What political status is best for Puerto Rico? Discuss from 2 perspectives:
1. From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican and 2. From a "mainland"
US citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico.
Respond to other posts. Post by Sunday 2-28 for full credit.
35 comments:
I feel form the perspective of a native Puerto Rico, that Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth. I feel if a commonwealth is continued, we can assert or strengthen our national identity. While also having closer political and economic ties with the United States. This lets fellow Puerto Ricans enjoy a greater degree of cultural and economic autonomy than states enjoy. The flexibility given to us by being a commonwealth has given us the ability to achieve great progress. We are granted citizenship to the greatest country in the world, which holds the largest economic market in the world. But Puerto Rico can also attract companies because of our low taxes. If we were to become a state we would lose most of our business because of federal income axes, individual and private taxes. It may not be perfect but it allows the Puerto Rico to have close ties with the U.S. but without us losing our identity.
I feel that the best political status for Puerto Rico, as the point of view of a US citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico, would be to let Puerto Rico have its independence. To let Puerto Rico be its own country would be good because, even though all Puerto Ricans born in there are American Citizens, 75% of Puerto Ricans speak little or no English. So, how can they part of a country that the majority speaks English, which just makes lives more difficult, without the ability to communicate. How can a country with 75% of people who can't speak English properly integrate with a country in which 97% of people speak English. We should let them be their own country, different as Costa Rica, or Mexico.
I believe that Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth. For a native Puerto Rican, this is better because they can keep their Spanish language and heritage without the English language forced upon them. They are also able to form and control their own government with their own cultural and economic decisions. While they are very flexible and independent in the running of their government, the native Puerto Ricans can also enjoy the benefits of an American citizenship and low tax rates when trading with the United States. A United States citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico would probably agree that keeping Puerto Rico a commonwealth of the United States is best too. Travel and trade with Puerto Rico is easier when it is a commonwealth rather than an independent nation. Also, a United States citizen would not have to worry about sharing major votes about the United States with the Puerto Ricans if they remain a commonwealth rather than a state. Overall, the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico as a commonwealth benefits both United States citizens and Puerto Ricans in a perfect compromise.
1. From the perspective of a native i feel as though puerto rico would remain commonweath because thats the way they have been and thats what they are used to. Their is much more flexibility also associated with commonweath.
As a US Citizen i would keep puerto rico common weath because why change it when they have been used to this all these years. The realationship would stay good instead of making them do something they might not want to do.
I believe from both a Puerto Rican perspective and a U.S. citizen perspective that Puerto Rico should have it's independence. A Puerto Rican would want to have their independence rather than be tied down to the U.S. (which they have nothing in common for example: the major one being language). Puerto Ricans are more hispanic rather than American. So why would a Puerto Rican be in the commonwealth of the U.S. when they have the option to become an independent nation.
The U.S. citizen would have to also agree with Puerto Rico becoming it's own independent nation. They're culture and language is nowhere near the culture of the U.S. Why should Puerto Rico be tied to the U.S. if they don't even speak the same language. That makes it irrelevant for the Puerto Rico to stay as a commonwealth or become a part of the U.S. rahter than gaining it's independence.
Ale F.
Period: 7
I agree with Louis, Anne and Ricky that, from the perspective of a citizen of Puerto Rico, remaining a commonwealth would make the most sense. The people would continue to hold their own culture and identity and still be able to benefit from their close ties with the U.S., as Louis pointed out. Although there are problems with Puerto Rico remaining a commonwealth, there would be more problems for them if they were to become independent or to become a state. They benefit greatly from their relationship with the United States, and becoming a state would just cause unnecessary problems along the lines of a national language.
From the perspective of a citizen of the United States, having no ties with Puerto Rico makes it hard to say what's best. However, I agree with what Anne said in that the benefits that come from having Puerto Rico remain a commonwealth are really tied to the ease of communication and vacation/travel. The average U.S. citizen will most likely never travel to Puerto Rico, but the citizens who do would benefit greatly if Puerto Rico remained a commonwealth and they wouldn't need a passport to travel there.
Kristin L.
Class 7
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, I would want Puerto Rico to remain a commonwealth. With the commonwealth status, Puerto Rico has achieved stability due to its relations with the United States. Through this commonwealth, Puerto Rico also has the flexibility to manage their trade and businesses with low effective tax rates. Basically to remain a commonwealth is best for a Puerto Rican native because they continue to have these benefits without losing their national identity.
From the perspective of a "mainland" US citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico, I feel the best political status for Puerto Rico would be to let Puerto Rico become its own independent nation. I would see no common ground between the two nations. Like Louis explained 75% of Puerto Ricans speak little or no English. This meaning communication between the two parties would be difficult if Puerto Rico was annexed as a state of the US. The culture of Puerto Rico and the US is different as well, so adding Puerto Rico would only be taking their culture and pride away. The solution to a US citizen would be to allow Puerto Ricans to have independence because they are now a progressing economic area with their own independent culture.
Adam M.
Class 7
From the Puerto Rican perspective, I feel that the territory should remain a commonwealth. Over the past 100 years, the culture of Puerto Rico has adapted to being a territory of the United States. They are progressing under this title and there is no reason to change the positive path in which their people are moving.
From the perspective of an American with no ties to Puerto Rico, I believe that we should just let them have their independence. There is no point in admitting the territory as a state. It will neither help nor hurt the state of our nation. Therefore, there are more reasons to not admit Puerto Rico as a state than there are reasons to admit it. 75% of its people can't speak English, and there are a good amount of people who don't want to become a state in America anyway. As their own country, America would have one less thing to worry about and the Puerto Ricans can live peacefully and control their own society.
I believe the best choice for Puerto Rico is commonwealth. Coming from the United States point of view it isn't the best choice because they do not pay federal taxes or vote on the President. The United States also does not have the resources to help Peurto Rico become a strong part of the U.S. Peurto Rico is very poor and the United States cannot do much about it right now. However, the United States owes it to Peurto Rico to fix things because the United States essentially created the problems that Peurto Rico faces today. With the common wealth program now, Peurto Rico does not have to pay federal taxes which liberates any financial concern but seeing as Peurto Rico does not have much invlovement in the United States politically it makes the cycle of poverty even more challenging to break. If Puerto Rico can find a way to financially stableize its self then it would be much easier for Puerto Rico to become even more important to the United States and may gain a way to participate in American political affairs. The common wealth program is probably the best choice for Puerto Rico and the United States due to financial reasons and dependentcy on one another. on a side note, I agree very much so with Louis Raab to strengthen Puerto Rico's national identity would do Puerto Rico a great favor and may end the povery cycle.
Kelsey P, Per 3
1. If I were a native Puerto Rican, I would choose for Puerto Rico to remain a commonwealth. Puerto Rico has thrived due in part on the United States' humanitarian, social, political, and military efforts to reform the country into a better place. The United States is not mainly trying to spread its customs and government to the Puerto Ricans, but rather maintain stability and trade. The U.S. is also trying to help Puerto Rico to become a better individual nation with a strong economy and a strong military, in case any foreign invasions should occur as they did during the early 1900's.
2. If I were a mainland U.S. citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico, I would want it to becmoe an independent country. It's thrived upon U.S. intervention for far too long, and it's time that they try acting as their own nation for once. The United States has already given them the chance to create their own Constitution, and act as an independent nation. Puerto Rico is a stable nation, with a strong economy and a strong military, and should thus proceed as its own country from now on.
Andy Hsu
Class 7
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, I would say that it would be best to keep them as a common wealth. As Kristin said, “The people would continue to hold their own culture and identity and still be able to benefit from their close ties with the U.S.” Kristin makes a really great point, the plus for the Puerto Ricans is that they can have their own identity, such as deciding laws and their own government, and they always have the U.S to fall back on. While some Puerto Ricans might think that Independence is the best I would not agree. This is because having a common wealth they are able to continue the ties and support of the United States, which has proven to be necessary. This is why I think from a perspective of a Puerto Rican being a common wealth is the best idea.
