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H.R. 900, The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 (57 comments ↓)
H.R. 900 would provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.
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Visitor Comments
Anthony Vera
Finally, a serious attempt at an honest resolution of political status for Puerto Rico. It is breathtakingly incredible that Puerto Rico remains the world's longest standing colonial entity; while we spend hundreds of billions of dollars and needless loss of life to promote the democracy in Iraq. Is it any wonder too many American are a bit cynical about US government pretensions to promote democracy in the world?
DR JOSE RODRIGUEZ
GRACIAS por PUERTO RICO
Luis E. Colón
The actual situation in Puerto Rico, must be change in order to provide a final solution of the actual 109 years of territorial colony. The only two valid option that are not territorial status, as a former state of the union or as a independent Republic.
We see, is this is a serious resolution and honest attempt to solve the actual status for Puerto Rico by this congress or another fail project, the time must give to us a answer to this question.
We request from our congress a respect to solve finally from our
brothers of the other states that are represented in this congress, the same rights and responsabilities to fullfill our final destiny.
Att. Luis E. Colón, Carolina
Thanks, for Puerto Rico and his Veterans.
Elliot Moore
It's about time. The three choice vote has been nonsensical. Puerto Ricans need to make a decision on where they stand.
MJ Velez
Hopefully this bill will pass and puertoricans will finally have a dignified political status. I have no idea how people have been voting pro "ELA" which is just a figment of an opportunistic governor and even he said it couldn't last forever. How can we accept being the bastard child of the US??? Either we get adopted or give us our independence.
Francisco J. Gonzalez
I hope the congress vote in favor of the people of Puerto Rico. It is about time that the congress put an end to the colonial status on Puerto Rico.
RIS
It's time for P.R. to stop living off its stepfather(USA). Puerto Ricans should follow a courageous and dignified road towards independence. Dare to be free!!
Tom
Yet another bill and it will be more of the same. Too bad Congress won't pass it until the PR people demonstrate a majority towards a permanent status option. Not in our lifetimes.
Thomas Patrick Brennan
I was born in Denver, Colorado and am Puerto Rican even as I am a legitimate American. Island-born Puerto Ricans are Americans at birth in all but being part of the Flag that supercedes their own. Let 1898 be justified. Let Puerto Rican blood spilled in American Wars since 1917 be justified. Hawaiians gained acceptance as Americans when Statehood was cemented. My ancestors have fought in every American War since April 19th, 1775. LIBERTY AND UNION. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. Puerto Rico has been taxed in blood. Let Justice consecrate it!
Norma Padilla Tomlin
Hope Democratic Senators and Pres candidates realize this bill is better than the Senate's bill because it is more complete and won't leave the issue dangling again. Puertoricans unite forever!
Nick
I hope that this bill will pass.... The current status is detrimental to both the US and Puerto Rico. If Puerto Rico became a state or an independent nation, both the US and Puerto Rico would benefit. It just makes sense.
Raul Julia Fan
If you need more information on this subject from a pro-decolonization position, visit:
http://www.independencia.net/ingles/welcome.html
Sektor
We don't want to be a colony any more. Since the 16th century PR is a colony, 400 and something years under Spain, now 109 years under US. It's time that the government of the US signed that bill. We need to decide between stahood or independence once and for all.
Rafael S
We should not become a state. It would be a travisty. We will loose our culture & identity as a Puertorican trust me take it from a Puertorican who lives in the U.S. We will no longer speak Spanish as our first language which I am proud of. We will no longer be a Puertorican Island we will be an American state. Please Puertoricans that live in the Island wake up & don't make a mistake by becoming a state.
GEORGE
HEY RAFAEL WE WOULD NOT LOOSE ARE CULTURE OR IDENTITY ASK YOUR SELF WHY YOU DONT LIVE IN PUERTO RICO JUST LOOK AT HAWAI THEY STILL HAVE THEIR CULTURE WHY NOT CHANGE FOR THE BETTER SO MANY OF OUR PUERTO RICANS BROTHERS AND SISTERS DIED FOR THIS COUNTRY IN THE PAST WARS
S. Kincaid
I am quite glad that Congress is finally moving on the issue of Puerto Rico. I agree with the 'No Taxation Without Representation' argument; it is time for Puerto Rico to either join or leave (I apologize if that sounds insensitive). I, as an American living in the middle of the continent, would love to see P. R. integrate fully into the United States, but I perfectly understand if the Puerto Ricans do not wish to do so; America's conduct in the past decade has been less than savory, if you follow me. But it is for the Puerto Ricans to determine.
