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Puerto Rico Narrowly Votes to Become 51st State (And What Has Obama Said About It?)

Nov. 7, 2012 12:15pm
Puerto Rico Votes to Become 51st State | Obamas Past Remarks

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a polling station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (Photo: AP)

(TheBlaze/AP) — A majority of Puerto Ricans voted to change their ties with the United States and become the 51st U.S. state yesterday in a non-binding referendum that would require final approval from Congress.

The two-part referendum asked whether the island wanted to change its 114-year relationship with the United States and nearly 54 percent sought to change it, while 46 percent favored the status quo with ninety-six percent of precincts reporting.

The second question asked voters to choose from three options, with statehood by far the favorite, garnering 61 percent. Sovereign free association, which would have allowed for more autonomy, received 33 percent, while independence got 5 percent.

President Barack Obama earlier expressed clear support for the referendum and pledged to respect the will of the Puerto Rican people in the event of a clear majority.

It is unclear whether U.S. Congress will debate the referendum results, or if Obama will consider the results to be a clear enough majority, the Associated Press writes.

Puerto Rico Votes to Become 51st State | Obamas Past Remarks

People ride atop a vehicle waving a Puerto Rican flag during elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (Photo: AP)

β€œI am firmly committed to the principle that the question of political status is a matter of self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico,” Obama wrote in March 2011 for a White House task force report on U.S.-Puerto Rico relations.Β  He added that boosts in investment in things like education, bridges, broadband access, clean energy, and healthcare in the United States would also occur in its territory.

β€œWe’re giving Puerto Ricans the tools they need to build their own economic future, and this is how it should be,” Obama said.

Bloomberg News significantly adds that the task force recommended that the president, Congress and the governor of Puerto Rico decide the issue ‘by the end of 2012 or soon thereafter.’”

Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, who has championed statehood, did not return calls for comment. He received 48 percent while his opponent, Rafael Cox Alomar, received 47 percent with 96 percent of precincts reporting.

The island is currently a U.S. territory whose inhabitants are U.S. citizens but are prohibited from voting in presidential elections.Β  In the past, they have consistently voted ​against​ statehood because at the current time, aside from voting in U.S. elections, they have many of the privileges of citizenship but few of the burdens.

The island’s future political status, however, also depends on who governs the island.

According to partial election results, pro-statehood Gov. Luis Fortuno was ousted by a razor thin margin by an opponent who supports the island’s current political status.

Puerto Rico Votes to Become 51st State | Obamas Past Remarks

A pro-statehood New Progressive Party supporter waves the U.S. flag during the party’s closing campaign rally in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. (Photo: AP)

However, the fact that the majority of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood could well be considered more significant than the governor’s opinions.

Puerto Rican Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock went so far as to cite America’s founding documents in the matter, noting that government derives its power from consent of the governed.Β  By his logic, it seems, maintaining the status quo after the majority vote would be unconstitutional.

“The people are withdrawing their consent to be governed the way they are governed,” he said according to CNN.Β  “Congress will have to address this and will have to pay attention.”

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Comments (117)

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  • cdn1979
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:03pm

    I don’t understand the relationship with puerto rico. So, can any country vote and want to be a part of the usa? who asked them to join and who wants them to join? what is the benefit of it?

    Report this comment

    cdn1979  
    • mastice
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:23pm

      No, not just any country can vote to become a US state. Puerto Rico is considered one of the dozen (or so) US territories. Those who live in Puerto Rico have been considered US citizens since 1917. Even though they are citizens they pay no federal income taxes and they are not allowed to vote in presidential elections.

      (here is a helpful link on US territories – hope it helps clear up any confusion)
      http://geography.about.com/od/unitedstatesofamerica/a/usterritories.htm

      Report this comment

      mastice  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:32pm

      They have a 70% welfare state already, and we pay for it…..so I guess it doesn’t matter, let’s all be part of the freebie party !!!!!

      Report this comment

      Detroit paperboy  
    • mastice
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:40pm

      @Detroit paperboy

      Yeah they are not exactly the shining beacon of economic prosperity are they? Hey but look on the flip side of things… at least (some) of them will start to pay taxes to give back all the money we have sent them over the last century.

      It’s better than just throwing money into a bottomless pit… oh wait, never mind. BO was just reelected. New bottomless pits are opening up each day waiting for him to throw money down.

      Report this comment

      mastice  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:05pm

      We won the territory in the Spanish-American War. It’s our sovereign territory or colony, just as are some of the Caribbean Islands, Midway, Guam, and American Samoa. The relationship is much like what Hawaii had until it became a state.

