Not granting DC and Puerto Rico statehood would be anti-democratic

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

At first blush, the fight to recognize the District of Columbia as a state seems like a local, inside-the-beltway debate. But as I recently discussed in an interview with D.C.'s "shadow" Sen. Paul Strauss (D), the question of D.C. statehood impacts every American who cares about the viability of our democracy, which is deeply in peril these days.

It's a matter of simple math. Adding two seats to the U.S. Senate could dislodge the gridlock that has national policy reform by the throat. Couple that with statehood for one or more of the five major U.S. territories - Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands - and entrenched politicians might have to hustle for votes based on policy platforms again. Expanding congressional representation to all Americans would also help blot the racist stain associated with U.S. colonialism. In the struggle against anti-democratic forces that threaten American democracy, the time has come for a national debate over adding states to the union.

America is scarcely four months away from its near-demise on Jan. 6, when 147 Republican members of Congress voted to overturn legitimate election results and a violent mob of then-President Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol complex, killing five people in a professed bid to "Hang Mike Pence." House members are close to reaching agreement on the terms of a bipartisan commission to investigate the Capitol insurrection, but the former president continues to spew lies about a stolen election, Republicans in the House just fired Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) from her party leadership post for publicly adhering to the truth and the rule of law, and conservative lawmakers across the country continue to successfully push laws to limit ballot access and criminally disincentivize folks from working the polls. Things are not looking good for democracy in the United States.

Much of the blame lies at the feet of the Senate which, partly due to the filibuster, is disproportionately controlled by Republicans whose 50 votes represent 41.5 million fewer people than the 50 votes of their Democratic counterparts. As a result, serious substantive legislation can hardly make its way to President Joe Biden's desk, including much-needed campaign finance, government ethics and voting rights reform, versions of which have been languishing in the Senate.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/not-granting-dc-and-puerto-rico-statehood-would-be-anti-democratic/ar-BB1gS0mo

[Effete Snob]

1. Imposing Statehood on PR without a binding vote there IS colonialism

Link to tweet

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

2. Puerto Rico had a statehood referendum last year.

https://ballotpedia.org/Puerto_Rico_Statehood_Referendum_(2020)

[Effete Snob]

6. Yes, and they knew it would not have a binding outcome

And so many people did not bother to vote in it.

This is like deciding, after the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll, to go ahead and appoint as president the winner.

But, as long as we are on the subject, how many voted for independent status in that "referendum"? Or are you saying that not all choices, and not all voices, were represented in that vote, but it's good enough for us to decide what to do to them?

Anyway, hey, what do the only two Puerto Rican members of Congress know, eh?

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

8. So wasn't it quality outcome you were hoping for

[Effete Snob]

10. I would like it if they were given the opportunity to participate in an actual vote on the subject

...with the understanding of all voters - and non-voters - that the outcome would have consequences.

I understand that you disagree with both Democratic Puerto Rican members of Congress, and that you are hostile to AOC's position on this issue. I agree with both Democratic Puerto Rican members of Congress on this issue. Sorry.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

11. Bye Felicia

[JustAnotherGen]

3. I disagree with Miss Whele on Puerto Rico

https://abcnews.go.com/US/puerto-rico-votes-favor-statehood-island/story?id=74055630

residents narrowly favored statehood with 52% of the vote while about 47% of voters were against it, according to the election commission's website.

Not a big enough of a mandate. Same ABC News Article:

Aside from being a nonbinding referendum, Ramos said voter turnout in this referendum could still be an issue for Congress.

As of September 2020, there were around 2.3 million eligible voters on the island, according to the election commission's website. From those eligible voters, nearly 1.2 million people answered the statehood plebiscite.

"It's gonna be difficult for advocates of statehood to argue that this is a clear mandate to push for statehood, particularly when you have a Congress that is reluctant to take up the question," added Vargas Ramos.

Puerto Rico’s Election Debacle Explained
https://theamericanonews.com/2020/11/24/puerto-ricos-election-debacle-explained/

It's a good read to understand - hey? Did all of the votes get counted.


Let's remember - the person pushing this is endorsed Trump:
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/06/puerto-rico-governor-endorses-trump-426926


PREXIT: Forging Puerto Rico’s Path to Sovereignty - Javier Hernandez
https://www.amazon.com/PREXIT-Forging-Puerto-Ricos-Sovereignty/dp/1676722181


He moved a few doors up from me after the Hurricane when he lost his little farm. One of the things he stresses is that Puerto Ricans who are pro-statehood are afraid to lose money from the USA. Money that depending on the President - they will/will not get in event of a natural disaster. We saw this with Trump. Most Americans don't realize that PR PAID INTO that fund. They were asking for their hard earned money back. The Jones Act does not allow them to engage in trade that will benefit them. They are at the mercy of US Citizens.

I say - throw off the shackles of colonialism and forge your own path. Establish an economy similar to Singapore. They've gotten nothing from America. We've never done right by them - and I don't believe our country is capable - even if they are a state.

I would prefer a laser focus on Washington DC.

If we can't do DC - then we should strip Montana and Vermont of their Senators. The biggest thing I read and hear is "wah wah they only have 750 residents".

If we are doing this by population - then lets just strip those two states of their Senators and even things up.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

4. Not a big enough of a mandate.

Sounds like the same tired super majority argument raised by the Republicans on other issues.

I say - throw off the shackles of colonialism and forge your own path.


Except independence has less support than statehood.

If we can't do DC - then we should strip Montana and Vermont of their Senators. The biggest thing I read and hear is "wah wah they only have 750 residents".

Stay in the real world please.

[JustAnotherGen]

5. Ahem

You failed to cut the other piece when you copied/pasted. You did see the sarcasm - correct?


Have you read Prexit or paid attention to any of the Puerto Ricans who want independence?

Talk to Javier. I can give you his number.

Reality - here in the real world? Our Congressman (Malinowski) and Senators (both) are listening to the Democratic Committee Members in this town who helped get them elected - and one is Javier.

Here in the 'real world' -we aren't DU keyboard warriors.

I'll bet the Independence crew wins. Having an economy similar to Singapore is far better than getting whatever left overs they can get from Mississippi.

Here - down here in the real world.

But hey - you took your jab. Good for you. Now go read Prexit.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

7. Ignored

I don't have time to read all your links. Most people don't either.

If you can't reach your point in a few sentences you're not going to convince anyone of anything.

[JustAnotherGen]

9. Good!

I'll block your daily op's going forward.

I've enjoyed them.

[marie999]

12. What about the 23rd Amendment.

If DC became a state not encompassing federal property who would get to pick the 2 senators and 1 member of the House that DC now has? The president and first lady vote in their home state. And before Puerto Rico and other territories are made states their people should have to vote in binding resolutions.