sits when visiting the King or Queen."

And I thought to myself, what BULLCRAP. Here is a young woman, with no experience or particular acumen or intellect (by her own admission), who is deemed far more than the mere commoner standing before her.

While I have great respect for the British people, and for the systems, traditions, etc... that we derive from them, this idea that some are born better than others is the WORST of what we inherited from them.

Thank goodness that such a move would require an amendment to the Constitution, or possibly even a Constitutional Convention - which would be opposed by masses of people.

I could not have said this any better. I lived in Australia for over 4 years; I have permanent residency there. I love the country and the people; I don't care for the government. However, when it comes to socialism, Australia is the best run democratic socialist country in the world. It beats how the U.S. is run hands down. American is mostly socialist with a couple notable exceptions. We can still defend ourselves and own guns, and our freedom of speech is much less regulated. The U.S. is just as heavily regulated as Australia and has a heavier tax burden. The major difference between Australia and the U.S. is that Australia is openly socialist; the U.S. is covertly socialist. Also, Australia does not allow homosexual marriage.

There is a quickly growing sentiment in Australia for it to leave the Commonwealth. One of the fastest ways I know of to irritate an Aussie is to call them British. I know because every now and then, when I'm feeling stupid and adventurous, I tell my Aussie wife she's so British. Of course, I don't say that when I'm within arms reach or if I don't have a clear exit to safety.

I don't think there is. There is a republican movement in Australia, but there are a number of republics in the Commonwealth.

[jbalm]

Does joining the Commonwealth mean we all have to act gay?

[shadow]

Does joining the Commonwealth mean we all have to act gay?

Nope, you only have to dress that way.

[jbalm]

Does joining the Commonwealth mean we all have to act gay?

Nope, you only have to dress that way.

Then I'm against it.

[Robin Hood]

Does joining the Commonwealth mean we all have to act gay?

Only on a full moon.

[Sandinista]

Interesting new tactic? You get your butt kicked in two wars (which we fought to get out from under the seriously flawed system you have there), we have to rescue you in two more wars (which we got drawn into since no one over there could settle there childish squabbles and resulted in some 50 million people dead worldwide), and then you say "Oh, we were just kidding. come on home now, we'll let bygones be bygones."

I have a better idea. Why don't you ditch the weight and cost of the "royal family", switch to driving on the "correct" side of the road like 90% of the world, and join us as the 51st state. Or maybe the 51st, 52nd, and 53rd if we let Scotland and Wales be their own states. Or, even better, let's just let Scotland and Wales join the Union. Seems at least Scotland has come to their senses anyway and is trying to get away from you guys.

Now don't take offense! Just kidding!

[gkearney]

I have always thought this is a good idea. With the U.S. as a member the Commonwealth would quickly eclipse the EU as the major economic organization. We share much in common with many commonwealth nations. Being a member does not mean the Queen becomes the head of state It would ease trade and relations with Canada and other long time U.S. allies. Compared to other international organization the Commonwealth is, for the most part effective and keep out of local matter, unless there is something like a military takeover and even then the worst they can do is to suspend the nation in question.

[Robin Hood]

Interesting new tactic? You get your butt kicked in two wars (which we fought to get out from under the seriously flawed system you have there), we have to rescue you in two more wars (which we got drawn into since no one over there could settle there childish squabbles and resulted in some 50 million people dead worldwide), and then you say "Oh, we were just kidding. come on home now, we'll let bygones be bygones."

I have a better idea. Why don't you ditch the weight and cost of the "royal family", switch to driving on the "correct" side of the road like 90% of the world, and join us as the 51st state. Or maybe the 51st, 52nd, and 53rd if we let Scotland and Wales be their own states. Or, even better, let's just let Scotland and Wales join the Union. Seems at least Scotland has come to their senses anyway and is trying to get away from you guys.

Now don't take offense! Just kidding!

Ok, it's a deal so long as you adopt Sterling and ditch the dollar, replace the Federal Reserve with the Bank of England, learn to play cricket, play proper football like 95% of the rest of the world, and learn to spell properly. You can get lessons from Canada. ;)

[Robin Hood]

I have always thought this is a good idea. With the U.S. as a member the Commonwealth would quickly eclipse the EU as the major economic organization. We share much in common with many commonwealth nations. Being a member does not mean the Queen becomes the head of state It would ease trade and relations with Canada and other long time U.S. allies. Compared to other international organization the Commonwealth is, for the most part effective and keep out of local matter, unless there is something like a military takeover and even then the worst they can do is to suspend the nation in question.

You have a very good understanding of what the Commonwealth is and how it works.
Personally I would love to see the US involved. Seems a natural fit and I think a lot of good could be done.
It would certainly be a better model than the globalist EU or UN.

[Robin Hood]

One final item.
If you chaps join the Commonwealth, the guy who took the original BBC series The Office, and developed it into the American version gets a Knighthood.

[Army Of Truth]

I say no, NO, and NO!!! to joining some "Commonwealth" agreement/alliance that may or may not weaken our sovereignty and may or may not give more control to outside nations. X(
America is under the Constitution, NONE ELSE!!!

This reminds me of a quote by Thomas Jefferson:

Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations...entangling alliances with NONE!

[mes5464]

The Commonwealth is not the British Empire people... good grief! It's not even the "British" Commonwealth.
This business of "freedom bought with blood" is a massive over reaction.

But if you don't want to join you'd better let Mr Trump know.

D&C 101:80
And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

[gkearney]

OK let's get our facts straight here. (I know, facts are in short supply these days.) First off the Commonwealth is NOT a military alliance, indeed it has no military component to it. We already have military alliances with many Commonwealth nations such as the UK, Canada and Australia and we are not currently a member of the Commonwealth.

Second the Commonwealth imposes nothing upon any member as to how they govern themselves. Some members such as Canada are Commonwealth Realms meaning that Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, others, such as South Africa are republics and still others, such as Malaysia are local monarchies. Being a member of the Commonwealth changes nothing of our internal political workings. We would, like all the other member be free to retain our constitution.

Indeed the Commonwealth is about as close to Jefferson's idea of "peace, commerce, and honest friendship" as just about any world body has ever come to. Clearly much more so than the UN or the EU ever has or likely will be. Membership in the Commonwealth would open up markets to U.S. goods, ease travel for our citizens abroad and permits us to assist those with which we share a common bond and values.

On a side note here, the claim that the United States was the only county to become independent from England by force of arms is not correct. There are many in India and the Republic of Ireland who would strongly disagree with that statement. and of corse there was that trouble in South Africa known as the Boar War. It's worth reading history now and then.

[Different]

I'll pass

[lundbaek]

Have John Ruskin and Cecil Rhodes resurrected already ? Whose idea is it that the US could join the Commonwealth as an associate member, and who in Washington thinks it is a good idea ?

[gkearney]

Here is the original story

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02 ... monwealth/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;