      What is different is the dominant language of Puerto Rico is Spanish, not English. If it joins the Union as a state, it will 1) move fm Spanish to English or 2) make the whole country bi-lingual as is Canada.

      Most English-speaking Canadians despise the French-speaking Quebecquois and the reverse is equally true. With multiple layers of other Spanish speakers, it would serve to further divide the Union by forcing multiculturalism by law. It would add pressure to the Southwest and larger cities of the Northeast to adopt bi-lingual signage, etc.

      Report this comment

      Elena2010  
    • MDECKER
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:11pm

      Ahh yes!, the island of misfit toys.

      Report this comment

      MDECKER  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:20pm

      Puerto Rico is officially bilingual, just like several southwestern states. As long as its elected officials and judges are bilingual, there is no language barrier. They could expand English education there, but it’s bilingual enough to join the union.

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • Lilith13
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 3:44pm

      We’ve been a US Territory for a long time now, and we are just demanding equal rights, like any US citizen. That’s all, if you need to know more about us, just ask me.

      Report this comment

      Lilith13  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 6:49pm

      @elena: I’m not sure that what we won is still such a prize.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 6:52pm

      @Lilith: Here it is one day after the election and you are demanding things from America. Just like all the people here illegally. You don’t get to make demands. Neither do I. This is America, not a third world country, yet.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
    • ERP
      Posted on November 8, 2012 at 12:03am

      @Lilith13

      Instead of voting to become a state in the Union (which is a joke) you should be voting to become a sovereign nation.

      The US doesn’t need Puerto Rico so it’s time for you to become your own nation again.

      Report this comment

      ERP  
    • Olimpia
      Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:19am

      Puerto Rico has been in the possession of the U.S. since 1898, so its treatment is relevant to everyone in the United States.
      Puerto Rico is part of the American political system:
      Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.
      They are not considered immigrants when moving to the United States – which they can do freely.
      You don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico.

      The question isn’t if Puerto Rico is American. That has already been decided. No one asked them to join. The question is how Puerto Ricans should be included in the country they are already citizens of.

      Sources: http://www.puertoricoreport.org/

      Report this comment

      Olimpia  
  • Metallicat
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:02pm

    If THEY can just vote themselves “in”,why couldnt the South just as well vote themselves “out” without a war of northern agression?

    Report this comment

    Metallicat  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:09pm

      Because once you’re in, you’re in and can’t get out.

      Only Texas and Hawaii were sovereign nations prior to becoming part of the United States. Texas asked to join, and Hawaii was effectively taken over.

      Report this comment

      Elena2010  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:15pm

      Elena: that’s a myth. The Supreme Court decided in Texas v. White that Texas (therefore any state) cannot lawfully leave the union except in a state of revolution.

      But yes, the takeover of Hawaii was highly unjust, and all thanks to Dole’s Pineapples.

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
  • Metallicat
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:00pm

    exactly what America needs right now,more freeloaders!

    Report this comment

    Metallicat  
  • simplygilly
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:53pm

    On our way to Obama’s “57 or 58″ states?

    Report this comment

    simplygilly  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:47pm

    Keep in mind that there are more Puerto Ricans living in New York and New Jersey than there are living in Puerto Rico. Also remember they are Americans.

    Report this comment

    Dismayed Veteran  
  • benahan davids
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:45pm

    NO THANKS!!! PLEASE NO MORE!! I trust you can take care of yourself puerto rico. we need to fix some things first.

    Report this comment

    benahan davids  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:49pm

      They’re part of the United States already. We’re already sending them tons of money. Don’t you think they should pay taxes too?

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • pragmaticpatriot
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:22pm

      The wonderful thing about liberals is that we never lack for Protected Species…..

      Report this comment

      pragmaticpatriot  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:44pm

    So the American voters didn’t get a say in this? Imagine that.

    Report this comment

    moreteaplease  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:50pm

      They are going about the same process by which every other state joined the union. Once they became a possession of the US, it was up to their own citizens whether they want to become a state or not.

      Congress still has to approve it, and considering the way both parties were courting PR during the summer, it probably will.

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 6:57pm

      Can’t you just hardly wait. Alaska has gold and oil, Hawaii is a tourist mecca, Puerto Rico has a 70% welfare rate. Boy, the democrats will love them.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • ShyLow
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:40pm

    They could trade WV for state-hood and not have to add another star to the flag

    Report this comment

    ShyLow  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:39pm

    I don’t mean to be rude or uncaring, but I wouldn’t care if every person in the New England states, who voted for Obama, would be washed out into the Atlantic for what their vote did for this country. I will continue to donate blood to the Red Cross and nothing more.