In any case, I wish Puerto Rico and her inhabitants the best of luck and life, and I hope that the future of the island is bright.
A side note: I find it very strange that the US is so hypocritical as to allow a territory of itself to go without representation in Congress. I would ask why, but I think I know the answer.
Greg Reyes
It's time for Puerto Rico to join the Union. On it's own the island nation can not survive and it's economy is dependent on mainland U.S. For the future of my people and the land I loved I hope the Representatives do their part in showing the people why is right for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state.
JHomer51
America is a great nation. I am a proud American citizen born and raised in the U.S. territory Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I'm proud of my culture and heritage as well as WAY too proud of being part of the greatest democracy and nation of planet earth. Our ancestors Puerto Ricans have been spilling blood for freedom and democracy along with our fellow American citizens in the mainland and I think it's time for justice to prevail for us to become the 51st state of the greatest nation on earth.
Jay Breneman
Puerto Rico elected their own president during the brief time that they were an independent nation (just before U.S. invasion and subjugation 109 years ago), and I believe that they deserve the chance for self-determination if they wish it.
juan
if puerto rico wants to be independant, then let be. also take US jobs back to the US. take our US dollar back to the US. take the US economy that is the backbone of puerto rico back to the US. remove all aid and welfare and housing allowances, and retirement and social security that they recive from my US tax dollars. let them eat cake! if puerto rico wants to be independant, let them, just dont ask us for anything, and expect citizenships to be revoked, because after all if they want to be independant, make them all the way independant and lop them off of the US economy like one would lop off a cancerous growth off the body. otherwise quit whining and enjoy US citizenship and all the wealth and benifits that come with it.
R. Julia Fan
If you are interested in excellent information on this subject from a pro-decolonization position, visit:
http://www.independencia.net/ingles/welcome.html
tonytraductor
Espero que ustedes conseguan este legislación, y que nosotros les adoptamos, porque, me gusta mis vecinos borriqueños.
Pero, si ustedes eligan independencia, también tiene mi apoyo.
Leslie Berrios de la Rosa
Don't just sit back Puerto Ricans we need to MARCH just like Martin Luther King did with his people. If you are a Puerto Rican in the US write letters to your state senators. Be obnoxious and consistent but poised. The US wants to bring democracy to Iraq but practices a double standard with Puerto Ricans. We have been abused of and ignored for 100 years. It is also the biggest lie that we can not sustain ourselves.
We have the best medicinal plants and flora that big pharmaceuticals want. We have one of the best engineering schools that produces top engineers recruited by nasa. Agriculturally we have one of the best in the world. Don't be fooled Boricua.
RJ
Puerto Ricans keep on living in a limbo status.We need to either be a state or an independent nation.Just take a look around you. Things in PR are going downhill.The "commonwealth" status has not done anything since Marin.We need to make a choice and stick with it.
DonFamoso
I think that Puerto Rico should become independent and than we should unify all the Latin American countries like the EU Union. The idea of what Don Simon Bolivar wanted. This will create great strength for all nations. And we can create one currency. Puerto Rico needs to gain its independence and we need to push Pan Americanism ideology. Paz Hasta La Revolucion de Latino Americano!!
ECASTRO
Now is the time for Puerto Ricans to move forward, I personally prefer statehood which I beleive assures our Peoples economic growth and security. Also, this is the only guarantee that justice, health and equality can be acheived. Trully our permanent asociation with the greatest democracy in the world can only improve and assure progress.
roberto
MUERTE A LA colonia, MUERTE AL ela, MUERTE AL ppd.......ESTADIDAD AHORA!!!!!!
