Puerto Rico: The 51st State?
Over the years, there has been a great deal of controversy over what to do with Puerto Rico and whether it should become a state, remain a commonwealth, or become independent. People in both the United States and Puerto Rico seem to be split about the idea of statehood, and both sides have good arguments to support their beliefs. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to making Puerto Rico a state, for example, Puerto Rico´s rich Hispanic heritage, beautiful beaches, and ideal location could be great for our country (2), however, at the same time, over three-fourths of the people in Puerto Rico don't speak or understand English. Many people argue that making Puerto Rico a state would transform America into a "bilingual nation overnight", and that it would be just as much of a hassle to us as is French Quebec to Canada.(3)
Some believe that by transforming Puerto Rico into a state, we would be showing compassion and demonstrating to other Latin American governments that the United States does not view Hispanic societies as inferior or second-class.(2) However, others argue that statehood would cost the rest of us a great deal in taxes and since the average Puerto Rican family income is less than half that of our poorest state's citizens, statehood would require massive federal funding. Over two-thirds of Puerto Rico's population lives below the federal poverty level, and at least half of the Puerto Rican population receives food stamps. Their infrastructure, environment, and education are so bad that they fall way below American standards.(3)
There is no way to hide the horribly low numbers and percentages of Puerto Rico. Their unemployment rate of 13.5% is higher than that of any U.S. state or national average of 5% percent. Although their economy grew over 2.5% percent in 1997, it falls short compared to an overall average of 3.8% for all 50 states. The per capita personal income is only $8,000 compared to $18,000 in the U.S's poorest state, Mississippi. Their gross domestic product in 1997 was estimated at $47.29 billion, which is roughly the same amount as that of Columbus, Ohio, or Orlando, Florida.(4)
Many argue that the Hawaiian economy doubled within 15 years of statehood, and that if Puerto Rico were to become part of the Union, it too would grow. As a commonwealth, the federal government has done its best to boost the Puerto Rican economy; however, success has always been short-lived. People believe that by making Puerto Rico a state, it could exceed everyone's expectations and become an instant benefit to the United States. The situation is highly dependant on the right kind of economic and political leadership.(5)
The future of Puerto Rico is still not clear, however, I believe it is very well possible that Puerto Rico could become our nation's 51st state in the near future. If there is one thing that almost everybody agrees on, it's that the decision as to whether Puerto Rico should become a state should be to the island's residents, as they are the ones who will have to live with the consequences of their decision. Currently though, Puerto Ricans have been happy keeping their political status unchanged.
1. Briggs, Laura. Puerto Rico. The 51st State? 3 Nov. 2004. 26 Sept. 2006.
2. Kuhner, Jeffrey T. PUERTO RICO HERALD: Puerto Rico: 51st State? 21 June 2001. 26 Sept. 2006.
3. Duplantier, F.R. Grant Puerto Rico Independance in 1998. 28 Dec. 1997. 26 Sept. 2006.
4. NCPA - Government and Politics Issues - Puerto Rico As A State. 26 Sept. 2006.
5. Fotheringham, Joshua R. What Should Be Done with Puerto Rico? 2000. 26 Sept. 2006.
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34 Comments
Post a CommentBoy how I can see that you`ve never put a foot on the island. Not even half of this guy´s statements are true or even close. Better pay a visit and spend at least some months to give a fair and propper opinion about PR. PR is just totally different than the rest of USA, as with any other country it has it´s bad things but PR is just beautiful period.
YOU AMERICANS WILL DIE! WE WILL ANNIHILATE YOU DIRTY NAZY PIGS! WE WILL NUKE YOUR ENTIRE COUNTRY! KIM JONG IL IS WORKING ON SOME NEW INNOVATIVE NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY THAT COULD DESTROY YOUR COUNTRY IN A BLINK OF AN EYE!
omgruserious
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The issue is that must people have no idea what they are talking about and never have been to the Island, but all have an opinion. Puerto Rican have served and continue to serve in the USA millitary, we Puerto Ricans that live in the Mainland contribute just like anyone else (except for the ones that are old sick and disadvantage) I personally have served in the Millitary along with 2 other brothers, I have 3 sisters who are in medical field 2 of them DR's. Puerto Rico just like anyother place is having struggles. I think that people tend to fear what they don't know instead of getting aducated, and this is true for the mayority of the articles i read on line. Coments and bashing is the American way, God I am so lucky to be a positive person in life and a not a Judgemental ignorant prick.
Also in recent years many pharmaceutical companies who had operations on the island have closed and moved to the Dominican republic and Mexico to avoid paying taxes to the USA. Puerto Rico has always had a minority of independents (pip) who would love to see the island be free from the USA, but as i said they are a minority, they have scared the population with lies as well as the (PPD)another political party on the island. They have always said to the population, that they will loose their identity and their Spanish language and heritag. When the truth is that Puerto Ricans Came from many Parts of Europe and like the USA was a melting POT for Spanish, Italians, french, Ireland, Libanese, Black Slaves and the few native indians that were left on the island. English will become the national language and it should! must of the literature in Puerto Rican Goverment is in English and most People Speak english so that is not really the Issue. The issue is that must people have no idea wh
Puerto Rico should be a State if they choose to be, the USA has had Puerto Rico as a possession since the Spanish American war, and Puerto Ricans have been citizens for almost 100 years. When Hawaii became a state, they spoke Hawaiian and the "Eskimos" spoke Inuit-Inupiaq and still do along side English. Most of the Puerto Ricans on the Island Speak English now days is a ratio of 60% English/ Spanish to 40% Espanish Only. Puerto Rico used to be the fastest growing island in the Caribbean and also enjoyed the hiest standard of living until the Regan administration did a number on the island. During his administration, Puerto Rico Lost must of the sugar cane production and export to the USA, and also all of the coffe production to the USA. It all happened due to a treaty with US and the country of Brasil. Puerto Rico also lost the biggest oil refinary in the caribbean, it was closed and thoudsands of jobs were lost for ever. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CORCO ) Also in recent yea
Puerto Rico will never be a state it fine the way it is now.
But dont think the US donsnt need us cause they do we took part in every war that the US was in, there were even gold medals givin to Puerto Ricans.
the US takes care of us just the we take care of them when it comes to world wars.So enybody that thinks less of us can kiss my ass.
I was born in puerto rico and I think it's a wonderful place. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be a state. It would be a problem though for those songwriters whose lyrics say "Bless our fifty states..." They'd have to change that. lol
Puerto Rico have voted tons of times and all in to be a state so the 1 who said thats puerto rico voted 3 times and 2 won the independence hes a bullshit