Why isn't Puerto Rico a state?

Puerto Rico has been a United States territory for more than 120 years. Why hasn't the U.S. made it a state?
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[@arieo.5873]

The government divided the puertorricans so in that way they can build a Puerto Rico without puertorricans. That's the reality of the island today,sad but true.

[@nunocolon]

😢

[@anthonygordon9483]

doesnt matter. The Puerto Ricans are only moving to mainland U.S. now. So they got to deal with minority voters one way or another. Puerto Ricans are born U.S. citizens so unlike mexicans and other latinos. Puerto Ricos dont need a Visa or Passport to come in the U.S.. They can move to the U.S. like a typical american moves to another state.

[@carlitosortiz2870]

You don't know what you're talking about skippy not even close.....lol

[@carlitosortiz2870]

You don't know what you're talking about.....no even close just like the girl in the video.

[@anthonygordon9483]

We also got to look at the bigger picture here. Lets look at that trend. In Hawaii most native Hawaiians are moving to mainland because of the billionairs and millionairs buying up homes that not even that native can afford to live there anymore. This is the same thing happening to Cuba. The U.S. is denying Cuba state hood yet there are Millionairs and billionairs moving to Cuba buying second homes and driving the cost of living up. They are literally trying to genderficate both islands into mostly white folks. Sorry to break it to you.

[@Scray1]

I have learned more about Puerto Rico from your videos than I ever learned from school or college. Thank you Bianca.

[@jesusrivera577]

sad but true

[@ourladyofsorrowschurchnyc9890]

Yes so true

[@AngelRamos-kn9bx]

Los gobiernos de PR, PPD , y de USA no quieren que se sepa la verdad de como USA invadió a PR ,robo y mato a miles de gente .

[@AngelRamos-kn9bx]

El PPD , PNP y USA no quieren que la gente sepan la verdad de que pasó en PR desde 1898.por eso no enseñan mucho o nada en la escuela.

[@davidvasquezcalero1053]

You have only learned Liberal and Communist BUllshit... She paints a picture only of those that are always talking Division... Everyone on this planet lives under a Oppressive system.. Take those living in the 50 states they are over taxed, Their Dollars have been devalued, and the media is always feeding them BULLSHIT.. Must like this Wannabe..

[@BiancaGraulau]

Here's the link to support my channel with KZbin memberships. Thank you! kzbin.info/door/FY_1ZN5Sn4fMFNmQgj6X9Qjoin

[@107chewy]

👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽

[@gravis00]

What memberships?

[@DI.ANGEL4YA]

Te quiero mucho gracias por ser tu

[@jerseyboy7422]

I'll think about only after communist Biden Joe is out of office, 🇵🇷🇺🇸 LET'S GO BRANDON 🇵🇷 🇺🇸 FJB 🇵🇷🇺🇸💯🍻

[@Strangernightg]

America is quick to say we want you to fight for freedom , democracy and Liberty but when it comes to asking the US that Puerto Rico would like to become a State it's a kick in the rear-end. I think I probably know why those who don't want Puerto Rico as a state is probably because fear of losing their property the land they own . But those who want Puerto Rico to become apart of the US , I understand now after listening to you why that 52%of Puerto Rico wants to be apart of the US equality , which I agree 1000% with you . I'm poor but rich in the blood that runs through my body because my father is 100% Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 Thank you for teaching and telling us about what's going on in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 🙏 Peace love and much respect to all of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 , USA 🇺🇸 and the world 🌎 ❤

[@wilcoisfrancois2479]

Hi Bianca, I am really loving this series on the discussion about independence (or lack thereof) of Puerto Rico. Even though I'm not Puerto Rican, I can relate, as a very similar scenario is being played out in my twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (albeit to a lesser extent). I especially like, and agree with, the contributions of Senator María De Lourdes Santiago and historian, Emilio Pantojas García. It's unconscionable/amoral to deliberately retard the development of a country for another's benefit or because of racial, social, cultural or other prejudices or for some colonial agenda. Keep up the great work with the videos, which keep getting better by the way 👍🏽

[@Jay92master]

Yes facts it’s happening to Puerto bro I’ll become a country the only way is they need a presidents official living office polital house in Puerto Rico where they live for few years like example 6 or 7 then another PR president and Vice President takes over the office. Plus having a passport that will represent the country

[@carlitosortiz2870]

Dude we've had 4 fair referendums on statehood and statehood has never gotten 50% of the vote.

[@ccr4375]

Your videos are quite an extension of my one Puerto Rican Studies class I took in College.. Your reporting is succinct, clear and valuable to someone like me. My mom was born there and I got to visit my family many summers there. Hoping to get back there soon with my children. Your videos are a fantastic historical reference that I will share with my family, so they can learn more about their Mom’s culture. Kudos to you Bianca!

[@BiancaGraulau]

Thank you so much!

[@boricuadetorontocanada]

😂 no te hagas ​@@BiancaGraulau

[@xavier3241]

I give you props!!! You’re a valued reporter and we need more people like you to get the truth out there.

[@seffnichols3790]

My concern is if Puerto Rico becomes a state, what will happen with property taxes. My fear is the natives who have land from generations will be forced to lose their land because they will not be able to afford the taxes that will be imposed by being a state. No one seems to be discussing this. Why?

[@mitty2575]

Yup… people tend to forget that nothing is free! 💡

[@radrook7584]

They trust that the noble Anglo-Americans will never allow that to occur to their supposedly beloved, Puerto Rico. So they don't worry about it.

