I personally don't care ether way let the people of Puerto Rico decide weather they want to be independent or a state but I don't think they should remain a territory because they have a population that is larger than some states and I feel like those people should be able to vote and be represented.
Soliloquy, Yeah it'd be one thing if there were benefits to not being a full member, like the UK had in the EU, but at this point PR's "benefits" aren't worth very much at this point.
Sure, I imagine that you have a plan to protect Puerto Rico from Cuba, Venezuela and any other communist country who can invade the island once it is on its own, torture masacre and enslave its citizens, because you cannot ask for help from the USA or take a fly to the states.. What about when you have to get at 5:00 to go recollect coffee and work in the farms to maintain the island. Oh, I forgot, you live on the states. Independence is for the ones on the island. Ignorant, people who take advantage of all what the states can offer, but want independence for the island.
it wasn't a colony though since Americans didn't immigrate to it en masse. it's a conquered territory. and while we're at it, can people stop using colony as a throw all term for European conquests? first off most of them starting off in the 1800s weren't even legitimate colonies as much as they were conquests. secondly, almost all states back then had some form of conquests or colonies so by misusing the world 'colony' so much and in such association with solely Europeans, you create a misnomer where suddenly it's only white guys with "colonies". never mind the fact that most states in world history had some form of a colony.
The definition of colony is that a Country is under full or partial political control of another country "usually the territory is occupied by settlers". So there might be people moving to occupy the colony but that is not what defines the term colony. So... yeahh it is a colony just not a common one.
I lived in Puerto Rico when I was a little kid. my first language was Spanish and I still fluently speak it. I really think Puerto Rico should become independent.
As a puerto rican in the same position as you, I say you're stupid PR would never survive due to its awful economic situation, it just be worsening its situation
@@arandomstreetcat amen. If we’re already bad enough as part of the us it’ll be even worse being independent we’ll just be a new version of Haiti or dr
As a Puerto Rican living on the island and also a US Vet, I believe we should become a state of the union. We have given alot to the nation. We had fought in every major war of the US since WW1. We have a second class US citizenship we cannot vote for our president nor have any voting congressman. The current financial crisis is not only fault of the Puerto Ricans the US plays a big role on this crisis. We have suffer with the US and we have shed our blood for the US defending democracy and the american way of live. Its a shame for the US that is the champion of democracy in the world to have a colony called Puerto Rico in their backyard. We should be granted Statehood after more than a 100 years of colonialism. I love America as I love Puerto Rico. Its time for justice. God bless America!
Xavi Fe YES! You fought for the US? OMG so glad you are safe. God bless you and all military families everywhere. I hope to heaven the situation ends up right for you all. Amen.🇵🇷
Puerto Rico in 1897 when it was a province of Spain: -Two senators in Spain. -Two delegates in the Spanish courts. -Free trade. -Own currency. -Elections of a local government. -Population growth. -Fully Spanish citizenship and rights. Los puertorriqueños son Taínos, Africanos y Españoles. Viva PR y viva España 🇵🇷🇪🇸
As an American, idgaf what happens to it, but I don't think the situation that Puerto Ricans are currently in is fair to them. I think that the populace should do whatever they want, and I support them in it.
God LovesAtheist People definitely did... that's why trump was elected. There was more public involvement than ever before. Also, if you read it, I mean it more like, I don't care what the outcome is, as long as they decide it by popular sovereignty.
Dankest sleeve well, the most of my friends are americans, and I don't have a problem, and I dont get deported, and I dont have to pay a green card, and I dont look like native, because we are 75% DNA spaniards or canarians, and we dont bring drugs like el chapo, and we don't like to rape kids, and we don't pick up strawberrys, maybe you are those 17% mix or those 8% africans when Christopher Colombus bring them to Loiza Puerto Rico, they still there....
As a Puerto Rican myself (born and raised). The main reason I don't want Puerto Rico to be a state is because I know Americans will not welcome us with open arms. We are so different, from our language to our culture. We have nothing in common. We have a lot more in common with Spain. Independence will lead to more corruption, communism and even a dictatorship. Is a complicated question ... the current status is also horrible. We are treated unfairly with no fair representation in the US government.
JO EL P.R should use Communism. But it has to be a complex battle. A great leader must have the guts to sustain and keep the country alive, without collapsing. Communism works for those countries or places with a national flag to rebuild the economy and make it better. Later on, if it goes well. Then Communism can be put aside and chose Capitalism in order to sustain it.
I have 11 Ricans in my family. My best friends fiancé is Rican. Never heard anyone not welcome Puerto Rican's or really have anything negative to say. Maybe your experience has been different but we are a melting pot and I accept everyone. I think we are stronger through diversity.
Hawaii was way different when it became a state and they worked just fine. President Reagan said the US would welcome PR with open arms then and I am sure we will today.
UPDATE (from Wikipedia): A referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico was held in Puerto Rico on June 11, 2017. The referendum had three options: becoming a state of the United States, independence/free association, or maintaining the current territorial status. Those who voted overwhelmingly chose statehood by 97%; turnout, however, was 23%, a historically low figure.] This figure is attributed to a boycott led by the pro-status quo PPD party (the Popular Democratic Party).
i am a born puerto rican and my uncle is chi chi rodriguez my name is edward mendez im the son of politician cesar mendez i can tell you for a fact puerto rico needs statehood but corrupt government officials representing pr want it to be independent so they can abuse their power to line their pockets puerto rico is a political battleground black market. Please we need statehood and the us to intervene and save pr because its in a tailspin.
Announcement; I’ll be at VidCon Europe in a week!!! That’s April 8 and 9 in Amsterdam. If you’re there (or nearby) say Hoi (as they say in the Netherlands). I plan to come to the Science on TH-cam Fan Meetup on Sunday 6:15 pm; but you can also follow me on twitter @soliloquy084 to stay in touch.
mikedoesseo Well, here it's not easy either... Have you been hit or in a hurricane zone? Or any political disaster? Because we have everything. Earthquakes? We have them too
The 2017 Puerto Rico statehood/independence referendum resulted in a 97% vote for statehood. However, the turnout was only 23% so it’s not really of any use
There are 3 official parties in Puerto Rico. The PPD, PNP and PIP. The PPD is for the status quo, the PNP is pro statehood and the PIP is pro independence. In normal elections the results are 48 for the winner (usually between PNP and PPD), 45-47 for the second place, 3-5 percent for independence and the rest for other independent candidates. For the referendum, since there are only two options, statehood will probably win, but not by a landslide. 50-60 percent maybe. Not very scientific, but there hasn't been any formal poll.
What's important is not what other Americans think should happen to Puerto Rico, but what Puerto Rican's want for themselves. Statehood or Independence, I support whichever they choose, as long as the situation does not remain the same.
At least Spain has free health care unlike the US. But forget Spain. Statehooders have it easy. They do not have to wait, they can just move to the US. North Dakota needs people. Ha Ha!
Being from Puerto Rico myself, I find your video very well explained so I congratulate you on your research. You definitely earned a new subscriber with this video. Many Americans lack the proper knowledge on the problems Puerto Rico is currently facing politically, disregarding the gigantic economic and educational problems such as the debt and student riots. Puerto Rico's limbo of Statehood and Independence has been running for a very long time now, and any option would be better than our current situation. It will be an interesting debate whether our island decides on Statehood or Independence as a recent surge for Independence has surged through the younger generation of the island due to the unfair treatment the island has been receiving in recent time.
If we were to become a "state"....we would be "paying federal tax, local tax, Jones act choke hold and other "grasps" on the Islands resources.....Independence is tough at first, but we can do it like other islands.
If anything I'd rather Puerto Rico go back to spain, they don't get any representation as far as voting except for presidential primaries and they are more closer culturally to spain so why not?
As a Puertorican, I truly hope we become a State one day, and that Congress actually listens this time. We 3.5 million american citizens here should be treated the same as every other.
History and all I know about politics have shown me that the US simply does not want Puerto Rico as a state and with the current state of affairs being what they are right now I think Independence is a better option.
I don't see a problem with Puerto Rico being a territory of the U.S. It's really not that strange for a nation to be in this position. Just look at empires throughout history, they contained multiple nations that were ruled by one country but weren't necessarily a part of the country. Ex: The British Empire encompassed 64 different countries at its territorial height, but they weren't considered to be a part of the United Kingdom. In fact, I think they should officially rename Puerto Rico from a US territory to a US colony. It's a lot easier to understand and Puerto Rico already is a colony in all but name.
As a Puerto Rican I disagree with you. Yes, we are indeed a colony, but that's not benefitial to us. We are treated as second class citizens and the American government strangles our economy. So yes, there ir definitely a problem with Puerto Rico being a territory of the U.S., and the era of the empires should end once and for all.
ikanian I agree that something needs to be changed about Puerto Rico, but statehood isn't realistic and I'm not sure how well Puerto Rico would fare as a completely independent country.
I am a Puerto Rican living in Puerto Rico. I feel we are different from the US in many ways, including language and mainly, Spanish roots. I feel we should be Independent, but remain attached somehow to the USA in many ways, as we serve in the US armies, etc., etc.
Thanks for that video Soliloquy. Totally unexpected. I'm puertorican and I have been living in the States since August 2016. I feel as much of an immigrant as any other latino here. I truly believe Puerto Rico should become an independent nation, that way it will have better trade deals. That does not mean cutting ties with the US. The overwhelming majority of puertoricans will never identify as American nor feel pride for the States. We may be US citizens, but we are not Americans in our way of life. Often times when someone moves to the US we say "se fue para allá afuera" (he/she went "out there"), that reflects the distance between cultures and, we do call the US another country. No nation is completely independent these days, so I believe PR should be independent to choose its trade partners and become part of the international community. Un abrazo (hugs).
thank you soliloquy for making a whole video about my little island! I often feel like we are the forgotten stepchild that no one wants to deal with. thanks a lot! I feel that our status issue would have been solved already if it had more exposure.
