Debate touches on the question of Puerto Rican statehood

[Stinky The Clown]

A woman from the audience asked about it.

Thoughts? Discussion?

[baldguy]

1. Did they laugh at her outright?

Or did security tackle her & drag her out to be beaten?

[RZM]

2. Newt's been a supporter of Puerto Rican statehood for a while now n/t

[think]

4. Did not know that. Surprised they didn't let him respond on that one.

[think]

3. They passed over that one rather quickly didn't they...

[w8liftinglady]

5. I am all for Puerto Rico becoming a state

I work with and know way too many people from Puerto Rico.They already considered themselves members of the US

[RZM]

6. But would the island approve it?

Not an expert, but I've heard that it couldn't top 50 percent in a plebiscite.

[w8liftinglady]

10. All the Puerto Ricans I know live in the US and are married to citizens

So I don't know.It would be much like hawaii and Alaska,I imagine

[RZM]

12. I've heard the island would vote on it though

And if you combine people who like the status quo and those who want independence, you'd probably get over 50 percent. I assume Puerto Ricans living on the mainland could vote in that too, though I don't know what the criteria would be (being born there, how many ancestors born there, etc.) I also wonder how many of those people would vote for statehood. Probably a higher percentage than on the island, but I wonder if it would be all that much higher.

Of course, others here probably know way more about this than me and could correct me or shed further light on this.

[Pab Sungenis]

15. But what if the status quo is no longer an option?

What if they're given a "shit or get off the pot" referendum: statehood or independence?

How much of the "status quo" crowd would vote for independence?

I'm sure the enabling act for independence would allow those who wished to retain their citizenship do so, by the way.

[RZM]

18. I don't see the status quo changing anytime soon

Of course anything is possible. An epic financial meltdown and maybe that would happen. But I don't think it's in the cards for now.

You're right though. If they were given that choice, they probably would choose statehood. But I see no loud calls for that at all right now. 35 years from now it could be different, of course.

[Pab Sungenis]

20. I've advocated for an up-or-down plebiscite for all our territories for a while.

Five territories and commonwealths that enjoy special status and second-class rights. Let them in or let them go.

[tammywammy]

19. It's going up for a vote in Puerto Rico

The governor said the measure would follow the outlines of the decision by the New Progressive Party Governing Board, which signed off on a two-stage plebiscite process. The first referendum will ask voters whether they want to maintain the current commonwealth status under the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution or whether they prefer a nonterritorial option.

If more voters check that nonterritorial option, a second vote would be held giving people three status options: statehood, independence or free association.

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=62931&ct_id=1


edited to add: They're voting on Nov 6, 2012 on this.

[DonCoquixote]

24. Very few

Because while many on the island want to keep their culture, they are deathly afraid that the other l;atin American nations will try to start trouble. It makes no gain to kick Washington out only to have Caracas or Havana bark orders.

[joshcryer]

22. They vote on it Nov. 6th. I think they'll be a state by 2017.

Hopefully we'll get a reapportionment discussion once the Congress has to expand its reps by 2-3, and then the 2020 census comes around and they want fair representation. Just my opinion though.

[cthulu2016]

14. I think Puerto Ricans are citizens

[tammywammy]

21. Yes, Puerto Ricans are US citizens n/t

[cthulu2016]

7. That was a terrible question

Who cares what their view is? Puerto Rico has the option of becoming a state at any time they want.

So what's the point of an opinion? It's up to Puerto Rico.

[RZM]

9. Why? It's an issue that matters to some people

Not a lot, but some. I think it's more than a fair question.

[cthulu2016]

11. But it's not an issue

It isn't a president's place to support or oppose it, IMO.

It is their call. (Puerto Rico's) So what could anyone answer? "I think they're wrong to not want to be a state." "I think they are wise to not become a state."

The only sensible answer is, "It's their decision and it doesn't make sense for someone running for president to tell them what to do."

Now as for me, I'm all for it because it would mean more electoral votes for Dems. (And the Chinese support it because they make all our flags that would have to be replaced!)

[RZM]

13. I would prefer the president take a position one way or another

That's a big deal. Adding another state for the first time in over 50 years? Seems to me a time for leadership and not weaseling out on taking a position.

Don't know about the others, but Newt would probably publicly support it. He's on the record supporting it, anyway. Any Democrat probably would too, since it would mean more Democratic votes.

[cthulu2016]

16. But the territory has to ask

Oklahoma says "We want to be a state" Congress decides whether to let them in.

With Puerto Rico we already decided all of that -- We told PR they can be a state whenever they chose to be. They don't want it.

So any call for them to be a state against their will is no good.

And a call for them to keep out of the US doesn't sound good.

It is not a policy matter for American politicians at any level. We (the US) made it PR's decisions and that is the end of it as an American policy question. Unless someone wants to rescind the offer (!) which would definately be a policy.

[RZM]

23. Here's where we differ

I surmise that you think saying 'let them decide' is exercising presidential leadership. All things being equal, that probably would be the safest thing for the president to say. But in such a scenario, people will be looking to the president for guidance on what to think about it (or in some cases, what not to think about it).

My opinion is that on such a matter, the president should take a position as to whether or not Puerto Rico should become the 51st state, even if it's not his call. Leadership is about more than just the policy areas that one has direct power over. It's also about taking positions on other issues. Abortion is a good example here. There's not a lot the president can really do on his own on that issue, but I'd prefer to know where they stand on it.

[southernyankeebelle]

8. Well how is the debate going? Any screaming and clapping for Newty Fruity?

[joshcryer]

17. It'll be a state soon enough. How about the Philippines?

[Jello Biafra]

25. If corporations can make enough money selling flags with 51 stars on it....

they will do it....