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RZM

(8,556 posts)

23. Here's where we differ

Reply to cthulu2016 (Reply #16)

Thu Jan 26, 2012, 11:18 PM

Jan 2012

I surmise that you think saying 'let them decide' is exercising presidential leadership. All things being equal, that probably would be the safest thing for the president to say. But in such a scenario, people will be looking to the president for guidance on what to think about it (or in some cases, what not to think about it).

My opinion is that on such a matter, the president should take a position as to whether or not Puerto Rico should become the 51st state, even if it's not his call. Leadership is about more than just the policy areas that one has direct power over. It's also about taking positions on other issues. Abortion is a good example here. There's not a lot the president can really do on his own on that issue, but I'd prefer to know where they stand on it.

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Debate touches on the question of Puerto Rican statehood [View all] Stinky The Clown Jan 2012 OP

Did they laugh at her outright? baldguy Jan 2012 #1

Newt's been a supporter of Puerto Rican statehood for a while now n/t RZM Jan 2012 #2

Did not know that. Surprised they didn't let him respond on that one. think Jan 2012 #4

They passed over that one rather quickly didn't they... think Jan 2012 #3

I am all for Puerto Rico becoming a state w8liftinglady Jan 2012 #5

But would the island approve it? RZM Jan 2012 #6

All the Puerto Ricans I know live in the US and are married to citizens w8liftinglady Jan 2012 #10

I've heard the island would vote on it though RZM Jan 2012 #12

But what if the status quo is no longer an option? Pab Sungenis Jan 2012 #15

I don't see the status quo changing anytime soon RZM Jan 2012 #18

I've advocated for an up-or-down plebiscite for all our territories for a while. Pab Sungenis Jan 2012 #20

It's going up for a vote in Puerto Rico tammywammy Jan 2012 #19

Very few DonCoquixote Jan 2012 #24

They vote on it Nov. 6th. I think they'll be a state by 2017. joshcryer Jan 2012 #22

I think Puerto Ricans are citizens cthulu2016 Jan 2012 #14

Yes, Puerto Ricans are US citizens n/t tammywammy Jan 2012 #21

That was a terrible question cthulu2016 Jan 2012 #7

Why? It's an issue that matters to some people RZM Jan 2012 #9

But it's not an issue cthulu2016 Jan 2012 #11

I would prefer the president take a position one way or another RZM Jan 2012 #13

But the territory has to ask cthulu2016 Jan 2012 #16

Here's where we differ RZM Jan 2012 #23

Well how is the debate going? Any screaming and clapping for Newty Fruity? southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #8

It'll be a state soon enough. How about the Philippines? joshcryer Jan 2012 #17

If corporations can make enough money selling flags with 51 stars on it.... Jello Biafra Jan 2012 #25