[@ChristhianGT]

It’s already happening though…

[@radrook7584]

Most of the land has already been appropriated by USA Companies and foreign companies and very few Puerto Ricans own any land in Puerto Rico at all. Many of the Puerto Ricans who arrived during the early immigrations were former landowners who had sold their lands to such companies.

[@JoeVirella]

Honestly there are so many abandoned buildings that a bit of property purchases would be welcomed.

[@MrNckissfan]

If Puerto Rico were to become a state it’s outcome would be no different than Hawaii’s with only one exception. That the Houles would be referred to as “Gringos.”

[@jesusrivera577]

Well not that true, The Island would adquire 2 senators and 6 representatives thas a lot of political pull more than more than 21 states. But if you understand American politics Republicans think, well most of them, latinos are Democrats except Cubans wich the majority vote Republican. But really most Puerto Rican will be consider conservative, even Reagan once said Puerto Ricans are Republicans by heart but they don't know it. Like Bianca was saying on the video until The Insular Cases aren't overthrow, there will be no equal rights under the USA flag in Puerto Rico. Only Congress have the authority to decide for the millions of US citizens in the Island without representation on Congress vote. They don't teach you in school that the constitution doesn't follow the flag, to fully benefit from the constitucion you need to be in one of the fifty States of the Union. Even me, a Jibarito from Comerio, does know that.

[@MrNckissfan]

@@jesusrivera577: Everything you’ve just described is no different than the outcome we’ve seen in Hawaii. I myself am a Puerto Rican born in Ohio. But even I have enough sense to never get involved in Puerto Rico’s politics as it is not our place as spoiled mainlanders to have political influence over the islanders. Especially when all 3 options carry consequences. For example: if you leave things as they are, you’ll remain a territory but at least you’ll have dual residency. If you choose statehood then you can count on being treated like second class citizens since the Gringos have the money to gentrify the hell out of the island. However, if you choose sovereignty not only will you preserve your culture…but you’ll also be able to govern your lives as you see fit. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico may not have enough natural resources to sustain itself given their lack of minerals and oil deposits. Not to mention the fact that there isn’t much real estate to work with. Especially once you start subtracting for land preservation, agriculture, solar panels, infrastructure, military, etc. The truth is, the Caribbean islands were never meant to be countries. Which explains why all of them are so poor. Instead their original purpose was to serve as military outposts for the European colonists whose objective was to expand their nations on the other side of the Atlantic. Which btw was going according to plan until future generations of colonists had decided to use the healthy buffer zone between themselves and the kings and queens who funded them to their advantage. They literally bit the hand that fed them.

[@MrNckissfan]

@Dustin Stich: The Democratic Party targets Latinos much in the same way they do the Black Community. However, in order to push their agenda they need to keep them in a submissive state so that they’ll become dependent on the government. Notice how the Black Community overwhelmingly votes blue by no less than 90%. That’s no accident when you take into account that it is now a gynecocracy who happens to be very pro big government. The reason why the Democrats have been toying with the idea of giving Puerto Rico statehood is because doing so would give them more power to govern. Cubans and Valenzuelans are the only Latinos who can read right by through them.

[@hibiscushoney3759]

😆I laugh because I had said the same thing before. Refreshing to read your comments. Intelligence is so impressive.

[@hibiscushoney3759]

@@MrNckissfan Very concise and factual. Well said. Yes sir you got it. Agree 100 percent.

[@vintageart13]

If Puerto Rico becomes a state, all you will see is Puerto Ricans living in projects. the rest of Puerto Rico will have people from other countries living in all the best places.Puerto Ricans will be second class citizens in their own island.

[@SALSAKID49]

Good point but we can remedy that with a strict exception Federal Ownership laws with no loopholes of any said lands and/or properties by which only Puerto Ricans by blood line and inheritance can only obtain and/or purchase. And that any foreigners or by marriage cannot buy via any representative and/or agents or local residents will be able to assist in the purchase outright of any plot of land and/or properties. Something to that affect and It can set for one hundred years.

[@vintageart13]

@@SALSAKID49 That is a good point and good ideas.what will hurt Puerto Ricans, will be the cost of property taxes. the property taxes will be too high for the average Puerto Ricans to pay. that’s how they always end up getting the land. The cost of the land goes higher and higher until the people that lived there can’t pay. The cost of property tax will put Poor Puerto Ricans in projects.

[@TMBnVegas]

@@SALSAKID49 That's xenophobic and racist can't exclude people.based on ethnicity from buying houses ? What if new York said no Mexicans or Puerto Ricans can buy property come on now

[@SALSAKID49]

Born and raised in New York City, and traveled parts of world while serving in the US Navy. I've never been raised as a bigot and/or as a xenophobic Puerto Rican. Point being that residents of the Island SHOULD be earning first rights of their properties and lands as rights of ownership. I still own my parents house in Puerto Rico right now there are buzzards with crypto currency seeking to buy out the local community due to the current state @@TMBnVegas

[@SALSAKID49]

Look up the NY Times article dated January 31st 2022 "The rush for a slice of Paradise in Puerto Rico"

[@elsiesalas4673]

The same thing that has happen in Hawaii will happen in PR if it becomes a state. We need to be detached from the USA.

[@SunnyIlha]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4bWcnSbpKudprc Let us pray that the Cultural Heritage of Puerto Rico live forever. May it never be diluted nor diminished. By not greed, ambitions by individuals seeking glory or profit, corporate evil, racist intention, nor malice. May the Identity of Puerto Rico thrive upon this World until the Sun burns out. Viva La Vida! Viva El Puerto Rico !!

[@aci25v]

@@SunnyIlha Prayers don't do that, actions do.

[@hanibaldj1920]

@@aci25v How about the same thing that happened to Cuba or dictatorship could happen to Puerto Rico if it ceases from U..S.A which is worst statehood or dictatorship and communism?

[@maverickpolititian]

La cultura del puertorriqueño se ha enriquecido con su relación con US, del mismo modo que enriquece la de España, que es una república separada. Lo mismo ha ocurrido con los kurdos, los palestinos, los tibetanos, etc. que fueron invadidos como nosotros. Claro, la diferencia de esos regímenes con el nuestro, es bastante notable. Solo algunos puertorriqueños "oportunamente", incultos que viven en los 50 estados y sus acólitos isleños, creen que perderemos nuestra cultura, como si estuvieran hablando de unas llaves que se pueden extraviar. La evidencia es más que clara. La podemos ver en los 50 estados. Donde quiera que hay puertorriqueños, todo el mundo lo sabe y nadie los confunde con canadienses, ni con peruanos. En fin, que todo se trata de argumentar en contra de la estadidad y no de la cultura.

[@elia.almodovar9558]

@@maverickpolititian Pregúntale a los Hawai'ianos nativos cómo les ha trabajado eso.

[@multifamilyinvesting9810]

I will not see statehood for PR in my lifetime and I’m 50

[@787aida-rivers.a]

And thank god for that :)

[@radrook7584]

I have often imagined myself in a time machine skipping along at a pace of 100 year intervals, and always finding one thing that doesn't change, the Puerto Rican political status in relation to the USA.

[@radrook7584]

That is approx a twenty five or thirty year period of it still not attaining statehood. To be honest, I don't think that it ever will because of the electoral vote factor that will ensue if statehood is granted.

[@allanbacon2977]

Puerto Rico would be a huge experience to become a state. There are thirteen nuclear/chemical dumps that would need to be cleaned up, the population of Puerto Rico has to many adults over the age of sixty so more medical care and money needed for the aging population also the islands crumbling infrastructure. 🇵🇷

[@dieselhound84]

Recently moved to Puerto Rico your better off seceding. Puerto Rico should be an independent sovereign Caribbean Nation.

[@radrook7584]

Territories don't have the right to secede. Territories are property whose ultimate destiny is in the hands of the owner. That's why Trump smugly considered selling Puerto Rico.

[@donstephens4232]

Where are the resources to be an independent nation. Its not easy. Best wishes. DonJr.

[@anonymoususer8895]

Who’s gonna clean up San Juan when a hurricane hits? Yeah, nobody.

[@CasperChicago]

What you said is why Puerto Rico is not a state and why the US is not in a hurry to help them in any way. If you want independence then stand on your own and do not expect someone to come to your defense when you get in a bind. Either you ARE part of the US or you are NOT 👈🏾

[@TheRomanTribune]

For a long time I wanted PR to be a state But after learning everything that I learned now? Independence is the ONLY solution!!

[@SunnyIlha]

Beware and woe to Island Country Puerto Rico, the reality of becoming a State. It will come to pass quickly that such decision and subsequent reality be immeasurably worse than Sovereign Independence as a Caribbean Nation. Brothers and Sisters, YOU are your OWN fate and destiny. YOU are the Children of the Soil. Fear not to toil AND reap the rewards of the Richness of the Land and Sea that surrounds your Island World without borders. To reap the rewards of the skills and brain power possessed by The People Of Puerto Rico. There is a GOLDEN FUTURE awaiting You.

[@CptFugu]

The promise of Statehood is based on the threat of starvation. While most Puertorricans have a strong sense of their cultural identity, the leadership of Puerto Rico's major political parties have pushed the island into a situation of mutual exploitation with the United States. The Island is used and exploited, and they in turn, remain in power by exploiting the US Welfare state. Would Puertorricans vote for statehood if we had a decent economy? Would we be willing to surrender our cultural identity if we were not faced with the prospect of starvation? Would anyone? The irony is that by pushing local businesses and industries out of business with predatory taxation, intrusive intervention, and a decidedly hostile and convoluted bureaucratic process, the pro-US lobby has made the island unattractive to the US Political leadership. Once we lost our strategic importance as a military camp they lost any interest in the territory and assumed an "absentee management" posture that has led to the current financial and corruption crisis. Freedom for the Puertorricans can't come as a handout. We need a decent economic project and a transformation that would insert us into the global economy and make us solvent. Only then can any sort of vote about status be free of coercion.

[@johnnytorres398]

I could not put it any better......." Mas claro no canta un Gallo". The plebiscite votes that were taken in Puerto Rico for status preference only took place among a small percentage of Puerto Ricans!

[@robertolopez391]

Ramos, this is the end fir everybody, we have to start studying the situation of the the entire world NWO vaccines and viruses for ever.Coviid,Omicron and there is a new one since 3 days..

[@LordMysticalBeast]

Más lindo se daña.

[@heru-deshet359]

A Singaporean economy comes to mind.

