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Answer I would Have Liked to Hear...
While answering the question on Cuba in tonight's CNN debate it would have been lovely to have heard one of the candidates make the point that an excellent way to show leadership to the Cuban regime would be to extend full rights of participation in our democracy to the US citizens living in Puerto Rico.
Four million US Citizens live in Puerto Rico and they have no voice in the general election for President and no voting representation in Congress. We could show the value of being able to have a voice in one's own country by enfranchising Puerto Rico. Even with its Commonwealth status there is no reason that Puerto Rico should not have two US Senators and the appropriate members of Congress. Obviously this will take an amendment to the constitution, but framing this as part of the establishment of democracy in the Eastern Caribbean is a good start.
Ben
Comments (4)
Yea, im supprised Puerto Rican statehood/countryhood
has been such a small topic.
February 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Puerto Rica is not a state, thus is not eligible, Constitutionally, to "appoint...electors" to the electoral college.
Haven't there been a number of referendums in Puerto Rica over the issue of statehood.
February 21, 2008 9:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're right. I didn't read carefully. Sorry.
But wouldn't statehood be an easier route than a Constitutional amendment, if that's what Puerto Rican desire?
February 21, 2008 9:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
The last one was in 1998 with uncertain results. They want the chance to discuss the issue leading to another referenda.
Democratic Party 2000 Platform
“Puerto Rico has been under U.S. sovereignty for over a century and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, but the island’s ultimate status still has not been determined and its 3.9 million residents still do not have voting representation in their national government. These disenfranchised citizens – who have contributed greatly to our country in war and peace – are entitled to the permanent and fully democratic status of their choice. Democrats will continue to work in the White House and Congress to clarify the options and enable them to chose and to obtain such a status from among all realistic options.
Democratic Party 2004 Platform
We believe that four million disenfranchised American citizens residing in Puerto Rico have the right to the permanent and fully democratic status of their choice. The White House and Congress will clarify the realistic status options for Puerto Rico and enable Puerto Ricans to choose among them.
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 (HR 900)
Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico during the 111th Congress.
Gives voters the option to vote for continued U.S. territorial status or for a path toward a constitutionally viable permanent nonterritorial status.
Provides for subsequent procedures, depending on ballot results.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate certain funds for the self-determination process.
February 21, 2008 9:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
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