Long Island 51st State

Interested in writing for our blog?

2011-08-03T19:58:00.000-04:00

We are always interested in having people who believe Long Island should be a state voice their opinions.

If you are interested in contributing to our blog please email us at longisland51ststate@gmail.com

New NYS budget, forget the youth?

2011-03-28T10:23:00.000-04:00

Due to the relative failure of the NYS government over the years, the state is left with a huge deficit. With this we usually see budget cuts start and be aimed of the children of the state. It seems to be that they are the most worthy of lesser funds, even though they are the ones who need it the most.

Governor Cuomo does not care as much for the well being of some of these children as he aims to shutdown many youth centers. These youth centers are safe havens for children who have no where to go after school. They also teach fundamental career and life building skills.

Even worse is the fact that the new budget gets rid of funding for homeless youth. New York has 45,000 homeless youth, can we be okay with saying no we can't help you? Where do these children go? They can't get a job and an apartment, do we just let them die? Why should criminals in jail be given food and a home while we say no to homeless children. If we ignore these needy children eventually they will become criminals, just to survive or just to get into jail to live.

These are the great NY officials making these policies, feel free to call and voice your opinion.
- Governor Andrew Cuomo (518) 474-8390
- Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (518) 455-3791
- Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (518) 455-3171
- Senator Joseph Robach (877) 854-2687

Budget Trimming

2011-03-06T17:38:00.000-05:00

As New York trims it's budget, Long Island and the rest of the state will be severly hurt in many different ways. As Governor Cuomo's promise not to raise taxes stays true, there is only one way to balance the budget. That means trimming and removing programs that may not see important but have a greater affect than actually known. One example is Youth centers, these places give kids who parents work a place to go to so they don't have to be home alone or out in the streets doing the wrong thing. As funding gets smaller and smaller many youth centers will have to close down and it will greatly affect the lives of many kids. After school programs like youth centers are just as important to school itself. Youth centers give under privileged children access to technology, opportunities to learn useful skills, a respect for the community, and the comfort of having someone to talk to.

Why should kids always be the first ones to suffer during economic reform? Money is wasted through many different programs that have little to no benefits. The correctional system is a joke in it self. Many convicts return to jail after being released making it a pointless system. Many convicts themselves are in jail for drug related offenses themselves. A solution can be the taxation of drugs themselves, it would earn money through taxes and remove people from jail. Another thing is that it can deter the use of drugs as well. It can be done the same way cigarettes are sold, the high taxes on them deter people from buying them which will make use possibly less but in the end more profit for the government.

Should kids really need to suffer though, aren't there other programs that can take a hit? If Long Island was a state would we need to ask these questions? Think about it

A new state = More Government and Confusion?

2011-01-16T17:16:00.000-05:00

A reason many are against Long Island becoming a state is that it will just increase the size of government. This is true but it also improves our region, New York is a big state. It has many different regions with different cultures and economies. The major regions of Long Island, New York City, and Upstate are all very different. It's a shame because when you ask people where they are from, Long Islanders and city residents say either Long Island or one of the city boroughs. While those from upstate say they are New Yorkers. A divided state is no use to anyone, while Albany fights and New York struggles due to fights everyone is hurt. Long Islanders are becoming restless with all of the money they send away to Albany to never be seen again.

Things need to be done. There is already a well structured local government for Suffolk and Nassau county the couple major additions would be a governor and senators. Will that add more confusion? I don't believe so take Sudan as an example. Right now they are having a referendum to see if residents want to divide their country. That will not add more confusion it will actually bring stability and end long fighting. Long Island has nothing in common with New York State now. There is not much unity between the different regions. Albany should not have to deal with Upstate, the City, and Long Island. Albany should deal with Upstate, the City or even Long Island can take care of the city.

The City and Long Island have a lot in common a lot of NYC workers live out on Long Island so there is that shared bond. Also there are the two boroughs of the City on the Island. I believe that if Upstate separated from the City and Long Island a lot more good can be done. The MTA can be improved and make live easier for Long Islanders and city residents as well.

Long Island

2010-12-26T23:26:00.000-05:00

Long Island needs to be improved, everyone is putting their two cents in so we shall as well. The biggest problem is being a part of New York State itself and dealing with the dysfunctional government there. To be a part of a state which is segregated by "Upstate", "The City", and "Long Island" is pathetic. There's no unity anymore the state is separating gradually and it needs to either be brought together or finally separating.

