51st state? Puerto Rico to Vote Sunday on Statehood

Puerto Rico is gripped in a severe economic crisis and the population of 3.4 million have the opportunity to join the US as the 51st state.

The nonbinding plebiscite in the island of 3.4 million people presents three options: statehood, independence or a continuation of its current status as a territory. Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, a member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, has made the push for statehood a centerpiece of his administration since assuming office in January.

www.wsj.com...

This will be the 5th attempt to join the US, but now there has been a 10 year recession. And if they do join the US, they can "tap" into the Federal funding, or the everbearing money tree. We will see on Monday.

Sunday’s vote will be the fifth plebiscite since 1967 on the island’s status, an issue that has divided Puerto Ricans for decades.
Gaining full admission to the U.S., they argue, could help the island contend with a decadelong recession and a $73 billion mountain of debt. It would draw more investment, they say, and allow the island to tap federal funding that is more-restricted for territories.

Wonder if the economic struggles will change the outcome of the vote... I dont recall off hand but haven't the no to statehood folks won pretty handily for some time?

Maybe we can trade Kalifornistan for it?

originally posted by: Lab4Us
Maybe we can trade Kalifornistan for it?

If we do that, I won't have to get a new flag!

a reply to: seasonal

My Step Mom is from Puerto Rico. I have to wonder if they wouldn't do better to vote for independence. Then they could tap into the World Bank, they could ally with the BRICS for money and arms. They could set up Banks to operate as offshore Banks for wealthy US Politicans to launder their ill gotten gains. They could make deals with the Cartels to operate as both a money laundering center and as a way station for the drugs trade.

So many options for profit. But if they just become another State, they'll find themselves no better off than Illinois or Michigan AND they'll find themselves a convenient dumping ground for refugees. Before long, Puerto Rico would become Puerto Ricostan.

The endless statehood 'process'.

Cuba: The endless embargo

Israel-Palestine: the endless peace process

Vietnam, Afghanistan: endless war

The Federal reserve, endless debt

The Soviets (now Russians) and Chinese, the endless arms race.

Now stay tuned for endless coverage, after a word from our sponsors...

originally posted by: TonyS
a reply to: seasonal

My Step Mom is from Puerto Rico. I have to wonder if they wouldn't do better to vote for independence. Then they could tap into the World Bank, they could ally with the BRICS for money and arms. They could set up Banks to operate as offshore Banks for wealthy US Politicans to launder their ill gotten gains. They could make deals with the Cartels to operate as both a money laundering center and as a way station for the drugs trade.

So many options for profit. But if they just become another State, they'll find themselves no better off than Illinois or Michigan AND they'll find themselves a convenient dumping ground for refugees. Before long, Puerto Rico would become Puerto Ricostan.

No, Puerto Rico will become the 500000 dollar investment capital of the New China thanks to the new immigration law for the Chinese. Tell your mother to start learning Chinese. By the way, it was the chinese that built the new airport in cuba.

But.....according to Obama we have 57 states ??.... ( he he he )...... Personally, I don't think they will vote to become part of the U.S....Puerto Ricans are too proud of their country . ....but if they do vote to become part of the US...will they all learn English?

a reply to: musicismagic

Go China!

a reply to: seasonal

They would obviously need to secure a super majority of the Senate and House to permit them to enter the Union if their vote is successful. At that point I think their economic woes, which many citizens might not be aware of, will become a determining factor in that vote. I would also wager it would devolve to party lines since Puerto Ricans are expected to be mostly Democratic in their political leanings.

ETA: My prediction is that there would be a call for a 52nd state that leans Republican to 'balance out' the addition.

a reply to: Meldionne1

Is $73,000,000,000 a good price for that island?

With all the financial problems, why not join the US? Don't let Bush's and O's $20,000,000,000,000 debt scare you. Ahh the Fed.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Ahh yes, something I had not considered.

There would be would be political, racial, and financial accusations and attacks.

It would be good entertainment watching all the politicians twist their panties into a bunch.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

And what state will be the 52nd state?

originally posted by: starwarsisreal
And what state will be the 52nd state?

Possibly American Samoa since they typically vote Republican.

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: Lab4Us
Maybe we can trade Kalifornistan for it?

If we do that, I won't have to get a new flag!

New flag? We still have the one with 48 stars on it. Never saw the point in buying a new one. And I definitely never bought the 56 star flag as proposed by a former idiot (umm...I mean president).

You know, if the U.S. military base had stayed their in viellgas, ....and Puerto Rico hadn't voted to kick them out ....the Economy would have been good. The economy has never been the same since .

You know come to think of it . . . this could push things a bit politically. As AM said Puerto Rico leans a good bit left, so they (politicians) may make a push for further annexations as well. The last time we had political controversy over statehood / territory annexation was just prior to the Civil War. The political lines didn't work out well on that one and see where it got us?

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: Lab4Us
Maybe we can trade Kalifornistan for it?

If we do that, I won't have to get a new flag!

That's funny! Canada's been thinking about adding Turks and Caicos as another province. We could use the sun!

So what if they vote to join as a state?
It doesn't mean much unless Congress votes to grant statehood.

And, would it be in the best interests of the US to take on a new state that is an economic mess?

Their best bet is for total independence.

Then they can get banker's haven status.