    Report this comment

    65Mustang  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:48pm

      Keep your nose to the grindstone Stang, we have other people’s contraception to pay for.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • Stelex
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:09pm

      I feel your pain brother, and I live in NH, we just got even bluer. I personally am seriously looking for work elsewhere. With new Gov we have and Rep and Senator…….we’ll be no better than MA in a few years. God help us all

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
    • 762x51
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:33pm

      If the entire northeast were obliterated, I would miss it, in the fall.

      Report this comment

      762x51  
    • pragmaticpatriot
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:24pm

      sorry stang, they divorced us yesterday so like my divorce, i get my name back and i keep my blood and bones

      Report this comment

      pragmaticpatriot  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 7:00pm

      I won’t even give those bastards blood. If they can afford a CEO at $950,000 a year, they can buy their own…

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • Texaslockstar
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:37pm

    We don’t want them as a state. But , if congress chooses to add them Texas would be happy to go on it’s own so they wont have to change the flag . I’m sure obama wants a new state, think of all the welfare he can send down there.

    Report this comment

    Texaslockstar  
    • grimmster
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:49pm

      Amen to that,we here in Texas, need to secede,then lets see how the rest of the US likes to live without out natural resources….

      Report this comment

      grimmster  
    • Owt_Raged
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:06pm

      NO!!! Let’s trade out CA. I’m sure they want to be back in Mexico anyway…

      Report this comment

      Owt_Raged  
    • pragmaticpatriot
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:28pm

      Oklahoma is redder than Texas, all state-level elected officials are now republicans! Texas cant leave without Oklahoma because Texas sucks!

      Report this comment

      pragmaticpatriot  
    • 762x51
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 4:32pm

      You need to get that option in motion. Texas needs to secede from the union and become its own sovereign nation. There will be a fight of course but that has never deterred Texans and I will come, with my rifle to help defend Texas. I suspect others will as well. We need to get this going NOW, Americans need a place to escape to from the USSA.

      Report this comment

      762x51  
  • Disabledvet
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:37pm

    How about asking the AMERICAN PEOPLE if we want them and who is going to pay for their social security, Welfare, food stamps, Just what we need more moochers, parasites, and leaches sucking off of the few hard working proud Americans.

    Report this comment

    Disabledvet  
  • Bluefish49
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:37pm

    From the photo’s the first thing our POTUS would have to do is tighten up on the seat belt laws…

    Report this comment

    Bluefish49  
  • COFemale
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:35pm

    I have no problem with Puerto Rico becoming a state. It is up to the people. What I have a problem with is becoming one under Obama’s watch.

    Guam will be next. We have a base there and it is an American territory. Then the U.S. Virgin islands. Hey did we check to make sure that only American citizens in these territories were the ones who voted in our election. Did Obama sneak in ballots from these territories from non-citizens?

    Report this comment

    COFemale  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:32pm

    How bout a North and South Illinois? North and South Michigan? North and South Florida? East and West Oregon?

    Report this comment

    GoodStuff  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:30pm

    A whole new state full of Democrats. How can Obama say no, how can Republicans say no? What does it matter, the country is shot.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
    • Zipit
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:39pm

      I don’t understand why these idiots would want to be part of something that is so broken. Doesn’t make any sense! Kinda like investing in California, or vacationing in Dearborn Mi!!!

      Report this comment

      Zipit  
    • smokeysmoke
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:45pm

      cause they are trying to suck on the tit before its dry

      Report this comment

      smokeysmoke  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:48pm

      It’s not full of Democrats. They had a Republican governor until yesterday. And they’re a lot more socially conservative than the cafeteria Catholics here on the mainland.

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:08pm

      Ohio and Wisconsin have a Republican Governor too, didn’t mean much yesterday.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:33pm

      OK, but saying it’s a “state full of democrats” is nonsense.

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:25pm

      OK, Obama won 60% of the hispanic vote yesterday. Who lives in Puerto Rico, asians?

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 7:14pm

      Crap, Gonzo, we’ve had republican governors here in CA and look where we are…

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • RaydocX
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:30pm

    Just wait, Chrissy will somehow spin this as an Obama success.
    It will become ‘his state.’

    But seeing an increase in the holdings and people of this country even in this desperate a time is something to be proud of.