Well what does Long Island need? It needs to prevent businesses from leaving. That is the number one priority, jobs bring residents and bolster the economy with money flowing through everyone. A region cannot last without business because who would want to live there? Long Island used to be known for a lot of things remember Grumman and duck farms? Well we need to fight to keep major businesses and identities here. We cannot let taxes force business out of here because it just hurts Long Island in the end. Luckily businesses are still coming here like Canon which is building it's American Headquarters on the island. It's a great thing because it will bring jobs and another identity here.

Long Island still needs to keep being it's strong identity as we push towards statehood. The rest of the country needs to see the self sustaining government being implemented here to keep Nassau and Suffolk country running while Albany runs around in circles. Things need to be done before it becomes irreversible, remember the fight may seem impossible but one day Long Island can be it's own state.

Politicians

2010-11-02T00:13:00.000-04:00

Sometimes don't you ever wish you knew who you were really voting for? Not just what they did wrong through opponents attack ads? Sometimes it's hard to tell what someone is about from a sign on someones lawn or just accusations. We can easily learn when a candidate does something wrong whether they say it or publicly make a mockery of themselves. But how do you really know of all the great things they've done?

There are some Long Islanders who will go to the polls and not know who half the candidates are and it's a shame. Some candidates have fought hard to protect their constituents and sometimes they are never recognized for it. They have helped protect our youth, cleaned and protected our beaches and are just overall good people. Not all politicians are scum bags and not every person has their constituents in their best interest .

There really should be a better way and easier way for people mainly young people to learn about candidates and their history. How they've helped their local area and will alway fight for something they care about. The positives need to be talked about more, the negatives are important but it shouldn't overshadow a campaign.

The Focus of Long Island 51st State

2010-10-22T12:43:00.000-04:00

The idea behind the creation of a new state for Long Island is not one that is merely based on political ideology, but for perfectly practical reasons. In one sentence, the mission of this movement can be explained: The mission of the LI51 Movement is to making living on Long Island more affordable to residents both upstate and downstate and continue to provide the high quality of life expected here on the island without sacrificing resources to benefit those outside the realm of Long Island.

However, it seems as if the mission has become lost in this ideological preaching that has occurred from a variety of sources within the movement that are disturbing for those interested in this movement. This movement is not a movement to create an anarchist society. It is not a movement to create an entirely private school system. And it is not a movement to redefine how Long Islanders handle business. The is not a libertarian (or Libertarian) movement, nor is it an anarchist movement or the bullshit voluntaryist movement based out of the Free State Project. To make everyone clear about what political ideologies are behind this movement, I will break it down. William Cerf is a staunch libertarian who is a firm supporter of the Modern Whig Party. Tim Foley, from what I can tell, is a pretty strong liberal and a supporter of the Democratic Party. And I (what I like to call an adjunct supporter of LI51) am a moderate/centrist and cherry pick between the Democrats and the Republicans. And I have no clue who the other contributor is, so he'll introduce himself when he walks in.

So, now you have met us. You know how our minds work ideologically. What I want everyone to know is that LI51 is NOT an ideological movement, it is a movement based on practicality and government business, not an attempt to eliminate government. With that, I will say that I am extremely disappointed with the actions one of our contributors has taken within the group and I am calling on this person to take a step down from a contributor and organizer within the LI51 movement as his actions have become irrational and have stepped outside of the mission of the movement. William Cerf has used this movement as a soundboard for his own personal propaganda and thoughts rather than actually stepping forward to promote the LI51 movement. He has connected this movement to other movements that are completely irrelevant to this group and has circumvented the established leadership of this movement regarding his promotion and interactions of LI51. It is an absolute disappointment that he has chosen to promote his own ideologies ahead of the thoughts of the actual Long Islanders who will actually be affected by this move. As a Brooklyn resident, there is no guarantee that he will actually become a resident of this new state because of the complicated process of Queens and Brooklyn to secede from the Greater City of New York. As someone who has leadership aspirations in outside organizations, I understand the necessity to listen to people and work with the people that will be affected by changes and movements like this. William unfortunately hasn't. So today, after his irrational actions to promote groups like the Free State Project, I will officially ask William Cerf to step down as a contributor to the blog and as a representative of this movement.

