[kearnyirish2]

“The Philippines bit the hand that fed and helped protect them in 1991; we’re gone and not coming back.”

Remember the closing of the range in Puerto Rico (Vieques?); they made a big stink about the danger to the natives, they got Al $harpton involved, and the US military complied and shut it down. The day after, the Puerto Ricans looked at their empty restaurants and dry cleaners and all of the other perks that come with a base, and asked if we could re-open it.

Be careful what you wish for...

[MasterGunner01]

When the Lefties and Greenies got the Navy to close the bombing and gunnery ranges on Vieques Island off Puerto Rico, the locals there weren't the only casualties. The Navy also shuttered Roosevelt Roads Naval Station on the main island and all the Puerto Rican employees were left without jobs.

Be careful what you wish for lest your wish be granted.

Personally, I'd like nothing better than giving Puerto Rico full independence. The only reason why we kept the island after the Spanish-American War of 1898 was as a coaling station to refuel the Navy's Atlantic Fleet and a logistics base. Today's Navy has long since retired its coal burning ships and has retired Roosevelt Roads Naval Station and the Vieques Island training site. There's no reason to retain Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth.