Puerto Rico, Racism and Illegal Immigration

[Trishntek]

Puerto Rico statehood was on the agenda today in the House of Representin'. The citizens of PR have voted 3 times in the last 50 years for statehood and have consistently voted "no".

So now the congress has proposed a non-binding resolution to play into the hands of the New Progressive Party in PR who's platform includes making Puerto Rico the 51st state. This resolution includes what should be proposed on the ballot for the next vote. Keep in mind that historically the question on the ballot was simply: "Do you want Puerto Rico to become a state?"

The HR 2499 resolution proposes asking first, "Do you want to maintain the current status?" Well if you vote "no" to that question, the options are narrowed to either Statehood, Autonomy or Sovereignty. This would force people to a confusing decision with unknown consequences. But why would congress care at this point in time?

The New Progressive Party also state in their platform they intend to exercise the Tennessee Plan. You can read about it here:

http://puertoricoadvancement.org/Docume ... lution.pdf

Surely this is not a move to gain more senators and congresspersons sympathetic to the progressive agenda in our nation's congress is it? Surely it's not playing into the hands of those who would accuse nay votes as racism or anti-immigration would it?

With immigration reform in play and a very important election on the horizon, what would be better than the ability to pad the odds a bit in your favor with another state full of citizens grateful to a benevolent gubmint?

[DVD Burner]

Dont see why you couldn't just post this in the politics thread unless you want racism to be your obvious point.

[Trishntek]

Dont see why you couldn't just post this in the politics thread unless you want racism to be your obvious point.

Isn't it obvious? I did it just to piss you off!

BWAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAaaaaaaa

[lambert13]

With immigration reform in play and a very important election on the horizon, what would be better than the ability to pad the odds a bit in your favor with another state full of citizens grateful to a benevolent gubmint?

I don't see immigration reform having anything to do with the state-hood issue. There is a minor problem with Cubans, Dominicans and a few others entering PR illegally, but nothing on the scale of the Mexican border

Grateful to the government? Sort of. Granted, there is a very high rate of public assistance on the island, but they also value independence.

The party in power in PR is a sort of double edged sword for the people. It is a more effective government than past sutuations and much better at advocating for its citizens, but it also pushes the statehood agenda which most Puerto Ricans do not agree with. And why should they want statehood? Right now they get all benefits and then some of being a US citizen, but without paying federal taxes. Becoming astate would alter the sweet deal they have going right now.

The upside would be representation in the US government and the ability to weigh in on legislation that affects them.

I got a whole lot more to say, but I have my one week old daughter sleeping on my shoulder. Time to close the laptop and cuddle with her.

[Trishntek]

With immigration reform in play and a very important election on the horizon, what would be better than the ability to pad the odds a bit in your favor with another state full of citizens grateful to a benevolent gubmint?

I don't see immigration reform having anything to do with the state-hood issue. There is a minor problem with Cubans, Dominicans and a few others entering PR illegally, but nothing on the scale of the Mexican border

Grateful to the government? Sort of. Granted, there is a very high rate of public assistance on the island, but they also value independence.

The party in power in PR is a sort of double edged sword for the people. It is a more effective government than past sutuations and much better at advocating for its citizens, but it also pushes the statehood agenda which most Puerto Ricans do not agree with. And why should they want statehood? Right now they get all benefits and then some of being a US citizen, but without paying federal taxes. Becoming astate would alter the sweet deal they have going right now.

The upside would be representation in the US government and the ability to weigh in on legislation that affects them.

I got a whole lot more to say, but I have my one week old daughter sleeping on my shoulder. Time to close the laptop and cuddle with her.

That is exactly the point. The people have long stood for contentment with being a territory. But the choices they will be presented with are not the same. And because there are at least 4 options, this will dilute any one particular choice.

The immigration and racial aspects are insidiously tied in that the individual congresspersons voting record on this matter will be used to fuel debate on immigration reform. It's a stretch, I realize, but why else would it even be considered important enough to bring it to the floor of the house at this particular time?