Governor of New York?

2010-10-20T02:52:00.000-04:00

Happen to see the debate?

Ever wonder what it takes to run for governor?

Well as we all learned it doesn't take much to run for governor, but can we imagine some of these people running New York? I think we need some candidates to represent Long Island and not pretend they know what it's like down here. I mean if anyone can run for governor of a state I'm pretty sure Long Island can become one. Except having legitimate candidates that will improve the problems with Long Island.

But there are some things from the debate that make simple sense. Yes rent is 2 damn high but Jimmy McMillan shows that once you have a dream you don't need to give up on it after failing. After all his attempts at mayor, governor, and senator he has his first shot at success. His simple message resonates with voters and it can translate to Long Islanders as well. The dream of becoming a state is there and no matter how many times it can be stopped if you keep trying you can do something to change it.

So what do we say?
Long Island 51st State

I'd Like to Meet

2010-09-29T11:07:00.000-04:00

Hi,

I'd like to meet people who are interested in getting the ball rolling a little faster. We could talk on the phone, have a teleconference using freeconferencecall.com or we could meet up at a cafe somewhere in Long Island 51st State (Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties. If you would enjoy doing this you can contact me at the following:

Phone: 718-928-3860
e-mail: william.cerf@gmail.com

Cheers!
William

Why should Long Island even become a state?

2010-09-26T22:35:00.000-04:00

Some people may be coming onto this blog not really informed about what is the whole ideal of this movement. We believe in Long Island becoming a state and fixing many of the local and political issues. New York has many problems as it divides politically from the three main regions being upstate, the city, and long island. This has cause many disagreements and calls for secession from each reason. Why? It's because they all feel like they are all being treated unfairly and neglected. What does that mean? Maybe there should be 3 new states not just one because there is so much not being done in Albany.

But what do you the resident of any of these regions think? Is there something local that upsets you? Probably, if your from New York your used to everything costing more than any other state. 8.625% Sales tax? Why are we paying that much? Why are the taxes over ten thousand dollars a home on Long Island? Where is the money going? to our schools? after school programs? why am I not seeing it?

Those are probably some questions you ask. Don't you think they should be answered? Why should someone from Upstate New York affect what goes on in Long Island and vice versa?

A lot of things need to be fixed on Long Island as young people move away because it is hard to start a life paying twice as much as other states. Is there something that you think should be changed on Long Island? Tell us what it is and if Long Island does become a state your problem may be fixed.

Regulatory-Industrial Complex

2010-09-26T11:42:00.001-04:00

The Regulatory-Industrial complex is one of a set of interlocking political complexes nurtured by the nanny state to divide We the People along many different lines and to maintain control of OUR lives.

The major thrust of the Regulatory-Industrial Complex is to make sure that citizens DO NOT do the Wrong Thing by making it difficult to do business in most States of the USA. There are a plethora of government agencies, with highly compensated government employees and a powerful union to protect their interests. If you want to build a building and open a business, the nanny state ASSUMES that you will do the wrong thing and put roadblocks in your way; thereby discouraging you from pursuing your dreams.

The State of Long Island - The 21st Century State should be in the business of facilitating the development of project by helping people to Do The Right Thing! Instead of Regulatory Agencies we need to foster Assistance Agencies that operate under the assumption that people really do want to do the right thing.

Pursuing this action will significantly reduce taxes and reduce the influence of labor unions and other special interest groups that are strangling development and investment.

Homeschooling

2010-09-26T11:29:00.000-04:00

I personally believe that the State of Long Island should look into ways of getting out of the US Federal Government "public" school system; which is saddled with powerful special interest groups, elected school boards, mayoral interference and labor unions to the disadvantage of our children. Not only that, but this system is hugely expensive, bureaucratic, ineffective and inefficient. You may see banner ads on this site for companies that offer online homeschooling. If you google online homeschooling you will get a ton of references. I believe that the State of Long Island should work with appropriate accrediting agencies to encourage the proliferation of such schools in the State of Long Island and therefore eliminate the need for a "public school system."

Homeschooling - a 21st Century idea for the 21st century State.