From the perspective of a U.S citizen, I also think that it would be best to keep Puerto Rico a commonwealth. As Anne previously said, the United States can benefit from having Puerto Rican ties. One reason it would be best to keep Puerto Rico a common wealth is because it can protect the United States. Also by keeping them a common wealth it keeps strong nation ties.
Meghan L.
Period 3
If I were a native Puerto Rican then I think that I would that I would want Puerto Rico to remain a commonwealth. I feel that there are many benefits to Puerto Ricans remaining a commonwealth. One such benefit, as Anne said, is that they can keep speaking Spanish and retain their heritage without the U.S. forcing English and their customs on them. Another benefit for Puerto Ricans of remaining a commonwealth is that the U.S. basically takes care of Puerto Rico with Puerto Rico not having to give too much in return. Puerto Ricans have low tax rates and U.S. citizenship, and while they do not have too much of a say in government, they still have representatives in the U.S. government. All of these things allow Puerto Ricans to live their lives under the U.S. while still retaining their identities as Puerto Ricans.
As a U.S. citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico, I feel that the best thing would be to let them have their independence. The only other options would be to either give them statehood or let them remain a commonwealth, both of which have their flaws. One factor is, as Louis said, 75% of Puerto Ricans speak little or no English. It would not make sense to take a country where very few speak English and then give them statehood to a country where the majority of people speak English. It would not work our very well. As for allowing them to remain a commonwealth, that would not work either. As a commonwealth Puerto Rico is a financial drain on the U.S. and as Adam said they are now progressing as an economic area. So why should we take care of a country that can take care of itself? The only logical course of action would be to allow Puerto Rico to become an independent nation. That way we are relieved of a financial respnsibility and they are allowed to retain their culture and have freedom from the U.S.
Matt H.
Period 7
If I was a Puerto Rican, I would want to remain a commonwealth. Like Adam and Ricky said, remaining as a commonwealth gives Puerto Rico flexibility in governing success. If Puerto Rico stays as a commonwealth, it has "access to the largest market in the world" while avoiding paying income taxes. They may not have a say in who governs the United States (voting), but they can all still run for president considering they have United States citizenship. If I was from Puerto Rico, I would want it to remain as a commonwealth because Puerto Rico gets all of the benefits of being a state including citizenship, military protection, stability, and access to the U.S. market. Also, considering "over three-quarters of the population does not speak English," I would not want Puerto Rico to join the U.S. because then the population would be pressured to learn English. Remaining as a commonwealth would be best for Puerto Ricans from their perspective.
If I was a mainlander, I would also want Puerto Rico to remain a commonwealth. If it was a separate nation entirely, could you imagine what customs would be like to go there for vacation? Not to mention what would happen to Americans' vacation homes and how complicated affairs would become if Puerto Rico was independent. However, I would also not support statehood. Like Anne said, if I was a mainlander, I would not want to have to worry about Puerto Rico's votes during a presidential election. Not to mention that they have stability as a commonwealth already, so like Ricky said, why change that? As a person from the United States with no connections to Puerto Rico, I would also want them to remain a commonwealth because we can keep our friendly relations with our Caribbean neighbor and we can keep the number of states at a nice, even 50.
Kevin R.
Class 3
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, I think that Puerto Rico’s current status as a commonwealth of the US is the optimal political status for the country. For starters, as Louis said, the low taxes levied on Puerto Rico by the US encourage companies to move to our country, and we have the ability to trade with the world’s largest market on a level that would be impossible if we were entirely independent. Puerto Rican citizens also are given many benefits, such as access to Social Security and Medicare, because they are officially US citizens. However, although many of these benefits could also be had if Puerto Rico were a state, being a commonwealth also grants Puerto Rico a certain degree of autonomy and sovereignty because it is allowed to elect the members of its own government (although the ruler of the US has power over this government) and is able to maintain a large part of its own national identity/culture. Thus, the commonwealth status of Puerto Rico is something of the best of both worlds.
