Why do we force Puerto Ricans to ship goods on US ships even though that kills their economy (Jones Act)?

Question

Have you seen the outrages we do as outlined at:

WWW.INDEPENDENCIA.NET

For example, regardless of how people have voted in the referendum and plebiscites (which, by the way, the majority has voted for "decolonizing options" in the last two plebiscites), isn't it unfair and undemocratic that an individual that is a U.S. citizen is stripped from his right to vote in his national government just because he chooses to live in Puerto Rico

Why are we preaching democracy in the international arena while being hypocritical at home, or that's what it seems like, doesn't it?

ISN'T THIS LIKE SUPPORTING SLAVERY JUST BECAUSE WE MAKE BELIEVE THAT THE DEPENDANT SLAVES REALLY PREFER TO BE SLAVES, BECAUSE "THEY HAVE IT GOOD, AND WE HAVE THE WHITE MAN'S BURDEN OF FEEDING THEM FOR FREE?

ISN'T THAT THE WORSE OF AMERICA, ISN'T THAT THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE FOUGHT FOR IN THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE, IN THE REVOLUTION OF 1776?

WHAT HAVE WE DONE, AMERICA?

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLVE THIS?

Answer 1

Your statements regarding the plebiscites is not completely accurate. Puerto Rico is a possession of the united states. It has repeatedly been given the option of moving towards statehood or becoming independent. The Puerto Ricans have thus far elected to maintain the status quo. Currently they receive all of the benefits of citizenship (inclusive of social programs) but do not have to pay taxes. As far as what America or I have done to solve this problem, our government has left it in the hands of the Puerto Ricans to decide their own futures. But until they choose to become a full fledged state then they should not be allowed to vote like they are one. as far as the revolutionary war being similar, it had nothing to do with slavery as you have insinuated. It was undertaken for economic reasons. Americans were tired of being taxed without any of the money coming back to benefit them.

Answer 2

Jones Act is an effort to help American shipping rather than Greek or Puerto Rican or otherwise. P.R. enjoys many American rights and privileges inc. NOT paying income tax which would have the same effect it has on OUR stateside economy. Taxes UP under Democrats...economy TANKED and DOWN...Tax cuts...economy booms despite 9/11 and War Vs Terrorism, Katrina, Rita, et al, etc.

Answer 3

USA imposes the procedures to be followed in its territories, all leading to contributing to its GNP.