The American Legal System

2010-09-26T11:07:00.001-04:00

The major focus of the the American legal system (aka, the rule of law) is two-fold; one is to find the person(s) who did the wrong thing, or is likely to do the wrong thing and then punish them retributively. This is done by sending people to jails, prisons, probation departments and other parts of the Police-Industrial complex. This complex includes the judiciary, prosecutors, jailors and a complex array of lawyers and government agencies. No wonder the United States has one of the highest rates of involvement of citizens in the police-industrial complex ranging from awaiting trial, being supervised by probation and parole, being in jails or prisons, being sanctioned by "orders of protection" and the like.

I have a hard time believing as some people do that our rates of incarceration is actually higher than the Peoples' Republic of China. Let's say the "land of the free and home of the brave" ranks up there as among the most egregious systems in the world.

I believe that the State of Long Island should figure out ways to opt out of this systemic mess. There are systems of Restorative Practice that creates a more humane way of dealing with each other when something goes awry - even seriously awry. I'll post more under the title Restorative Justice Practice.

The Police-Industrial Complex is one of the many reason why we are taxed to death and see little if any benefit from the system. As the 21st Century State - Long Island has the opportunity to lead the way to more humane, reasonable and cost effective methods of dealing with each other and our serious behavior problems.

Closely related to the Police-Industrial Complex is the Regulatory-Industrial Complex which is geared toward preventing people from doing the wrong thing. It assumes that unless the nanny state is there to stop them - people will habitually do the wrong thing. More on the Regulatory-Industrial Complex in my next post.

Freedom of Choice In Education

2010-09-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

I believe that the people of Long Island should have the freedom to choose what educational options are best for their children. I don't know if it is possible, but I'd like to see an end to compulsory education embedded into the Constitution of the State of Long Island.I first found out about it in an article in YES Magazine. The concept is called Freeskool. I’m not sure if it is possible to end compulsory education, but I believe that the State of Long Island should allow parents to have options for educating their children. Homeschooling, religious training and other options should be available freely. It is time for We the People of Long Island to take back our children’s future. Here is one idea I personally like a lot.

Main page for Freeskool Movement

Link to Wikipedia Article

Link to Yes Magazine Article

Our Twitter's Statehood in a nutshell tweets

2010-09-13T15:17:00.001-04:00

Obviously this isn't a thorough method of statehood, but it's a quick way to learn some steps to statehood.
Our twitter is: LI51State
Step Ten: Have the United State's Congress vote on Long Island statehood11:41 PM Sep 11th via web
Step Nine: Have the state legislature vote on Long Island's statehood3:05 PM Sep 8th via web
Step Eight: Start a petition for referendum4:30 PM Sep 6th via web
Step Seven: Run for local office3:04 AM Sep 5th via web
Step Six: Start a Political Group8:13 PM Sep 3rd via web
Step Five: Build interest in the majority of the population1:14 PM Aug 29th via mobile web
Step Four: Select a leader or group of leaders to represent the cause11:43 PM Aug 18th via web
Step Three: Use social networks and gatherings to strengthen cause9:30 PM Aug 17th via mobile web
Step Two: Gain support1:11 AM Aug 16th via web
Step One: Address a common issue1:12 AM Aug 15th via web

Upstate New York wants to be freed

2010-09-09T22:45:00.000-04:00

It seems like Long Island and Upstate New York are fighting the same battle. Both regions seem to be over taxed and under supported. This leaves many questions to supporters of both groups, who gets New York City? This seems to be the culprit of all the missing money in the state. Realistically Brooklyn and Queens are a physical part of Long Island but are a part of New York City.

This leaves a couple options, Upstate New York can be free while Long Island adopts the islands of Manhattan and Staten making a tri fecta of islands making a whole new state. But we'll see as time goes on, maybe everything will work out in Albany but its been over 200 years so maybe we should start looking towards the future.

While looking at this why don't you check out the secessionist movement in Upstate New York, you never know maybe we can both help each other.
http://www.facebook.com/unshackleupstate

Our Goals for 2010

2010-09-08T14:39:00.000-04:00

I propose the following goals for the remainder of the year:

1) 1,000 LIKES on our Facebook page
2) 10 BLOGGERS actively blogging about LI51 on this BLOG.
3) 50 Really Enthusiastic People working for Statehood.

Are you willing to do one or all of the above?

Check out our Twitter and Facebook Page

2010-09-03T19:48:00.001-04:00

Go to the links below and check out our Facebook and Twitter Pages.

