Should Puerto Rico be made a state?

1. 84

   RJ Schwartzposted 5 years ago

   The Governor of Puerto Rico made at least three high-profile firings over the past few days after several warehouses full of relief supplies that had been sent to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria battered the U.S. territory in September 2017 were discovered. 
   
   At this time it's not being called corruption, but it doesn't look good for those who were in charge. 
   
   Is the island ready to step-up and clean themselves up or should we expect PR will only remain a territory?

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   1. 74

      tsadjatkoposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Sure, make them a state, can’t be any worse than the corruption running rampant in other - blue - states!

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   2. 91

      IslandBitesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I'll ignore the incredibly offensive and ignorant second question...
      
      "Should Puerto Rico be made a state?"
      
      No, thank you.

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   3. 79

      Credence2posted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Puerto Rico has its problems, but as with all US terroritories, it will be up a plebiscite therein to determine whether they want statehood, independence or retain the current status.

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2. 67

   PhoenixVposted 5 years ago

   There will always be hurricanes, it seems...regardless of climate changes or dramatic climate changes. Multiplied by growing populations and costs, it will only get worse. Folks should be evacuated and the island paved and used as an airstrip imho..

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3. 96

   Readmikenowposted 5 years ago

   Anybody who has spent any time in Puerto Rico (A great place to visit!) knows there is a lot of passion on both sides of the issue.  I think the latest vote for it was in 2017.
   
   I can see the point of those Puerto Ricans who want to keep their status the same.  They're American citizens, but they are independent and can elect their own president and more.  They don't have to deal with the bureaucracy and control a state has to deal with from the US Federal government.  Many feel Puerto Rico their island would lose it's identity as an island nation if they became a state. 
   
   On the other side, many Puerto Ricans have served in the US military, fought and died for the United States.  (When I was in the military was the first time I went to Puerto Rico.  Still have good friends there.) They don't have the same rights to vote for a government that would send them to war as they would as a state.  They don't have the same representation for their interests in the US government that has a significant amount of influence over the island. These are some of the reasons Puerto Ricans give for becoming a state.
   
   I'm not Puerto Rican.  So, I say when the people of Puerto Rico want to become a state, and it is an advantage for Puerto Rico and the United States, it should then happen.
   
   As my Puerto Rican friend says " Mas largo que la esperanza de un pobre."

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