What! 🤣 Beneficial to united states how much beneficial????? The united states give Puerto Rico 4,000 million dollars a year but they received back 58,000 millions back every year so how much beneficial Puerto Rico can be to united states if they always give back so many millions back to usa 🤔🤣🤣😁 please don't you believe is a gold mine??? You invest 4,000 millions to get 58 millions back !????
As a Puerto Rican, I have to admit this is a very nice summary of the historical relation between the USA and Puerto Rico!! But although you correctly mentioned that all Puerto Rican's are natural born citizens of the USA, you forgot to explain how the Congress granted us that status!! It took place in 1917, with the enactment of the Jones act!! It was not coincidental, that World War 1 started one year later in 1918, and it was the first armed conflict in which Puerto Rican's would participate as part of the USA military!!! Maybe now you can see the main purpose for that political move!!! As you also mentioned, the archipelago of Puerto Rico belongs to, but is not part of the USA!!! We have a Resident Commissioner in Washington DC, which has voice, but no vote in Congress!! The most insulting point (my personal view) is that the case of Puerto Rico is still handled to this day in Congress, by the Natural Resources Office!!! I guess that the USA still think of Puerto Rico as a Guano island, where there's only birds excrement, without any sign of humans inhabitants!!! In reference to the next Referendum that is going to take place in June of this year 2017, I think it is all just a waste of money and time!! It is simply another dead end effort by our local politicians to sell dreams to the masses!!! Personally, I decided that I'm not going to participate, because the Referendum has no real connection or political recognition by the Congress of the USA, which would force them to accept the results and to eventually act based on the people mandate!!!! NONE, not even a single one!!! The vast majority of Puerto Rican's (including myself) value their American citizenship, but at the same time we care for and celebrate our national identity and unique Hispanic culture!! That is why I believe the best solution for both parties is for Puerto Rico to have some form of autonomy relation with the USA!! A type of Free Associated State or an Associated Autonomous Republic, recognized by the United Nations!! But for all of these to happen, first the US congress have to act and create a political project with real connections and consequences, to make us Puerto Rican's decide what is better for our Nation as a whole and finally reach a conclusion, concerning our identity and political ties with the USA!!!
beautiful violet left out the part that the Puerto Rican legislators in 1917 voted against US citizenship (they had never asked for it) but the US imposed it anyway. At that time the US imposed Governor in PR., US Congress and Pres. could make void any vote or legislation passed by the new PR. legislators. They say US citizenship was given to PR. since the US was entering WW I and needed troops. So most likely no WW I no US citizenship for PR.
Puerto Rico is really not in debt. 72 billion. The mainland USA has a deficit of 21 trillion. Take 21 trillion divide it by 50 states and each state is 440 billion in the hole.
Truthfully, I see it as a lose-lose situation for Puerto Ricans.. If they're granted independence then they'll probably deteriorate and become another Haiti, given their current economic situation and distress. And I'm sure losing US citizenship is not something they want. On the other hand, if they're granted statehood, they'll gain a bit more representation and acknowledge on a federal and national level, but then they'll falter and take a step back in other areas. Statehood is probably their best option, although not all Puerto Ricans are in favor of that.
DCampusano1 become Haiti? That is not the only possible outcome of independence though. There are many other comparable independent states that are successful...
Not the only options. Puerto Rico was an overseas European province and autonomous by 1897. At least your comment shows a more realistic view. There is not a perfect solution but they work very hard to hide the provincial option to the point that it was erased from people's mind and history books
I'm a Puertorican and would love to see Puerto Rico as an Independent country! We would have the potential of being an economic super power by our agriculture, tourist destinations, exports/imports (Which we don't have because of the Jones Act that states that all ships have to pass through a US port before entering Puerto Rico which effectively costs us millions of dollars! Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba (Under a New Democratic Government) Should create some sort of EU but for Latin American Countries in the Caribbean and help each other economically! This is my point of view for Puerto Rico! Que viva Puerto Rico, Libre y Soberano! 🇵🇷
I as an American, I would welcome Puerto Rico as a state. Its a beautiful Island with beautiful people. The truth is...the economy is in very bad shape and it would be considered a burden to our elected officials to absorb Puerto Rico into statehood. We are in enough economic trouble as it is ourselves. It's their call. If independence is what they desire than let them be. I personally think it would be wise to vote to become a part of the most powerful and free country in the world. If so they deserve rights.
As far as been a burden, how so? If P.R gets in reality 4.5 Billions from the si.S, but the U.S takes 74 plus billions from P.R, how can it be a burden? That number has increased over the years, I remember in 1990 was 60 Billions, now is 74 billions. The day P.R becomes a burden for the U.S, the are going to drop P.R faster than speed of light.
If Puerto Rico were to gain independence, it would go immediately into debt just trying to establish a defensive military. If it were to become a State, it would probably be the poorest state of the Union, be unable to address its share of the tax burden but would be able to have a voice in the central government which could ease some of the problems it would have with statehood.
They should be independent. Central control from a detached bureaucracy is a terrible way to rule things. They have no skin in the game and often do not know local conditions.
Also we are an invaded and military occupied Latin American nation with a different language, culture, traditions, music , food etc. and we never give up that. Making PR a state will be a great mistake , bringing a foreign nation into the US will bring a lot of problems. Puerto Ricans never give up their right to independence.
No, not at all really, but can't the same then be said for the President he's not directly elected? That's another issue, but I agree it's silly to have Puerto Rico in it's current situation.
Throughout history, nations have been divided due to cultural differences. The United States is already incredibly culturally opposed from within and faces many threats of succeeding from the union already. Many predict the US will not be a single country in 50 years, which I believe could be possible. Adding Puerto Rico as a state will only cause higher cultural differences as it is vastly unlike any other place within the United States. However, it is a huge tourism hotspot for Americans and foreigners as well. One perk of Puerto Rico is the Caribbean theming and location but without the need of a passport, which makes it arguably the most popular tourist destination for Americans without passports. I do not know much else about Puerto Rico, but removing it from constitutional ties from America would only a negative impact on the economy while boosting and freeing Puerto Rico as well. I support whichever decision they decide to make, colonies are too outdated and unfair
Puetro Rico has three factions, the Independence group, the Statehood group, and status quo group. In the elections, the status quo won out. The Independence group was successful in getting the United States to close down all of its military bases on the island. But they, or the Statehood group could never get the popular vote.
Puerto Rico has voted for state hood about 4 times maybe , they don’t want Puerto Rico as a state and a lot of us don’t want it either . But they have the power to say . No you will never become a state and like that a lot of Puerto Rican’s can wake up from that fairy tail dream of becoming a state
It would be interesting if Puerto Rico became a state. It would still maintain its own identity, the language will still be Spanish because technically America has no official language. It would be no different than say Texas which is a state very much with its own identity as many states are. However, it will solely rest with the Puerto Ricans who love to maintain their national identity and they may see statehood as a threat to it despite their dependence on the United States for economic stability. Moreover, if Puerto Rico became independent then the thousands of Puerto Ricans who live in the US with US citizenship might find their status endangered and end up becoming officially foreigners if their nation votes independence. For the past few decades they always chose the middle ground of being a territory rather than independent or a state.
schizoidboy: Actually the United States does have an official language as clearly illustrated by our education system and the success rate in the work force. The only reason why Latinos love to make this nonsensical claim is because the majority of them don’t want to be burdened with having to learn English. Never mind the fact that it is the universal language OF BUSINESS. Or that here in the U.S. the Spanish language is one of hardship and poverty. Sure you can cling to your heritage if you want to...but without English YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO GET AHEAD. And if you don’t believe me then may I suggest researching the high incarceration, teen pregnancy, high birth and poverty rates among the many Latino communities who have refused to integrate because of this unhealthy obsession with culture. The evidence is very overwhelming to say the least. The reason why Puerto Rico will never be a state is because of their refusal to accept the trade off. If you want to become 51 then expect to see gentrification along with other drastic cultural changes. Because guess what pal? Nothing comes for free! Also, how are your gentrification concerns any different than the de-gentrification concerns Americans had over 50 years ago when Puerto Ricans first started coming to the mainland? You also speak of colonization being a relic of the past. Yet despite that being true...it’s not like it wasn’t outdated in recent years or anything. It was outdated and immoral when Spain had possession of it! Or is that a little too inconvenient for you to bring up? After all, it’s not like this ancient Caribbean civilization spoke Spanish or were practicing Christians at the time of Columbus’ invasion or anything!
MrNckissfan there is literally no *official* language, hence... *official* English is indeed the most spoken language however, but the official language thing shouldn’t be used in this argument over Puerto Rico, as many countries have more than one official language. One amazing example is India, I’m surprised they can survive as a top ten economy despite having 2,000 ethnic groups and 22 major languages following 720 dialects spoken on a smaller scale
MrNckissfan no sir, America DOESN’T have an official language to a federal level. Read the history of the Constitution and you’ll see. The reason why there is no official language is because when the Constitution was written, there were more Germans than British in the Colonies. In fact the Constitution was written in English and German, because of that matter. It’s a shame that you as an American don’t even know that the USA does not have an official language to a federal level. Research about it and you’ll see.
This was surprisingly accurate and polished. Usually when I see videos with titles similar to yours what follow is a tirade of "dem brownies ain't white so they ain't 'murican!" Kudos on your video. It also seems to me that the best way to move forward is statehood as it would benefit both PR and the US, but I freely admit my biases.
You are wrong . They feed u this . That’s why everyone who wants state hood always says the same thing . Either what u just said or they’ll end up bringing up Cuba or Venezuela like if those 2 countries are the only independent countries in the world . Open your mind , from the beginning the US never wanted us as a state , they have the power to make us a state and mark my words they will never ever make Puerto Rico a state . So what do u think is best ? Staying like this or independence ?