[@biancareyes3871]

How do you purpose a better economic system? Especially when many Puerto Ricans choose to fight for U.S benefits. I’m Puerto Rican who lives in New York and God knowing that the majority of Puerto Ricans want statehood is a huge contradiction. One minute you complain the gringos are taking our land and buying all our property. The next we want statehood so we can have free benefits from the US government. Let me enlighten you with what you guys are gonna get with measly statehood. Working for the gringos in your country while you’re making minimum wage. Being put in projects while you’re beautiful houses would be own by the very ‘colonizers’ you so much dislike. While everything skyrockets in price, the more you’re going to want. Instead of standing up and fighting for a better educational system, and health care. Most importantly understanding the U.S laws since Puerto Rico is its territory, knowing owners rights, knowing land rights, knowing voters right in Puerto Rico. Coming together as a country to fight against the corrupted political party that you also dislike so much. Educating yourselves on what’s happening in the U.S market and what can you contribute. Instead of sitting around and blaming everything on everyone else. Living in victimhood leads you to being bought out.

[@zuleykavalentin6014]

The United States does not have better health services, they are very expensive, but not necessarily better. If PR becomes a state, we would be in extreme poverty and unemployment. More than we are now.

[@radrook7584]

If you gain independence, then you would be in extreme poverty and unemployment. More than you are now. So your only option is clear.

[@Daddy-Saxon]

The US has amazing Healthcare in the quality of the care. But it's also one of the most expensive for someone to afford. Both statements can be true at once

[@CasperChicago]

Right now Puerto Rico does not hae JACK! You speak of "we". The" we" you talk about are impoverished natives who have no hope and not future other that their pride,...PRIDE 👈🏾

[@suntzu05]

Statehood is like giving your house away for free and then paying rent to live there.

[@ramonrosa2525]

our house is not ours and we are paying the rent at an alarming rate as we speak, go look around.

[@harrisonclifford3711]

that sounds way more like a territory to me

[@rauljosegarcia]

Jamaica is independent. Why can't Puerto Rico be independent? I know everyone wants to be affiliated with "the rich one" but what's wrong with living modestly and independently in paradise?

[@radrook7584]

Whenever you mention independent New World countries such as Jamaica, Haiti, or Cuba, to Pro statehood Puerto Ricans, they claim that such countries are literally starving to death and that their citizens secretly ENVY Puerto Rico's STATUS and desperately desire to become American citizens just as Puerto Ricans are.

[@rauljosegarcia]

@@radrook7584 I can't speak to what those citizens secretly feel, but it's no secret that the Caribbean islands share something in common, and that's the economic difficulty of being an island and in that particular location. An independent Puerto Rico will have similar isues, yes, but would be free to go on without this pointless internal struggle.

[@mikerosario8198]

I live on the island and I believe that the government has to first fix our economy better our living statues before talking about the status quo.

[@radrook7584]

Living statues?

[@puertocool]

The present situation in USA is not good, nor are the controls of the military-industrial-banking complex that promote dissention and war as acceptable US policy. For Puerto Rico to accept any closer relationship with USA, particularly through statehood, would be a sad disasterous decision. As the civil war demonstrated, there is no option to reverse a statehood acceptance. On the other hand the corruption, patronage, and irresponsibility of Puerto Rico's internal governments at all levels would also make a decision for independence disasterous. These reasons are why the majority of people on the island do not wish for any major adjustment in status at this time. I favour a scrapping of the US style of government and replacing it with a European style parliamentary system. There is no easy answer, and only Puerto Rico residents should make status decisions, not Washington and not people of Puerto Rican heritage living in USA.

[@opr59]

A good analysis and a good recommendation for an alternative form of government. Living in Germany I see how well the parliamentary system works where all parties receiving 5% or more of the vote is represented in parliament as opposed to the majority, winner-take-all form of the US system which now accounts for the deep division and mess in Washington. Perhaps it is time to look at amending the US Constitution since the system appears to be broken ...a much bigger problem than the status of PR.

[@jove507]

Nearly four hundred thousand votes were obtained by the sovereignty ( Lugaro ) and independence ( Dalmau ) party and the year 2020.

[@robertolopez391]

Ramos, this is the end for everybody, we have to start studying the situation of the the entire world NWO vaccines and viruses for ever.Covid,Omicron and there is a new one since 3 days..

[@robertolopez391]

The new variant has up to 46 different selections. In the midst of the Omicron explosion, scientists are already studying IHU, the new strain of Covid-19

[@riogalicia9448]

Yep, I agree...this is pure neo-liberalism plus new era colonialism through the financial institutions. This is why I support China. As a Puerto Rican, I have visited China 4 times and I have realized that the Chinese communist party will NOT allow the US/UK dictate their country. Say what what you will about the communist party of China, I personally don't love them but they do many many many things right in pushing back Imperialism while modernizing their own society IN THEIR OWN TERMS. Something as Puerto Rican, I wish we do the same.

[@shikononinja3376]

Why isn't Puerto Rico breaking free from colonization? That's the real question.

[@radrook7584]

They fear that they will starve to death. At least that's what my father kept telling me every time I asked him.

[@j.echevarria8630]

Spain was about to grant Puerto Rico autonomy right before the US attacked. Not many know this. I don’t statehood will ever happen without a civil war in PR. Right now there is a big objection to the gentrification going on in the island. That will only increase as it becomes a state.

[@CasperChicago]

I say let Puerto Rico eat cake 👈🏾

[@angelmercado0223]

I love these videos i was born in puerto rico but raised in orlando florida where we dont really learn the history and you put it in a easy way to understand the timeline and all perspectives thank you

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[@michaelhalsall5684]

The US has Puerto Rico and the UK has Northern Ireland!

[@backyardcigars8670]

Lets be real here Puerto Rico will not be granted statehood The game is to make the people believe they will

[@BoricuaNyc]

Many Puerto Ricans 🇵🇷 were assassinated because they wanted independence 🤦🏼‍♀️. Boricuas 🇵🇷 need to learn the truth and cut loose from the USA. USA=UNITED SATAN'S AUTHORITY 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@owencollazo3355]

Statehood will be granted. Just wait and see!!!!!!

