Even though it is only the first step, but the wheels of the battle have already been set into motion. Yesterday, the HR 2499 had already been passed by the US House of Representatives. This resolution puts Puerto Rico on the track to statehood, which was won by a voting of 223 against 169.
Puerto Rico, which has already been the territory for US for more than over 112 years have been offered a two-step. Here, the first step would be to ask the Puerto Ricans whether they really want to change their status or remain as a territorial common wealth. It will be followed by the second step, which would be a consequence of the first vote. It will be deciding to go for a change of status would comprise of three options: independence, statehood and free association with US once again.
The measures also give the citizens the right to proclaim self-determination. However, opponents add the fact that it is only a thin maneuver of imposing statehood on the population, which actually does not want it.
Also noteworthy is the fact that Puerto Rico is facing a severe bank crisis, which has plunged it into a financial distress.
No. I am opposed to this bill. Why? Because it further empowers an unbalanced power (Congress, the House and the Executive Branches) to override the wishes of those that reside in Puerto Rico. It also comes on the heels of financial disaster in the US, our debt to China, the disaster of health care reform which only enriches the insurances more, and will ultimately lead to socialized medicine. There would be further democratic representatives which would become yet another notch in the belt of democrats, leading the way to one party system in the US. The founding fathers never foresaw the forced incorporation of a territory by a tynranical government.
I am strongly apposed, leave them alone, if it aint broke don’t fix it.
I totally agree with Cindy. This is just about Control and Power, anyone who votes against it is labeled a RACIEST, and that’s not at all what it’s about. This is just another Power moved to gain more votes and control in DC. This could push the United States over the edge and into bankruptcy, thanks Mr. OBAMA! I fear for the future of America.
The Puerto Ricans have voted 3 times AGAINST “DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A STATE”? If we aren’t careful we will be sewing on another star on the flag against the will of the people of Puerto Rico. You have to ask yourself, “why has this news story been suppressed”? The media will be the ones responsible for the demise of America as we know it. Please, everyone with a brain, get involved, call your representatives and tell them how you feel, and tell them they have to stand up to this corrupt government.
Only this time, when the vote comes around, the questions will be different and half of them won’t even know what they are voting for.
I wonder if they are as clueless as most of our Republicans.
We owe this to all Puertoricans who died in the military defending our nation and the ones proudly and actively serving the Armed Forces.
Once PR becomes a State of the Union all of the federal laws would allow a voting representative on it;s behalf. Medical care as it is now is the same care as later. Imagine some 6-8 reps in wasington having a vote on PR’s welfare (not that welfare!) .
The citizens on the Island of PR have been Drafted and have volunteered for military duty for so very long. True that Federal taxes would apply if so but there are federal taxes that are already being imposed under the guise of not being taxed. The proof is in the purchasing of foods, go shopping there and see for yourself if the prices are not even higher than they are on the mainland. Many who now receive food stamps there have become accustomed to relief from the federal government and some are able to work. There aren’t many job opportunities in PR, but if people there start getting a little more creative, that could change for the better , A perfect example of self reliance is the Island of Cuba. Although not yet free from Communist influence, the people have emerged very much industrious and well schooled and Self empowered. Medical care on the Island of PR leaves quite a lot to be desired. Compared to countries that are not affiliated or associated with the US, they are doing ok. OK is not the best it could be. It could do a lot better. Almost every other territory has some kind of industry and the Island and people of PR as of yet, to produce a product of worldly significance that is marketable. whether they are too laid back, or because one of the few products previously produced there, like sugar cane were phased out account for the problem is still conjecture.
Tough economic times call for tough measures. I don’t hear complaints from Hawaii about being a state. What I do know is that Hawaii now has it’s first US president as a result of having joined the Union. Wouldn’t it be nice to someday be able to accomplish the same? Without the US governments
protection and economic aid to PR, the Island is doomed to poverty indefinitely.
Get represented!
Puerto Ricans have not exactly or simply voted repeatedly against statehood. As in any vote, reforendum, or protest, it is all too easy to assume that everyone there is much of anything. One might assume from most people’s logic that because Barack Obama is our president, there aren’t any people in this country who didn’t vote for him.
Historically, the people of Puerto Rico have split on the issue. The main issue for the island is that the 1/3 of people comfortable with the status quo block a vote on the other two outcomes from coming to fruition. Puerto Rico is officially the most populous non-independent non-absorbed place in the free world, and despite the glory of getting to have your own Miss Universe contestant and Olympic team, it’s officially the most populous place outside of the communist world where people can’t vote for their own president or voting congresspeople! They can be drafted but, no vote…just like the thirteen colonies?
1/3 of the people do want independence, and 1/3 do want statehood. I think that most people passing on the statehood option look over and see our constant debates about rejecting Spanish and Hispanics, and they just don’t feel “invited” into the US. I wouldn’t! Twice as many Puerto Ricans already live in the continental US, they’re already here…there are already 3 other states with other official languages (than English) in the US…I say, Puerto Ricans remind me of half of my friends in high school, and I’m white! Both parties recognize that Puerto Rico has a deeper relationship with the US than many former states did when they joined. Look at Hawai’i…we’ve had a presence in PR twice as long, but it just depends on what the motivation is, do you need Hawaii suddenly to make you more powerful in the Pacific?…hmmm
This resolution is coming out of a UN resolution calling for the disenfranchisement of Puerto Rico, and also something that President Obama said would be pursued and I voted for it (along with MOST other people). The governor of Puerto Rico also backs it. It is simply a call to end the sort of half-relationship that we’ve had with PR since we took it over and figure out something where the people can really have full rights like everyone else in the free world.