As a puertorican who actually lives in Puerto Rico, I think that this island has his own customs and culture, like Hawaii, but U.S.A. has been a very big part of it, and we already feel we are a State so why not make it official? I know there are people in the States that hate us for having spanish as our primary language or something racist like that, but I also know that there are good people who are in favor of doing what's right. Ofcourse we have some problems, and I do blame the "limbo" situation between State and independence, but every part of the world has hard times too.
Inverted Y Nah Fam we don't hate you! The U.S doesn't have an official language. Love from mainland U.S.A. Would love to c you guys become a official state. Btw conservative not all Republicans don't want you to be a state :)
Inverted Y some people are backwards and or racist but (i hope) that's a minority of folks. The US doesn't have any sort of REAL official language which is for a couple different reasons. I for one would welcome Puerto Rico not as a new family member but as a long time family friend who has always really been a part of the family. Thank you for weighing in on this seeing your input and that of others really helped me get a better grip on how people really feel. :)
Inverted Y I traveled all throughout the USA the culture is different throughout imo. PR should have been a state years ago. born USA citizens, used the currency and has the federal minimum wage. The language thing isn't a big issue, Florida is very spanish speaking state in the south mainly as well.
on the mainland, we often take a second language in school either Spanish or French (this is the usual choice) and yes much of the southern U.S. is home to bilingual Americans... maybe not everyone but it's a useful skill there! P.S. I think I like using the term Mainland in this context because PR is awesome and I already feel like it's a part of the family :)
interesante recientemente viendo la biografía del fundador de la Boeing, descubrí que el dr Boieng decendiente de alemanes y de hecho de donde el proviene me parece que Michigan hay hasta un periódico en aleman o sea que hablemos español nada impide que seamos estado
I think we should not let someone decide someone else's fate by thinking they know them and making assumptions. I think we should ask them what they want and then do exactly that.
What really needs to be questioned is if making Puerto Rico a state would be good for the national financial situation OR if Puerto Rico will be able survive being independent. In either case the US is still going to hold a military presence there for "security" and the US government is still going to be poking around to ensure the positive "growth" of the island's government. Also need to remember what happened with the Philippines and Cuba.
As A Puerto Rican born and raised in the Island, Its a Shame how USA till this day have a Colony it's a International Embarrassment, Many Puerto Rican has shed blood fighting in wars, my family 3 generations, My Grand Father WWII/Korea my Uncle Vietnam and my brother Irak!!me myself I work treating Veterans as Profesional Nurse!! Enough it's Enough time to decide our political Situation we cannot keep this colonial status Anywmore
Francisco Hinojos well Puerto Ricans have already paid with their bloodshed to protect the US. That’s something that draft dodgers cannot claim. Hence, they have more of a right to be a state than others.
I made a video recently on Puerto Rico. I mentioned the video to someone today and it just so happens that person has been to Puerto Rico multiple times. The topic of the Islands future status was brought up as well. He believes that PR should become a state in order to help it recover better from its financial hardships. He believes that Puerto Rico becoming an independent nation would be a huge disaster to Puerto Rico and would cause chaos. His prediction sounded just like the worse case scenario or something very close to it. He told me things are very bad there. Not just, because of crime, but other things like infrastructure. He told me about when he went to visit how he could take a 2 minute shower and had to improvise in order to get a steady concentration of water on to him. He also told me some people on the island rely on rain fall in order to collect fresh water, but he also told me that there has been a lack of rain recently and that's causing problems in terms of getting water. He lives on the mainland US and he told me his visits to Puerto Rico made him feel more grateful for his life on the mainland. He totally believes that Puerto Rico becoming an Independent nation would lead Puerto Rico into a disaster. He said that the people who are calling for Independence are usually older people and he says that it would be a foolish thing to do. A very interesting and sort of scary viewpoint since he basically said it would be doom and gloom for PR if they went Independent. He also told me about an area where there was a US military base and that provided jobs to the local people, but due to protests the base was closed according to him and he said those local people lost their jobs because of it and that seem to make him frustrated. Basically I had a nice conversation with him and he definitely opened my mind up to some new stuff. Like I said earlier I made a video on Puerto Rico check it out!
Puerto Rico is very different culturally and most speak Spanish as a first language. They also aren’t self sufficient which is a major factor to becoming a state...
I would love an all spanish speaking state! I don't speak much spanish so that's not my reason. I just think that would help a lot in the development of the US. -Dan
Margaret Norvell Spanish has been the very first European language Spoken in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean since 1492. Spanish discovered the Americas. 85% of what today is the USA was Spanish. Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nevada, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Nebraska was all the Spanish Empire. Also all the west and Northwest and Southwest of Canada. The Spanish Empire was huge. It covered all the Caribbean Islands, North America, Central America and all South America except Brasil. Learn history so you don’t sound so ignorant. Spanish was the very first European language in the Americas since they were who discovered and explored the Americas since 1492. It wasn’t until 1606 when the British and Dutch arrived in North America. Over 100 years later after the Spanish had explored and conquered all the Americas.
To become a state , we would have to make Puerto Rico 100% English language . But Congress and the US government will never allow Puerto Rico to become a state , if they did . It would have been done years ago .
Soliloquy yes, we select out own government yet we can't vote for the U.S. presidency. I feel like we should either go independent or just become a state, I'm aware of the economic problems we have and how it would not be convenient for the U.S. yet why keep us like a colony? what do we have that you guys want to keep from us, just make us part of you guys or leave us free...
I've heard (can't remember where) that the people of Puerto Rico are about evenly split between wanting to be a state, wanting to remain how they are now, and wanting to disassociate from the US entirely. I was actually supposed to have a facilitated discussion on it when I went to Puerto Rico, but it was cancelled :/
I am Puerto Rican, and I have to thank you for making this video! Whatever wins between Independence or Statehood this June will be crucial to our status. Honestly, I want us to get our independence, but I can assure you that Statehood will win by a HUGE margin. We already had a similar referendum back in 2012, and again, Statehood won, but the U.S. Congress didn't do anything. Still, even if Statehood wins, nothing is worse than our current colonial status.
As an outsider looking in Puerto Rico looks to be a non-state mostly due of its Hispanic origin, but the economics of the commonwealth is what I see as its main reason that congress has not prioritized its statehood. Puerto Rico's economy was mostly based off of pharmaceutical production and selling their product in the US. Following NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreements) Which prevented tariffs being placed on Canada and Mexico (and vice versa.) As off results of the act, most of the pharmaceutical jobs went to Canada leaving Puerto Rico's economy in tatters. The main reason why this would apply to its statehood that if absorbed in the US, the federal government would have to take on the current debt of Puerto Rico. So Democrats say let them come in and Republicans say they would have to declare bankruptcy before they become a state. So that is at least the economical problem with Puerto Rico's statehood.
Some Guy called Block being of Hispanic decent wasn't the only reason as Texas joined with a similarly split populace and it became a state 40ish years later
why stop at Puerto Rico? the United States still owns American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Marianas Islands as well as Puerto Rico. Let's just make all 5 of the territories states and get this complicated territory shit over with.
Lā hauʻoli Puerto Rico could enter the union as the State of Puerto Rico and the Virgen Islands. Guam and the Mariana Islands were Spanish possessions in the Pacific and share a similar Pacific Islander/ Hispanic culture. Yet, the two territories together would still be too small. But,, if American Samoa were included, they could all enter the Union as the State of the Pacific Islands. That would add two stars to the flag and it would make it look more symmetrical.
I'd be fine with it becoming a state. that would force the us to deal with some serious problems that the island is facing and grant them the full rights they deserve
Statehood is fear and causes a person to cut off Puerto Rico culture. Where not having our island turning to state no way. Soon will become our own country. Unless the island is knowing how to invest money right and put it back to their federal savings and usa know our people in Puerto Rico want to be our own country and thanks for offering us currencies so we soon become a country. The governor must get in contact with Spain give them instructions how can we prepare euros for Puerto Rico? They’ll tell you step by step I’ll soon happen and I’ll be happy if Puerto Rico is a country. Just like Columbia, Cuba, Ecuador and Costa Rica. I’ll become to the Spanish international countries
I'm puertorican,I'm serving in the army.I fight in Afghanistan and Iraq, I was send to a few African contries.I have my american citizenship and im proud to be american.Thia june 11 we will have a referendum to vote States 51 or independence and with all my boricua hearth I will vote State 51.Only the idiots in this island will vote to be a independent countrie.Thanks for make this video friend🙂.In Puerto Rico rigth now 52% of the Island speak english, you see in omost every place the US flag, we celebrate July 4th because is our independence day, we get help from the US, we get the dolar, we have been fighting in every american war since "The Hispano-american war", our federal fundings help us very much and the FBI and DEA control every drug lord in the streets.We are need to be part of the US, the independent party is very idiot because they hate very american thing in the Island but they receive american money and help, they do that because their hypocrites.Every state have different culture like Hawaii and texas, Alaska and Florida.Hawaii speak hawaiian and English, Alaska speak native america languages and English, well Puerto Rico will be different culture and speak spanish and english.
We celebrate the 4 of July because was impose to us, is not our independence day we are not free. And from official government information only about 10% speak english .
Jason Denton it should be a state we serve in the american army we follow american laws our capital San Juan is very americanized puerto rico it self is deep in debt most ppl want to become something we feel like we are anyway which is apart of the states officially there are more puertoricans living in the US main land than there are living on the actual island only very anti american puerto ricans want independence when we should be a state otherwise corruption will flood puerto rico ad it does in countries in south america for example
Only idiots vote for independence? Oh, then the whole USA is a nation of idiots when they declared their independence from the UK. I'm so sorry that my bachelors, masters and doctorate not paid by the US government is not enough education for me to reject statehood, because I'm an idiot by an opinion of a person who went to kill arabs for oil (hurts when it goes the other way, right?) ... please, be at least respectful on those who disagree. I respect people who defend statehood by facts, not by offending people that don't see statehood as a good option by economical standards.
Puerto Rico is a nation , a military invaded and occupied nation and nations even if they are occupied for long periods of time at the end there is only one destiny and that is freedom and liberty. Viva Puerto Rico libre. Yankis go home.