[@backyardcigars8670]

@@owencollazo3355 that is what people and many politicians have been saying since the 1960s

[@DannyCruz-ll2cw]

​@owencollazo3355 you really have to have self hate if you want Puerto Rico to be a state

[@homeshall9299]

@@DannyCruz-ll2cw no it not self hate…. What you talking about ?

[@betsaidarosario7172]

The manner in which PR was teated after Hurricane Maria, was a wake up call to all Puerto Ricans, nearly 5,000 people died due to US neglect. The richest country in the world did not lift a finger to help. Furthermore, we have never been treated like US citizens, but rather like slaves. We are a classic colony governed by a racist government who said that we would never be state because we were an Alien Race and could not understand the Anglo-Saxon laws. Our Island is a precious treasure, we should never give up our land to our oppressors.

[@justinroig5858]

I appreciate how your videos help many Diasporaricans learn and better understand the deeper socio-political aspects of our Madre Patria. I very much appreciate your last three videos as they are probably the most accurate and fair representations of Puerto Rico’s political history in the past century and to its present. As an Independentistas myself, our views are often not taken as seriously as the other two status options. Showing the history of the PPD and working class Puerto Rican’s relationship with it and why it still gets support today was also appreciated. For me it helped me understand why my grandfather had always spoken so highly of Luis Muñoz Marín, which had baffled me. And thank you for not falling into the “all Puerto Ricans support statehood or desire to be American” trap and showing the nuisances and complexity of Puerto Rican politics. The respect as a journalist you’ve shown to the people you interview and the work put into these videos is very clear. The work you do as a Puerto Rican journalist reporting on Puerto Rico is critical. Often times our stories are told by American or Latin American journalists not from Puerto Rico. Thank you so much for doing this work and inspiring young Boricuas to learn more and care for our home both on the Island and in the Diaspora. Keep up your inspirational work. Pa’lante🇵🇷❤️!

[@radrook7584]

Most Puerto Ricans born and raised in the USA nowadays are the product of mixing culturally and genetically with African Americans. So they very usually identify with African Americans and only give a passing interest to things that pertain to island political status issues.

[@amyt2400]

@justinroig5858 🇵🇷 Dearest Mr. Roig, I love the term “Diasporarican” and never heard it before, will look into it and until I know more I’ll attribute it to you 💙. I truly enjoyed your post! Be well and think of me the next time you have a cup of Puerto Rican coffee ☕️. I’ll do the same for you. Salud! ¡Y Bendiciones! Amy

[@justinroig5858]

@@amyt2400 Igual Igual ❤️🇵🇷❤️

[@LoneWolfj11]

Puertorico deserves self-determination, the people must decide, but it's no secret that we deserve the same rights and equity Americans get in the states. We have been abused, oppressed, and taken advantage of for far too long.

[@semperverum]

With things as bad as they are in the United States we may be better off succeeding.

[@chungusmaximus526]

No you won't. Believe me, you and us were cut from the same cloth and look how we turned out after immediate independence.

[@semperverum]

@@chungusmaximus526 I hear what you're saying but they're being bled dry. Between the Jones Act and other shady deals they'll never get above board.

[@jameshernandez45e01]

Puerto Rico is a country but not an independent country. Puerto Rico is the only country that is part of the United States.

[@tavelewisirizarry5727]

Identity is more important than statehood

[@osvaldoraya1122]

That will lead you to poor outcomes. Identity will always be there; it’s important to get of the that opportunity given. This opportunity of statehood will provide the Puerto Rican people am opportunity to unveil their culture and receive.

[@pedrofelicianovega4625]

I just discovered your channel and it has a lot of fascinating topics that I can share with my students. Thank you!

[@dcarof]

Me too. She's great.

[@JuanMaldonado-ik8lg]

Im an old man, and I have watched news and documentaries all over the world, and you, my friend, are one of the best. You are concise, clear, and direct, and you have excellent eye contact and manerism. Wow. You are up there with the best, and at such a young age; it is a blessing and a natural talent. Use it with respect. Congratulations, Taina. I wish you the best in life. I will donate later to your endeavors.

[@Jay92master]

It shouldn’t be statehood it should be independence

[@hgonzalez1334]

La estadidad es solo un sueño, un engaño para aquellos que quieren la vida fácil y depender de completamente de otra nación. Hay que descolonizar muchas mentes… #VivaPuertoRicoLibre

[@107chewy]

Can you do a report on the Jones act? The Jones Act, an obscure 1920 regulation that requires that goods shipped from one American port to another be transported on a ship that is American-built, American-owned, and crewed by US citizens or permanent residents. The overall effects of protectionism and exploitation of the island need to end.

[@deathfire096]

Aren't Puerto Rican U.S. Citizens? that means that the Puerto Rican ports won't be outsourced to 3rd world countries and cheap labor. How is this exploitation?

[@BadLuckDez]

@@deathfire096 this means PR can't choose who they want to use for shipping. The use of US ships is enforced because it's very profitable for the US while making it too expensive for PR. An islands bread and butter usually is imports and exports. The US took that away to keep PR dependent.