From the perspective of a mainland US citizen, I do not see why we still cling to our control over Puerto Rico, and I therefore agree with Louis, Ale, Adam and other bloggers. We initially took over Puerto Rico to satisfy our country’s imperialist desires and expand our influence, but at this time, we no longer need to control Puerto Rico in order to show that we are a dominant nation. Yes, Puerto Rico is a source of cheap labor, but this has something of a negative impact on jobs in the US because the jobs being performed in Puerto Rico that are affiliated with American companies could otherwise be performed in the US by mainland Americans. At this point, it seems that Puerto Rico is draining our resources because they do not have to pay many taxes and yet they receive many of the same benefits as mainland citizens do. I also agree with Ale when she questions why we would annex Puerto Rico when their culture is drastically different, although I would not say this is a crucial point. The differences in culture and language could cause Puerto Rico to not truly fit in with the rest of the country, especially because there would be a language gap (as Louis expounded).
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, I feel that remaining a commonwealth would be the best political status for Puerto Rico. Being a commonwealth provides many benefits, including very low taxes, in addition to the many benefits that other, mainland, U.S. citizens recieve. In addition, Puerto Rico has access to the world's largest trade market, something that would be nearly impossible for them as an independent nation. Also, as a commonwealth, Puerto Rico is represented in the government and chooses their representatives.
From the perspective of a mainland U.S. citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico, I believe that Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth. I believe this because it provides easy interaction with Puerto Rico in regards to trade and travel because it is a part of the U.S. Also, being a commonwealth allows them to keep Spanish as a primary language. It would be very difficult for Puerto Rico to join the United States seeing that about 75 percent of Puerto Ricans speak little to no English.
As a Puerto Rican, I would want to remain a commonwealth because the system has worked well for a long time. Puerto Ricans also benefit from being American citizens while keeping a unique cultural identity.
As an American, I wouldn't have a problem with annexing Puerto Rico. I feel like it would be less complicated that giving Puerto Rico independence. Most of my classmates are saying that most puerto ricans don't speak english but i believe most do. we have been flirting with the idea for a while and have a lot of control over the nation so I don't see how it would hurt us.
leahb per.3
From the presepective of a Puerto Rican I belive they would wan't their independence. Every Country want's to feel like they can support themselves. As an American if they became part of the United States i'm sure there would be economic advantages, but if Puerto Rico was independent our ecomomy would boost as well. I don't feel like remaining a commonwealth helps anyone. Although Puerto Rico isn't surffering under this commonwealth they aren't gaining either. It's alot of responsibility to become and independent nation but ultimatley it should be up to Puertoricans because it's them this descion woud effect the most. Also the fact that Puerto Rico has a high hispanic population must be considered. The only way this could change is if the United States made English their all around language, but this would include adding an amendement and multiple rallies against this descion because of the vast amount of immigrants in the United States.
Audra Sarna
Calass 7
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, I feel that Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth. I feel this because this way, Puerto Rico has to most government flexibility. They can choose their own representatives and their form of government. I agree with Adam that Puerto Rico also has the flexibility to manage their trade and businesses with low effective tax rates.
From the perspective of a "mainland" US citizen, I feel that Puerto Rico having independence from the US would make the most sense. Giving Puerto Rico statehood would be pointless and there are many cons to doing this. 75 % of Puerto Ricans speak little to no English, and there are no other common grounds that we both share. I agree with Matt, that keeping Puerto Rico as a commonwealth is a financial drain on the United States, and that there is no need for us to take care of Puerto Rico. They should be able to do fine on their own.
