PR - 51st State?

blacbird · Apr 29, 2010

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal...-the-puerto-rico-democracy-act_100356086.html

caw

William Haskins · Apr 29, 2010

you pay for your internet service by the keystroke, don't you?

Cranky · Apr 29, 2010

From blacbird's linky:

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – The U.S. House is ready to vote on H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration said on Thursday.

The bill would help bring America’s promise of self-determination to the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico for the first time in 112 years, as their ultimate status has been a long-running unresolved issue, which has consistently been a complicating factor in determining many federal policies for the island.

“For the 112 years since Puerto Rico joined the United States as a territory, the question of our ultimate political status with our country has been a lingering question,” Luis Fortuno, Governor of Puerto Rico said. “The Puerto Rico Democracy Act would ask the people of Puerto Rico what they want the territory’s political status to be through a fair, neutral and democratic process sponsored by Congress.”

So, what's your take on this, blacbird? I lived in PR for a few months, not long enough to get a sense of what folks thought about the territory issue. Heard plenty about the bombing practice, though.

blacbird · Apr 29, 2010

No dog in the hunt. Never visited PR. Basically I think PRans ought to have the right to choose the course of events.

I do think, however, that we should annex British Columbia.

caw

icerose · Apr 29, 2010

I don't get why it's not up to the people? Why does congress get a say whether or not they become a state? Shouldn't that be the people's choice? You know, the people who have to actually live with the decision?

Don · Apr 29, 2010

How about giving all the occupied territories a vote for self-determination?

Including the 50 states.

escritora · Apr 29, 2010

In the past, Puerto Ricans had a choice of remaining a common wealth, becoming independent, or becoming a State. They always voted to remain a common wealth.

It sounds as their fate will be up to them this time around as well:

“The Puerto Rico Democracy Act would ask the people of Puerto Rico what they want the territory’s political status to be through a fair, neutral and democratic process sponsored by Congress.”

Robert Toy · Apr 29, 2010

just voted down by the house

MattW · Apr 29, 2010

Cranky said:
I lived in PR for a few months, not long enough to get a sense of what folks thought about the territory issue. Heard plenty about the bombing practice, though.

I spent a number of years off and on consulting in PR, during the time when they voted on this particular issue. Edit - my stats were wrong, but the winner was always no change to status.

I think if the Congress opens the pathway, then the people of Puerto Rico should be able to vote, but not go back and forth. It should be a final determination, regardless of results (esp statehood).

MattW · Apr 29, 2010

escritora said:
In the past, Puerto Ricans had a choice of remaining a common wealth, becoming independent, or becoming a State. They always voted to remain a common wealth.

It sounds as their fate will be up to them this time around as well:

What she said...

whistlelock · Apr 29, 2010

The statehood thing for PR comes up from time to time, and it looks like it goes the same way ever time, meaning not at all.

MattW · Apr 29, 2010

Don said:
How about giving all the occupied territories a vote for self-determination?

Including the 50 states.

Shoot, lets include South Korea as well.

Averant · Apr 29, 2010

I hope they don't join. If they do, we'll lose our awesome way to remember the states. ^.^

(Fifty Nifty United States from thirteen original colonies...)

MattW · Apr 29, 2010

Averant said:
I hope they don't join. If they do, we'll lose our awesome way to remember the states. ^.^

(Fifty Nifty United States from thirteen original colonies...)

I'll have to relearn that song with something between Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

PR - 51st State?

blacbird

William Haskins

poet

Cranky

blacbird

icerose

Lost in School Work

Don

All Living is Local

escritora

.

Robert Toy

FOB and Slayer of windmills

MattW

Company Man

MattW

Company Man

whistlelock

Whiskey Rebel

MattW

Company Man

Averant

Stealer of Souls and Kittens

MattW

Company Man