[@deathfire096]

@@BadLuckDez why would PR choose who they want for shipping using the American routes, American merchandise, American economy, and American ports when the 50 states don't either???? It's like telling Amazon that I want your products and service but I want you to use the materials from this other country to lower your prices and profits that I want not you the business owner picking. P.R. can buy directly from other countries that can come directly but it won't come from the American market which is #1 and endless choices for the consumers, so choose, you can't have both. So stop with the B.S., You have a choice to buy from the American market or a Latino Market or Asian. By the way, all islands in the world are more expensive than any mainland and it has nothing to do with the U.S. domestic routes. Do what Cuba does, they use other countries other than the U.S. for their products and see how is it working for them, It's crap for our standards. but good luck.

[@BadLuckDez]

@@deathfire096 PR isn't a state. It has an international identity so holding it to the same standards as a US state without any representation like a US state, is dumb. The Jones act cost PR millions a year with no benefits whatsoever. Something the US wants to keep going because it's money for them, and it's a place to stash Navy ships. It's very telling that people such as yourself call this BS, are almost always white. There's countless articles and studies that prove the Jones act hurts PR but I guess that's all BS, huh gringo?

[@deathfire096]

@@BadLuckDez You can't use the American economy, American routes , American credit and tell them you don't want to follow their rules. You can always refuse buying from the American economy, don't use their credit and use another country and pay cash. I'm not white, I'm Puerto Rican that understands economy and world order. If you are going to buy from my economy, use my merchandise, use my credit to buy my things and use my routes then you don't tell me the rules. You can get it from somebody else. Puerto Rico doesn't have an embargo or blockade. You can buy and trade with any country you want but you are not using American credit, you buy it cash. If you don't like the American economy and rules then go independent get your own credit and you buy from whoever you like. Pidan la independencia.

[@hypnomarket8649]

It is not completely clear whether the lack of oil deposits off Puerto Rico is good or bad

[@jlm3744]

Statehood will never happen and it never should!!!! Independence!!!!🇵🇷✊🏼🇵🇷✊🏼🇵🇷✊🏼

[@fredelboricua_5676]

Así se habla Que Viva Puerto Rico Libre!🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@irenelopez9534]

Agreed! Puerto Rico has all the tools and with a lil more investment it can be pretty awsome; not saying it’s easy but it’s achievable

[@elsiesalas4673]

@@irenelopez9534 I agree 💯👍

[@outkast3439]

@@irenelopez9534 the delusion is insane we will not last a week if another maria happens hell if something worse comes we are fucked it took six months for 40 percent of Puerto Rico to have power and we needed the united States. We not only do not have the money nor the power to invest in shit when our asses are in billions in debt. I don't want to statehood but I don't want independence by any means this island will suffer more than it already does.

[@luiyo2155]

@@outkast3439 exactly.

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

Learning so much here. It’s good stuff, and not being a native, it’s eye opening. Keep up the great work. I’m sure it’s hard navigating these topics in the social media landscape and the comments you sometimes prob get.

[@ClementePR21]

Statehood would mean the end of Puerto Rico as we know it.

[@miggz2894]

Puerto Rico better off being independent, theirs another smaller Island doing great for themselves. What is stopping us. The problem rely that most Puerto Ricans have the colonizer mentality. Afraid of putting on work.

[@thefpvlife7785]

I find it ironic that Hawaii was immediately made a state because of its location in the Pacific. I believe now the main reason is what’s best for the military.

[@thefpvlife7785]

@gardenstatePR Good point.

[@BoriPR82]

If Puerto Rico becomes a state, people will lose their home, because property tax on a tropical island will be too much

[@heru-deshet359]

I love the way she says "Puerto RRRico".

[@radrook7584]

That was one thing that began to grate on Trump's nerves, the way that the PR Governor kept pronouncing Puerto Rico.

[@Erick-xc7wx]

she should have respect to the language she’s speaking and pronounce it in English since she’s speaking English

[@michaelhalsall5684]

@@Erick-xc7wx As an English speaker I was taught to say "pwertoh reeco". It not hard to say. English speakers don't mispronounce Colorado or Florida which are Spanish language names.

[@chiefxcell]

Love your journalistic work for educating me about Puerto Rico. May your work be amplified and compensated. Freedom for Puerto Rica and beyond.

[@tribalheart1361]

What has statehood done for the people of Hawaii? We will end up the same way. The flag has the colonized colors and country name. Our Taino ancestors would die again on the island. If we do that. Remember 1 people 1 nation. We are Borikens.

[@radrook7584]

The residents of Loiza Aldea identify with their West African ancestors instead of with the Tainos.

[@hacienda2490]

"What has statehood done for the people of Hawaii?" Umm, greatly increased hdi, quality of life, economic and social opportunities, gdp per capita, wages and the overall safety of the place.

[@Erick-xc7wx]

I rather be a Hawaii wich is a paradise than a Mexico a Dominican Republic or even a Cuba or a venezuela, also Hawaiian culture have been known in the whole world thank to US it will be the same with Puerto Rico our culture would be known by whole world if it became a state

[@becerraluisc]

​@@Erick-xc7wx dude mexico has it way better than PR😅

[@edwarddavila5898]

Looking at these corrupt politicians in Puerto Rico makes me sick it’s like looking at a bunch of politicians in Arkansas the people of Puerto Rico have no idea what Oregon needs to be a free independent nation.

[@miguelmorales9667]

You can't have both "Make Us a State" and "Yankee Go Home" at the same time.

[@edwarddavila5898]

I want to say thank you for producing your video you are doing a great job of bringing awareness about the situation in Puerto Rico. Continue doing your great work

[@axellis8333]

As a puerto rican living in the US I've been horribly undereducated on this subject for far too long. Unfortunately the more I learn about it, the more lost I feel on the topic. Over time I've generally been in the camp that statehood is a right and necessity for puerto rico but there are so many well intentioned and strong arguments against it. Series' like this have been incredibly helpful for me in framing how I think about this topic, and I think are important in general. Looking forward to watching your other videos going over pros cons and history of puerto rican statehood!