Pedro
Ideally it would be great if PR was independent but I don't see the economy becoming self-sustaining for decades if it did happen. I don't think Puertoricans in the island or mainland US are prepared for the economical and social disaster. Without ample preparation and incredible leadership, the vote for independence would prove to be disastrous for the island and its people.
Be careful what you wish for.
ENID...
something must be done... urgently!! our actual status is no longer acceptable for the people of puerto rico.. we need a change.. we need one more star added to that beautiful flag of america.
Tyrone
It's time that Puerto Rico become a sovereign nation. Statehood would be a cultural disaster which will lead to English being numero uno as far as bus. and govt go. As the Borg say, "resistance is futile, you will be assimilated." The simple fact is that Americans will dominate the island economically and culturally. That means no more Cock Fighting - too barbaric and illegal. That means no Olympic team. Do you honestly think they are going to allow that nearly 2/3's of the population is either employed by the PR government or on some sort of public assistance as is the case now? As more americans arrive, the greater their influence becomes. New inhabitants, bring new customs, and ways of doing things. Don't believe me, look at Hawaii. Less than 10% of the population is comprised of indigenious Hawaiian people. There are no hawaiians left in Hawaii. Trust me, in time there won't be any puerto ricans left in Puerto Rico either.
PABLO
I'm in favor of the bill, because it includes the Constitutional assembly concept that our gobernor Hon:Anibal Acevedo,believes is truly the most democratic form of self-determination.Lets not forget Thats how our country (USA) excersied their right to self-determination.But please include the Honorable speaker of the house Mrs.Nancy Pelosi,in the discussions next time she deserves to be respected and have her input in this important matter.I wonder why she wasn't?Thank you for the opportunity of a PDP and a Democratic party member to express himself.
Kevin Robles
At last! A little sign of life for us! The current situation in P.R. is horrid. There is just too much crime for such a small island! This bill is needed, so that we can finally become a state, There is now way a majority of Puerto Ricans are going to choose Independence. Not even close, that is why this bill is so needed. So we choose we don't want to be a Colony and then its either statehood or another 3rd World Country.
Angel
Congress should exercise its responsibility with Puerto Rico. Puertorricans have suffered 109 years of discrimination and indignified political status. Since the independence doesn't have the votes in Puerto Rico with less than 2% (easy to verify), statehood is in the option that will at the end prevail (Pro-satehood party: 1 million votes in the last election).
Edwin Lopez
I am an American born in Puerto Rico. I worked very hard to be a good productive citizen of the US and I am proud of it. I've been in the mainland for about half of my life. Through hard work I have been able to accomplish much and I want Puertoricans in the island to have that same oportunity. Lots of Puertoricans have died in many wars fighting for the US. My father was in the 82nd Airborne and I am very proud of him. One of my uncles have a bullet in his stomach from Vietnam. It is time that we become the 51st State of this greate nation and give the island the representation it earned. Lets add one more star to the US flag. It is time to be a State.
Samuel Rodríguez
Definitely it is breathtaking that we the people of Puerto Rico have been living in this status quo (COLONY) been the last COLONY of the AMERICAS, and it is shameful that the NATION that claim justice. Equality and DEMOCRACY for all keep Puerto Rico as a Colony since 1898, date in wish the Spanish Crown gave The COLONY of Puerto Rico as a Pan-American war gift to the United States, It is time for a change, and let the US citizens living in Puerto Rico and the US citizens that were born in Puerto Rico decide I personally think this Bill will put an end on this shameful situation that the US live daily. This is a fight for JUSTICE and EQUALITY for all the US citizens living or moving to live in Puerto Rico in the Future.
Luis Forestier
Every citizen deserves equal rights. It's a conerstone of our democratic ideals. After hearing 'Taps' played thousands of time over the graves of veterans that gave their lives but couldn't vote, we should allow US citizens in PR their god-given right to vote for their future.
Mike
In response to a previous comment: there is a reason why there are more Puerto Ricans in America than P.R., namely that fact that P.R. has no economy except almost exclusively tourism. Puerto Rico is a beautiful place, but why is it that after repeated refusal of American assistance in developing a healthy economy and an educated population ANYONE would want independence. I am apathetic either way because it's not my island. However, it would be a travesty for the wonderful people of P.R. to have no economy than some economy. Statehood would lead to an eventual "assimilation" to English(at least bilinguality) and American values in regards to animal cruelty, etc. Those that want to retain their culture and also their livelihood might want to consider the status quo.
