Congress debates Puerto Rico referendum (Vote Today)

Google AP ^ | April 29, 2010 | JIM ABRAMS

[Red Steel]

WASHINGTON — The House on Thursday took up legislation that could set in motion changes in Puerto Rico's 112-year relationship with the United States, including a transition to statehood or independence.

The House bill would give the 4 million residents of the island commonwealth a two-step path to expressing how they envision their political future.

Initially, eligible voters, including those born in Puerto Rico but residing in the United States, would vote on whether they wish to keep their current political status or opt for a different direction.

If a majority are in favor of changing the current situation, the Puerto Rican government would be authorized to conduct a second vote and people would choose among three options: statehood, independence and sovereignty in association with the United States. Congress would have to vote on whether Puerto Rico becomes a state.

Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico's non-voting delegate to the House, said that while the island has had votes on similar issues in the past, Congress has never authorized a process where Puerto Ricans state whether they should remain a U.S. territory or seek a nonterritorial status.

-snip-

Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory at the end of the Spanish-American War. Those born on the island were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917 and Puerto Rico gained commonwealth status in 1952.

Today, Puerto Ricans serve in the military but can't vote in presidential elections. They do not pay income tax on income earned on the island.

In the last referendum, "none of the above" garnered 50 percent of the vote, topping the other options including statehood at 46.5 percent and independence at 2.5 percent.

[Chode]

plus... the corporations that built there for the tax breaks will leave for St.Croix etc. just like Capt.Morgan's did

[unspun]

Note those Republicans that joined the majority of Democrats, in voting to force citizenship or independence upon Puerto Rico.

Remember those members of Congress who do not care for the self-determination of United States Citizens.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Red Steel.

[Chode]

same ones that want amnesty for all the illegals... traitors all.

[unspun]

same ones that want amnesty for all the illegals... traitors all.

The GOP desperately needs purging of its closet transnational progressives.

[OldArmy52]

Sell P.R. to “help reduce the deficit”?

Or does P.R. add value to the U.S.?

[Macgedos]

VOTES Is all this administration wants, they could care less for anything else or the people, just the votes of four million for 2012 that zero desperately needs for another term.

[TribalPrincess2U]

‘Rigging’ the voting process?
The commonwealth status allows the 4 million mostly Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans to benefit from the protection of the U.S., but they are not required to pay federal income taxes on income they earn from island sources. However, they do pay federal payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare. They currently do not vote in presidential elections and have non-voting representation in Congress.
However, some say statehood advocates are “rigging” the voting process to ensure Puerto Rico becomes a state.
In September, the New York Post reported Sen. Jose Hernandez-Mayoral of the island’s minority Popular Democratic Party declared, “Behind this innocuous bill lies a fully thought out assault on Congress to designate the island the 51st state. … With the commonwealth option out of the ballot, statehood is finally, albeit crookedly, assured a victory.” more...

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=146949