[@amyt2400]

@axellis8333 💙 G-d bless your beautiful soul. Wikipedia is an extremely balanced source for the long and complex history of Puerto Rico and its people. I personally can’t learn from sources that take sides. Take a moment, have a cup of tea and read about the late Librarian Pura Belpré on Wikipedia. Not everyone was meant to protest and march, 🇵🇷there are many ways to support and stay connected to the island. Ms. Pura Belpré did so for NYC’s diaspora community in a fun, highly creative and impactful way. I spend my days creating authentic opportunities for people on the island and in the diaspora to connect to one another, GaD. It’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done! Find your own Puerto Rican passion, connect THAT interest to a group or cause on the island (or create one yourself) and “cash in” on your rightful inheritance, it brings immense JOY! After all, it is your birthright! 🇵🇷💙🤸🏽‍♂️🕎

[@suzannebenz8928]

PR does not want STATEHOOD!

[@hekturo8761]

I was born at raise in Puerto Rico, then live 21 years in the U.S.. I learned more outside the island about the relationship between USA and Puerto Rico than in the puertorican classrooms. While growing up here I was pro statehood today and forever I’ll say the worst thing that could happen to Puerto Rico it’s to become a state. We are better off independent. We have gone thru enough since we were colonized. Puerto Rico todavía tiene un pueblo durmiendo en falsas promesas

[@ginoandsusie]

Muy de acuerdo. Saludos

[@hekturo8761]

@@boricuadepuracepa7628 Saludos gracias por comentar. No conoces mi historia ni mi envolvimiento he impactos que hice mientras estuve en los Estados Unidos para con el pueblo puertorriqueño para que trates a un desconocido como hipócrita. Para tu información me mude hace dos meses a la isla. Estoy de acuerdo contigo muchos Boricuas se van de la isla a vivir y más nada. Pero yo me involucré, me instruí y me desarrollé en tornos, históricos, políticos y sociológicos y económicos en relación con Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. De que haya pasado el tiempo que pase pues cosas pasan y hasta ahora no eres nadie para yo explicarte. Pero si quieres hacer algo productivo que beneficie a Puerto Rico instrúyete y conéctate conmigo para trabajar juntos para un mejor futuro en nuestra isla.

[@hekturo8761]

La verdadera Hipocresía proviene de los Estados Unidos de hacerse pasar que verdaderamente le importa el bienestar de Puerto Rico y sus habitantes. Instrúyete primero antes de atacar al que no conoces

[@hekturo8761]

@@boricuadepuracepa7628 jajajaja futuro? Enserio ? 🙄 El futuro está delante de mi no atrás. Pásala bien hermano borincano ✌🏼

[@ginoandsusie]

@@boricuadepuracepa7628 No me preguntes a mi, pregúntales a los originales que quedan en Hawaii y Alaska , que son muy pocos.

[@robertmorcate846]

Good morning Bianca, another excellent documentary and information. Thank you for the Supreme Court case regarding the position of Puerto Rico. I am from Santurce, PR, but I am limited in our history. I’m so proud of you for what you do. Keep up the work and educate the Puerto Ricans about their history. We need you!😊

[@McMovesdotcom]

What do you think of the Jones Act?

[@nunnie768]

It kinda hurts imports, thoughout the U.S but help domestic shippers.

[@bmaldonado41]

Antiquated a way for the US government to keep its foot on the neck of the puerto Rican people.

[@elia.almodovar9558]

@@bmaldonado41 Read a book once in a while, dude. The Jones Act applies to ALL Overseas Territories: Alaska, Hawai'i, Guam, American Samoa American Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. And it doesn't look like it's going anywhere in any of those places.

[@bmaldonado41]

@@elia.almodovar9558 AND how exactly does that minimize the impact it has on the island of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷. No colony should pay that much tax on anything. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. Give us liberty or give us death.

[@peoplesrepublicofliberland5606]

It makes Puerto Rico have to go through the USA. That is unsustainable

[@martysmaps7411]

It's insane how in the clips you show, we see Puerto Ricans waving American flags displaying their love for democracy and America's espoused values. It shows how those Puerto Ricans don't despise or hate the US, but love it and that's why they want to be recognized. It's astounding how for 120 years they've been barred from statehood but still yearn for it and wave the American flag.

[@tylere.8436]

Yet here in the states they wave Puerto Rican flags like as if they are an independent nation.

[@Joyride37]

I feel like even with the economic benefit of statehood it would skyrocket the neo-colonization of PR. People who have no heritage or cultural connection to the island would come and start calling themselves Puerto Rican. The language and culture may change, as it did with Hawaii and New Mexico, that’s painful to consider

[@edwinmorales9250]

As long as you have the Jones Act Puerto Rico would never be a state ! The United States makes between 77 to 72 billion dollars on shipping imports and exports into and out of the island compare to the few billion they give to Puerto Rico. And that including social security and Medicare which the Puerto Rican paid out their own pockets. The United States would lose tens of billions dollars. The only way Puerto Rico become a state if the Democratic Party needs votes to win . I think Puerto Rico should stay the way it is because look at Hawaii after it became a state there is large amount of homeless people because of the high taxes especially property taxes. Which would effect the retired population of Puerto Rico because they would be priced out.

