Gov. Pedro Pierluisi: ‘Puerto Rico will be the first truly Hispanic state’

[hollodero]

(03-07-2021, 03:20 PM)Wes Mantooth Wrote: I'm not against it.  I just realize it's an incredibly complex issue that's not as cut and dry as seen in mainstream media.  Nor do I think it's my place to weigh in on.

Please read these two articles if you're curious why I don't think a simple 52-46 vote automatically clears the issue up:

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/white-liberals-must-stop-pushing-puerto-rican-statehood-their-own-ncna1247419

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-statehood-vote-puerto-rico-lost-20201119-skegrl2slffc7bhdlpmo4izrry-story.html

Lastly, take this exerpt from the Harvard Crimson:

Puerto Rican nationalists refuse to let go of our national identity. To never hear the Puerto Rican Anthem “La Borinqueña” again when a Boricua wins a medal is reason enough to hold on to the little autonomy we have. Even the Miss Universe pageant is a reason to repeal annexation. The contest is especially popular in Puerto Rico because we are the country with the third-most wins. It is a matter of honor and pride. To lose our international presence as Puerto Ricans is unthinkable to those of us who are against statehood

Accordingly, the main difference between D.C. and Puerto Rico is that Washingtonians are undeniably Americans who overwhelmingly want statehood and would not lose a unique, national identity if admitted. This is not the case with Puerto Ricans. There even exists a part of the population who want complete independence from the United States. While this group is currently a minority, the Puerto Rican Independence Party received almost 14% of the vote during this election, a figure they had not seen for decades. Whether this signals a growing support for independence is not clear, but one thing is sure: The debate is far from being settled.

This is not just about politics. It is about identity, culture and nationality. A matter so important requires consensus because of the irreversible nature of its consequences. We need a transparent process of self-determination, not a hasty referendum to serve a political party. Until a legitimate majority of the people of Puerto Rico can agree on what is best for the Island, the United States Congress should not make this decision about our land. Right now, Puerto Rican statehood would irreversibly deny the wish of many Puerto Ricans to be just that: Boricua

Aunque nacieran en la luna.

All of the above are written by actuall Puerto Ricans, giving much needed perspective that can be lost in our understanding.  All of these are written after the vote as well.

My fear is that some people are playing partisan politics right now, some politicians (both Puerto Rican, and American) true interests only lie in personal gain, and others are attatching themselves to an issue like this in the name of fairness (best intentions) without knowing exactly what it is they're calling for.

That sure is interesting.

Regarding the debate at hand. You brought up many points Puerto Ricans probably want to consider. And that's the thing. It's their consideration to make, not anyone else's, in the statehood question. 
For some issues there might be a workaround. Eg. they probably don't necessarily give up their hymn, or could still compete in sports as an own entity, like for example Wales and Scotland do. The Miss Universe pageant, well, I would not know how important that is. But as with all of these questions. It is on them to consider.

For me, the case remains clear-cut, for it remains a case of principle. Every citizen of every nation should have the right to vote for the leader of that nation. If Puerto Ricans somehow rather have another model, eg. no such rights in exchange for tax exempts, to preserve cultural identity, or whatever, then so be it. But in principle, every citizen deserves a vote, and representation, in a democracy. Or else it really isn't one.

Puerto Ricans sure should have the right to decide that question, and the way I see it they did decide. There was a referendum. I could imagine an argument for having another one, but if they still decide for statehood, the US as a democracy has no standing and no right to refuse. And especially not on Puerto Rican's own behalf.


Edit and yeah politics will be played. It should not. It should also not matter if they are left leaning or right leaning. And it should be a decision Puerto Ricans make freely and uninfluenced by outside influence or outside money. No democratic election ever is quite that ideal though. Doesn't mean we call it off.