Long Island 51st State Facebook Page

LI51 StateTwitter Page

Proposed State Flag for State of Long Island

2010-08-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

Here is a design done by Cesidio Tallini for a flag that could become the official State Flag of the State of Long Island.

Long Island could follow Canada's example

2010-08-28T13:16:00.007-04:00

Hello from Canada.

Long Island should definitely become a state and move towards greater independence. Other states such as Vermont and Texas can follow suit. They could follow a similar evolutionary process as Canada. Canada gained independence from the British Empire by a slow evolutionary process stretching from 1840 to 1982, as did Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. This is why these four countries do not have an 'Independence Day' - they gained their independence by evolution, not all at once like the USA and most countries.

Long Island could draw some similarities to this process in a shorter period of time by gradually gaining control over its own affairs from New York.

1837 - Rebellions against a corrupt colonial government in Canada leads to a demand for responsible self-government
1840 - Canada gains responsible self-government from Britain
1850 - Canada creates its own currency - replacing British Pounds with Canadian Dollars
1867 - Four British colonies (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) are federated into a single self-governing Dominion of Canada with its own parliament within the British Empire
1871-1873 - The remaining British colonies across North America except Newfoundland join the self-governing Dominion of Canada
1880 - The Arctic territories are transferred to the new Dominion. British troops leave Canada. The Canadian army is created
1907 to 1921 - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Irish Free State follow Canada's example and become self-governing Dominions with their own parliaments
1910 - Canada creates its own navy
1914 - Britain enters the First World War on behalf of all of the British Empire including the self-governing Dominions
1919 - Canada and the other self-governing Dominions sign the peace treaty ending the First World War separately from Britain
1924 - Canada creates its own air force
1931 - The Statute of Westminster ends the colonial status of the British Dominions and defines Dominion status as completely self-governing with the right to be consulted on all imperial affairs. The Dominions gain the right to conduct their own foreign policies but Britain retains control over their constitutions which are acts of the British Parliament. Citizens of the Dominions remain as British subjects. India moves towards Dominion status. Canada signs treaties with the USA without British signatures
1939 - The Dominions make their own declarations of war separate from Britain. Britain, Australia and New Zealand declare war on September 3, South Africa on September 6, Canada on September 10. Ireland remains neutral.
1943 - Canada opens its first foreign embassy in Washington
1947 - India and Pakistan become self-governing Dominions. Dominion status is redefined as fully independent nations, equal to Britain within the British Commonwealth. Canadian citizenship is created (until then, Canadians were British subjects only). Canadians become both Canadian citizens and British subjects. Canada begins debate on adopting its own flag.
1949 - India becomes an independent republic and the British Commonwealth is redefined as the Commonwealth of Nations - all members are completely free and equal. They may leave if they wish. Ireland declares full independence and becomes the Republic of Ireland. The British monarch drops the title 'Emperor of India' and adopts the new title 'Head of the Commonwealth'. The British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ceases its control over the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada becomes the highest court in Canada. Newfoundland joins Canada as its tenth province, ending British colonial rule in North America
1952 - The last British governor general of Canada is replaced by the first Canadian governor general. Queen Elizabeth II drops the imperial title of 'Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions Beyond the Seas' and adopts separate titles in her realms of 'Queen of the United Kingdom', 'Queen of Canada', 'Queen of Australia', etc.
1961 - South Africa declares itself an independent republic
1965 - Canada adopts its own national flag, replacing the British Union Jack with the red and white maple leaf flag. The Union Jack is retained as a royal flag to be flown on royal or Commonwealth occasions only
1980 - Canada adopts its own national anthem, replacing 'God Save the Queen' with 'O Canada'. 'God Save the Queen' is retained for royal occasions only
1982 - Canada gains complete independence - British control over the Canadian constitution is terminated and a new Canadian constitution is proclaimed, written in Canada. Canadians cease to be British subjects, becoming Canadian citizens only. Dominion Day on July 1 is renamed Canada Day (the anniversary of the 1867 act which created the federated country)
1986 - British control over the Australia and New Zealand constitutions is terminated as those countries gain full independence and proclaim their own constitutions
To this day, Queen Elizabeth II remains head of state in Canada, as in Australia, New Zealand and several other countries, but this is by our own choice. We may drop this at any time and become republics like other countries such as India and South Africa have done. It would take only an amendment to our own constitution to do that and would not involve Britain. The governor general is the Queen's representative, but is a local citizen chosen by the Canadian government. The debate over whether to retain the Crown or become a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations will continue in Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Book about Independent Long Island

2010-08-28T10:53:00.000-04:00

There is a really nice little book about Independent Long Island written by a fellow who has been interested in creating an independent nation of Long Island. While his idea is off-topic for us; the book is still an interesting read. Here is a link to the Amazon site where it can be purchased.