I think that Puerto Rico should become a US state because it's still a territory of the US and Puerto Ricans deserve to vote for president. Also, Puerto Rico has a higher population than 21 states.
deberas que no conoces nada de lo que es un territorio un territorio es parte de estados unidos. y en Puerto rico somos ciudadanos de estados unidos desde 1917. no hable nada de Puerto rico si no sabe nuestra historia.
My high school Spanish teacher grew up in Puerto Rico. She said when she voted in a previous referendum years ago, she voted no to statehood. She felt that being a territory was the best. That was over 40 years ago and I wonder how she'd feel now.
I'm from Puerto Rico and I think we should have independence. Our culture doesn't fit with the one in the mainland US and I think that there's a possibility to have economic prosperity despite its size with just the right leadership
Oswald Santos I think part of the issue is PRs limited ability to make laws and regulations regaurding itself. Its treated even less than a state in the reguard that it must follow federal laws yet no one there is allowed to vote for representation in the house or the president. The rest of the country and politicians dont care about PR and dont make rules that can apply to its benifit, and just because statehood worked with hawaii doesnt mean itll work with PR..I dont see PR as a state, the culture is too fundementally different, the people dont really see themselves as american, theres a national pride for the island not the US. Plus, looking at hawaii the last thing I or any other puerto rican would want is to see our culture and our people fade away into extinction.
Blood Bath and Beyond Well before Hawaii became a state...if you visited Honolulu you ll see that it resemble LA or NYC or DC. But if you go to San Juan you ll feel like you are in Colombia than the US. These people have had their langauge and culture for 400 years and nothing will change it. Let them go their separate ways
Oswald Santos Did Congress do something about it? They didn't. If Puerto Rico would to do the same actions as what the US did back in the late 1700s, there would be war and pressure. Remember, the British crown prized the colonies and used them as a economic station to recover from war. If PR would turn against the US, it would cripple itself and make the US look like the agressor. Why would the US would be the agressor, because the Puerto Rican government and some other countries would actually blame the US for some of the economic depression that is happening. You can't just go force the government and do something about a political status. America and PR should negotiate and focus only on the economy for the island and crack down on what is crippling the island. The cards have to be played well if one doesn't want a fist fight.
Frankly, I don't care ether way...let the people of Puerto Rico decide weather they want to be independent or a state. I don't think they should remain a territory because they have a population that is larger than some states and I feel like those people should be able to vote and be represented.
I'm a Puertorican living in Puerto Rico and I know first hand what's going on here. I appreciate this video because it did a good job to explain basic history and political reality of the political situation of the island. But I must say that Puerto Rico's political relation with the United States is a lot more complicated than just know the basics of the Foraker and Jones acts. To really understand our situation people must take into account Puerto Rico's history, culture and local politics. But that is a long and complex discussion for another time. My personal preference is that Puerto Rico can become a state of the United States. But I admit that our current fiscal debacle make things nearly unlikely for Congress to even consider a statehood petition. Is very naive that a republican White House and Congress would want to annex a territory that declared bankruptcy, where the majority do not speak english and where the majority of voters identify more with the Democrats. That being said, the United States always claim to be the beacon of democracy in the world and for the USA to not give the opportunity to 3.4 millions USA citizens living in a territory/colony to decide their political future in a democratic fair process is just pure hypocrisy.
Vere Paine no the incoming ppd governor did not apply the results to congress. with the exeption of the referendum to accept the 1952 constitution no other results have ever being taken to congress. so legaly and literaly congress has never denied or accepted any results or referendims.
I don't know about 'if Puerto Rico should " become a state; but I think it would help me be better able to concentrate on this video if its name of "Puerto Rico" was proofread, corrected, and consistent throughout the video. Typographical errors aside...I LIKE YOUR VIDEOS VERY MUCH. Very informative and seem to be very accurate history & written from well-documented research literature (or internet sites).
The Scientist Wanna Be Sorry to disagree, but we can't. My sons can since they were born in Virginia and California but I can not since I was born on a territory. It was the whole Obama's birth certificate deal. If it was prove that he wasn't born in one of the 50 states he wouldn't be able to run for the presidency.
From the Constitution "No person except a natural born citizen* or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States." We are considered natural born citizens
Of corse they should become a state. They already have American citizenship. So what is the point of not allowing them. And if they do become a state. It would be the best thing to happen in the 2010s for America.
I personally don't care ether way let the people of Puerto Rico decide weather they want to be independent or a state but I don't think they should remain a territory because they have a population that is larger than some states and I feel like those people should be able to vote and be represented.
Thanks for commenting Chad. There are some potential pros to being a territory but Congress keeps a tight rein so it's not really working.
Soliloquy, Yeah it'd be one thing if there were benefits to not being a full member, like the UK had in the EU, but at this point PR's "benefits" aren't worth very much at this point.
Sure, I imagine that you have a plan to protect Puerto Rico from Cuba, Venezuela and any other communist country who can invade the island once it is on its own, torture masacre and enslave its citizens, because you cannot ask for help from the USA or take a fly to the states.. What about when you have to get at 5:00 to go recollect coffee and work in the farms to maintain the island. Oh, I forgot, you live on the states. Independence is for the ones on the island. Ignorant, people who take advantage of all what the states can offer, but want independence for the island.
jazs and ari what? no one is going to invade Puerto rico once it becomes independent. plus cuba and venezuala are poor.
+JasonRR7 if they invade, we have to find a way to find oil on the island , so that way the USA is guaranteed to help
Too afraid to use the word colony....
There was a section talking about they colony side of the situation that got cut.
You should not have cut Gov. Munoz Marin and his "Bootstrap" Program.
it wasn't a colony though since Americans didn't immigrate to it en masse. it's a conquered territory. and while we're at it, can people stop using colony as a throw all term for European conquests? first off most of them starting off in the 1800s weren't even legitimate colonies as much as they were conquests. secondly, almost all states back then had some form of conquests or colonies so by misusing the world 'colony' so much and in such association with solely Europeans, you create a misnomer where suddenly it's only white guys with "colonies". never mind the fact that most states in world history had some form of a colony.
Soliloquy you should not be afraid beacuse is
The definition of colony is that a Country is under full or partial political control of another country "usually the territory is occupied by settlers". So there might be people moving to occupy the colony but that is not what defines the term colony. So... yeahh it is a colony just not a common one.
I lived in Puerto Rico when I was a little kid. my first language was Spanish and I still fluently speak it. I really think Puerto Rico should become independent.
As a puerto rican in the same position as you, I say you're stupid
PR would never survive due to its awful economic situation, it just be worsening its situation
@@arandomstreetcat amen. If we’re already bad enough as part of the us it’ll be even worse being independent we’ll just be a new version of Haiti or dr
@@yaboiiijesus6922 yeah that mostly the reason I don't want Independence.
@@elyenidacevedo1995 it’s simply unnecessary
According to history Puerto Rico was 10 times better without USA it was ver well with their own money
As a Puerto Rican living on the island and also a US Vet, I believe we should become a state of the union. We have given alot to the nation. We had fought in every major war of the US since WW1. We have a second class US citizenship we cannot vote for our president nor have any voting congressman. The current financial crisis is not only fault of the Puerto Ricans the US plays a big role on this crisis. We have suffer with the US and we have shed our blood for the US defending democracy and the american way of live. Its a shame for the US that is the champion of democracy in the world to have a colony called Puerto Rico in their backyard. We should be granted Statehood after more than a 100 years of colonialism. I love America as I love Puerto Rico. Its time for justice. God bless America!
My veteran brother you have my entire support.
Xavi Fe Yes. Soon I will be happy to c it happen from Pennsylvania
Xavi Fe YES! You fought for the US? OMG so glad you are safe. God bless you and all military families everywhere. I hope to heaven the situation ends up right for you all. Amen.🇵🇷
its called war criminal not vet
1400deadwood
Now that's something they don't teach us in history classes. Thank you for sharing :)
Puerto Rico in 1897 when it was a province of Spain:
-Two senators in Spain.
-Two delegates in the Spanish courts.
-Free trade.
-Own currency.
-Elections of a local government.
-Population growth.
-Fully Spanish citizenship and rights.
Los puertorriqueños son Taínos, Africanos y Españoles. Viva PR y viva España 🇵🇷🇪🇸
I'm fine with them as our 51st state or as a freely associated state, like micronesia, whichever they feel is better for them
Nah they should be a country
Yes
As a puerto rican i do not want us to be a part of the U.S. it doesn't feel right
@@user-hm8yu3gm8k it does to me it's not like we'd be very well on our own.
I had family fighting on both sides of the Spanish-American War.
That's rough
texas?
And???
As an American, idgaf what happens to it, but I don't think the situation that Puerto Ricans are currently in is fair to them. I think that the populace should do whatever they want, and I support them in it.
RecklawTheAmazing tbf you should gaf. last time nobody gaf you got trump
God LovesAtheist People definitely did... that's why trump was elected. There was more public involvement than ever before. Also, if you read it, I mean it more like, I don't care what the outcome is, as long as they decide it by popular sovereignty.
RecklawTheAmazing it was a joke. And ofc by popular sovereignty is the only way with referendums
RecklawTheAmazing No it isn't we go to us and we practically get treated as Mexican
Dankest sleeve well, the most of my friends are americans, and I don't have a problem, and I dont get deported, and I dont have to pay a green card, and I dont look like native, because we are 75% DNA spaniards or canarians, and we dont bring drugs like el chapo, and we don't like to rape kids, and we don't pick up strawberrys, maybe you are those 17% mix or those 8% africans when Christopher Colombus bring them to Loiza Puerto Rico, they still there....
As a Puerto Rican myself (born and raised). The main reason I don't want Puerto Rico to be a state is because I know Americans will not welcome us with open arms. We are so different, from our language to our culture. We have nothing in common. We have a lot more in common with Spain. Independence will lead to more corruption, communism and even a dictatorship. Is a complicated question ... the current status is also horrible. We are treated unfairly with no fair representation in the US government.
