Romney's campaign issued a statement on Thursday contrasting his position on the issue with Santorum's. "Puerto Rico currently recognizes both English and Spanish as the official languages of the commonwealth," said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul. "Governor Romney believes that English is the language of opportunity and supports efforts to expand English proficiency in Puerto Rico and across America. However, he would not, as a prerequisite for statehood, require that the people of Puerto Rico cease using Spanish."
“Santorum’s view is narrow and a limiting view of what America is all about,” said Pedro Pierluisi, a Democrat
A non-issue in the campaign.
I doubt these 2 are really fighting over Puerto Rico. It represents so few votes. What the fight is really about is the hispanic vote in America, the ‘process’ for becoming a citizen, and what the cultural impact of non-english speaking immigrants (illegal or legal) have on the middle class.
I would think the president should weigh in. He believes all cultures are equal. Therefore, a language from his home would be appropriate.... Swahili. But then again, he is a ardent admirer of Urdu...
Then America needs to follow with some states being German, some Italian, some French, some English. It all makes perfect Obomination sense, anything other than what made America the successful place it was.
Just as long as we don’t stay focused on the economy and Obama.
We’re actually allowing questions like Puerto Rico statehood and English as the official language to even enter the debate? Good grief!
Are our politicians really this stupid, that they can’t steer the debate back to the central issues: the economy, oil prices, ObamaCare, and jobs.
I don’t care what the question is or who asked it. The answer should be about the economy, oil prices, ObamaCare, and jobs.
Cut PR loose... no more funds and no more welfare and they can be totaly free and independent of evil America.
LLS
While I agree with Santorum, IMO, the bigger issue of PR statehood is getting them to take a position one way or the other. Frankly, I’d just as soon they go the other way than vote for statehood.
We have carried PR for way too long as a territory and need to force them to either fish or cut bait. Currently, they have all of the benefits of statehood with NONE of the responsibilities.
While some of my best friends are Puerto Ricans, I would still ask PR get off the d@mn pot and make a decision - statehood, or sovereign nation!!
My two cents worth: ENGLISH only - otherwise stay out. This political correctness garbage has got to go. In order to vote in this country you must be a citizen. In order to be a citizen in this country you must speak English. ‘nuff said. Dual language ballots, etc., just costs extra money and must stop. Why do we do these things?
This is all just so much Bull$hit...PR doesn't want to be a state, and with the current bunch of A$$holes in Washington, probably nobody else does either. Well...maybe "East Buttpucker" so they can get unemployment, wellfare, foodstamps, grants, and stimulous. Then they will all vote for "O".
Good grief, don’t we have bigger issues than this?
Who votes for these guys?
JB
Well, once again Santorum is correct and Romney is pandering using language and idioms that a large percent of Puerto Ricans no comprendes.