Puerto Rico statehood measure

[msgtjapyle]

The house approved to allow Puerto Ricans to change their status as a commonwealth to statehood. They rejected this idea three times in the past and the majority of Puerto Ricans are obviously against statehood. They are considered citizens but are not allowed to vote in presidential elections and they don't pay federal income tax on earnings made in the islands.
So, why is this issue springing up yet again? Puerto Rico doesn't need congressional approval to decide if they want to remain a commonwealth, become a state, or a sovereign nation.

Could it be because there are progressive activists in their political system that want statehood? If so this would bolster their cause. Puerto Rico would become the 51st state which would be mostly democratic and would allow their citizens to vote in presidential elections. Isn't that coincidental...

Sounds like some of our elected officials in Washington D.C. are thinking about the future. There is always an underlying reason for what the progressives in Washington are doing.

 

[liblady]

The house approved to allow Puerto Ricans to change their status as a commonwealth to statehood. They rejected this idea three times in the past and the majority of Puerto Ricans are obviously against statehood. They are considered citizens but are not allowed to vote in presidential elections and they don't pay federal income tax on earnings made in the islands.
So, why is this issue springing up yet again? Puerto Rico doesn't need congressional approval to decide if they want to remain a commonwealth, become a state, or a sovereign nation.

Could it be because there are progressive activists in their political system that want statehood? If so this would bolster their cause. Puerto Rico would become the 51st state which would be mostly democratic and would allow their citizens to vote in presidential elections. Isn't that coincidental...

Sounds like some of our elected officials in Washington D.C. are thinking about the future. There is always an underlying reason for what the progressives in Washington are doing.

or maybe our officials think we should be able to tax them, since they can avail themselves of our services.

 

[msgtjapyle]

or maybe our officials think we should be able to tax them, since they can avail themselves of our services.

That's part of it but the underlying reason, I think, is to gain votes

 

[Andalublue]

That's part of it but the underlying reason, I think, is to gain votes

Is that why Eisenhower approved Alaska's statehood?

 

[msgtjapyle]

Is that why Eisenhower approved Alaska's statehood?

I don't know. I'd have to research that but I believe it was because it was so cheap and the strategic loacation of Alaska.

 

[Deuce]

I'm going to make the crazy suggestion that perhaps we should ignore "my team vs. their team" when it comes to statehood. If you're against PR's statehood solely because you think they will vote Democrat, you should really reexamine your priorities.

 

[Mason66]

I can't see any upside for Puerto Rico on statehood.

They have all the benefits of the US without having to pay for any of it.

Why would any of them vote for statehood?

 

[msgtjapyle]

I'm going to make the crazy suggestion that perhaps we should ignore "my team vs. their team" when it comes to statehood. If you're against PR's statehood solely because you think they will vote Democrat, you should really reexamine your priorities.

I'm not against statehood for PR, my point is that the people of PR voted against statehood three times in the past so why are our lawmakers forcing PR's legislature to ask the people if they would support statehood again? Make no sense unless there is an underlying reason for the party in power.

 

[FilmFestGuy]

I believe it was HW Bush who basically passed a law that allowed PR to define its status at anytime it chooses.

I don't think it's partisan at all.