wideview >>> xabian midori

Should we make Puerto Rico a state or give them thier Independence?

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico celebrated their 50th anniversary last month. The topic is heating up once again, as it always does, nearing an election year. A decision should be made by Congress and only by Congress. The question is: Should they become a state of the union and pay taxes like the rest of us or let them go free?

For over a hundred years, the United States have had the control of the island of Puerto Rico. The US acquired the Caribbean island along with Cuba and some other islands in Pacific previously owned by Spain. Independence was given to Cuba and most of the other territories, but Puerto Rico remained a property of the US.

A vital strategic location was the main reason to keep the Spanish speaking island under the Stars & Stripes early on. Puerto Rico is located at the entrance of the Americas, making it the doorway to the Continent.

In 1917 Puerto Ricans became US citizens. In 1948, one of their own became governor. In 1952, the status changed from a territory to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since then, pro-statehooders or PNP's and pro-independence or PIPiolos followers have been trying to find to put an end to what they call a veiled colony.

Puerto Ricans in general have been very loyal to the United States. They have supported and provided America with some of the best soldiers Uncle Sam could make in the last 100 years. Eventhough, many Puerto Rican lives have been sacrificed for the Red White & Blue, they have yet the power to vote for president.

Referendums in 1967, 1993 and again in the late 1990's proved that the island have yet to really decide which side of the pendulum they would like to go permanently. The scores were very tightly divided down the middle towards statehood and the current status quo.

I believe Puerto Ricans are old enough as people to decide whether they want to be part of us full time or be independent. The referendums on the island reflect that the people are not sure as to what to expect from the two alternatives.

In my opinion, the political parties have done an awful job selling their story, as the one clear choice. In the meantime, more and more puertoricans move to the mainland and rightfully so. After all, they are American citizens.

What do you think of Puerto Rico's future? Should they become a state with all the fiscal responsibilities of one or should we tell our members of Congress to let them go free? What do you think America?

Send your comments to Xabian!