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!!
Why statehood?
Just declare INDEPENDENCE — The Republic of Puerto Rico.
The Philippines was once a Commonwealth of the USA, they have been independent since 1945. Some 70 years later, it si still a thriving Democracy and VERY FRIENDLY to America.
Can you imagine two more liberal Spanish speaking Senators and several Congressmen from Puerto Rico voting for more goodies and pork?
Can you imagine a Puerto Rican Harry Reid as majority leader of the Senate?
Why not just declare your own country and leave the USA... Learn from the Philippines.