    Looking forward to what the new flags look like… assuming BHO does not decide we need an entirely new standard, more in keeping with the new America he is creating…

    Report this comment

    RaydocX  
  • Creativethinker
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:29pm

    Oh goodie… More welfare dependants?

    Report this comment

    Creativethinker  
    • dogmeat
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:39pm

      They already get welfare form the U.S.A! But now they can VOTE!

      Report this comment

      dogmeat  
    • 762x51
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 1:31pm

      Let them become a state as long as Texas can secede I’m fine with that, there will still be 50 or 57 if you are a liberal..

      It is time to start talking about secession, what was America is no more, we either leave the union or submit to their laws, there is no middle ground.

      Report this comment

      762x51  
    • drs1969
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 2:21pm

      Re: 762
      We’ll have a better chance of seccession after they gut the military next year.

      Report this comment

      drs1969  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:28pm

    Well of course they voted for it!! They want their free stuff too!!

    Report this comment

    RightUnite  
  • Mia Cav
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:28pm

    β€œThe people are withdrawing their consent to be governed the way they are governed,” he said according to CNN. β€œCongress will have to address this and will have to pay attention.”

    But when *we* spoke out in the 2010 midterms, that meant nothing and Congress did not “pay attention” to us.

    Report this comment

    Mia Cav  
  • Landon410
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:27pm

    just what we need 4 million more government moochers

    Report this comment

    Landon410  
  • Bluefish49
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:25pm

    I am so praying that this Nor’easter absolutely finishes the job that Sandy started….let our re-elected POTUS get a taste of his own medicine when the left media will have no choice but to pounce on him….people of the Northern states….you get what you deserve with these two storms….good luck keeping warm….I recommend turning on the heat….oh wait…you don’t have power yet…..possibly that Alabama power crew could have helped you with that.

    Report this comment

    Bluefish49  
    • RightUnite
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:29pm

      Amen!

      Report this comment

      RightUnite  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:33pm

      blue, the media would cover for little hitler if he, himself went out and burned the entire east coast to the ground. You would never hear a word about it from the main I mean lame stream media. littler hitler is their god.

      Report this comment

      mikem1969  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 7:19pm

      Sorta hoping the same thing. They could have helped us yesterday and, instead, told us to take a hike. Payback’s a bitch.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • SacredHonor1776
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:25pm

    “The second question asked voters to choose from three options, with statehood by far the favorite, garnering 61 percent. Sovereign free association, which would have allowed for more autonomy, received 33 percent, while independence got 5 percent.”

    Trick choice hmm? Where was the ‘remain as a territory’?

    Report this comment

    SacredHonor1776  
    • JeffJ1985
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:57pm

      RTFA. They had two questions:

      1. Keep the status quo [ie territory] or change status?

      2. If we change status, do you prefer statehood, free association, or independence?

      Report this comment

      JeffJ1985  
    • aproudinfidel
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 7:21pm

      I wish they would have picked independence…wait a minute, then we would have to send them billions in foreign aid. I don’t see a win here.

      Report this comment

      aproudinfidel  
  • Luckywon
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:24pm

    I hereby withdraw my monetary support of the United States. I will do everything in my power to not send money to Washington. The Only vehicle I purchase will be a Ford. I will check to make sure every product I purchase comes with a “Made in China” label on it, UNLESS I can verify that it was made in a red state. I have absolutely no desire to save the jobs of people who would willingly vote for Barack Obama.

    Report this comment

    Luckywon  
    • Landon410
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:31pm

      thats a good idea for a website, you could sell adds on….. “the companies on this site take no money from the government, the companies on this page give no money to the government, the companies on the page are owned by republicans in republican states, the companies on this page do not use union labor”….

      i’d go to that site

      Report this comment

      Landon410  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:36pm

      You can still affford to by a new Ford? I would suggest you keep the vehicle you now have and start downsizing your home budget. Get clear of all credit outstanding and pay with cash if you can.

      Report this comment

      AmericanStrega  
    • dogmeat
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:36pm

      Then don’t buy a FORD, All UNION MADE! Most parts are made outside the U.S.A. Want American made mostly,then Toyota has many models that are 85% American made with non union workers.

      Report this comment

      dogmeat  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:43pm

      Good luck finding a company to put on that page!

      Report this comment

      SovereignSoul  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:21pm

    Huh, didn’t hear about this. Where are the other 6 to make the USA a 57 state country?

    Report this comment

    AmericanStrega  
  • 101stIraqVet
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 12:21pm

    We do not accept.

    Report this comment

    101stIraqVet  
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