51st State - hmmmm

[UncleBob]

Did the democrats just make a play to get more power by adding a Latino only entity to our United States? Puerto Rico.

Make sure to read the whole article - very interesting read.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04 ... d-measure/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PSLOwner]

That reminds me of an old Saturday Night Live routine with Gilda Radner.

[OldSchool]

Generally, the situation seems to be that PR has kinda wanted to become a State for a good many years, but would likely lose much Federal transfer money with full statehood. Honestly, the current status is more lucrative. There's no real incentive to become a State.

[C-dub]

But, if I understand it correctly, the choice they will be given will make statehood the lesser evil. Apparently, they have voted at least three times on this in the last 40 years and each time they have voted to keep it the way it is. However, if what I read today is correct their choices will be worded in such a way that statehood will be the best option.

[OldSchool]

Could be. But this current government is getting really good at the gambit, "Look what I've got for you now!" Could this be tied to the tremendous need for new tax revenue sources?

[rbftfire]

I think you just hit the nail on the head.

[SQLGeek]

That was my thought as well after I read this part of the article:

"They do not pay federal income tax on income earned on the island."

[surprise_i'm_armed]

We should not add a 51st state.

It will screw up the nice 50 star flag we have now.

With 51, we'd have to go with 3 rows of 17 stars each! :-)

SIA

[jack010203]

We should not add a 51st state.

It will screw up the nice 50 star flag we have now.

With 51, we'd have to go with 3 rows of 17 stars each! :-)

SIA

Finally someone points out the real issue here

[OldSchool]

We should not add a 51st state.

It will screw up the nice 50 star flag we have now.

With 51, we'd have to go with 3 rows of 17 stars each! :-)

SIA

Hey, prime numbers!!!!

[surprise_i'm_armed]

Prime numbers, yes.

Shall we get strive to achieve some "Fibonacci" number of states?

SIA

[OldSchool]

Prime numbers, yes.

Shall we get strive to achieve some "Fibonacci" number of states?

SIA

Would we have enough territories and protectorates....

[UncleBob]

I don't know how long this bill has been on the table - however I think it's funny that it happens during a time when we have Republicans on the bad side of the Hispanic vote (imo) and a real chance to change the look of Congress this fall. Would a 51st State change the picture this fall?

[chabouk]

That was my thought as well after I read this part of the article:

"They do not pay federal income tax on income earned on the island."

They do, however, pay a huge whopping PR tax bill.

I'm for either statehood or independence, whichever they choose. I'm not for continuing things the way they are now, though.

Same for the Mariana Islands (NMI + Guam), and the rest as well.

Get in, or get out. I won't fret either way, and I certainly understand the attraction of independence (even though the "S-word" is a no-no here! )

[ddstuder]

We should not add a 51st state.

It will screw up the nice 50 star flag we have now.

With 51, we'd have to go with 3 rows of 17 stars each! :-)

SIA

When Texas secedes, they can still have a pretty flag with 50 stars!