Puerto Rico

Wow, I did not see that at all. That's great. What steps have to happen for that to become a reality since in the article it states that Obama would honor a majority decisions (which this was)? I would assume that it would have to go through congress with an act of annexation passed or something like that?

 

About time those people chip in some money for the country instead of getting free money from the 50 states all the time.

 

Would this really be a good thing? My first reaction is that its a poor country wanting the US to "fix" them and by "fix" them I mean give them money. Granted, I know very little about Puerto Rico, it's situation, etc.

 

I think we give them money now but get nothing back. Just think it of as another ole Miss.

 

We actually already do that, being a non-state is actually the best of both worlds for them.

 

I worry about that too, but like you I don't know much about their situation. I also don't know how much the US currently does give them. I am happy for them in that they get the opportunity for statehood. I don't think kicking in more for Puerto Rico will be high on anybody's priority list, so I doubt it will become an issue.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but they are already pretty much like a US state except they cant participate in our election.

 

WOW, is this real??

And more importantly, where will they fit the 51st star on our flag?

 

This is the most common designs:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...urce=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=S3qaUIKdB4qkqAHt-ICIBw

 

Wiki link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Puerto_Rico

 

And things just continue to get worse for the Republicans. Hilarious.

 

This is an incredibly huge deal if they're going to get two Senate seats. Those seats are going to be Democrats. Is the supermajority based on 60% of the Senate or simply 60 votes?

 

1. I think statehood would be good for Puerto Rico. Besides what it does for Puerto Ricans, I think it'd have a deep psychological effect on other Americans that could lead to a lot more commerce, tourism, etc.

2. I doubt we change the flag, but if we do, I like the one with the circular field of stars with a sort of star-shaped pattern to the arrangement.

3. Even if Romney said he'd support statehood, I think it's quite possible PR statehood becomes partisan, with tea party elements balking at inclusion, balking at Puerto Ricans speaking Spanish, balking at changing the flag, etc. I foresee lots of misinformation and false accusations about what the island gives and takes, their patriotism and Americanism, their culture, and so on. It could be dangerous for Republicans and quite entertaining (despite being bad for Puerto Ricans).

4. Puerto Rico is conservative. Their governor is a member of the RNC. The populace is conservative on many social issues. If they become a state, it's unlikely they will be sending many Democrats to national office. Here's some random article I found: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-garcia/puerto-rico--the-next-red_b_245886.html. If the Tea Party can keep from screwing this up, PR could help Republicans in the future.

 

That's cool, but do they really want to help with our debt situation?

 

Of course you change the flag. What? Every other time we add a state we add a star but along comes Puerto Rico and we say "**** you"? Not gonna happen.

 

Yes, change the flag.

We can keep the current one for "retro" occasions.

The US could use the extra merchandize sales.

 

I think you answered your own thought with #3. I guarantee you there will be plenty of nutcases who adamantly refuse to allow the US to admit PR because it would result in a changing of the flag. Any change would have to be subtle, thus the circular or star design would be too drastic.

 

A flag with 51 stars is going to drive the OCD folks nuts.