Puerto Rico: Autonomy or independence?

[Attaturko]

The UN states to the Puerto Rican Secretary of State, Martin Rivera, that statehood is not a suitable option to resolve the colonial affairs of the island. They narrowed it as this
Autonomy: a model that allows the Puerto Rican government control over its affairs, like starting trade agreements with foreign countries.
Independence: full powers and recognition as a sovereign nation.
I personally believe that Puerto Rico should first do a transition period to an autonomous phase and then become an independent nation.

[Damverland]

Neither. It's either statehood or bust.

[Genivaria]

They already decided on statehood.
If congress could get around to voting on it that'd be great. (fat chance)

[Jueia]

I still perfer they become the 51st State

[Genivaria]

I still perfer they become the 51st State

So do they.

[Neanderthaland]

I generally don't think it's nice to release territories as independent while they're racked with crippling debt.

[Jueia]

I still perfer they become the 51st State

So do they.

I know, I was just putting my opinion on this.

[Appalachia]

The UN states to the Puerto Rican Secretary of State, Martin Rivera, that statehood is not a suitable option to resolve the colonial affairs of the island. They narrowed it as this

The UN's opinion is completely irrelevant, although I will agree that the current situation is unfair to Puerto Ricans. But it's the opinion of the people of Puerto Rico that counts. And they have voted for Statehood both in 2012 and 2017. Ultimately it's up to Congress, but they should do the right thing and recognize the desire of the Puerto Rican people.

[Salus Maior]

The UN states to the Puerto Rican Secretary of State, Martin Rivera, that statehood is not a suitable option to resolve the colonial affairs of the island. They narrowed it as this
Autonomy: a model that allows the Puerto Rican government control over its affairs, like starting trade agreements with foreign countries.
Independence: full powers and recognition as a sovereign nation.
I personally believe that Puerto Rico should first do a transition period to an autonomous phase and then become an independent nation.

The UN has no business telling Puerto Rico what it can and cannot do.

If they want Statehood they should be allowed to have it.

[AiliailiA]

The options are
1: Become a state of the US, or
2: Continuation of the current relationship with the US.

I believe (though it is contrary to public reports that 1 is the majority opinion of residents ... in two referenda which were both seriously flawed) that each option has a large minority but no majority support. It is neither possible nor even desirable to try to guess which is more popular than the other. There is no point in even speculating, until there is a well-attended referendum with only those two options to choose between.

There is no significant public support for any other option, particularly not Independence. So what is this shit?

[Western Pacific Territories]

Only 23% of the population even voted. The result should be thrown out if not even a quarter of the population bothers to vote.

[AiliailiA]

Only 23% of the population even voted. The result should be thrown out if not even a quarter of the population bothers to vote.

Unfortunately, yes.

The boycott was so effective that even Statehood voters didn't bother turning out (they knew their option would win). If the result was 97% Statehood with turnout of 50% then that could be fairly called a majority mandate for Statehood ... yes I know it's not an outright majority of all eligible voters BUT 100% turnout would be an unrealistic expectation, rather the 87% or so turnout of previous referenda would be the baseline.

Boycotting a vote because you won't win it is crappy third world tactic like you'd find in a fledgling democracy that isn't long to live. A boycott really should not be recognized in its attempts to deligitimize the democratic process. Unfortunately, this year in PR that tactic was so successful there really isn't any alternative. We have to admit it worked: it DID destroy the validity of the result.

[Brokpastan]

Independence for Boriken!


...eventually

But I hope it doesn't become a state..


I really, really hope..

[Uxupox]

Independence for Boriken!


...eventually

But I hope it doesn't become a state..


I really, really hope..

Less than 3% de los puertorriqueños want independence.

[Slakonian]

Puerto Rico should have been a state like a while ago , then you can accelerate plans to "bring" other nations into the GLORIOUS UNION

[Slakonian]

Only 23% of the population even voted. The result should be thrown out if not even a quarter of the population bothers to vote.

Unfortunately, yes.

The boycott was so effective that even Statehood voters didn't bother turning out (they knew their option would win). If the result was 97% Statehood with turnout of 50% then that could be fairly called a majority mandate for Statehood ... yes I know it's not an outright majority of all eligible voters BUT 100% turnout would be an unrealistic expectation, rather the 87% or so turnout of previous referenda would be the baseline.

Boycotting a vote because you won't win it is crappy third world tactic like you'd find in a fledgling democracy that isn't long to live. A boycott really should not be recognized in its attempts to deligitimize the democratic process. Unfortunately, this year in PR that tactic was so successful there really isn't any alternative. We have to admit it worked: it DID destroy the validity of the result.

That's the main problem, people MUST show up on such important events. People like to whine about who rules them but when asked if they voted in the first place; half a chance would be a no

[Brokpastan]

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." -Plato

I think this quote fits.

[Donut section]

1. Statehood.
2. Defund the UN

[Conserative Morality]

Statehood or bust. C'mon in Puerto Rico - it's been a while since we last added a state!

[New haven america]

1. Statehood.
2. Defund the UN

They actually dropped the Puerto Rico imperialism claim after it became a commonwealth.

Now they're focusing on Guam, American Samoa, The NMI, and The US Virgin Islands.

[New haven america]

Statehood or bust. C'mon in Puerto Rico - it's been a while since we last added a state!

And think about the flag possibilities!

[Brokpastan]

Puerto Rican culture will eventually be no longer.. If it becomes a USA state.

And.. f-ck Trump, with his disregard for the environment, the beautiful tropical island will become a wasteland I am sure.

[Aeken]

I would prefer if the US disposes of all its territories and associated states. The less colonialism, the better.

[Brokpastan]

I would prefer if the US disposes of all its territories and associated states. The less colonialism, the better.

Agreed, 100%

F-ck colonialism too.

[New haven america]

I would prefer if the US disposes of all its territories and associated states. The less colonialism, the better.

Agreed, 100%

F-ck colonialism too.

What if they don't want to leave or be independent?

Like, y'know, pretty much every single inhabited US territory...