Recently there has been some talks in Puerto Rico to see if the status of the island changes. It has to change to either statehood or indipendence. I for one am Puerorican and proud of it but I am also an american citizen and I am serving in the ARMY and proud of it too. I would like my little island to finally become part of the US instead of just a territory of the US. The problem is that there are three political parties, one tha is pro statehood, one that is pro indipendence and one that just wants to stay the same way they are now and for the past few years they have being frightening the people of Puerto Rico telling them how bad it would be if Puerto Rico becomes either a state or a republic. I think the US should give Puerto Rico the option to choose only between statehood and/or indipendence to get the issue resolved once and for all.
2006-06-13 12:51:33 · 15 answers · asked by MEL831 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Most people don't know that this question comes up in PR *all the time* and Puerto Ricans consistently choose the status quo. Why? They are part of the US, they receive federal development assistance, but *they don't have to pay federal taxes*. I would say this is a pretty sweet deal for PR, and since PR represents only a tiny part of the U.S., the vast majority of other Americans don't care one way or the other.
In referendums to decide status, the vote is almost evenly decided whether to become a state, or to stay the same (the latter has won, obviously). About 5% vote for complete independence. So it's clear that the vast majority of Puerto Ricans enjoy being part of the U.S.
Trips to PR from the mainland are considered "domestic" (not international), PR is served by US Mail and has US Zip codes, the phone & electrical system are the same as in the U.S. However, they have their own team in the Olympics and other international competitions (then again, England & Scotland are separate teams in the World Cup...)
But the most important takeaway is that the U.S. *DOES* allow PR to choose what it wants for itself and will abide by whatever PR chooses. The fact is that Puerto Ricans seem to want to continue the current status.
2006-06-17 05:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by JP 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
As a territory they probably have more autonomy and receive more government benefits than they would as either a state or an independent nation. I would like to see them as a state, but the costs may be too high for the common Puerto Rican. Whatever, the decision should be left to the citizens of the territory to seek statehood. If they choose to do so, then the other states should confirm their resolution and they should be admitted.
2006-06-13 13:03:49 · answer #2 · answered by melkocha@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think EITHER statehood or being an independent Republic would be better. i believe statehood would be better, i don't really know.
It seems unfair to the country and the people of Puerto Rico for them to be in this strange in-between sort of status/category.
But lots of people don't even know that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.
They might well be against statehood.
2006-06-13 13:20:20 · answer #3 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is something the people of Puerto Rico need to decide for themselves. Personaly, I wouldn't mind if they did. I served with a bunch of guys from PR when I was in the army, and they were all pretty cool. If nothing else, it would give the island a huge influx of money.
2006-06-13 12:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by SBMech 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Might just as well. They, the Puerto Ricans, get all of the financial benefits of Americans but none of the responsibilities like taxes, voting, military obligations when there is a draft and so on. .
2006-06-13 13:02:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would like to see Puerto Rico as a state myself. I served with some Puertoricans in the Marines and they were fine people. They can serve and fight for our country, they can have representation in congress with votes.
2006-06-13 13:18:03 · answer #6 · answered by JFra472449 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, Puerto Rico is a latin american nation. They are now a commonwealth associated to the US. They should have their own republic and the US should set them free.
2006-06-14 09:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by Hdz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't talk for anyone else but I would like them to become a state. I like the people and the place. But hey, that is just me.
2006-06-13 12:54:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would because i have a ridiculously funny friend that's part peurto rican but the real reason i would is because it's one step closer to world domination! lmao jk but i would like them to become a state cause i like them and the place. as long as they spoke english that is...
2006-06-13 12:57:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah why not ... and what I would love to see is for Mexico to be the 52nd state ... about time we took them over, since most of them seem to be here anyway ... :)
2006-06-13 12:57:14 · answer #10 · answered by Sashie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