Puerto Rico has been 'blessed' by the US Congress to finally determine her own fate. By a mixed vote of 223 to 169, the House of Representatives gave Puerto Rico the authority of self determination. PR, a territory of the United States, has had an identity crisis for some time, and this vote could lead to the first allowance of a state to the (crippled) Union in over 50 years.
Puerto Rico will get to take a vote on her status in relation to the United States. Becoming a state would allow a voting presence in Congress and electoral votes for presidency. They currently have delegates to congress, but retain no voting rights as a territory. However, as a territory they receive taxpayer funds - to which they pay none into. Becoming a state would increase their taxes, while becoming independent would cut-off the free flow of cash to the island nation.
Words of caution to PR - joining the United States is apparently a one way street. Once you vote to give up your national identity, Puerto Rico will cease to have the liberty it enjoys as a free and relatively independent state. The House Republicans even attempted to amend the vote to say that PR must adopt English as her official language - which would require, what, teaching their students english? OK. Changing to a more 'American Sounding' English name, like "Richport", "Lincoln", "Columbia"... Puerto Rico, Proceed with caution.
And while we're at it - Let's ask the question for each state. There should be a general series of state conferences to re-determine the will of the states to be in, or opt out of the federal government. Gee - I wonder how that would go over?
:)
"There should be a general series of state conferences to re-determine the will of the states to be in, or opt out of the federal government."
ReplyDeleteThat would be VERY interesting, my friend, and just think: it would create jobs - in the cartographic industry!
Beck had some interesting thoughts on this issue lately. According to him those in Puerto Rico will not have a chance to vote up or down on statehood as they have done in the past. The admission of Puerto Rico would mean millions more on the federal welfare rolls.
ReplyDeleteI linked to the post. Thanks for spreading the information.
ReplyDeleteRev - Indeed! Talk about job creation! We should pitch that one to the feds :)
ReplyDeleteRon - Welcome to the site. The blogging is sparse now, but thanks for reading and commenting! I agree - millions more to the welfare rolls, however, they are already getting a TON of money without having to pay ANY taxes to the US.
DR - Thank you!