Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US (1 Viewer)

[rascal]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20238272

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.

The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.

The island is currently a US territory, which uses the dollar and whose citizens travel on US passports.

But it does not return senators to the US Congress and is represented in Washington by a non-voting delegate.

Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.

With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.

And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.

If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from.

The island came under US control in 1898 when Spain lost the island at the end of the Spanish-American war.

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were allowed to serve in the military.

 

[rascal]

My wife's reply: "So we have to change all the flags? Hell no, I like it"

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Do they have crime problems in Puerto Rico? I know they are famous for their ferocious mosquitoes.

I say let them and Canada in.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20238272Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.The island is currently a US territory, which uses the dollar and whose citizens travel on US passports.But it does not return senators to the US Congress and is represented in Washington by a non-voting delegate.Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from.The island came under US control in 1898 when Spain lost the island at the end of the Spanish-American war.Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were allowed to serve in the military.

I guess my thoughts on this are outdated. I was under the impression that granting Puerto Rico statehood had much more support in the 50 states than it did in Puerto Rico itself. That Puerto Ricans in general believed that they had carved out a "best of both worlds" status. Wonder when this changed? Assuming what I just posted was ever really true at all and not just misinformation I had acquired somehow along the way.

 

[Donsmith753]

Missing the opportunity here for a reality TV show to vote out one state.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

How is their economy and crime?

 

[belljr]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20238272

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.

The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.

The island is currently a US territory, which uses the dollar and whose citizens travel on US passports.

But it does not return senators to the US Congress and is represented in Washington by a non-voting delegate.

Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.

With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.

And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.

If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from.

The island came under US control in 1898 when Spain lost the island at the end of the Spanish-American war.

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were allowed to serve in the military.

I guess my thoughts on this are outdated. I was under the impression that granting Puerto Rico statehood had much more support in the 50 states than it did in Puerto Rico itself. That Puerto Ricans in general believed that they had carved out a "best of both worlds" status. Wonder when this changed? Assuming what I just posted was ever really true at all and not just misinformation I had acquired somehow along the way.

I swear there is another thread on this. That is not outdated,I was surprised to see the numbers honestly as many don't want to be a state. I do know that there has been some problem with the leaders down there so that may have something to do with this change in attitude.ETA: Other thread

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Missing the opportunity here for a reality TV show to vote out one state.

Each state could send one person of their choice to represent them.

 

[NCCommish]

The more the merrier.

 

[Cunk]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

 

[Black Sunshine]

Just combine the Dakotas into one state to keep us at 50.

 

[Black Sunshine]

Or make Puerto Rico part of Florida.

 

[roadkill1292]

I don't know why PR would want to do this.

 

[Chadstroma]

Do they have crime problems in Puerto Rico? I know they are famous for their ferocious mosquitoes. I say let them and Canada in.

'cept the French Canucks.... they can have their own little independent country.

 

[Chadstroma]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

more taxes for us? cool.

let em in.

 

[El Floppo]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20238272Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.The island is currently a US territory, which uses the dollar and whose citizens travel on US passports.But it does not return senators to the US Congress and is represented in Washington by a non-voting delegate.Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from.The island came under US control in 1898 when Spain lost the island at the end of the Spanish-American war.Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were allowed to serve in the military.

I guess my thoughts on this are outdated. I was under the impression that granting Puerto Rico statehood had much more support in the 50 states than it did in Puerto Rico itself. That Puerto Ricans in general believed that they had carved out a "best of both worlds" status. Wonder when this changed? Assuming what I just posted was ever really true at all and not just misinformation I had acquired somehow along the way.

One of my gbs from gradschool was from PR and I remember asking her about this. Her answer supported what you wrote. Something has changed in the last 10-20 years... I think maybe because J Lo learned Spanish?

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I live in nebraska - we will happily annex Peurto Rico to increase our tourism.

 

[cstu]

more taxes for us? cool.

let em in.

I was surprised to read this, but PR has a per capita income of $26,500 which would put rank it 3rd in the U.S.

 

[El Floppo]

Im all for it if it means no more Puerto Rico day here in NYC.

Eta... that per capita info IS surprising. Who's above them?

 

[Da Guru]

Do they have any oil we can tap into?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

What I read was that 54% wanted to change the status quo, and of that group, 2/3 wanted statehood. My math shows that means only 36% of voters want to become a state.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Just combine the Dakotas into one state to keep us at 50.

Been suggesting this for years now.

 

[moleculo]

my mother-in-law is from Puerto Rico, but has lived most of her life in Florida. Back when immigration was such a hot-button issue, she was very scared of being deported back to PR.

True story.

 

[belljr]

Just talked to the wife - said it's almost like a "civil war" with this stuff. The pro state movement feel the current PR government is corrupt. Now - You can travel to PR from the US without passport, all schools are half english half spanish. So the goal is to make all students bi-lingual. They like to keep the "spanish" culture.

