I don't normally come across what I would call a great article in The Huffington Post, but in looking on information on H.R. 2499 which is the Puerto Rico statehood bill that will be voted on today, I did. Rep. Gutierrez points out that the Democratic Leadership has been much less transparent, and not allowed much debate on this bill which is in stark contrast to a time when a similar bill was brought before the House, when Newt Gingrich was the Speaker of the House. He makes some excellent points in this
article. Should Puerto Rico become our 51st state? I have mixed feelings on this issue. But, ultimately I think it should be the Puerto Ricans choice along with our Congress as to whether Puerto Rico does become a state or not. But, this seems forced or even a DARE not to vote for the statehood of Puerto Rico.
11 comments:
Don't think it'll happen. I think there could be some logistical problems- for instance, the cap on Congress seats that would mean some states would lose seats. That, and the fact that Puerto Rico doesn't want to be a state. ^.^
I just heard about this today. I think it's an awful idea especially since it was sprung on us without it even being discussed properly.
I didn't know they were doing this either, Teresa. I'm sick of them hoisting new crap on us every day.
Most transparent. my butt!
I hope your thursday is going well.
Liberty,
I hope you are right and it doesn't happen. I don't think that it'll happen either.
But, I think the problem is that there are only three options (have to look up those exact options) to choose from on the ballot in Puerto Rico.
Cube,
I agree. It wasn't discussed properly.
Amusing Bunni,
Me too. I wish they would focus on solving the important issues instead of focusing on this side issue.
Well, I can't access my emails so I had to start a new account. gmail sucks! Otherwise doing great! I hope your having a wonderful Thursday!
From my research, this issue has been in discussion since the 1970s. Not exactly a flash decision. ;) The problem before was that the Puerto Ricans didn't want it, and I think that reason will prevail this time around, too.
Liberty,
"Not exactly a flash decision."
It was a flash decision the way that this bill came about so suddenly and with very little debate on the House floor.
There may have been discussion in the air (so to speak) for years but the way this bill suddenly came about was a flash decision.
True. Just a little tidbit- the last version of this bill to come to the floor came in 2007.
Of course, considering all the other debate going on in DC (healthcare, this financial overhaul, jobs, etc. etc.) it isn't so unforeseeable that it came so suddenly. ^.^ Just sayin'.
Are they attempting to fix their lack of voting power? Without massive amounts of moderates and independents, the Dems can't win.
Now if they add Puerto Rico, and say, 10-20 million illegal immigrants to the mix...
Glenn Beck has some interesting comments on this recently and said that the people of Puerto Rico will not be given a chance for a straight up or down vote on statehood, but a vote only on the status quo. When issues like this are put to the people it all in the wording---the right wording can always get the desired outcome.
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