Even though Puerto Ricans are US citizens they don't get any representation in Congress and no Electoral College votes for electing the President. Why isn't PR a state if Alaska and Hawaii are? What was the difference among those territories? Did HI and AL become states b/c the country needed those strategic locations in relation to potential enemies, (i.e. Russia, Japan, Cuba)? Do you think PR should or ever will be made the 51st state?
2007-03-15 04:20:20 · 14 answers · asked by Cynthia W 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Puerto Rico was granted Commonwealth status in 1950, and this was approved by the Puerto Rican people in a 1951 referrendum. As a Commonwealth, Puerto Rico has its own constitution and representative gov't. Puerto Rico has a limited representation in the U.S. Congress in the form of a Resident Commissioner, a nonvoting delegate, but citizens may vote in US and local elections with established residency. The most recent vote on statehood was in 1998, and Puerto Ricans voted 50.3% in favor of "no change" in their Commonwealth status.
2007-03-15 04:39:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Puerto Ricans have voted on this issue(to become a state) and they have always chosen to stay a commonwealth...I have no idea why they would vote that way, but they have!!
MIXEDUP...i dont think you've ever been there,I lived in Puerto Rico for 8 yrs, the only thing ppl in PR would have a complaint about is the violence on the Island and nothing else! And maybe is your own a*s*s you smelled! And its Boricua not Boriqua!
2007-03-15 04:26:45 · answer #2 · answered by boricua_lilly 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Puerto Ricans decide that, and if you look at their histroy, they only are a commonwealth of the US becuase the US helped them to beat the spanish off the island. They have ALWAYS wanted their freedom..this way they maintain it wihtout losing their culteure, language, natives, etc...look at Hawaii and Alaska, many fighting very hard to maintain their heritage. Mainland natives have all but lost it already. So I don't think they SHOULD be a state, but they also shouldn't complain that they can't have both (some do, but not many)
2007-03-15 04:30:39 · answer #3 · answered by hichefheidi 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that everyone in Puerto Rico WANTS it to be a state. Many would prefer independence. I don't know how it breaks down now or historically, but I think that has been a contentious issue.
2007-03-15 04:38:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Leogirl is correct. This is up to Puerto Rico. The last time they voted on it, they decided not to become a state.
2007-03-15 04:38:56 · answer #5 · answered by MoltarRocks 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because this is America and the White House gets what it wants, it'll get you if it wants to by the order and decree of the President, then the f.b.i, and the c.i.a. will come and get you, then, guess what? everyone will be asking why did joe doe become a suspect and the bush administration didn't, and then, perhaps this will give you some fresh insight how things are done here in our great wonderful U.S.A.
2007-03-15 05:04:50 · answer #6 · answered by Pink Honey 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because residents of the territory have to vote on statehood and Puerto Rico does not desire it.
2007-03-15 04:32:42 · answer #7 · answered by aiminhigh24u2 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The decision is up to the people of Puerto Rico and no others.
2007-03-15 04:24:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't. The reason is I don't like PR. Have you ever been there? It's hot and it smells. Why would the US make PR a state when the people of PR hate the US? They have been wanting nothing to do with the US for years. Personally, they can keep that mosquito infested pile of dirt. Boriqua my azz.
2007-03-15 04:29:59 · answer #9 · answered by mixedup 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
hawaii was conquored and forced to be a state- it had nothing to do with want or protection. its was a grave injustice.
PR doesn't want to be conquored. most puerto ricans wants to be completely free of US control
2007-03-15 05:08:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