One thing they change to a state - a full benefit would be the health care system. Currently down there if you don't have $$$ you don't get good care.

She's gonna call her mom to try and get more info if there is anything to gather from older people no where near San Juan.

 

[Two Deep]

more taxes for us? cool.let em in.

More people on welfare......no thanks.

 

[Slapdash]

Bring em in.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

more taxes for us? cool.let em in.

More people on welfare......no thanks.

they are already considered US citizens and they serve in the military.Let em come on in I say.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Pretty sure we misunderstood

 

[roadkill1292]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20238272Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.The island is currently a US territory, which uses the dollar and whose citizens travel on US passports.But it does not return senators to the US Congress and is represented in Washington by a non-voting delegate.Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from.The island came under US control in 1898 when Spain lost the island at the end of the Spanish-American war.Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were allowed to serve in the military.

I guess my thoughts on this are outdated. I was under the impression that granting Puerto Rico statehood had much more support in the 50 states than it did in Puerto Rico itself. That Puerto Ricans in general believed that they had carved out a "best of both worlds" status. Wonder when this changed? Assuming what I just posted was ever really true at all and not just misinformation I had acquired somehow along the way.

One of my gbs from gradschool was from PR and I remember asking her about this. Her answer supported what you wrote. Something has changed in the last 10-20 years... I think maybe because J Lo learned Spanish?

I'm confused about a couple of things (as usual). First, when did popular sentiment in PR transition from independence to statehood? Second, when was PR statehood ever any kind of a discussion in the 50 states? Why would they want taxation without representation?

 

[Sebowski]

more taxes for us? cool.

let em in.

I was surprised to read this, but PR has a per capita income of $26,500 which would put rank it 3rd in the U.S.

Cost of living is very high in PR.

 

[Cunk]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

 

[Don Quixote]

Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US

DC tells Puerto Rico to get in line.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US

DC tells Puerto Rico to get in line.

You'd think DC would have the inside track them being closer to Washington.

 

[belljr]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

schtick? Or are you purposely ignoring they just voted to approve it?

 

[Fennis]

Just combine the Dakotas into one state to keep us at 50.

Been suggesting this for years now.

They would become a powerhouse in the next election with 3 electoral votes.

 

[Fennis]

Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US

DC tells Puerto Rico to get in line.

'ponerse en la fila' would work better

 

[lod01]

I don't know why PR would want to do this.

Free stuff.

 

[The Z Machine]

They need independence, not statehood. Wrong direction for them IMO. They need some tough love down there, not continued coddling by the US.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

schtick? Or are you purposely ignoring they just voted to approve it?

No they didn't.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Or make Puerto Rico part of Florida.

How about letting PR in but forcing Florida to secede. I'm tired of them screwing the pooch every election year.

 

[NCCommish]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

schtick? Or are you purposely ignoring they just voted to approve it?

No they didn't.

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.

Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.

With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.

And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.

 

[roadkill1292]

I don't know why PR would want to do this.

Free stuff.

Long term, they might be hitching their cart to the wrong horse. Besides, I think they get lots of that now.

 

[Horses Mouth]

Or make Puerto Rico part of Florida.

Miami could become the capital.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Not a fan of a bye in the schedule with an odd number of states. Can't Anschutz get his act together and pull a 52nd state like Morocco? You have the great gambling tie-in so you'd think the State Franchise Fee could be substantial, and their chicks in the Miss Universe pageant are usually pretty hot.

 

[boubucarow]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

schtick? Or are you purposely ignoring they just voted to approve it?

No they didn't.

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.

Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.

With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.

And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.

Is that 2/3 of all voters or only 2/3 of the voters who voted to change the island's relationship? That is where the confusion with some lie.

 

[the moops]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

schtick? Or are you purposely ignoring they just voted to approve it?

No they didn't.

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.

Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.

With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.

And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.

Sorry, I was looking at the actual numbers, not the poorly-worded article in the OP.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Nice

 

[Cunk]

Ties were strengthened in 1917 when Puerto Ricans became US citizens and were "allowed" to serve in the military.

It more like they became US citizens so the US could use them for the military.Many Puerto Ricans have a lot emotionally invested in being "Puerto Rican". It will be difficult to get a majority of the island to vote to become to become a state because many will feel they will be losing even more of their identity. Perhaps in the future it won't be as difficult, but as of now many middle-aged to older citizens still have a bad taste in their mouths from the above bolded along with situations such as the military's presence on the small island off of Vieques in which a civilian was killed by military practice bombing. They have a culture of skepticism concerning the US government and their agencies much like other countries do.

Didn't read the article, huh?

No I didn't. Don't need to.

schtick? Or are you purposely ignoring they just voted to approve it?

No they didn't.

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.

Almost 80% of the island's electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.

With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island's relationship with the US.

And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.

Sorry, I was looking at the actual numbers, not the poorly-worded article in the OP.

I as well. The referendum doesn't hold as much weight as people seem to think it does.