Andrew M
Period 7
If I were a Puerto Rican, I would want to remain a commonwealth. As Louis and Brian stated, the commonwealth status is nearly ideal for Puerto Rico. They want a sense of identity and do not want to be considered just one of the other states of America, so they achieve this by remaining under the commonwealth status. As Anne stated, they are still able to have their own government, which furthers the ideal of having an identity and some sovereignty. This freedom would not be possible if Puerto Rico became a state. Additionally, they receive many benefits and advantages that they would not have if they truly were independent. Just as Brian mentioned, Puerto Ricans still enjoy the benefits of Social Security and Medicare, just as their fellow US citizens do. As Kristin said, the Puerto Ricans truly benefit from their ties with the rest of the United States because they have an enormous market available to them and do not have to pay the taxes that citizens of the fifty states do. Without these ties, Puerto Rico would not have availability to the American market and its economy would not be as strong since taxation would be necessary to run the independent nation. Therefore, Puerto Ricans benefit the most by keeping their commonwealth status and remaining as a territory of the United States.
From the perspective of a mainland American, I feel as though the United States should promote Puerto Rican independence. As Brian stated, it made sense for America to grab Puerto Rico from Spain due to America’s imperialistic “fever,” but the territory no longer helps America. There are two reasons why independence should be promoted. First, as Ale and Louis explained, the language and culture barriers between the United States and Puerto Rico make it nearly impossible for Puerto Rico to be incorporated as a state. 75% of Puerto Ricans do not speak English, and forcing them to speak English takes away their sense of identity. Additionally, since Puerto Ricans get the same benefits as American citizens without having to pay taxes, the United States’ economy is giving a lot of money to Puerto Rico without any coming back through taxes. All in all, it doesn’t make sense for America to continue to keep Puerto Rico as a territory.
Drew R.
Class 3
I believe that from the perspective of a native Puerto Rican keeping the political status as commonwealth would be most beneficial for the people. This form lets the people keep close political and economic associations with the US but at the same time they don't lose their own identity. They are also able to freely chose their own form of government without feeling like the US runs their country.
For a US citizen who has no ties to Puerto Rico, they would probably also want Puerto Rico to keep the commonwealth. This still allows the US to have a good relationship with Puerto Rico so trade and travel is still possible. The American citizen would also benefit from this the most because Puerto Rico doesn't get any major votes that would effect the United States like they would if they went into statehood.
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican I think that they are lucky to be under our control. The mainland US citizen has to work as hard or harder than Puerto Ricans because they pay higher taxes than the Puerto Ricans. They are fortunate to have the same benefits as the mainland citizens because it offers them help and truth knowing they have someplace to refer to if hurt or in need of medical treatment. I believe what Louis is saying is somewhat correct. That if Puerto Rico were to become a state that they would fail due to taxes. But at the same time i believe more mainland citizens and people from other countries would take up the offer and move in.
Through the perspective of a mainland citizen of the US, i believe that Puerto Rico should be relieved of United States control and to be let on there own. Like Louis and Brian said, Puerto Ricans born in Puerto Rico speak predominantly Spanish and mostly no English. Although making Puerto Rico the 51 state would also force them to learn English, and it could bring new opportunities since they are already under the US's control. Either way has its pros and cons.
I believe that Puerto Ricans would like to remain a commonwealth. Being a commonwealth allows Puerto Rico to keep their cultural identity, including language, while remaining a territory of the United States. Puerto Rico does not have to pay federal taxes and they are still considered United States citizens. Being granted statehood would put a drain on their economy because of federal taxes. And if Puerto Rico becomes an independent nation, their economy will suffer without the support of the United States.
I believe that United States citizens would support Puerto Rico becoming an independent nation. There is no economic advantage to keeping Puerto Rico as a commonwealth. And U.S. citizens would not want Puerto Rico to become a state because it is primarily a spanish speaking area. And U.S. citizens want the U.S. to remain an English speaking country.