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JaimeF
I can't resist adding my two cents to the always emotional issue of PR's political status. I spent my formative years in the island and now live in Virginia. While I appreciate the passion around the issue, I believe the idea that we must choose between our cultural heritage/identity and the political empowerment that PR would gain through statehood has no merit. It is an old and tired argument used by local politicians to keep the issue emotionally charged....and to keep themselves in power. Does anyone really believe that our cultural traditions and heritage are so volatile that they can be lifted by a change in political status?
Vincent V.
In this day & age where colonies are becoming a thing of the imperialistic past, 500 years under another nations' rule is archaic. It should be time for the Island to stop sitting on the fence & either go for statehood or nationhood. Either way will have some benefits & some temporary transitional struggles, but whatever choice is picked, it could be changed later on also in the future. Pick what would be best for not just those individually, but also collectively.
Sektor51
let end this once and for all, PR51!!! that's the only way.
al rayburn
this bill does not require puerto rico to adopt english as the language of its government. this should be a prerequisite for any geo-entity to beome a u.s.state.
Jamm51
I'm borned Puerto Rican. I was born in Aquadilla. But I lived all my live here in the US, I'm also a war Vet. (1991 Desert Storm). I think is time that Puerto Ricans are gaven thier honor in this country. We Puerto Ricans that served in this country are not honor as other who have served. It's time for Puerto Rico to be part of this great nation. It's well earned with blood.
Danny Lopez
I'm with Tyrone, I was born in New Jersey and grew up in Puerto Rico and I can tell you first hand that something has to give for Puerto Rico to prosper. But remember what you will be giving up if it becomes a state. 1) No more Olympic teams from P.R. 2) You will be required to pay property taxes. (Just look at the current tax situation in Florida) 3) If you think the immigration issue is bad now, wait and see. If the economy in PR gets better no one will be able to stop the influx of Dominicans coming to the Island. 4) Possibly more jobs (no guarantees/China). 5) More incentives for the people to stay home and do nothing…I mean benefits (SSI, Welfare, Etc.)
I not pro independence but I love my Puerto Rico and want everyone to make the best decision for not just for them but for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. God Bless Puerto Rico
S. Kincaid
In response to 'al rayburn': could you please tell me what the official language of the United States is? Ah, I recall: we don't have one, and for a very good reason: we are a nation of immigrants. Ever hear of the melting pot, or the beautiful tapestry? Four percent of America (not including illegal immigrants) does not speak English fluently, and 18% do not speak English natively - about 54 million people, if my math is right.
In addition, both Spanish and English coexist in several states (and Puerto Rico), and other languages are co-official in other states: in Louisiana, for instance, where French and English coexist, and in Hawaii where English's partner is Hawaiian.
In all 337 languages are spoken in our nation. Consider how many people you're hurting before you dare say English should be solely official.
As a side note: English is itself an immigrant language, and at one time the main language on the continent was French (shortly followed by Spanish).
Israel
I think every one here is supporting PR self determination via a voting activity, which is good but no one is mentioning the finess to ask US if they want us as part of the Union. I think that the US congress has their preference and is not statehood.
note: Juan US factories are living PR and we still US territory. World changed and we need to change.
PRNJ
Why not just give Puerto Rico its Independence? The time has come for Puerto Rico to stand alone in the international community. The independence of Puerto Rico will lead to the negotiation of a treaty of cooperation with the United States which will stay in effect throughout a transition period. Such treaty will include economic aid for Puerto Rico which will enable the country to transform its present dependent economy into a productive and sustainable economic model. The treaty will also dictate free commerce between Puerto Rico and the United States, in addition to guaranteeing free transit between both nations. Finally, said treaty will include a process of negotiation which will lead to the withdrawal of all U.S. Military personnel from Puerto Rico and achieve the eventual demilitarization of the the country. VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE!!!
