Why Puerto Rico should never become a state in the United States of America.

Or so the political discussion goes. At least one side of it.

The fine citizens of Puerto Rico want statehood but here's some of the reasons our stuff shirt politicos are claiming they shouldn't be allowed to get what they want. According to our politicos Puerto Rico has a faltering economy, would most likely be a burden on the United States and it has exhibited a pattern of failed leadership.

These are cited as a few of the reasons Puerto Rico doesn't qualify for statehood, or so we're told.

Sound familiar?

Can we say California, New York, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia... several other states who came close to having, have or at one time have had one or more of these problems throughout their existence as a state and/or as a territory. I can name several but that's not the issue here. The issue is Puerto Rico and statehood.

The citizens of a United States Territory, Puerto Rico voted for statehood. Well, let's say the overwhelming majority of those Puerto Ricans who voted, voted for statehood. The vast majority of those who voted!

But in all fairness a vast majority of Puerto Ricans didn't vote.

Either way, I don't see much of a difference between what is, what was and what's desired in acquiring statehood in the United States of America and what most, if not all of the previous "Territories" brought to the table when they applied and subsequently were accepted as a state.

IMHO

Is statehood the next step?

Well, 97% of those who voted want STATEHOOD for PUERTO RICO!!!

But only 27% of eligible voters voted. The rest were working or celebrating on the beach, etc. So, according to the opposition for statehood a true majority of the people weren't represented by the 97% "YES FOR STATEHOOD" vote. And it appears they have a valid argument.

Providing the representatives of Puerto Rico in dissent can convince those in Washington D.C. that the majority of the people opposed the idea simply by not voting at all. They'll be traveling to Washington D.C. shortly to make their argument. It's all coming down to the Puerto Rico delegation making an argument via the Tennessee Plan to our Legislators, et. al. in Washington D.C.

Add another star to our Stars and Stripes? That might be an uphill battle.

IMHO

Should Puerto Rico Become Our Fifty First State?

Let Puerto Rico Decide If They Want To Be The 51st State.

They're a loyal United States territory. They have been a loyal United States territory for quite some time. Oregon, Tennessee, Alaska, New Mexico... etc. Many of our states were territories once. Puerto Rico has stood by our side throughout history and their citizens are our citizens. I served in the Army with many Puerto Ricans and we called them all American Soldiers. They were, they still are citizens. Very LOYAL citizens I might add. We're one and the same so make it happen formally. If the citizens decide they want to become a state then let's make it happen!

Oh, and about that there "financial situation" they're in? Several states were and some still are in the same or worse financial situations than Puerto Rico's, giddoverit.

If the Puerto Ricans vote to become a state then let's make it happen.

IMHO