JO EL P.R should use Communism. But it has to be a complex battle. A great leader must have the guts to sustain and keep the country alive, without collapsing. Communism works for those countries or places with a national flag to rebuild the economy and make it better. Later on, if it goes well. Then Communism can be put aside and chose Capitalism in order to sustain it.
Levi C. Yep! Just like Cuba did.
I have 11 Ricans in my family. My best friends fiancé is Rican. Never heard anyone not welcome Puerto Rican's or really have anything negative to say. Maybe your experience has been different but we are a melting pot and I accept everyone. I think we are stronger through diversity.
I have never met a Puerto Rican that I didn't like. I enjoy their culture. I would be proud if they became a state.
Hawaii was way different when it became a state and they worked just fine. President Reagan said the US would welcome PR with open arms then and I am sure we will today.
UPDATE (from Wikipedia): A referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico was held in Puerto Rico on June 11, 2017. The referendum had three options: becoming a state of the United States, independence/free association, or maintaining the current territorial status. Those who voted overwhelmingly chose statehood by 97%; turnout, however, was 23%, a historically low figure.] This figure is attributed to a boycott led by the pro-status quo PPD party (the Popular Democratic Party).
FACES!
Tristan was talking about his massive change coming up, so I decided to update too.
Feel like I should be making some changes. Everyone in my videos will be wearing hats from now on.
Should keep minimalist look.
Bad ones too.
Adam Filinovich *tips fedora*
i am a born puerto rican and my uncle is chi chi rodriguez my name is edward mendez im the son of politician cesar mendez i can tell you for a fact puerto rico needs statehood but corrupt government officials representing pr want it to be independent so they can abuse their power to line their pockets puerto rico is a political battleground black market. Please we need statehood and the us to intervene and save pr because its in a tailspin.
Announcement; I’ll be at VidCon Europe in a week!!! That’s April 8 and 9 in Amsterdam. If you’re there (or nearby) say Hoi (as they say in the Netherlands). I plan to come to the Science on TH-cam Fan Meetup on Sunday 6:15 pm; but you can also follow me on twitter @soliloquy084 to stay in touch.
'as /they/ say'
I think you ment 'we'. You're one of us now.
I have been here for a while now I guess.
Soliloquy ..Yes Puerto Rico, go ahead... leave U. S of Devils
Soliloquy
#PUERTORICOSTATEHOOD
Soliloquy Why didn't you say that earlier?! I would have totally come to meet you and talk!
Puerto Rico should either become a state of the USA or have their country where Puerto Ricians can have full rights.
mikedoesseo Well, here it's not easy either... Have you been hit or in a hurricane zone? Or any political disaster? Because we have everything. Earthquakes? We have them too
The 2017 Puerto Rico statehood/independence referendum resulted in a 97% vote for statehood.
However, the turnout was only 23% so it’s not really of any use
Can anyone link me a poll for this referendum ?
Im not sure what you mean. You have to be a PR resident to vote.
There are 3 official parties in Puerto Rico. The PPD, PNP and PIP. The PPD is for the status quo, the PNP is pro statehood and the PIP is pro independence. In normal elections the results are 48 for the winner (usually between PNP and PPD), 45-47 for the second place, 3-5 percent for independence and the rest for other independent candidates. For the referendum, since there are only two options, statehood will probably win, but not by a landslide. 50-60 percent maybe. Not very scientific, but there hasn't been any formal poll.
No friend you don't need to be puertorican to vote, you need to be american to vote.
Adam Filinovich And they will probably be wrong like Trump, Brexit, and general election 2015.
something similar was done a few years ago, statehood won and thid time it wont be any different.
What's important is not what other Americans think should happen to Puerto Rico, but what Puerto Rican's want for themselves. Statehood or Independence, I support whichever they choose, as long as the situation does not remain the same.
This is very true, and in time we will find out what they choose.
Maria but do puertorricans want that? or is only you?
statehood
At least Spain has free health care unlike the US. But forget Spain. Statehooders have it easy. They do not have to wait, they can just move to the US. North Dakota needs people. Ha Ha!
id get worse if they were on there own
Being from Puerto Rico myself, I find your video very well explained so I congratulate you on your research. You definitely earned a new subscriber with this video. Many Americans lack the proper knowledge on the problems Puerto Rico is currently facing politically, disregarding the gigantic economic and educational problems such as the debt and student riots.
Puerto Rico's limbo of Statehood and Independence has been running for a very long time now, and any option would be better than our current situation. It will be an interesting debate whether our island decides on Statehood or Independence as a recent surge for Independence has surged through the younger generation of the island due to the unfair treatment the island has been receiving in recent time.
If we were to become a "state"....we would be "paying federal tax, local tax, Jones act choke hold and other "grasps" on the Islands resources.....Independence is tough at first, but we can do it like other islands.
If anything I'd rather Puerto Rico go back to spain, they don't get any representation as far as voting except for presidential primaries and they are more closer culturally to spain so why not?
Did you not watch the video?
USA: We hate colonialism!
Also USA: Puerto Rico
Yeah, there is some irony.
Soliloquy hypocrisy!!!
Tobberz
Welcome to history,
The reason why the words "irony" and "hypocrisy" have their meanings.
And guam, american somia, and US Virgin islands
Tobberz im american and i like colonialism baka
Just make them a state already so we can get that kickass 51 star flag.
American's and their flag...
With liberty and justice for all.
Soliloquy Says the Kiwi.
What of it? Dont care for your own flag either?......
* Americans' and their flag...
FIFY
i don't like how you put faces on the characters, it makes it feel... weird
But there is so much more emotion!
Soliloquy I guess, but it just feels so weird to see the faces, I sorta liked them better without faces
Santiago Timotei agree he didnt animate them much so they felt stale
I'm glad someone felt the same!
uncanny valley at play
Its a colony not territory
a colony is a territory
As a Puertorican, I truly hope we become a State one day, and that Congress actually listens this time. We 3.5 million american citizens here should be treated the same as every other.
Geekolution dimelo!
Thats true, We are americans
@@gabrielfernandez6530 No,no somos americanos
Geekolution so are Puerto Rican citizens protected by the us constitution?
Never going to happen
History and all I know about politics have shown me that the US simply does not want Puerto Rico as a state and with the current state of affairs being what they are right now I think Independence is a better option.
EXACTLY!!!!🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
I don't see a problem with Puerto Rico being a territory of the U.S. It's really not that strange for a nation to be in this position. Just look at empires throughout history, they contained multiple nations that were ruled by one country but weren't necessarily a part of the country. Ex: The British Empire encompassed 64 different countries at its territorial height, but they weren't considered to be a part of the United Kingdom. In fact, I think they should officially rename Puerto Rico from a US territory to a US colony. It's a lot easier to understand and Puerto Rico already is a colony in all but name.
As a Puerto Rican I disagree with you. Yes, we are indeed a colony, but that's not benefitial to us. We are treated as second class citizens and the American government strangles our economy. So yes, there ir definitely a problem with Puerto Rico being a territory of the U.S., and the era of the empires should end once and for all.
ikanian I agree that something needs to be changed about Puerto Rico, but statehood isn't realistic and I'm not sure how well Puerto Rico would fare as a completely independent country.
I am a Puerto Rican living in Puerto Rico. I feel we are different from the US in many ways, including language and mainly, Spanish roots. I feel we should be Independent, but remain attached somehow to the USA in many ways, as we serve in the US armies, etc., etc.
Agree
Thanks for that video Soliloquy. Totally unexpected.
I'm puertorican and I have been living in the States since August 2016. I feel as much of an immigrant as any other latino here. I truly believe Puerto Rico should become an independent nation, that way it will have better trade deals. That does not mean cutting ties with the US.
The overwhelming majority of puertoricans will never identify as American nor feel pride for the States. We may be US citizens, but we are not Americans in our way of life. Often times when someone moves to the US we say "se fue para allá afuera" (he/she went "out there"), that reflects the distance between cultures and, we do call the US another country.
No nation is completely independent these days, so I believe PR should be independent to choose its trade partners and become part of the international community.
Un abrazo (hugs).
thank you soliloquy for making a whole video about my little island! I often feel like we are the forgotten stepchild that no one wants to deal with. thanks a lot! I feel that our status issue would have been solved already if it had more exposure.
Just to keep 50 stars Puerto Rico should become a state and we should have 1 Dakota.
Or 1 Carolina
Or 1 Virginia
That would make it the 47 states of america
@@sophiaquintana256 Ummmm.... no it would be 50. 1 Dakota making 50---> 49, then adding Puerto Rico making it 50 again.
I think they should be a state, they are a hard working people who could be beneficial to the U.S.
What! 🤣 Beneficial to united states how much beneficial????? The united states give Puerto Rico 4,000 million dollars a year but they received back 58,000 millions back every year so how much beneficial Puerto Rico can be to united states if they always give back so many millions back to usa 🤔🤣🤣😁 please don't you believe is a gold mine??? You invest 4,000 millions to get 58 millions back !????
