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Puerto Rico referendum

What should happen to Puerto Rico

  • Total voters
    6
  • Poll closed .
M

Masterhawk

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On 6/11/17, Puerto Rico will vote on three choices: statehood, independence, and remaining a territory.

As a territory, Puerto Rico doesn't pay as much taxes as it would as a state but it also doesn't receive as much federal funding. Federal funding might motivate Puerto Ricans because the territory currently has the lowest GDP per capita of any state or territory. And to top the relatively low per capita, PR is also in a financial crisis which has caused a population shrinkage since the 90s.

Another reason not to be a territory is that the region is subject to federal law but doesn't get to elect people to vote on them.

New Poll Shows Puerto Rico Statehood Ahead - on the Mainland - Puerto Rico 51st
 
Masterhawk said:
On 6/11/17, Puerto Rico will vote on three choices: statehood, independence, and remaining a territory.

As a territory, Puerto Rico doesn't pay as much taxes as it would as a state but it also doesn't receive as much federal funding. Federal funding might motivate Puerto Ricans because the territory currently has the lowest GDP per capita of any state or territory. And to top the relatively low per capita, PR is also in a financial crisis which has caused a population shrinkage since the 90s.

Another reason not to be a territory is that the region is subject to federal law but doesn't get to elect people to vote on them.

New Poll Shows Puerto Rico Statehood Ahead - on the Mainland - Puerto Rico 51st
Click to expand...

Let's hope America is not dumb enough to make this impoverished island with just about nothing going for it a state.

We have to start at least trying to make wise choices.
 
Hawkeye10 said:
Let's hope America is not dumb enough to make this impoverished island with just about nothing going for it a state.

We have to start at least trying to make wise choices.
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with making it a state if they want to join. Since they are subject to federal law then they should have a voice in what that law is.
 
Kal'Stang said:
Nothing wrong with making it a state if they want to join. Since they are subject to federal law then they should have a voice in what that law is.
Click to expand...

Sure there is, them wanting to come says nothing on the question of is it a good idea to let them come.
 
The same thing that we already allow for...whatever THEY vote to do.

At any time, as they have chosen to do now, they may hold a plebiscite and elect to become a State, remain a Commonwealth (unincorporated territory), or go independent.

Let's wait and see what they decide, hmmm? :yes:
 
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Hawkeye10 said:
Sure there is, them wanting to come says nothing on the question of is it a good idea to let them come.
Click to expand...

So what makes them not worthy of statehood? The Constitution only requires that a certain amount of people be a part of the territory that wants to become a member of the Union. What else would you add to it? And are you willing to go through the Amendment process to add it?
 
Masterhawk said:
On 6/11/17, Puerto Rico will vote on three choices: statehood, independence, and remaining a territory.

As a territory, Puerto Rico doesn't pay as much taxes as it would as a state but it also doesn't receive as much federal funding. Federal funding might motivate Puerto Ricans because the territory currently has the lowest GDP per capita of any state or territory. And to top the relatively low per capita, PR is also in a financial crisis which has caused a population shrinkage since the 90s.

Another reason not to be a territory is that the region is subject to federal law but doesn't get to elect people to vote on them.

New Poll Shows Puerto Rico Statehood Ahead - on the Mainland - Puerto Rico 51st
Click to expand...

You should have added one more poll option. "do whatever they think is in their best interest". I'm not one to tell another what to do so none of the poll options are good for me.
 
Kal'Stang said:
So what makes them not worthy of statehood? The Constitution only requires that a certain amount of people be a part of the territory that wants to become a member of the Union. What else would you add to it? And are you willing to go through the Amendment process to add it?
Click to expand...

As I said...it has to be good for America.
 
Hawkeye10 said:
As I said...it has to be good for America.
Click to expand...

And what is good for America? What is it that you think a territory should be required to offer to become a member of the Union?

Personally I thought that the reason for joining the Union was for mutual defense. And since the US does have a naval base there it must offer some sort of strategic advantage. Apparently that is no longer enough for you?
 
Kal'Stang said:
And what is good for America? What is it that you think a territory should be required to offer to become a member of the Union?

Personally I thought that the reason for joining the Union was for mutual defense. And since the US does have a naval base there it must offer some sort of strategic advantage. Apparently that is no longer enough for you?
Click to expand...

Certainly not good enough, especially given that these people have been on a multi decade effort to reduce or eliminate the military using the island.
 
Hawkeye10 said:
Certainly not good enough, especially given that these people have been on a multi decade effort to reduce or eliminate the military using the island.
Click to expand...

Which as a member of the union they definitely wouldn't be able to do.

So, you still haven't answered my question. What is good for America that you think a territory should be required to offer to become a member of the Union?
 
Hawkeye10 said:
Let's hope America is not dumb enough to make this impoverished island with just about nothing going for it a state.

We have to start at least trying to make wise choices.
Click to expand...

An island full of US citizens who had share fighting in our wars for many generations.
 
Hawkeye10 said:
Certainly not good enough, especially given that these people have been on a multi decade effort to reduce or eliminate the military using the island.
Click to expand...


You do know that for generations their young men had been draft into our military and many of them gave their lives fighting in our wars?
 
Masterhawk said:
On 6/11/17, Puerto Rico will vote on three choices: statehood, independence, and remaining a territory.

As a territory, Puerto Rico doesn't pay as much taxes as it would as a state but it also doesn't receive as much federal funding. Federal funding might motivate Puerto Ricans because the territory currently has the lowest GDP per capita of any state or territory. And to top the relatively low per capita, PR is also in a financial crisis which has caused a population shrinkage since the 90s.

Another reason not to be a territory is that the region is subject to federal law but doesn't get to elect people to vote on them.

New Poll Shows Puerto Rico Statehood Ahead - on the Mainland - Puerto Rico 51st
Click to expand...

I don't want them to be a state because 1st on the list of demands is going to be bankruptcy protection for their dumb and failed politics. In the past they've repeatedly refused statehood but now that their being crushed under their own financial bungling, they may want statehood after all.
 
BillRM said:
You do know that for generations their young men had been draft into our military and many of them gave their lives fighting in our wars?
Click to expand...

It's their wars too. There's nothing impressive or noble about it.
 
I for one would welcome them as a State. I love Puerto Rico, good people, great scenery, and a rich culture. Also a great opportunity to invest in flag making businesses for when that extra star gets added. Plus it will really piss of racists to add a dominantly Spanish state. Win all around, as far as I'm concerned.
 
reinoe said:
It's their wars too. There's nothing impressive or noble about it.
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It their war only if you are willing to grant that they are full citizens of the US in the first place on equal footing with every other citizen.
 
This vote is the 5th attempt to say what the people of Puerto Rico wants, it does not put a requirement on Congress and the President to want it too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Masterhawk said:
On 6/11/17, Puerto Rico will vote on three choices: statehood, independence, and remaining a territory.

As a territory, Puerto Rico doesn't pay as much taxes as it would as a state but it also doesn't receive as much federal funding. Federal funding might motivate Puerto Ricans because the territory currently has the lowest GDP per capita of any state or territory. And to top the relatively low per capita, PR is also in a financial crisis which has caused a population shrinkage since the 90s.

Another reason not to be a territory is that the region is subject to federal law but doesn't get to elect people to vote on them.

New Poll Shows Puerto Rico Statehood Ahead - on the Mainland - Puerto Rico 51st
Click to expand...

While Republicans control government they will never become a state.
 
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