Reuters: Puerto Ricans to vote on U.S. territorial status

[visionary]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...8A30DP20121104

Puerto Ricans to vote on U.S. territorial status

Puerto Ricans, long divided over the U.S. Caribbean territory's political status, head to the polls on Tuesday in a vote that will help determine whether the island seeks to become the 51st U.S. state.

Debate over the island's status has long dominated politics in Puerto Rico, where political parties are formed around the preference for statehood, independence or its current status as a self-governing commonwealth.

Puerto Ricans have voted to remain a U.S. territory in four previous votes held since 1967, but the margin of victory has decreased over the years.

The plebiscite was proposed by Republican Governor Luis Fortuno, president of the New Progressive Party, which supports statehood. It is alternately viewed by Puerto Ricans as an opportunity to improve the island's economic future, a chance to shake off the vestiges of its colonial past or a ploy by Fortuno to win a second term.

The vote coincides with gubernatorial and municipal elections. Supporters of the current status describe it as a bilateral pact that allows the island some autonomy while enjoying being a part of the United States. But critics say it means Puerto Rico is in effect a colony under the complete authority of the U.S. Congress.

Under its current commonwealth status, Puerto Ricans living on the island are U.S. citizens but they cannot vote in presidential elections and their only representation in Congress is a non-voting member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Most Puerto Ricans pay no federal income tax, but they contribute to the Social Security retirement program, are eligible to receive federal welfare benefits and have long served in the armed forces

[Koolblue13]

I love this territorial status.

[Rdskns2000]

What should happen is that PR should become an independent country. There's should be no other option. No option to remain as it is and no option for it to become the 51st state, unless we remove Texas. 50 states is fine.


Frankly, it should be an independent country.

[Predicto]

What should happen is that PR should become an independent country. There's should be no other option. No option to remain as it is and no option for it to become the 51st state, unless we remove Texas. 50 states is fine.


Frankly, it should be an independent country.

Why?

[twa]

What should happen is that PR should become an independent country. There's should be no other option. No option to remain as it is and no option for it to become the 51st state, unless we remove Texas. 50 states is fine.


Frankly, it should be an independent country.

We can always merge some of those pudunk states that would fit in my backyard

sounds like they got pretty sweet deal going right now

[RansomthePasserby]

I'm trying to imagine a flag with 51 stars. Weird.

[SkinsFTW]

Yeah, thats going to screw up the flag but I'd bet that whoever makes the flags would approve since every government office, military base, navy ship, etc. in the country would have to buy new flags.

[HogNose]

I'm trying to imagine a flag with 51 stars. Weird.

Well it looked okay when it had 49 stars.

51 would work just fine.

[jnhay]

I'm trying to imagine a flag with 51 stars. Weird.

Wow, you must have a terrible imagination.

[dreamshatterer]

I believe it should keep its current status. Almost my entire family lives there and becomming the 51st state would make it a bit harder for people to love because all of the taxes that would be comming.

[nonniey]

Yeah, thats going to screw up the flag but I'd bet that whoever makes the flags would approve since every government office, military base, navy ship, etc. in the country would have to buy new flags.

We have to buy them anyway given normal turnover from weather damage. I for one really want Puerto Rico to become a state (and our Pacific Island territories as well). They're all Americans so it is past time for Statehood. Plus once a state always a state.

[spjunkies]

All I'm going to say is that D.C. should become a state before them or get taken in by Maryland.

[zoony]

Guess it should be up to them. However, I'd like for the vote to be two choices only. Independence or statehood. This territory stuff is nonsense

[Tulane Skins Fan]

This is very moot. If PR ever votes to become a state, you will have huge political wrangling about it because it will give one party an advantage in the electoral college, the House and the Senate. And so, you won't see it become a state. Much like DC.

[RansomthePasserby]

Wow, you must have a terrible imagination.

I know. I blame my addiction to TV and video games.