Or you actually think the USA the bullies of the world will hold to something that is not beneficial for them 🤔???? Use your sense jajaja
all BECAUSE of bird poop
poopy story
bat poop
As a Puerto Rican, I have to admit this is a very nice summary of the historical relation between the USA and Puerto Rico!! But although you correctly mentioned that all Puerto Rican's are natural born citizens of the USA, you forgot to explain how the Congress granted us that status!! It took place in 1917, with the enactment of the Jones act!! It was not coincidental, that World War 1 started one year later in 1918, and it was the first armed conflict in which Puerto Rican's would participate as part of the USA military!!! Maybe now you can see the main purpose for that political move!!! As you also mentioned, the archipelago of Puerto Rico belongs to, but is not part of the USA!!! We have a Resident Commissioner in Washington DC, which has voice, but no vote in Congress!! The most insulting point (my personal view) is that the case of Puerto Rico is still handled to this day in Congress, by the Natural Resources Office!!! I guess that the USA still think of Puerto Rico as a Guano island, where there's only birds excrement, without any sign of humans inhabitants!!! In reference to the next Referendum that is going to take place in June of this year 2017, I think it is all just a waste of money and time!! It is simply another dead end effort by our local politicians to sell dreams to the masses!!! Personally, I decided that I'm not going to participate, because the Referendum has no real connection or political recognition by the Congress of the USA, which would force them to accept the results and to eventually act based on the people mandate!!!! NONE, not even a single one!!! The vast majority of Puerto Rican's (including myself) value their American citizenship, but at the same time we care for and celebrate our national identity and unique Hispanic culture!! That is why I believe the best solution for both parties is for Puerto Rico to have some form of autonomy relation with the USA!! A type of Free Associated State or an Associated Autonomous Republic, recognized by the United Nations!! But for all of these to happen, first the US congress have to act and create a political project with real connections and consequences, to make us Puerto Rican's decide what is better for our Nation as a whole and finally reach a conclusion, concerning our identity and political ties with the USA!!!
Do someone really believes a superpower needs some jibaritos to go to war ?
beautiful violet left out the part that the Puerto Rican legislators in 1917 voted against US citizenship (they had never asked for it) but the US imposed it anyway. At that time the US imposed Governor in PR., US Congress and Pres. could make void any vote or legislation passed by the new PR. legislators. They say US citizenship was given to PR. since the US was entering WW I and needed troops. So most likely no WW I no US citizenship for PR.
Dude, only 18,000 puerto ricans served in WW1
slyfox3333 Only 18,000 ?? Is that really a small number to you ?
Ww1 started in 1914 but the us joined in 1918
Puerto Rico is really not in debt. 72 billion. The mainland USA has a deficit of 21 trillion. Take 21 trillion divide it by 50 states and each state is 440 billion in the hole.
Truthfully, I see it as a lose-lose situation for Puerto Ricans.. If they're granted independence then they'll probably deteriorate and become another Haiti, given their current economic situation and distress. And I'm sure losing US citizenship is not something they want. On the other hand, if they're granted statehood, they'll gain a bit more representation and acknowledge on a federal and national level, but then they'll falter and take a step back in other areas. Statehood is probably their best option, although not all Puerto Ricans are in favor of that.
DCampusano1 become Haiti? That is not the only possible outcome of independence though. There are many other comparable independent states that are successful...
Not the only options. Puerto Rico was an overseas European province and autonomous by 1897. At least your comment shows a more realistic view. There is not a perfect solution but they work very hard to hide the provincial option to the point that it was erased from people's mind and history books
I'm a Puertorican and would love to see Puerto Rico as an Independent country! We would have the potential of being an economic super power by our agriculture, tourist destinations, exports/imports (Which we don't have because of the Jones Act that states that all ships have to pass through a US port before entering Puerto Rico which effectively costs us millions of dollars! Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba (Under a New Democratic Government) Should create some sort of EU but for Latin American Countries in the Caribbean and help each other economically! This is my point of view for Puerto Rico! Que viva Puerto Rico, Libre y Soberano! 🇵🇷
Bien dicho hermano😊🇵🇷🇵🇷🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✊✊
That will be soon we need our own president to vote
And own our own island plus. Have a permanent passport book that will represent our independence
make them a state, Let's go 51!
I as an American, I would welcome Puerto Rico as a state. Its a beautiful Island with beautiful people. The truth is...the economy is in very bad shape and it would be considered a burden to our elected officials to absorb Puerto Rico into statehood. We are in enough economic trouble as it is ourselves. It's their call. If independence is what they desire than let them be. I personally think it would be wise to vote to become a part of the most powerful and free country in the world. If so they deserve rights.
As far as been a burden, how so? If P.R gets in reality 4.5 Billions from the si.S, but the U.S takes 74 plus billions from P.R, how can it be a burden? That number has increased over the years, I remember in 1990 was 60 Billions, now is 74 billions. The day P.R becomes a burden for the U.S, the are going to drop P.R faster than speed of light.
Actually, it's in the best interest of many city,states for pr to be a state most of the bonds that PR gave out are in school pensions around the US
If Puerto Rico were to gain independence, it would go immediately into debt just trying to establish a defensive military. If it were to become a State, it would probably be the poorest state of the Union, be unable to address its share of the tax burden but would be able to have a voice in the central government which could ease some of the problems it would have with statehood.
They should be independent. Central control from a detached bureaucracy is a terrible way to rule things. They have no skin in the game and often do not know local conditions.
They want to be spanishes because they were a spanish provincy! ¡Puerto Rico es España!
Personally I would love to welcome them as the 51st state.
Also we are an invaded and military occupied Latin American nation with a different language, culture, traditions, music , food etc. and we never give up that. Making PR a state will be a great mistake , bringing a foreign nation into the US will bring a lot of problems. Puerto Ricans never give up their right to independence.
the title is incorrect
just because its not a state doesnt mean its not part of the US
Taxation without representation my arse.
They have representation, just not voting representation :P
Soliloquy When you can't directly elect officials that doesn't really count, does it?
No, not at all really, but can't the same then be said for the President he's not directly elected? That's another issue, but I agree it's silly to have Puerto Rico in it's current situation.
Soliloquy Well, yeah. The entire US representation/voting system is full of holes.
The PR Rep. doesnt have a vote in Congress (they are just hanging out)
Throughout history, nations have been divided due to cultural differences. The United States is already incredibly culturally opposed from within and faces many threats of succeeding from the union already. Many predict the US will not be a single country in 50 years, which I believe could be possible. Adding Puerto Rico as a state will only cause higher cultural differences as it is vastly unlike any other place within the United States. However, it is a huge tourism hotspot for Americans and foreigners as well. One perk of Puerto Rico is the Caribbean theming and location but without the need of a passport, which makes it arguably the most popular tourist destination for Americans without passports. I do not know much else about Puerto Rico, but removing it from constitutional ties from America would only a negative impact on the economy while boosting and freeing Puerto Rico as well. I support whichever decision they decide to make, colonies are too outdated and unfair
hahahah no it's not dude have you ever being to any place in LA or Texas, or even Miami where they speak Spanish, it's literally the same thing man.
I am very proud of being puertorican.
Viva Borinquen!!!!🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷✊
Puetro Rico has three factions, the Independence group, the Statehood group, and status quo group. In the elections, the status quo won out. The Independence group was successful in getting the United States to close down all of its military bases on the island. But they, or the Statehood group could never get the popular vote.
At 5:30 in the video the date is pronounced twenty-seventh...not twenty-seventeen. WTF?
Great video as always 🙌🏻
Thanks for watching :)
Puerto Rico should become independent and not rely on other countries rules.
Well tel your government , contact your senator so congress can give us our independence already .
Puerto Rico has voted for state hood about 4 times maybe , they don’t want Puerto Rico as a state and a lot of us don’t want it either . But they have the power to say . No you will never become a state and like that a lot of Puerto Rican’s can wake up from that fairy tail dream of becoming a state
It would be interesting if Puerto Rico became a state. It would still maintain its own identity, the language will still be Spanish because technically America has no official language. It would be no different than say Texas which is a state very much with its own identity as many states are. However, it will solely rest with the Puerto Ricans who love to maintain their national identity and they may see statehood as a threat to it despite their dependence on the United States for economic stability. Moreover, if Puerto Rico became independent then the thousands of Puerto Ricans who live in the US with US citizenship might find their status endangered and end up becoming officially foreigners if their nation votes independence. For the past few decades they always chose the middle ground of being a territory rather than independent or a state.
schizoidboy: Actually the United States does have an official language as clearly illustrated by our education system and the success rate in the work force. The only reason why Latinos love to make this nonsensical claim is because the majority of them don’t want to be burdened with having to learn English. Never mind the fact that it is the universal language OF BUSINESS. Or that here in the U.S. the Spanish language is one of hardship and poverty. Sure you can cling to your heritage if you want to...but without English YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO GET AHEAD. And if you don’t believe me then may I suggest researching the high incarceration, teen pregnancy, high birth and poverty rates among the many Latino communities who have refused to integrate because of this unhealthy obsession with culture. The evidence is very overwhelming to say the least.
The reason why Puerto Rico will never be a state is because of their refusal to accept the trade off. If you want to become 51 then expect to see gentrification along with other drastic cultural changes. Because guess what pal? Nothing comes for free!
Also, how are your gentrification concerns any different than the de-gentrification concerns Americans had over 50 years ago when Puerto Ricans first started coming to the mainland? You also speak of colonization being a relic of the past. Yet despite that being true...it’s not like it wasn’t outdated in recent years or anything. It was outdated and immoral when Spain had possession of it! Or is that a little too inconvenient for you to bring up? After all, it’s not like this ancient Caribbean civilization spoke Spanish or were practicing Christians at the time of Columbus’ invasion or anything!
MrNckissfan there is literally no *official* language, hence... *official* English is indeed the most spoken language however, but the official language thing shouldn’t be used in this argument over Puerto Rico, as many countries have more than one official language. One amazing example is India, I’m surprised they can survive as a top ten economy despite having 2,000 ethnic groups and 22 major languages following 720 dialects spoken on a smaller scale
MrNckissfan no sir, America DOESN’T have an official language to a federal level. Read the history of the Constitution and you’ll see. The reason why there is no official language is because when the Constitution was written, there were more Germans than British in the Colonies. In fact the Constitution was written in English and German, because of that matter. It’s a shame that you as an American don’t even know that the USA does not have an official language to a federal level. Research about it and you’ll see.
This was surprisingly accurate and polished. Usually when I see videos with titles similar to yours what follow is a tirade of "dem brownies ain't white so they ain't 'murican!" Kudos on your video.
