Independence vs. Free Association

I couldn't find much info about Independence vs. Free association because for the most part they're almost the same thing but here are some key differences if anyone would like to expand or add/change feel free to do so.

• A big difference between Independence and Free Association is that when you're fully independent the military bases could still exist here, but they would need to lease the land from us. Under free association military can keep bases here by right of treaty and pay nothing. However free association will receive money via compact payments. (Many times however the bigger power between the two freely associated countries bullies the smaller power. Ex. Palau)
• Under independence we could choose to associate or ally with other countries and we would not have to make agreements for a limited time and must be renewed after it ends.
• Free association is just small change. We need to argue that we need a GREAT change.

Although unlikely I feel that there's a small chance that the Free Association group could choose to side with the Statehood group and argue that becoming Freely Associated with the U.S. would be the most advantageous move for Guam so we should be prepared to defend against that. Other things to consider/research would include: Other Free Associated countries that get stepped on by the U.S. or their "big brother." Negative situations that forming agreements that last only a limited amount of time for other countries. More reasons why Indepedence > Free association / Statehood. Arguments that would be convincing enough to persuade free association opinions to shift towards an Independent Guam.