Who here has never lived in a state?

[K Frame]

Every once in awhile I think about this...

I have never lived in a state.

I've lived three places in my life, and not one has been a state.

For the first part of my life I lived in Pennsylvania, a Commonwealth.

After that, for three years I lived in Washington, District of Columbia.

Then I moved from that hell hole into Virginia, another Commonwealth.

[Manedwolf]

But have you ever been in a state of denial, a state of confusion, or a state of disarray?

[StopTheGrays]

Does this mean we should really refer to our country as the United States and Some Commonwealths of America (USSCA)? 

[MechAg94]

Sounds like we need to remove some of those 50 stars since we don't actually have 50 states.   

[wmenorr67]

Some people might argue that Texas is still a Republic.

[charby]

Sounds like we need to remove some of those 50 stars since we don't actually have 50 states.   

Lets start with Illinios. Make sure we blockade Lake Michigan so they can't ship to the rest of the world.

[The Annoyed Man]

Sounds like we need to remove some of those 50 stars since we don't actually have 50 states.   

Lets start with Illinios. Make sure we blockade Lake Michigan so they can't ship to the rest of the world.

I've always thought that removing Chicago would be enough?

[wmenorr67]

Also we can continue with LA, San Fran, Portland, Or, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Philly, and NYC.

Get rid of them and then we would be able to turn this country around.

[Balog]

Hey, leave Seattle alone!  We just need to change the people. 

[wmenorr67]

If that could be done.

[Bigjake]

Barak seems to think there are somewhere near 60 states... suppose that includes your commonwealths and republics?

[Balog]

Is there a functional difference between a state and a commonwealth, or is it just semantics?

[K Frame]

Mainly semantics.

[Tallpine]

Mainly semantics.

I thought Semantic was a software company  

[K Frame]

Mainly semantics.

I thought Semantic was a software company  

No, it means you're Jewish.

[seeker_two]

Some people might argue that Texas is still a Republic.

....and I'd argue that we just annexed the rest of y'all.... 

[charby]

Is there a functional difference between a state and a commonwealth, or is it just semantics?

I think the four states (PA, VA, KY and MA) that are refered to as commonwealths had their own sets of laws before incorporating into the union and they kept the commonweath name because of it. Of course I could be wrong.

[Manedwolf]

Some people might argue that Texas is still a Republic.

....and I'd argue that we just annexed the rest of y'all.... 

No. I can still buy lab glassware without registering it with the state.

[Nick1911]

Some people might argue that Texas is still a Republic.

....and I'd argue that we just annexed the rest of y'all.... 

No. I can still buy lab glassware without registering it with the state.

There's a state which requires registration of laboratory glassware?

[Manedwolf]

Some people might argue that Texas is still a Republic.

....and I'd argue that we just annexed the rest of y'all.... 

No. I can still buy lab glassware without registering it with the state.

There's a state which requires registration of laboratory glassware?

Yup. Texas. You need a permit.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/criminal_law_enforcement/narcotics/narcprecursor.htm

[El Tejon]

However, in Texas, you do get to wear a big goofy hat and pointy elf shoes while you fill out the registration form.

According to our Saviour and Messiah, Barry O'bama, there are 57 states, so, with the 4 Commonweals, there should be 61 stars in the flag, right?

[seeker_two]

Some people might argue that Texas is still a Republic.

....and I'd argue that we just annexed the rest of y'all.... 

No. I can still buy lab glassware without registering it with the state.

There's a state which requires registration of laboratory glassware?

Yup. Texas. You need a permit.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/criminal_law_enforcement/narcotics/narcprecursor.htm

That's why Mason jars still sell well here.....

[Perd Hapley]

Is there a functional difference between a state and a commonwealth, or is it just semantics?

I think the four states (PA, VA, KY and MA) that are refered to as commonwealths had their own sets of laws before incorporating into the union and they kept the commonweath name because of it. Of course I could be wrong.

You know how sometimes you don't know the right answer, but you can recognize the wrong answer?     The thirteen states were all functioning polities (with laws) for decades prior to independence. 

[Manedwolf]

Is there a functional difference between a state and a commonwealth, or is it just semantics?

I think the four states (PA, VA, KY and MA) that are refered to as commonwealths had their own sets of laws before incorporating into the union and they kept the commonweath name because of it. Of course I could be wrong.

You know how sometimes you don't know the right answer, but you can recognize the wrong answer?     The thirteen states were all functioning polities (with laws) for decades prior to independence. 

Note the date, yes.

[vaskidmark]

Is there a functional difference between a state and a commonwealth, or is it just semantics?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth 
vs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State

According to ^^ a "commonwealth" is based on mutually banding together, while a "state" is based on some claiming authority over others.  This of course is boiling all rhetoric down to its most basic essence.

Another way of looking at the difference is to view how criminal charges are brought.  Commonwealths charge that "so-and-so" commited a violation of the criminal code, while states charge that "what's-his-name" committed a crime against the people by doing "such-and-such".

Then again, the Commonwealth of Taxachusetts swore out a warrant for my arrest for non-payment of personal property taxes during years 3, 4, 5, and 6 following my abandoning domicile there for better places.  Given that specific, along with their general record, they may be in their own special definition of commonwealth meaning "if the commoners have any the elite will be trying to tax it away from them."

I thought they still taught this stuff in the middle-grades civics classes.  Or was this dropped to make more room for "Enhancing Billy's and Susy's Self-Esteem (whatever that is)" class?

stay safe.

skidmark