Back off, you live in a state that at one time or another, many Americans hated “having to sew another star on” for.
Don’t even get me started on DC. Suzanne Macenas, I just wanted to remind you that this story isn’t on the news because it’s boring. Both parties have had statements out for decades stating their pre-support for PR following its own destiny, read the Wikipedia entry or a real encyclopedia entry on Puerto Rico statehood and you’ll see it. The main reason is this…there’s not a single ethical, historical, moral, or legal reason not to allow PR independence or statehood…at some point, Alaskans wanted in and no one wanted them, and thank God that someday, that all changed. Now we have a 49th beautiful state, a huge one with nice people, both white and Inuit, covered in polar bears, trees, and ice. I am so glad that people stood up against people like you and finally let those people have rights!
Anyway, it’s time to take a look at why we want rights for ourselves in Colorado or Michigan, and just don’t see that for Puerto Rico, it’s been a long, confusing road…this isn’t about forcing them in, this isn’t about making more democratic votes (PR would not enter as anywhere near the most liberal state, it’s Catholic, people!) Check your facts, too, Suzanne, and make sure you can correctly fix the statement “voted 3 times against,” and remember, this country voted “against” conservatism and “against” John McCain and Sarah Palin, but that doesn’t mean that their opinion matters.
But conservatives are still here, and you deserve to be counted…check the last PR plebiscite’s results…equal thirds for three different outcomes, they’re voting for nothing, not “against” statehood.
If anyone needs a basic lesson in ethics, historical precedent, research techniques, or understanding why saying “Taxation without Representation” for a Tea Party member is hypocritical (see DC, Puerto Rico), email me.
“Demise of America,” please…that’s almost dramatic enough for MSNBC!
Welcome in, Puerto Rico, here’s one white guy that would love to sew a 51st star on my flag. Write your congresspeople your overwhelming support for this movement!
This bill is typical Yankee tyranism along with the local pitiyanquis’ aim at becoming part of the Union for the welfare checks and rescue money. Open your Americans…these peoples do not even speak English fluently in a large percentage, they do not sing your anthem, and they can care less about the issues of the U.S. as a whole. Again, they only care about the monetary ‘rewards’ of being the 51st state. This can potentially give a strong push to more Latin American immigrant rights and the like. Oh and don’t forget that there will be about 6 Puerto Ricans in Congress for the dismissal of the Republican party. Though there is some degree of right wing politics in the island, the people are miserably poor and vote democrat.
Congress has ultimate saying on P.R. from its political status to the products that can come into the island. They have not developed any industry thanks to Congress and the stagnant ideology of P.R.’s politicians, which are the worst of the worse. Remember, Latin American is deemed as the Yankee backyard so the ‘potential’ incorporation of P.R. is a political move, nothing more. It will affect you in more ways that it will benefit you!
Besides, more than half of the population does not support statehood, especially now after the new governor’s taste of neo-liberalism. Additionally, the bill is worded in such a way that statehood will win at all costs. Thus, undermining the democratic rights of those Puerto Ricans who do not want to become a state. Puerto Ricans are notoriously scared (thanks to Congress and local politicians) of being ‘left alone.’
I urge you Americans to oppose this thing. This is your country and you should decide who enters your house!!! Puerto Ricans are a homogenous group, just like Native Americans, Mexican Americans, etc. They stand up for THEIR rights, not yours. Remember this!
This goes beyond gerrymandering. It’s the kind of scam we’ve come to expect from the Obama administration. This has nothing to do with Puerto Rico, it has to do with pwer in Washington.
The Democrats’ supermajority is long gone, but 2 new Democratic Senators and 6 new Democratic Representatives in the House will go a long way to block a Simple Republican majority in either secion of Congress. The 5 additional electoral votes will also assist Obama in his re-election run in 2012.
This goes beyond gerrymandering. It’s the kind of scam we’ve come to expect from the Obama administration. This has nothing to do with Puerto Rico, it has to do with power in Washington.
The Democrats’ supermajority is long gone, but 2 new Democratic Senators and 6 new Democratic Representatives in the House will go a long way to block a Simple Republican majority in either secion of Congress. The 5 additional electoral votes will also assist Obama in his re-election run in 2012.
Statehood for me represents big change for PR. I was born in PR,raise in the US, returned, lived here got almost 40 years. I can compare. Yes, we may pay more taxes,but we will get much more in return, like better wages, better quality of life, at last our teachers, police, public servants will have a reason to give us better service, and No Pot Holes.Our school system will finally have the proper books, supplies, good bylingual schools, so our children will have equal opportunities. This is a necessary part of No Child Will Be Left Behind. The list of benefits is long, but many don’t want to reach in their pockets, when it’s so easy to scam. It’t OK To have Taxation, because we will have more representation, and a even better relationship with the US. They have helped us so much. No wonder our PR soldiers have served in the US armed forces with so much pride. That’s being grateful and proud to serve for the US. Just call me ‘HIGH EXPECTATIONS”
This bill is as much an in ‘Independence Bill’ as it is a ‘Statehood Bill’, over even a ‘Status Quo Bill’.
Many comments reflect the fear that Obama and the Democrats in Congress assume that the State Of Puerto Rico would automatically send only all Democrats to be their two Senators and 6 representatives to Congress. This is a false assumption because currently the people of Puerto Rico have elected a Republican Governor (by the largest landslide in the island’s history) and the General Assembly has a Republican majority in both houses!
Puerto Rico is already an integral part of the United States Of America, and all of its people are Americans by birth.
The final decision will be up to the people of Puerto Rico but I will be proud to sew a 51st star on our blessed ‘Stars And Stripes’!
make puerto rico 51 it time to make this happen.