User:Vickiemccubbin

Hi -- Great information about the US, but I wish you would not perpetuate the use of the phrase "Continental United States” as a term defining the 48 contiguous states. It was once an accurate term before 1959 and the advent of Alaska’s transition from territory to the 49th state.  Yes, the term is still used a great deal, but for those of us in Alaska it creates confusion and further feelings of being treated as stepchildren of the rest of the United States.  Alaska IS a part of the continent, and to refer only to the lower 48 as continental is not accurate.  Confusion occurs when companies offer shipping to the US or to the Continental US, but sometimes they mean 48 of the Continental US and sometimes they mean all 49 of the Continental United States.  When a person searches through a web site, tries to place an order and then finds out shipping is not available it is discouraging.  Elimination of the term continental US as meaning only 48 of the 49 continental states would clear up many problems. Thank you for taking the time to read this and to at least reconsider your meaning of the phrase. Thanks from a life long Alaskan – both before and after statehood.