[AntiM]

Dont see why you couldn't just post this in the politics thread unless you want racism to be your obvious point.

Moderator note: Open Discussion is the appropriate forum for political discussions. "Politics and Philosophy" apply directly to Burning Man related politics.

Thank you.

[Fire_Moose]

I'm in AZ and as of now we are considered fairly racist!

woot


Didja hear people are boycotting Arizona Iced tea? ahahhaa iditoths!!

[FIGJAM]

and its made in NY..........lol.......

[Ugly Dougly]

You can still go on vacation there without a visa etc. Not sure how it would change things if it became a state, except that English would become the official language, and that should make conservatives happy.

[ygmir]

You can still go on vacation there without a visa etc. Not sure how it would change things if it became a state, except that English would become the official language, and that should make conservatives happy.

how does English being the official language, matter? It doesn't here?

[mdmf007]

You can still go on vacation there without a visa etc. Not sure how it would change things if it became a state, except that English would become the official language, and that should make conservatives happy.

The united states does not have an official language. Territories, states or otherwise.

And why shouldnt Puerto Rico be a state? right now they got a sweet deal. All the benefits of being a US State, Citizenship, Social Security, etc...

They pay the taxes for this as well.

so why not become a state

[DVD Burner]

Dont see why you couldn't just post this in the politics thread unless you want racism to be your obvious point.

Moderator note: Open Discussion is the appropriate forum for political discussions. "Politics and Philosophy" apply directly to Burning Man related politics.

Thank you.

Oh no, I was talking about the "Politics morning noon and nite" Thread.

Not politics in general.

[AntiM]

Thanks for the clarification.

[Trishntek]

You can still go on vacation there without a visa etc. Not sure how it would change things if it became a state, except that English would become the official language, and that should make conservatives happy.

The united states does not have an official language. Territories, states or otherwise.

And why shouldnt Puerto Rico be a state? right now they got a sweet deal. All the benefits of being a US State, Citizenship, Social Security, etc...

They pay the taxes for this as well.

so why not become a state

The people have initiated 3 votes on the subject over the past 50 years. All three times the vote was a simple yes or no on the question: "Do you want Puerto Rico to become a state?" Simple and to the point. All three times it was overwhelmingly against statehood. The most recent vote was in the late 1990's.

The original post emphasized the use of the Tennessee Plan. This is a movement by a minority of politicoes in PR who, rather than going through the parliamentary/democratic path of simple up or down vote, have already chosen their own representatives to go to D.C. and insist on statehood without the up or down vote on the question. The four choices approved by our HR gives a confusing spin to the whole process. My point is, the people of Puerto Rico are being manipulated into voting to do something besides being a territory, but not necessarily the choice to remain unchanged.

Tennessee became our 16th state by seating representatives in the house and senate and insisting on statehood at the capitol. This is plainly the platform of the New Progressive Party and not the will of the people.

[DVD Burner]

Good thing the internet has gotten to the point in bandwidth beyond MB to GB, because there would be so many folk here....maybe not..... that would say this thread sucks up too much bandwidth.

Really should be in the "politics morning noon and night" thread. Either one.

It is by far so not vastly different to the "Israel" thread. ie; not in the same category.

That thread actually needed a separate thread unlike this one.

Not just an opinion.

fact: this one brought up "Racism".

Well maybe it needs to be a separate topic/thread after all.

After all it is in the title.

What say you?

How racist is the topic of this thread?

[Trishntek]

Racism is implicated by me. And I think it will develop when discussions of immigration come before congress. That is my opinionated question and that is why it is part the original post. None of us know the answer, but time will reveal whether this is a seed for racial turbulence or not.

All I'm saying about the race issue is how it could apply in the November elections. Something that could potentially create the environment for racial accusations whether warranted or not. It has been mentioned that it is indeed a stretch. I do not deny that. Simply finding anything the gubmint does these days as suspect, I continue to question why this vote was given time on the floor considering the major debates of the day.

It just gives a suspicious mind fuel to burn.