Doug Brodbeck
Class 7
From the standpoint of a Puerto Rican, I would have to agree with Brian and say that remaining a commonwealth would be the most beneficial because the pros outweigh the cons. Like Brian said, as a commonwealth, Puerto Rico experiences the best of both worlds. Despite being responsible to the government of the United States, Puerto Rican’s still are able to experience a fairly high degree of economic autonomy. The only real negative aspects of being a commonwealth is the fact that Puerto Rican’s cannot vote and they have no representation in Congress. However, this lack of representation is validated by the fact that Puerto Ricans do not pay taxes to the US government. In fact, the economy is boosted by the fact that they are able to provide cheap labor (due to the lack of federal taxes), while at the same time being bolstered by their affiliation to the US. As the article states, “Every single study…has established that the elimination of Puerto Rico’s fiscal autonomy would entail massive capital flight and job loss.” Plus, Puerto Ricans are citizens of the US so we have access to government-provided benefits such as Social Security and Medicare. Lastly, remaining a commonwealth would allow Puerto Ricans to preserve our identity, which is essential to keep Puerto Ricans happy.
As an American citizen, I agree with Brian, Matt, Josh, and others in saying that Puerto Rico should have their independence. Despite the fact that we have control over the government of Puerto Rico, they are so separated from us that it becomes a hassle to keep up with their affairs. In addition, they are so ethnically and culturally different than the 50 states that they would be better off completely governing their own affairs rather than being controlled by a body that doesn’t experience their culture. Moreover, supporting the Puerto Ricans is a drain on the economy of the US. Puerto Rican citizens have access to the economic benefits of citizenship such as Social Security and Medicare that is provided by the American taxpayer even though the Puerto Ricans themselves do not pay federal taxes. It is an economic burden that American mainlanders should not have to provide for, and that Puerto Ricans should provide for themselves. Therefore, I believe that Puerto Rican independence would be in the best interest of American mainlanders.
I agree with Louis and Anne in that, from the perspective of a Puerto Rican, Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth. By being a commonwealth Puerto Ricans benefits in that they can continue their spanish cultural/ethnic traditions without the encroachment of American culture, per se. Also, by being a commonwealth Puerto Rico would beneift from the protection of the United States, as well as low trade taxes with the US.
From the perspective of a United States Citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico I also agree with Anne, Ricky, and other bloggers in that it should remain a commonwealth. And like Anne said, by remaining a commonwealth territory both trade and travel between the United States and Puerto Rico would be easier than if it was an independent country.
Colin S.
Period 3
I think that Puerto Rico should become independent. The reason I feel this way is because I don't think we have anything in common with them, and they don't feel like they are American. They share the same governmental systems that we do in the states, such as; House of Representatives and Senate. I don't think they share the same sense of Patriotism that we do. Overall, I think they would prefer to be their own independent country.
Now, we have so many people of Puerto Rican descent living stateside, Puerto Rico remains an extension of their culture and home. Also, Spanish is becoming our national language. Therefore, that is another thing we have in common
Lindsay M.
Class: 3
If I were a native Puerto Rican, I'd probably argue that remaining a commonwealth is a very fair compromise. While Puerto Rico can keep all of it's cultural identity without blending it with that of the United States, it is still given the stability and security of having ties to a large, powerful nation. The United States benefits from Puerto Rico's commonwealth state because it makes trade and travel between U.S. and Puerto Rico easier and more efficient. Though Puerto Ricans do not get representation in U.S. government or any decisions, they are also given the freedom to form and control their own government, as well as freedom from federal tax.
As a U.S. citizen I would still say that remaining a commonwealth is the best thing for Puerto Rico because making it a state is culturally complicated and controversial, but giving them their independence may not be the best thing for them. It seems that by keeping Puerto Rico as a commonwealth, neither Puerto Rico or the United States are negatively influenced. Both of the other options seem to have strong positives or negatives. The current status of Puerto Rico seems to make sense and be the safest, most risk-free way.
Janis Hubina
Period 3
From a Puerto Rican point of view I agree with Louis and Anna that Puerto Rica should remain common wealth. This is for many reasons some being: low taxes, ability to form their own government, not have american ways forced upon them (language), but at the same time of all of this, they can enjoy the benefits that come with being an American citizen. Not to mention a good point that Ricky raises, this is the way it has been for years and this has kept a good relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. On the flip side, from an Americans point of view with no ties to Puerto Rico common wealth is too a good idea. The reason why I feel this way is because this is not a threat or a situation where the good and bad cancel eachother out. The current situation does not harm the average citizen of the united states and may in-fact benefit them as far as travel and trade are concerned. Overall, as i stated previously, the current relationship with Puerto Rico is not a threat at this time to the US.
