Puerto Rico wants to become 51st State

[Deberg_1990]

Why? Because they want some benefits and entitlements of course!




http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11...lls-open-late/



Puerto Ricans faced a fundamental question on Election Day: Should they change their ties with the United States?

Citizens in the U.S. island territory cannot vote in the U.S. presidential election, but many were excited to participate in a referendum on whether to push the territory toward statehood, greater autonomy or independence.

Car horns blared and party flags waved after polling stations closed following what election officials said was a high voter turnout. During the day, many voters carried umbrellas against the blistering tropical sun as temperatures neared 90 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius).

The two-part referendum first asked voters if they wanted to change Puerto Rico's 114-year relationship with the United States. A second question gave voters three alternatives if they wanted a change: become a U.S. state, gain independence, or have a "sovereign free association," a designation that would give more autonomy for the territory of 4 million people.

With 243 of 1,643 precincts reporting late Tuesday, 75,188 voters, or 53 percent, said they did not want to continue under the current political status. Forty-seven percent, or 67,304 voters, supported the status quo.

On the second question, 65 percent favored statehood, followed by 31 percent for sovereign free association and 4 percent for independence.

"Puerto Rico has to be a state. There is no other option," said 25-year-old Jerome Lefebre, who picked up his grandfather before driving to the polls. "We're doing OK, but we could do better. We would receive more benefits, a lot more financial help."

But 42-year-old Ramon Lopez de Azua said he favored the current system, which grants U.S. citizenship but prevents Puerto Ricans from voting for president unless they live in the United States, and gives those on the island only limited representation in Congress.

"Puerto Rico's problem is not its political status," he said. "I think that the United States is the best country in the world, but I am Puerto Rican first."

Both President Barack Obama and rival Mitt Romney said they supported the referendum, with Obama pledging to respect the will of the people if there was a clear majority. Any change would require approval by the U.S. Congress.

Puerto Rico held non-binding referendums in 1967, 1993 and 1998, with statehood never garnering a clear majority and independence never obtaining more than 5 percent of the vote.

The island also was electing legislators and a governor, with Gov. Luis Fortuno of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party seeking a second term. Fortuno, a Republican, was challenged by Alejandro Garcia Padilla, whose Popular Democratic Party favors the status quo. With 817 of 1,643 precincts reporting late Tuesday, Garcia had 427,604 votes, or 48 percent, while Fortuno had 422,506 votes, or 47 percent.

[BucEyedPea]

Yeah, in fact more PRs have moved into Florida off-setting the Cuban-American vote. I don't like it. I don't want them to be a state.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I say welcome. 47% of them won't pay any tax, but hey, there's always the other 53!

[tiptap]

If Republicans got out in front of this, it would change the landscape among hispanics. The small cost of 47%, most already getting that, would be offset by inroads into getting PR votes and then other Hispanic voters.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by tiptap

If Republicans got out in front of this, it would change the landscape among hispanics. The small cost of 47%, most already getting that, would be offset by inroads into getting PR votes and then other Hispanic voters.

not going to happen. They are freeloaders, not job creators.

[tiptap]

6 Electoral votes (think Iowa) that would go Republican if they lead charge. Inroads into mainland Hispanic vote first with Puerto Ricans even in Florida. And a chance to get Republican economic message to that Hispanic population and beyond just Puerto Rican.

[Donger]

How would this benefit the United States?

[tiptap]

I am just talking about political strategies. If you think this has a good chance anyway, I am saying here is an opportunity to change the conversation by Republicans.

[Gary]

Originally Posted by Donger

How would this benefit the United States?

CHORIZO AND EGGS FOR EVERYONE!

[tiptap]

I am going to buy a finca and retire with banana and mangoes hanging off the trees each and every day. And coffee. . . grow my own.

[HonestChieffan]

Originally Posted by Donger

How would this benefit the United States?

therein lies the question

[banyon]

3 electoral votes for people who just "want benefits"?

No thanks.

edit: actually it looks like they would have @5-6 votes based on population.

[HonestChieffan]

Maybe move Gitmo there

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by Donger

How would this benefit the United States?

They already get most of our entitlement programs. They are exempt from paying federal income taxes, which they'd have to begin paying if PR is a state.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by tiptap

6 Electoral votes (think Iowa) that would go Republican if they lead charge. Inroads into mainland Hispanic vote first with Puerto Ricans even in Florida. And a chance to get Republican economic message to that Hispanic population and beyond just Puerto Rican.

One problem with that. Hispanics are not a monolithic block. Doing something for Puerto Ricans will not necessarily lead to inroads with Mexicans and other South Americans.