Thread: The Colony Of Puerto Rico

Originally Posted by ricardocerromar

But what would Congress say? At this exact moment, can Puerto Rico declare its independence from the U.S. via the current government or does it have to ask permission from Congress and if so, why?

There really isn't a formalized process for becoming a nation state. You basically declare yourself such and then hope for international recognition. The real question is whether Congress would be an obstacle to independence if that was the wish of Puerto Rico and to that the answer is no.

To please our friend Pete EU, perhaps we should demand a plebiscite from Puerto Rico to become a state or walk. I am sure the people of PR will be grateful for his championing of their freedoms and rights.

Originally Posted by PeteEU

It is a US colony. They dont run their own affairs for one. And the idea of independence or statehood has never seriously been taken up, since it would require an act of congress to allow it.

This is exactly what is happening. Congress play$ with the locals on the status issue and never brings up any bonding agreement on the issue.

It was set up by the governor because President Obama said that the local status (colonial) should be included on the ballot. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been. It's like I said, it would be the same as if President Obama celebrated a referendum where the African Americans had two options to chose from: 1) Continue to be free or 2) Go back to slavery. This would be very indignant to say the least.

Originally Posted by PeteEU

Who said it was sinister per say? Only pointing out that it is a colony and the final say in all matters political is not the elected officials of the island, but the US congress. Facts are facts, it is not I who is making something out of this. Puerto Rico is a US colony and has been since it took it over back in the day. It is especially people on the US right that seem to be denying this... not my problem that some Americans are in denial.

What you say is true. The fact is, that when Pope John II visited Puerto Rico in 1984, Secretary of State George Schultz was the first one to receive the Pope and that he (the Pope ) was not permitted to interview the then pro Statehood governor of Puerto Rico, Carlos Romero Barcelo, indicating by this action, that the U.S. was in command here. These are the "little bits" of shameful things many Americans don't know are happening in the colony. I hope nobody gets me wrong by my way of thinking, I am pro statehood and am willing to pay my fair share of taxes to become a full fledged First Class American Citizen.

Originally Posted by ricardocerromar

But things are not as good as they sound. We pay a 38 % tax rate and with high unemployment crime goes up. We cannot negociate with other countries, so we are tied down by our colonial status.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those local taxes? I really don't see how independence would change a thing? If anything, it would probably make the domestic issues worse.

Originally Posted by ricardocerromar

You have the chance to witness it prior to the elections. There will be some Congress people visiting us to tell us to stay as we are and they get paid for it. It has always been that way. Ted Kennedy, it is sad for me to say, was one of them. Before his death he changed and said Puerto Rico had the right to change its status, by choosing Independence or Statehood. He didn't mention the Commonwealth.

Wait. Ricardo, are you accusing politicians of engaging in... politics? Politicians ask people who agree with them to speak on the issue, and it sways public opinion? Why, that's madness!!! How dare commonwealth supporters campaign for what they think is the best option. Really, you come across as very critical of electoral politics, which always worries me. If the people of PR can't handle elections without some outside force mandating they change their status, then I think you have bigger problems.

Originally Posted by ricardocerromar

But what would Congress say? At this exact moment, can Puerto Rico declare its independence from the U.S. via the current government or does it have to ask permission from Congress and if so, why?

We own the island, legally. We couldn't grant it independence without passing it through Congress, but I fail to see how that of all thing is the issue. The same process would have to be gone through if a state tried to secede. The issue is, people like the current arrangement. Why can't you just accept that people like things the way they are? What do you have against the will of the people?

Originally Posted by ricardocerromar

It was set up by the governor because President Obama said that the local status (colonial) should be included on the ballot. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been. It's like I said, it would be the same as if President Obama celebrated a referendum where the African Americans had two options to chose from: 1) Continue to be free or 2) Go back to slavery. This would be very indignant to say the least.

First of all, way to play the race card. Second of all, how are more options a bad thing, especially if that's what people want? If the people of PR want independence, let them vote for it. Forcing them to change their status if they don't want to is criminal, in my opinion.

Originally Posted by ricardocerromar

It was set up by the governor because President Obama said that the local status (colonial) should be included on the ballot. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been. It's like I said, it would be the same as if President Obama celebrated a referendum where the African Americans had two options to chose from: 1) Continue to be free or 2) Go back to slavery. This would be very indignant to say the least.

That only makes sense of 50.6% of blacks had voted for the 2nd option, which is what makes the comparison between slavery and continued association status very silly.