It also seems to me that the best way to move forward is statehood as it would benefit both PR and the US, but I freely admit my biases.
thank you for speaking of my country you did a lot of research mate i love your channel :)
Puerto Rico does not have enough resorses do maintain itself, statehood is its only option
Grimmbo Mochrie there is a small push for PR to be returned to Spain. It was an overseas province when the US invaded the island.
So!!
You are wrong . They feed u this . That’s why everyone who wants state hood always says the same thing . Either what u just said or they’ll end up bringing up Cuba or Venezuela like if those 2 countries are the only independent countries in the world . Open your mind , from the beginning the US never wanted us as a state , they have the power to make us a state and mark my words they will never ever make Puerto Rico a state . So what do u think is best ? Staying like this or independence ?
As a puertorican who actually lives in Puerto Rico, I think that this island has his own customs and culture, like Hawaii, but U.S.A. has been a very big part of it, and we already feel we are a State so why not make it official? I know there are people in the States that hate us for having spanish as our primary language or something racist like that, but I also know that there are good people who are in favor of doing what's right. Ofcourse we have some problems, and I do blame the "limbo" situation between State and independence, but every part of the world has hard times too.
Inverted Y Nah Fam we don't hate you! The U.S doesn't have an official language. Love from mainland U.S.A. Would love to c you guys become a official state. Btw conservative not all Republicans don't want you to be a state :)
Inverted Y some people are backwards and or racist but (i hope) that's a minority of folks. The US doesn't have any sort of REAL official language which is for a couple different reasons. I for one would welcome Puerto Rico not as a new family member but as a long time family friend who has always really been a part of the family. Thank you for weighing in on this seeing your input and that of others really helped me get a better grip on how people really feel. :)
Inverted Y I traveled all throughout the USA the culture is different throughout imo. PR should have been a state years ago.
born USA citizens, used the currency and has the federal minimum wage. The language thing isn't a big issue, Florida is very spanish speaking state in the south mainly as well.
on the mainland, we often take a second language in school either Spanish or French (this is the usual choice) and yes much of the southern U.S. is home to bilingual Americans... maybe not everyone but it's a useful skill there!
P.S. I think I like using the term Mainland in this context because PR is awesome and I already feel like it's a part of the family :)
interesante recientemente viendo la biografía del fundador de la Boeing, descubrí que el dr Boieng decendiente de alemanes y de hecho de donde el proviene me parece que Michigan hay hasta un periódico en aleman o sea que hablemos español nada impide que seamos estado
Positive criticism here: those faces look weird and are incredibly distractive. It may take a while to get used to.
They might change, I consider it a work in progress, but I want them to be more expressive than they have been in the past.
I think we should not let someone decide someone else's fate by thinking they know them and making assumptions.
I think we should ask them what they want and then do exactly that.
What really needs to be questioned is if making Puerto Rico a state would be good for the national financial situation OR if Puerto Rico will be able survive being independent. In either case the US is still going to hold a military presence there for "security" and the US government is still going to be poking around to ensure the positive "growth" of the island's government. Also need to remember what happened with the Philippines and Cuba.
Statehood for PR. I'm from Ponce,PR.
Estados Unidos es una jodida MIERDA, ¡Viva la República de Puerto Rico! :)
It's true, we are americans but only for a few things. PR state now!
This video is way too much unfinished. Even John Oliver explained it better.
As A Puerto Rican born and raised in the Island, Its a Shame how USA till this day have a Colony it's a International Embarrassment, Many Puerto Rican has shed blood fighting in wars, my family 3 generations, My Grand Father WWII/Korea my Uncle Vietnam and my brother Irak!!me myself I work treating Veterans as Profesional Nurse!! Enough it's Enough time to decide our political Situation we cannot keep this colonial status Anywmore
We dont neee another state dragging us down, we are already in much debt as it is
Francisco Hinojos well Puerto Ricans have already paid with their bloodshed to protect the US. That’s something that draft dodgers cannot claim. Hence, they have more of a right to be a state than others.
I made a video recently on Puerto Rico. I mentioned the video to someone today and it just so happens that person has been to Puerto Rico multiple times. The topic of the Islands future status was brought up as well. He believes that PR should become a state in order to help it recover better from its financial hardships. He believes that Puerto Rico becoming an independent nation would be a huge disaster to Puerto Rico and would cause chaos. His prediction sounded just like the worse case scenario or something very close to it. He told me things are very bad there. Not just, because of crime, but other things like infrastructure. He told me about when he went to visit how he could take a 2 minute shower and had to improvise in order to get a steady concentration of water on to him. He also told me some people on the island rely on rain fall in order to collect fresh water, but he also told me that there has been a lack of rain recently and that's causing problems in terms of getting water.
He lives on the mainland US and he told me his visits to Puerto Rico made him feel more grateful for his life on the mainland. He totally believes that Puerto Rico becoming an Independent nation would lead Puerto Rico into a disaster. He said that the people who are calling for Independence are usually older people and he says that it would be a foolish thing to do. A very interesting and sort of scary viewpoint since he basically said it would be doom and gloom for PR if they went Independent. He also told me about an area where there was a US military base and that provided jobs to the local people, but due to protests the base was closed according to him and he said those local people lost their jobs because of it and that seem to make him frustrated. Basically I had a nice conversation with him and he definitely opened my mind up to some new stuff. Like I said earlier I made a video on Puerto Rico check it out!
Estados Unidos es una jodida MIERDA, ¡Viva la República de Puerto Rico! :)
Ok I'm just telling you what someone else said. I'm not saying you have to agree with that person and that person might not agree with you either.
Puerto Rico is very different culturally and most speak Spanish as a first language. They also aren’t self sufficient which is a major factor to becoming a state...
We need to have a final vote in Puerto Rico. Either independence or statehood. None of this in between crap. Either get out or jump in the deep end.
I hope this will be a final vote, I'm not sure it will be but I hope so.
Independence!🇵🇷🇵🇷✊🔥🔥
@@Soliloquy084 well it wasn’t
I would love an all spanish speaking state! I don't speak much spanish so that's not my reason. I just think that would help a lot in the development of the US.
-Dan
Margaret Norvell Spanish has been the very first European language Spoken in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean since 1492. Spanish discovered the Americas. 85% of what today is the USA was Spanish. Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nevada, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Nebraska was all the Spanish Empire. Also all the west and Northwest and Southwest of Canada. The Spanish Empire was huge. It covered all the Caribbean Islands, North America, Central America and all South America except Brasil. Learn history so you don’t sound so ignorant. Spanish was the very first European language in the Americas since they were who discovered and explored the Americas since 1492. It wasn’t until 1606 when the British and Dutch arrived in North America. Over 100 years later after the Spanish had explored and conquered all the Americas.
To become a state , we would have to make Puerto Rico 100% English language . But Congress and the US government will never allow Puerto Rico to become a state , if they did . It would have been done years ago .
As someone who lives in Puerto Rico I say it should become a state.
Thanks for sharing your opinion, do you get to vote?
Soliloquy yes, we select out own government yet we can't vote for the U.S. presidency. I feel like we should either go independent or just become a state, I'm aware of the economic problems we have and how it would not be convenient for the U.S. yet why keep us like a colony? what do we have that you guys want to keep from us, just make us part of you guys or leave us free...
Hello from what part of Puerto Rico you are I'm from Rio Grande and i think if it be a state it will be a disaster.
because he is a moron.
MrPatar15 INDEPENDENCE.. I'm Puerto Rican y esta patria no se vende
I've heard (can't remember where) that the people of Puerto Rico are about evenly split between wanting to be a state, wanting to remain how they are now, and wanting to disassociate from the US entirely. I was actually supposed to have a facilitated discussion on it when I went to Puerto Rico, but it was cancelled :/
I guess that left room for me to make my video though!
haha perfect :)
I am Puerto Rican, and I have to thank you for making this video! Whatever wins between Independence or Statehood this June will be crucial to our status. Honestly, I want us to get our independence, but I can assure you that Statehood will win by a HUGE margin. We already had a similar referendum back in 2012, and again, Statehood won, but the U.S. Congress didn't do anything. Still, even if Statehood wins, nothing is worse than our current colonial status.
Puerto Rico will be a colony whether Unincorporated or as a state
As an outsider looking in Puerto Rico looks to be a non-state mostly due of its Hispanic origin, but the economics of the commonwealth is what I see as its main reason that congress has not prioritized its statehood. Puerto Rico's economy was mostly based off of pharmaceutical production and selling their product in the US. Following NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreements) Which prevented tariffs being placed on Canada and Mexico (and vice versa.) As off results of the act, most of the pharmaceutical jobs went to Canada leaving Puerto Rico's economy in tatters. The main reason why this would apply to its statehood that if absorbed in the US, the federal government would have to take on the current debt of Puerto Rico. So Democrats say let them come in and Republicans say they would have to declare bankruptcy before they become a state. So that is at least the economical problem with Puerto Rico's statehood.
PR asked Congress if It could declare bankruptcy and Congress said no. Part of the problem is they were not protected by Federal banking regulations.
Most of this comment was based off of memory, so if I got stuff wrong I am sorry.
Some Guy called Block being of Hispanic decent wasn't the only reason as Texas joined with a similarly split populace and it became a state 40ish years later
maria l.
What? Texas was a part of Mexico, a Hispanic country. And I've been to Texas, the Spanish influence is on EVERYTHING LOL.
We should become a state I believe we have earn that right.
Edwin Ramos Yes!
why stop at Puerto Rico?
the United States still owns American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Marianas Islands as well as Puerto Rico.
Let's just make all 5 of the territories states and get this complicated territory shit over with.
I like this, may as well get the extra stars on the flag in one go.
MR Moon We got an edgelord over here!
Is a lease of land not ownership so it's up to them
Lā hauʻoli because Puerto Rico is the closest and I guess the biggest in a few things
Lā hauʻoli Puerto Rico could enter the union as the State of Puerto Rico and the Virgen Islands. Guam and the Mariana Islands were Spanish possessions in the Pacific and share a similar Pacific Islander/ Hispanic culture. Yet, the two territories together would still be too small. But,, if American Samoa were included, they could all enter the Union as the State of the Pacific Islands. That would add two stars to the flag and it would make it look more symmetrical.
