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Well now they have to do it again in a binding referendum which should come up next given the results this time. If they vote yes, I say let them. I mean really now, they've been with us for over 100 years.
Well Mississippi would be grateful as the would become second to last in Median Household income ($36,919). Keep in mind that Puerto Rico has a Median Household income of $18,314. Their needs for health and Human service and infrastruture support would be a tremendous burden on our domestic unfunded liabilities.
On the other hand consider to global picture. If Puerto Rico became a nation they would rank 23rd Globally (just under Spain).
Nationhood would allow them to take back control and privately manage their Ports, Lease US bases on better terms, and open more international trade markets (hopefully for them on better terms than restrictive US rules and regulations). A lower corporate tax structure (than our) would bring more US and International Corporations to their shores so one could expect a significant revenue boost and better jobs.
Honestly I think they stand a better chance on their own than be sucked into our country as the 51st State (and when I say 51st I mean that in many senses of the word. 51st in income, education, etc.).
Well, as far as the size of the place, they are larger than Rhode Island.
I'm all for their joining the Union. However, what is problematic to me is if doing so means that we require bilingualism in our government. Canada has had that problem with Quebec for years.
Be that as it may (and i think it would lean (D), but as far as hispanics go, they would be more toward the middle), these people have been American citizens and have been since 1917. Per capita, more have given their life for this country than any state or territory. They have earned the right, IMO, to decide to become a state after all the sacrifices they've made for our nation.
what he said/\.
As for PR soaking up federal dollars etc. as a territory they are already part of our system. nothing changes in that regard.
now they would just be part of the system and have representation in congress.
Well, as far as the size of the place, they are larger than Rhode Island.
I'm all for their joining the Union. However, what is problematic to me is if doing so means that we require bilingualism in our government. Canada has had that problem with Quebec for years.
Puerto Rico is a drop in the bucket when you consider there are already 35 million people in the U.S. who speak Spanish at home. Although it is true that nowhere in the 50 states is instutitionally functional in Spanish on almost all levels like Puerto Rico is.
As for Quebec and French in Canada in general, it's still roughly double (proportionately) what Spanish represents in the U.S. Plus Quebec is the biggest province (area-wise) and second-biggest population-wise in the country. This also makes a big difference. The situation is not really analogous.
Should we let them become a state? I know only Congress has a say in the matter, but what say you?
Why would we want Puerto Rico to become a state? They're already a big drain on welfare! They come and work here in the US for ten months out of the year and then go back and not have to pay any federal taxes
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