[Sergio]

Thanks for the ping Teófilo.

Did you get a chance to see one of the Venezuelan message boards that was pointed out in another thread? Seems the Venezuelans were blasting Cindy Sheehan more gusto than we do on this board.

They were really angry at Jimmy Carter for certifying an obviously fraudulent election that kept Chavez in power.

As to Puerto Rico and statehood, remember that all Puerto Rico can do is "request" that statehood be granted. This request has to be approved by the House and Senate.

If allowed to choose, most Puerto Ricans will choose the current arrangement. If forced to pick between Independence and statehood, they will overwhelmingly choose statehood.

As to whether P.R. should even be considered as a potential state, I would say the island has paid it's dues. Puerto Ricans have volunteered to fight for the United States in every war and police action the U.S. has been involved in since WWI. Google "65th Infantry Division" to read what a bunch of Island boys from the warm Caribbean did in the cold of Korea during that little police action.

Time will tell what happens, but as I mentioned earlier, if it comes to it, the U.S. government will make the final determination as to allowing P.R. to become a state.

If only they were as picky with who they allow through our borders.

Best Regards

Sergio

[Teófilo]

As to Puerto Rico and statehood, remember that all Puerto Rico can do is "request" that statehood be granted. This request has to be approved by the House and Senate.

I appreciate all you've said and I want you to know that I am keenly aware of the hurdle you pointed out above.

I invite you to read the PR 51 FAQ File (in Spanish) to read how many supporters of statehood for Puerto Rico think about this and other subjects.

Just go here: http://nuevofederalista.blogspot.com and look up the link on the top left margin.

-Theo