I'd be fine with it becoming a state. that would force the us to deal with some serious problems that the island is facing and grant them the full rights they deserve
Statehood is fear and causes a person to cut off Puerto Rico culture. Where not having our island turning to state no way. Soon will become our own country. Unless the island is knowing how to invest money right and put it back to their federal savings and usa know our people in Puerto Rico want to be our own country and thanks for offering us currencies so we soon become a country. The governor must get in contact with Spain give them instructions how can we prepare euros for Puerto Rico?
They’ll tell you step by step I’ll soon happen and I’ll be happy if Puerto Rico is a country. Just like Columbia, Cuba, Ecuador and Costa Rica. I’ll become to the Spanish international countries
Puerto Rico should be a American state, but I'm an American so there is a bit of bias.
Hermanos Puertorriqueños, ustedes tienen la decisión. Tomen las riendas de su destino, no dejen que "otros" decidan por ustedes.
Gaha Gaha Yo quiero la estadidad para PR.
I'm puertorican,I'm serving in the army.I fight in Afghanistan and Iraq, I was send to a few African contries.I have my american citizenship and im proud to be american.Thia june 11 we will have a referendum to vote States 51 or independence and with all my boricua hearth I will vote State 51.Only the idiots in this island will vote to be a independent countrie.Thanks for make this video friend🙂.In Puerto Rico rigth now 52% of the Island speak english, you see in omost every place the US flag, we celebrate July 4th because is our independence day, we get help from the US, we get the dolar, we have been fighting in every american war since "The Hispano-american war", our federal fundings help us very much and the FBI and DEA control every drug lord in the streets.We are need to be part of the US, the independent party is very idiot because they hate very american thing in the Island but they receive american money and help, they do that because their hypocrites.Every state have different culture like Hawaii and texas, Alaska and Florida.Hawaii speak hawaiian and English, Alaska speak native america languages and English, well Puerto Rico will be different culture and speak spanish and english.
We celebrate the 4 of July because was impose to us, is not our independence day we are not free. And from official government information only about 10% speak english .
Arrodillao. Sigue sirviéndole al imperio como un esclavo con orgullo de ser sumiso
Altair Milakai Enuit, that is the name of tje tribe and the language of Alaska's natives.
Jason Denton it should be a state we serve in the american army we follow american laws our capital San Juan is very americanized puerto rico it self is deep in debt most ppl want to become something we feel like we are anyway which is apart of the states officially there are more puertoricans living in the US main land than there are living on the actual island only very anti american puerto ricans want independence when we should be a state otherwise corruption will flood puerto rico ad it does in countries in south america for example
Only idiots vote for independence? Oh, then the whole USA is a nation of idiots when they declared their independence from the UK. I'm so sorry that my bachelors, masters and doctorate not paid by the US government is not enough education for me to reject statehood, because I'm an idiot by an opinion of a person who went to kill arabs for oil (hurts when it goes the other way, right?) ... please, be at least respectful on those who disagree. I respect people who defend statehood by facts, not by offending people that don't see statehood as a good option by economical standards.
Puerto Rico is a nation , a military invaded and occupied nation and nations even if they are occupied for long periods of time at the end there is only one destiny and that is freedom and liberty. Viva Puerto Rico libre. Yankis go home.
They're not complaining. Mexicans have to climb over a wall and sneak into the country, and they can just walk in.
I think that Puerto Rico should become a US state because it's still a territory of the US and Puerto Ricans deserve to vote for president. Also, Puerto Rico has a higher population than 21 states.
Hudaman Not now, their economy is a nightmare and with our debt already over 20 trillion dollars do really need to add more to it....
Hudaman thats not a good thing. youve got to think about the econmic affects on our country if we accept puerto rico
true yeah its in debt but Alaska and Hawaii were in the same boats until they became states now bring alot into America
Voting for the President makes you a US citizen. Is not what you think (Trading With the Enemy Act). Americans are nationals same as the ricans
I'm Puerto Rican and I bet you statehood will win but we won't become a state
Dankest sleeve A referendum will hold this year, if Congress does nothing, then Roselló proposed another one in 2025. If the economy grows and heals
Probably they give us statehood like hawaii since ww3 is coming
we have enough states
says who? some random on the Internet FOH
donde aprendie que puerto rico no es parte de estados unidos usted esta muy mal informado
puerto rico es un territorio de estado unidos desde el 1898
deberas que no conoces nada de lo que es un territorio un territorio es parte de estados unidos. y en Puerto rico somos ciudadanos de estados unidos desde 1917. no hable nada de Puerto rico si no sabe nuestra historia.
My high school Spanish teacher grew up in Puerto Rico. She said when she voted in a previous referendum years ago, she voted no to statehood. She felt that being a territory was the best. That was over 40 years ago and I wonder how she'd feel now.
I wonder too, peoples opinion do change and that's good.
American colonialism in 21st century
They should be a state! Why not! They’ve been part of us for ages now! 🇺🇸🇵🇷
Hell no
I'm from Puerto Rico and I think we should have independence. Our culture doesn't fit with the one in the mainland US and I think that there's a possibility to have economic prosperity despite its size with just the right leadership
Oswald Santos I think part of the issue is PRs limited ability to make laws and regulations regaurding itself. Its treated even less than a state in the reguard that it must follow federal laws yet no one there is allowed to vote for representation in the house or the president. The rest of the country and politicians dont care about PR and dont make rules that can apply to its benifit, and just because statehood worked with hawaii doesnt mean itll work with PR..I dont see PR as a state, the culture is too fundementally different, the people dont really see themselves as american, theres a national pride for the island not the US. Plus, looking at hawaii the last thing I or any other puerto rican would want is to see our culture and our people fade away into extinction.
Oswald Santos I agreed
Hawaii doesn't fit either, but they make it work
Blood Bath and Beyond Well before Hawaii became a state...if you visited Honolulu you ll see that it resemble LA or NYC or DC. But if you go to San Juan you ll feel like you are in Colombia than the US.
These people have had their langauge and culture for 400 years and nothing will change it. Let them go their separate ways
Oswald Santos
Did Congress do something about it? They didn't. If Puerto Rico would to do the same actions as what the US did back in the late 1700s, there would be war and pressure. Remember, the British crown prized the colonies and used them as a economic station to recover from war.
If PR would turn against the US, it would cripple itself and make the US look like the agressor. Why would the US would be the agressor, because the Puerto Rican government and some other countries would actually blame the US for some of the economic depression that is happening. You can't just go force the government and do something about a political status.
America and PR should negotiate and focus only on the economy for the island and crack down on what is crippling the island.
The cards have to be played well if one doesn't want a fist fight.
Frankly, I don't care ether way...let the people of Puerto Rico decide weather they want to be independent or a state. I don't think they should remain a territory because they have a population that is larger than some states and I feel like those people should be able to vote and be represented.
I'm a Puertorican living in Puerto Rico and I know first hand what's going on here. I appreciate this video because it did a good job to explain basic history and political reality of the political situation of the island. But I must say that Puerto Rico's political relation with the United States is a lot more complicated than just know the basics of the Foraker and Jones acts. To really understand our situation people must take into account Puerto Rico's history, culture and local politics. But that is a long and complex discussion for another time. My personal preference is that Puerto Rico can become a state of the United States. But I admit that our current fiscal debacle make things nearly unlikely for Congress to even consider a statehood petition. Is very naive that a republican White House and Congress would want to annex a territory that declared bankruptcy, where the majority do not speak english and where the majority of voters identify more with the Democrats. That being said, the United States always claim to be the beacon of democracy in the world and for the USA to not give the opportunity to 3.4 millions USA citizens living in a territory/colony to decide their political future in a democratic fair process is just pure hypocrisy.
I'm puerto Rican and me and my whole FAM and most Puerto Ricans I know r actually white so...😂
State
it would be super cool if Puerto Rico where a state :)
In 2012, there was a referendum in Puerto Rico and they voted for it to become a state, however it wasn't 100% official so it didn't go through
Meaning Congress just ignored it! Congress has left them in limbo for a century - Imagine what that does to a people
zMagma referendums are never legally binding
Vere Paine no the incoming ppd governor did not apply the results to congress. with the exeption of the referendum to accept the 1952 constitution no other results have ever being taken to congress. so legaly and literaly congress has never denied or accepted any results or referendims.
Well played bureaucracy, well played
I don't know about 'if Puerto Rico should " become a state; but I think it would help me be better able to concentrate on this video if its name of "Puerto Rico" was proofread, corrected, and consistent throughout the video. Typographical errors aside...I LIKE YOUR VIDEOS VERY MUCH. Very informative and seem to be very accurate history & written from well-documented research literature (or internet sites).
Can a Puerto Rican run for President?
The Scientist Wanna Be Sorry to disagree, but we can't. My sons can since they were born in Virginia and California but I can not since I was born on a territory. It was the whole Obama's birth certificate deal. If it was prove that he wasn't born in one of the 50 states he wouldn't be able to run for the presidency.
From the Constitution "No person except a natural born citizen* or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States." We are considered natural born citizens
Yes you can man, you are a natural born citizen If born in PR.
Should be an independent nation.
Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion. Why do you back nationhood?
Grille Grilli Nevada leave the Union? Never gonna happen.
Grille Grilli Never going to happen. Some state still have the concept of loyalty to the union.
Grille Grilli You kind sound like that you want the union to break apart lol
puerto rico should be left to be its own nation
As A Puerto Rican Born in Bayamon have a military backround and still serving now I believe it should be a state That my opinion
At 4:46 it says Porto Rico, not Puerto Rico.
Of corse they should become a state. They already have American citizenship. So what is the point of not allowing them. And if they do become a state. It would be the best thing to happen in the 2010s for America.