House Passes Puerto Rican Statehood Plebiscite

[jimmy olsen]

I'm surprised at the form the 2nd referendum takes. If I were the Dems I would make it just two options; Independence or Statehood. Statehood would crush Independence in that circumstance and the Dems would get another slate of Democratic (though perhaps culturally conservative) House members.

Although now that I think about it "sovereignty in association with the United States" and "the current commonwealth relationship" is likely to split the anti-statehood vote enough to allow it to win. Though of course, given that last poll I saw Statehood would beat either option in a straight up fight.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1985875,00.html

The poll I mentioned
http://www.prstatehood.com/news/poll_071408.pdf

(WASHINGTON) — The House has approved legislation that could set in motion changes in Puerto Rico's 112-year relationship with the United States, including a transition to statehood or independence.

The bill gives Puerto Ricans a two-step path to expressing how they envision their political future.

Initially, they would choose between remaining a U.S. territory or taking a different path.

If they decide to change their current status, there would be a second vote with four options: statehood, independence, sovereignty in association with the United States or the current commonwealth relationship.

Puerto Rico has had votes before on its future, but never one authorized by the U.S. Congress.

[Caliga]

The options, IMO, should be:

A. Independence
B. Statehood
C. Tainted
D. Absolutely Appalled

[Viking]

My view

1. Relieving Gringo of the burden of supporting Puerto Rico (Independence)
2. Continue sucking on the Gringo money tit (Statehood)
3. Jaron (No Change)

[Ed Anger]

The options, IMO, should be:

A. Independence
B. Statehood
C. Tainted
D. Absolutely Appalled

E. Tim expelled from the United States

[garbon]

E. Tim expelled from the United States

[Monoriu]

What is "sovereignty in association with the US"?

[jimmy olsen]

What is "sovereignty in association with the US"?

Like a halfway measure between the current system and full independence.

[Monoriu]

What is "sovereignty in association with the US"?

Like a halfway measure between the current system and full independence.

How exactly does that work in practice?  Like, Hong Kong?   

[alfred russel]

I thought the current setup PR gets is the best--no federal income taxes but they get all sorts of subsidies. Become a state and become taxed normally, become independent and lose the subsidies.

[Fate]

Puerto Rico should only be allowed to become a state if English is the sole official language of the state.

[Caliga]

E. Tim expelled from the United States

Already happened.

[Barrister]

E. Tim expelled from the United States

Already happened.

[jimmy olsen]

Right winger in favor

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NDM2M2IxNWU2NjgwZTY2MzlhYWI0ZDZmOTg0MDJmMGM=

and the objections ( I hear Beck already has a conspiracy theory spanning centuries)

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NzgyNGQwNzgzNjc5ZDVmMjM2NGU3YzQwNzYxMDEzMmE=

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjJkYzU5ZjNiMDU4NjU5YTI3MzE0ZTkxMWRiZWQ5YTc=

[Darth Wagtaros]

I say we cut Puerto Rico loose. 

[lustindarkness]

Are the dems so desperate? They are trying to force the issue in hopes they get some more dems in congress/senate, what if they don't?
BTW, with the way the local politics have been going lately, why would they want crooks in congress? Oh, yeah, never mind on that one.