I agree with ali that on both parts (Americans and puerto Ricans) would want to remain mostly seperate. Why mess with something that is not a problem? The people of Puerto Rico have extremly different customs and f we were to come together it would create an unneccesary clash in polotics, economy and language. It would also effect the previouslt discussed problem of a national language in the US because Americas englsih to spanish speaking citizens would be altered. From an American view i beleive remaining seperate is best and i think the people of puerto rico would agree.
I feel that from a native Puerto Rican's perspective, living in a commonwealth is the best way to live. Having the freedom to choose a government and language different from the United States practically makes Porto Rico a separate country, yet they still have complete access to the U.S. I agree with Louis that Porto Rico can still strengthen it's national identity and keep its ties with the states.
From an American's perspective, I feel that we would be unhappy with an independent Puerto Rico. There are many Americans who love to travel to Puerto Rico and take in the culture, knowing its something their country is a part of. Traveling would also be much more difficult if Puerto Rico became an independent country.
From the perspective of a native Puerto Rican I feel like I would want to stay a commonwealth because they have dealt with that status for a while now, and there is no need for change at the moment. Also like many of my peers have already said, they have hardly any cultural influence from the United States, which they must be proud of, but also have a powerful nation watching over them. That is not something that you want to risk losing. Also they are free from Federal tax, which is a large advantage compared to being a state.
From a US Citizen with no ties to Puerto Rico perspective, I also feel like they should remain a commonwealth. I can't see a negative to this current situation, and if they were to become independent then trade/travel wouldn't be as easy. We aren't having any conflicts with them at the moment, so until that does occur, the current situation seems to be working out the best for both sides. I would say annexing them into the United States would be a bad idea, considering many people have already stated they know little English and would have a hard time adapting.
Mark A.
Class - 3
If I were a citizen of Puerto Rico, I would have a hard time choosing between statehood, commonwealth, and independence. I the one that I would have the least trouble being against is independence. The only thing that I would get from independence is the pride of being in an independent country. I would want Puerto Rico to stay as a commonwealth. There are many benefits that come with being a commonwealth. Puerto Ricans are left alone to their one affairs, but they still receive many benefits from America. One of the greatest assets that Puerto Rico has as a commonwealth is that they have a high degree of cultural independence. If Puerto Rico became a state, their culture would surely become Americanized; something that is not very welcome at all. While it maintains it's cultural roots, Puerto Rico also receives fiscal stability through the American market. Because of these advantages, I would chose commonwealth if i was Puerto Rican.
If I had to make a decision about the political status of Puerto Rico, I would decide to let them have their Independence. Although, the acquiring of colonies during the early 1900's was certainly, an important strategical choice; the United States have moved to a point in time where naval fueling points are no longer necessary. With two imperialistic wars taking place in the middle east, our country could do better without a territory that was earned through imperialistic measures. While I am fine with the commonwealth that currently exists, the united states could be better off without it. I don't think statehood is a great option for Puerto Rico. Like Louis stated, Puerto Rico would lose one of the greatest things that it maintains through commonwealth. They keep their dominant culture, something which Puerto Ricans take pride in. If they became the 51st state of our country, there would be difficulties with language barriers. English would, eventually become a dominant language spoken there, and a part of their culture would fade to ambiguity.
Patrick B.
