February 27, 2007
Statehood for Puerto Rico? ¡Claro que sí!
While the District begs and pleads for anything approaching voting representation in the House of Representatives, Puerto Rico might be moving ahead in its own quest to finally define itself and its relationship to the U.S.
According to an article published today in The Politico, legislation is being considered in the House that would allow Puerto Rico to hold a binding referendum on whether or not to become a full-fledged state. Sponsored by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuno (R-PR), the legislation, known as the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, would give Puerto Ricans another chance to decide whether to remain a self-governing commonwealth or become a U.S. state, this time with the full support of the U.S. Congress. The last vote on the issue was a plebiscite held in 1998, which the statehood movement narrowly lost.
And what does this have to do with the District, beyond the similarity in struggles? Mayor Adrian Fenty has thrown the District's weight, however small, behind Puerto Rico's bid. According to the article, Fenty stated in reference to the island's statehood efforts, "Would I support them? I'm sure I would." But beyond sympathizing with the feeling of not having a voting representative in Congress, Fenty is probably playing good politics. The Puerto Rican measure enjoys the co-sponsorship of 95 members, Republicans and Democrats alike, while the District's own legislative bid for a voting seat is still plodding along with 21 co-sponsors, almost all Democrats. Fenty probably figures that should the measure pass, his symbolic support could help pick up a few sympathy votes from the Puerto Rican crowd.
We're on your side, Puerto Rico. You've got our vote. Oh, wait. We don't have one. But you'd have it if we had it, so hook us up, ok?
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So when is Canada up for statehood, or will each province join individually?
Finally. They get to have the DTR talk....
Puerto Rico has nearly 4 million residents. That means at least 5 represntatives. That legislation is dead. The cost of making PR a state is simply too high (both politically and fiancially since many social programs would be extended in exchange for low tax revenue).
Not to mention that last time a plebiscite was held there (early 90's?) the population voted against statehood and for a continuation of Commonwealth status.
Good for Fenty to support it, but I agree with tivomax that it seems unlikely to pass - it provides at least 5 new Democratic Congressmen and no Republicans to offset it! It's hard enough to pass a 1-for-1 deal involving DC and Utah. Are there any US protectorates that are bastions of Republicanism that we could pair up with? Guam? Marshall Islands... anyone?!!
Yeah, the Republicans are totally going to support the admission of a totally Democratic, SPANISH-SPEAKING, poor country as a state.
I'd love to see it happen just to fuck the Republicunts over, but it's about as likely as Mitt Romney winning the Miss Venezuela swimsuit competition.
Oh, and we do realize that many (most?) Puerto Ricans do not in fact speak English, right?
The big difference is that in DC, it seems like a vast majority of people want statehood, or the benefits that come with it like representation in Congress. In Puerto Rico, the people have never voted to support statehood. It's been rejected by voters in each referendum, including in 1998. The largest number of voters have said they want to continue what they have now.
I have no problem with Puerto Rico getting votes as long as they start paying taxes.
The only real solution to the status issue is Independence and a committment from our Masters in the US to support it. We're poor by US standards but Rich by Latin American standards. With our smarts and good educational system we can become a powerhouse of business and industry in the region. It will be trying times but once we realize we are our own Masters and have the full weight of our destiny in our own hands then the PR people will rise to what's always been solution...Independence.
Some posters mention Puerto Rico hasnt voted for statehood, but they forget that statehood isnt that far away from winning. They also forget that people did not vote for Commonwealth in the last plebiscite, they voted for "None of the above", which is ironic, because practically all of the people who voted for that option were either from the Popular Democratic Party or the Independence Party, and if each of them had voted for Commonwealth and Independence respectively, then obviously Statehood would have won, probably by a wider margin than "None of the above".
Another of your claims about PR not being admitted because they would bring 5 democrats is a lie. Right now the Democrats control both Houses, and they will probably win the Presidency in 2008, therefore Democrats are majority, and they would have no problem with 5 extra democrats. However, I would love to know who says the 5 representatives would be Democrats? That is just a guess, and a bad one too.
As for english not being spoken in Puerto Rico, I am also afraid this is another big lie. Most people I know here in Puerto Rico can speak and read english. They might not be great at it, but they can talk to someone in english if they had to.
casa city - why are you implying that Puerto Rico is similar to Canada? Are you one of those people that doesn't know that Puerto Rico is part of the USA since 1898? Or that everyone born is Puerto Rico is a citizen of the United States? If you'd know that then you would understand why some in PR are asking for statehood.
Since you bring up Canada- Why not join Canada, a country that still has some real freedoms.
Ok lots of talking but yet no action. As for those who say that in Puerto Rico no one speaks English. HAve you even studied the history of PR. English is as common as Spanish is in the States. IT is taught to all children in schools and is part of the curriculum of all schools in PR. Come on some people speak about PR as if it was a third world country but, you forget where did the last couple of Miss America and Miss Universe beautys come from. How about your liquors and satelite surveillence. Get real and study about the true hidden beautys and wonders of PR. You may just find out that there is more to offer to the US by bcoming a state then you really know. As for me I think it should be a state. I was born in NY by Puerto Rican parents. My Nationallity is American my ethnic background Puerto Rican. That makes me a true puerto rican no matter what anyone says. Oh and to the Canada comment. AYY
canada AND mexico are ALREADY TWO MORE STATES legally treaty BOUND INTO the other 50 united states. This BINDING BY LAW AND FINANCE$ already NAFTA treaty STATEHOOD IN FACT
is and has been as per the Constitution "the Law of the land" JUST LIKE THE CONSTITUTION IS. Not many americans REALI$E
THI$ but it was done during the '90s. NAFTAhood is $tatehood- -flat out, legally $peaking! Now, a$ to Puerto Rico, they are a non contiguous island, thus cannot really be a state. (Hawaii too
will someday be an Independent $et up as Puerto Rico e$$entially i$ already. What is needed now is for CUBA to be land joined to Florida and to be made FULLY a U$ $tate!
I would like to have some responses to the real situation of Puerto Ricans living in New York regarding employment, education and social interaction with Americans. I am a student in a public University in Costa Rica. Please, I need it for a work.
Thanksf
My name is Jose Pablo I am from Costa Rica and I would like to receive about the real situation of Puerto Ricans living in New York regarding human interaction with Americans, employment, education and the new political perspectives for Puerto Ricans.
I really need this for a final paper.
Please
My name is Jose Pablo I am from Costa Rica and I would like to receive about the real situation of Puerto Ricans living in New York regarding human interaction with Americans, employment, education and the new political perspectives for Puerto Ricans.
I really need this for a final paper. I have two emails arzerochido@yahoo.com and arzerochido@gmail.com