How can we break the deadlock over whether Puerto Rico becomes a state, or not?

Question

I have an idea...give them a choice...., but make it a creative choice, -in order to break the deadlock: They can either choose to be independent, ....or, if they vote to become a state, throw in the U.S. Virgin islands, too, under the same state flag.

Answer 1

Puerto Rico should decide by themselves. The problem resides that almost half the Puerto Ricans living in the Island does not want the  status to change. They like what they have: the best of both worlds. The question that many Puerto Ricans ask themselves is Will United States obey their mandate if they choose to become the 51st state? Will they, will you....Throw in the US Virgin Islands? In here,  I will claim ignorance on your part and let it go. Maybe a Caribbean Alliance  can be work in the future if Puerto Rico decide to become independent...maybe they can tax the Caribbean waters and airspace. Take care, Raul

Answer 2

This issue has to be taken away from the political parties.  People in Puerto Rico should start making decisions regarding their future by truly analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each political status.  Needless to say, the current status should not be a part of the equation.  Clearly is not working.  If people do their homework and coldly analyze the situation, they will decide their future on the basis of what is better for Puerto Rico in economic terms.  Make no mistake, the decision must be based on the bottom line, which status option will make my life better economically.  That is the way the world works.

Answer 3

The idea of mixing togheter PR and US Virgin Islands to become one state is not good.  That would spur fights over:

* which city will be the capital of the state?

* where the governor & state legislature will be located?

* distribution of funds?

With our higher population the great mayority of our elected officials would be from PR, how will people of US Virgin Island feel about that.

US Virgin Islands politics are way different to ours, I remember that several years ago they had a status plesbicite and have like 7 options to choose from.  If we have difficulties to settle a desicion over 3 options (statehood, current or slightly improved commonwealth, independence) I can not imagine how people of US Virgin Island think.

Answer 4

I personally don't like the idea of 5 million U.S. citizens who have no representation in Congress. But Puerto Ricans have voted on this countless times and they always choose to remain a commonwealth, and that's their choice to make.

Answer 5

The problem is that "we" cannot break the deadlock. It is up to Congress, no matter what Puerto Ricans actually want, they ultimately have the say. I think PR will never be a state, because that will add 2 more senators - there are only 100 right now - and upset the political applecart for too many people (this is why DC will never be a state either).  And PR is to much of a money-maker for US companies for the US to let it go on its own. So, I think we will be "stuck" with Commonwealth status for a long time.

Answer 6

Raul that was a great idea. The caribbean islands should ban together & make an alliance & tax the water & airspace somehow because the US & other countries are making so much money by doing all-inclusive & with owning hotels & airlines & cruise ships. Of course PR & the USVI cant do that unless the US says ok

Answer 7

This  is  Not  for  Us  to  Break or Decide..when Washington wants it will happen....either making Puerto rico a Stae or whaever they Decide...

Answer 8

i dont think puerto rico is ready to become a state nor independent because there is still people  who dont know how to speak or write in english and if pr becomes independent, it wont have enough resources to survive. so why not just keep it a common wealth, i believe its doing just fine.