Class 3
from the perspective of a native Puerto Rican i would have to agree with the majority of the responses here and say that remaining as a commonwealth would be most suitable. the reasons behind my thinking span over several beneficiaries in areas such as economic success and culture to name the most prominent, in my opinion. by remaining as a commonwealth in terms of economic benefits would mean that (in agreement to Louis Raab's statement) natives would hold the ability to live in the states as freely as any "mainland" u.s. citizen would but would also have the ability to live prosperously in their native land by the attractive appeal of low taxation. by means of cultural benefits from the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, such benefits include the lack of necessity to change languages or learn English as a secondary. coming from a commonwealth where the majority of its citizens cant speak a word of English, the thought of altering such ways around would be hard on the population and an insensible decision.
from a "mainland" u.s. citizen's point of view, i would completely go along with my ideals of a native Puerto Rican. the benefits of remaining as a common wealth, from my point of view, seem to totally over weigh the doubts with the benefits i listed from a native's view point. it seems to me that it would be beneficial to the current economic situation by allowing for more possible jobs and it would also be allowing some more diversity to impact the u.s. which I've never seen as a bad thing.
all in all, to have Puerto Rico remain as is, as a commonwealth, seems to be beneficial coming from both perspectives. besides, why change something that doesn't need to be?
From the prospective of a native Puerto Rican, I think as a P.R. i would like to stay as a commonweath. Being a commonwealth lets Pureto Rico old on to their unique culture, yet still be a member of the States. Staying a territory would let their national language still be spanish and their can pride to the territory could still be seperated from just another state. Also, being a P.R i would like it beacuse they can still memebr active memebers of the US yet they dont have to pay nearly as high of taxes as states.
I think that the majority of US citzens would support P.R. becoming an indenpent nation beacuse there is no real avantage as to having it part of the US, as far as I know. There arent many natural resources, like we couldnt already obtain through say, Florida. Also, you cant make an entire country change their language just by adding it as a state so their would be tention between current US citizens and P.Rs because Americans would not want Spanish to be there primary language. ALso, a lot of Americans do not even know that PR is currently a territry, so i dont know how open they would be to accepting them. Its sad to say but some Americans may judge or look down upon the PRs, as their already is a lot of stereotypes about the terrioty and their people.
Cristina N.
Period 7
(my original blog did not go through)
I agree with Louis it works out best for Puerto Rico to remain a common wealth. They are under the protection of the united states as well as not having to pay federal taxes that they would face as a state of the united states. Puerto Rico has the ability to explore its culture both economically and culturally as a commonwealth with an economic boost and advancement in the us. It gets to choose things that culturally in the us may not be available to it's citizens.
From the view of a Us main lander, Puerto Rico as a separate state or entity would be a good thing. The Puerto Ricans are allowed to live in New York, yet they don't have to pay the same taxes ordinary U.S. citizens do. A us citizen may see that only 25% percent of Puerto Ricans can speak a little bit of English and ask how they are still considered Americans. I disagree with Ricky since a commonwealth doesn't really benefit Americans at all. it hurts their pockets economically and the cultural barrier may be set too high for Americans and Puerto Ricans to become one, so a Us citizen may choose to keep them separate.
Paige
Class 7
Matt M
Period 7
I believe that a native of Puerto Rico would not be bothered by the fact that where they l ive is a common wealth or a "territory" of the United States. I believe that natives are totally fine with the status of their country. I also think that a citizen from the mainland of the Unites States would feel the same way. The status of Puerto Rico does not effect them in any way. If anything, they would like the fact that the US is trying to expand its land and its cultures throughout the world.
Puerto Ricans have always seemed to like their independence to a certain point. This is why i believe, from the perspective of a native Puerto Rican, it is in their best interest to remain a commonwealth. There doesn't seem to be many problems with the system right now and as the old saying goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. As Louis so rightly stated, the flexibility given to the Puerto Ricans lets them survive due to lack of US income tax individual and private taxes.
As for Americas point of view, it is in our worst interest to adopt Puerto Rico as a state. Honestly, the first of these problems lies with the uneven-ness of "51" states. 50 is a great number of states and to change that would seem awkward. The flag, as stated in class, must also be changed. An actual reason, however, would be that in the financial crisis this country is in right now, having to support another state might not be worth it. It's a gamble, and the fact that most of the natives are Spanish changes American as a whole.
Brian Buchetto
Period 7
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