nycJetz
Puerto Rico should become an independent Republic. It's about time that Puerto Ricans get off their butts and work towards having something real. They have the name, the culture, the history and the love for their island. The national pride exists MORE THAN American pride exists in the USA! You can't tell a Puerto Rican that they're American! Hell NO..they're Puerto Rican! Yes they have fought in all the wars in the name of the USA. It's time they fight for their island. Everyone that thinks it's great in Hawaii. I lived in Hawaii for 2 yrs and I can assure you, Hawaiians aren't happy that they lost their identity. Most Hawaiian culture has turned into a "made in China" souvenir. Everything Hawaiian is now a myth or a tacky tourist attraction. Puerto Rico already has it's Latin traditions fading away. We need to fight to save our culture and we need to fight and have the courage to become La Republica de Puerto Rico. Statehood is not the answer!
Josh
Let's make Puerto Rico the 51st State and have a Puerto Rican senator and a Puerto Rican Representative. Turn those Puerto Rican highways into interstates.
D. F.
It amazes me how the US government puts the burden on us the people of Puerto Rico to either become a state or become independent when it has been proven that this does not matter. Puerto Rico has been extracted from its best resources and people for over a hundred years. All of the sudden because the US does not find it to its interest and personal gain to deal with us--the longest standing colony ---then supposedly the ball is in our court. How can one possibly think that after such a long occupancy from a foreign country and after building long traditions of transnationalism with the US for the country and its people not to be fragmented? It is irrational and a bad political move to place such a bid decision in a country that has lost a sense of identity since 1898.
It is time for change but a change that will benefit the Puerto Rican people not an imperial power.
William Santa Rosa, Jr.
My only problem with this bill is that congress is doing the same as the local Puerto Rican Goverment has done in the past. Provide the people with 3 choices. Why not just let the people select either independence or statehood. I don't believe the people of Puerto Rico are ready or really want to be a state, so provide them with independence. It should go something like this: Add this voting for this coming Novenber, if they select independence, then, let the US clear all business within 2 years, and on Dec 31, 2009, we (The US)departs. no assistance, no paying money, no military, and thats it.
Josh
William, take a look at your political parties on Wikipedia. All of Puerto Rico's political parties are Socialists. Does Puerto Rico want to join Cuba as their new ally? Become independent and we will declare war on you like the Battle of San Juan Hill. Becoming a statehood is the only answer. We don't want to be your enemy. We want to adopt you as the 51st state.
SB
Are you ^ stupid?
JC`
Puerto Rico calls upon all antiwar and progressive people to link arms with the Puerto Rican people's struggle for justice, to denounce the war on Iraq, Palestine, and Puerto Rico with the same proud, unified voice. The White House and the Pentagon certainly understand the interconnectedness of Iraq, Palestine, and Puerto Rico; they attack liberation struggles with the same unified expression of brutality.Standing together, the people have the power to push back U.S. imperialism.FBI Out of Puerto Rico! Filiberto Vive - La Lucha Sigue! SAY NO TO STATEHOOD!!! NO TO THE US!!!
Josh Taylor
Are you aware that you're going lose your rights to Puerto Rican Socialists? Going independent means you are the enemy of the US and Cuba's ally. See you in Hades when you lose your life to Puerto Rican socialists. Don't come crying back to us because you chose to be our enemy. Look at Puerto Rico's list of political parties on Wikipedia very carefully before you choose to go independent.
Antolino Colon
There are around 4 million US citizens in the island. Even though they can die in the battlefields, they cannot vote for the president of the USA. It is time for the puertorricans to become part of this Great Nation, it is time for them to become first class citizen.
JC`
[In response to Josh Taylor]Dont be silly.Puerto Rico is not going to become an enemy of the United States because it obtains its sovereignty. In the long run, independence would be doing a favor to the American economy. In every instance that someone in Congress or in the executive branch comments on Puerto Rican independence, they make it quite clear that there will be considerable economic aid. And, why not? The U.S. sends financial aid to nearly every country in this hemisphere, and would continue to have many commercial and manufacturing ties with Puerto Rico. The island would continue to receive substantial investments comparable to those presently coming in. It is fair and in the best interests of both the United States and Puerto Rico.