[Ranger Genius]

Could you paraphrase that? You know...coherently?

[Trishntek]

Could you paraphrase that? You know...coherently?

Absolutely not,,,, i know how much you appreciate absolutes

[DVD Burner]

Could you paraphrase that? You know...coherently?

Absolutely not,,,, i know how much you appreciate absolutes

Trishntek cant paraphrase this because Trishntek is incomprehensible.
Trishntek is in fact a racist.

Trishntek is in fact a "tea bagger".

Ask Trishntek if they are a tea party member.

Hope they give an honest answer.

After all, Trishntek injected/posted in this thread the word " racism" as a topic.

[DVD Burner]

Racism is implicated by me.

I can say "FUCK YOU" but hey, lets bring this to the ultimate.

I have no problems taking what you post to be the ultimate in offensive and shall defend what is right to the end.

Do you think you are able to defend your position to the end?

AGAINST ME?

You now have the ultimate challenge.

This is your last chance to make your point valid.

If you cant validly claim your point, so shall it be on eplaya forever.

If you aint a badd ass you better step down right now.

Welcome to eplaya!

[DVD Burner]

Please no one post in this thread but Trishntek.

lets read what Trishntek has to say.



let it sink to the bottom forever after Trishntek posts what they think.

if there is validity, let the chips fall where they may, but i shall be here to make sure there are valid/logical/realistic points and am ready to challenge any bullshit/lies/back stepping issues Trishntek cant back up.

I need not say anymore.

thanks Trishntek. this is the ultimate thread.

One Racist thread.

After all, you were the one that posted "Racism is implicated by me" What more needs not be said?

[DVD Burner]

Bump!

So easy for me to prove you are an idiot!

[DVD Burner]

Puerto Rican baby!

and there is more to this story!

[DVD Burner]

All I'm saying about the race issue is how it could apply in the November elections. Something that could potentially create the environment for racial accusations whether warranted or not. It has been mentioned that it is indeed a stretch. I do not deny that. Simply finding anything the gubmint does these days as suspect, I continue to question why this vote was given time on the floor considering the major debates of the day.

It just gives a suspicious mind fuel to burn.

fact of the matter is, Repubs in Arizona will not be elected. if anyone has a problem with seeing this, perhaps you may be an idiot.

Sorry but lets be accurate and real here.


Trishntek, my advise to you is for you to stick to Burningman related topics.
Stay out of politics as best you can. You have not the chops to keep up.

Just say yes to this and let this thread DIE!

Let it Die while you are ahead.

Actually, you aren't ahead but be it as it may......


let it go.

I am being as merciful as I can be.

Not kidding. ask anyone.

And I have no problem saying this to you in person.

in fact anyone that thinks they can challenge me or be on the side of Trishntek's position, bring it on.

Not kidding!

[Trishntek]

Uh ohhhh looks like somebody stayed up past his bed time.

say yes to what little one?

[Trishntek]

All I'm saying about the race issue is how it could apply in the November elections. Something that could potentially create the environment for racial accusations whether warranted or not. It has been mentioned that it is indeed a stretch. I do not deny that. Simply finding anything the gubmint does these days as suspect, I continue to question why this vote was given time on the floor considering the major debates of the day.

It just gives a suspicious mind fuel to burn.

fact of the matter is, Repubs in Arizona will not be elected. if anyone has a problem with seeing this, perhaps you may be an idiot.

Sorry but lets be accurate and real here.


Trishntek, my advise to you is for you to stick to Burningman related topics.
Stay out of politics as best you can. You have not the chops to keep up.

Just say yes to this and let this thread DIE!

Let it Die while you are ahead.

Actually, you aren't ahead but be it as it may......


let it go.

I am being as merciful as I can be.

Not kidding. ask anyone.

And I have no problem saying this to you in person.

in fact anyone that thinks they can challenge me or be on the side of Trishntek's position, bring it on.

Not kidding!

Sometimes while reading what DVD says, it reminds me of reading Catcher in the Rye,,,,, just sayin'