Independent Long Island Book

Election Laws for the 21st Century

2010-08-27T19:17:00.001-04:00

One of the great opportunities available to the State of Long Island is to set up our systems governing elections and political parties. While, we can't abrogate US Federal law, I think there is still a lot of power the State of Long Island could exercise.

Here are some ideas I'd like to see in our State Constitution:

1) A unicameral (one house) legislature with multiple member districts that is large enough to truly represent "we the people" and lean enough to get things done. An advantage to a unicameral legislature is that there would be no duplication of staff. With a bicameral legislature you have two of everything - lots of duplication. Also lots of cozy jobs for politicians and professional political operators and staffers.

2) Create ballot access laws that are fair, equal and equitable to all political parties. Whatever we do, we've got to attempt to ensure that we don't have a two-party duopoly controlled by one cabal as we do in New York City and New York State with the Republican and Democrat Parties. The threshold for ballot access should be relatively easy and simple. Yes, there will be some goof ball parties, but I think that is a small price to pay for political democracy and political choice.

3) Use Proportional Representation to fill seats in our State Legislature, which I will call the State Senate.

4) Use Instant-Runoff Voting for all elected positions in the State of Long Island.

5) In elections for President of the United States; use IRV to award our votes in the Electoral College according to the percentage of the popular vote in the State of Long Island.

6) Use IRV for elections for US House of Representatives and US Senate from the State of Long Island

I encourage us to consult with non-profit groups, academics and attorneys who have experience in electoral reform; among them are:

Fair Vote:
http://www.fairvote.org

Free and Equal Elections Foundation:
http://www.freeandequal.org

Larry Sabato:
http://www.larrysabato.com

Professor Sabato is one of the leading experts on politics, elections and constitutions in the country. He is the Director at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

Professor Rick Hasen of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (CA)

http://www.lls.edu/academics/faculty/hasen.html

Professor Rick Hasen's Election Law BLOG

Professor Hasen has listed other sources on his BLOG as well.

I believe that one event we could plan for 2013 would be an event featuring these people and other experts to discuss the topic;

How to Create the 21st Century State - Promise and Hope for the 51st State of Long Island

A Clean Financial State for the State of Long Island

2010-08-27T18:31:00.000-04:00

As we begin the process of exploring the possibility of taking the many arduous efforts that will be needed to form Long Island - 51st State we need to look into the process of being able to disavow all debts incurred on our behalf by the States of New York and New Jersey. An example would be the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey. This is one of many government agencies formed in the last century that is heavily in debt, and this is only the beginning. There are tons of other debts that would be our responsibility upon severing from New York City, New York State and joint agreements with the State of New Jersey. It IS a financial nightmare!!! I hope we can attract people to our cause who are subject matter experts in municipal and government finance. We need to have a strategy worked out ahead of time so that our grandchildren are not crushed by this overwhelming debt load.

LONG ISLAND - The 21st Century State

2010-08-27T18:23:00.000-04:00

States do have some powers and the State of Long Island should be very diligent in asserting its powers as a State. The federal government has become too large, too intrusive, to inefficient and too expensive. The other 50 States have become mired in bureaucracy, much of which was developed between 1900 and 1960. That was a LONG time ago. The State of Long Island should insist that we are the first new US State of the 21st Century and use "best practices" from many sectors to create our new state. We can become the most modern, well organized, most flexible state in the Union. We can really create ways for our citizens and businesses to have their needs met. Personally, I prefer a much more libertarian approach. Let the State of Long Island facilitate processes for people and business taking care of themselves.

Perhaps our State Slogan should be:

LONG ISLAND - The 21st Century State

51 Star US Flag - Finally

2010-08-20T08:05:00.000-04:00

Here is an image of a 51 star US Flag.