[wtc911]

I have been spending time on the Island for nearly 40 years. I do business there with the film industry (all to the left of Howard Dean - and proudly so - but with few exceptions we get along). I own a parcel out in Rincon that has views of Desecheo where we plan to build next year. In other words, I have a long history with Puerto Rico and I obviously love the place.

My contacts with New Yoricans is nearly as long and covers the financial/class gamut from the projects in Alphabet City to upper-middle class entrepreneurs. I am happy to say that I number a few among my long-time friends.

That said, I offer my opinion, which is this.....Puerto Ricans (again, imo) are just like nearly every other American group that has been here since before the eighties. Their patriotism and willingness to fight for our Flag is beyond reproach. That however is not the issue.

The lower-income, urban segments are dems from cradle to grave. The middle to upper middle class are leaning our way. The movers and shakers are Conservative (with the exception of the self-described communists in the PR film biz). Since the larger percentage of the Island's population falls into the urban/poor category I agree with WD that all statehood would give us is two more socialist senators. For that reason I am against statehood.

[wardaddy]

That is about what I figured but you said it better and nicer.