[@radrook7584]

Spain's culture has not always been the present one. In fact, Spanish has not always been spoken on what is today called Spain. The same applies to what is today called England. In short, cultures are dynamic and change due to immigration, emigration, foreign contact, war, invasions, and natural cultural diffusion. It seems almost inevitable in some cases. Of course, it didn't have to be that way. But it was. And if the original inhabitants were Tainos. they are relegated to the past just as the Iberian Celtic tribes who were therein Iberia when the Romans arrived in have been.

[@lennybrewster4673]

Because paying taxes like the rest of us sucks. Simple as that. That's reason enough to NEVER do it.

[@Tainowarrior-js3cj]

Yup 👍🏻 imagine paying the taxes we pay in the states I’ll ruin 3/4 of Puerto Rico imagine paying taxes for your fincas and you haven’t been able to find a job because there’s none the government will keep your finca and kick your a$& out.

[@camilopadin7497]

Me alegra que hayas regresado con tus vídeos. Éste en particular llama mucho a mi atención por las implicaciones políticas. La razón por la cual Puerto Rico no ha logrado la estadidad que un grupo desea es sencillamente porque la mayoría de los ciudadanos no la quieren. Otra razón de peso en contra del movimiento pro estadidad es la corrupción existente en el partido político que enarbolaba la bandera en favor de esta.

[@DgVet]

Who ever feels that the US doesn't owe Puerto Rico the same rights as a person living in the US must not be a Veteran, How many Puerto Ricans have served in the U.S. military since 1917? WW I - 18,000 WW II - 65,000 Korean - 61,000 Vietnam - 48,000 Gulf - 10,000 Enduring & Iraqi Freedom - 25,000 National Guard in 2014 - 8,400+ Veterans in PR - 100,000+

[@radrook7584]

The Gauls fought and died by the thousands under Hannibal against Rome and were never thought to deserve Carthaginian citizenship.

[@DgVet]

@@radrook7584 Typical Racist view from someone who has never has sacrificed anything for this country! "God Bless"

[@radrook7584]

@@DgVet I am not approving of such a policy towards Puerto Ricans. I am merely pointing out that serving in an army doesn't always guarantee citizenship. yourself In any case, giving ones life in a field of battle is not the only thing that can be sacrificed. My entire life has been a sacrifice . I sacrificed a proper education since I knew no English and was thrust into school not knowing what the teachers were saying, sacrificed not growing up in a non racist environment, sacrificed being persecuted because of being Puerto Rican, sacrificed being paid a starvation wage because of the selfish Capitalist USA policy. There were many other things that I had to sacrifice simply because the USA decided to invade my island and hold it under colonial status.

[@DgVet]

@@radrook7584 well at least we agree on something, I’m 50 years of age my mother was born on the island and my family is from Bayamon, I have never agreed with the policy’s or treatment that the US has shown over the years to our Island but the people have to speak out and continue to discuss reform. I served with the Army 246th Mortuary Affairs Company Aguadilla, Puerto Rico In Iraq, 1990-1991. It will always be my opinion that if Puerto Rico can send there children to fight in a War then then Puerto Rico should always have a seat at the table.

[@radrook7584]

@@DgVet I am 75 years old ad was born in Coamo Puerto Rico. The problem is that they are willing to die while being deprived of proper representation. They have been very happy to do so for approx. 100 years. So it really doesn't seem to bother them to the extent that it bothered the USA founding fathers who decided to fight England over it participating

[@dn8305]

Hell to the no for statehood! Independence!!! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@elsiesalas4673]

💯💯💯💯👍👍👍👍

[@jessiesoto]

Why is that Puerto Rico is not a state, it is a simple question, I all comes down to the people, because the majority of the citizens do not want it...

[@TheGonzedd]

"Don't push it."

[@courcour7438]

Awesome video! I would have really loved to hear an economic analysis of the implications of statehood on PR, the difference in infrastructure, school, hospital spending between PR & other US states, & how it affected the development of places like New Mexico, Hawaii, etc. but this was very informative!

[@courcour7438]

@clot shots Of course it can! My comment was about the economic implications of doing so. There are no fully developed Caribbean countries & if PR became a State it would become the most developed land in the region. It’s a hugely consequential variable worth considering & analyzing.

[@courcour7438]

@clot shots It would become as developed as every US state. Which is full development. Inversely, there sadly isn’t one example of a fully developed Caribbean nation. I understand the massive cultural pros for independence but as much as I wish it weren’t the case, economically, PR would most likely be no different to it’s neighbors. All my comment is saying is that I would really love a video covering that in greater detail than I know. Because it’s important!

[@bpassion4fashion581]

Nah! In general, people think it is ONLY up to the Puertotican ppl to decide …They don’t know that the US does NOT want Puerto Rico as a state !!!

[@radrook7584]

True. In the the island Puerto Rican mind, such a rejection of Puerto Rico by the noble entity called the United States is inconceivable.

[@garethpaine3222]

PR becomes a State, the old ways will be lost. Peoples greediness to make money will be your downfall. Research the history of Hawai'i. And see what Hawai'i has become today. LEARN FROM THE PAST.

[@angelvelez2360]

Repeal The Jones Act for a better Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.

[@theavail2138]

Thank you for this video. I do disagree with state hood for PR. Puerto Rico should be an independent country, taking charge of it’s own resources trade and education to say the least. Puerto Rico desperately needs to move in the direction of entrepreneurship, building it’s infrastructure and developing its youth to a business oriented mentality. Puerto Rico cannot depend on the US if looks to have a productive future.

[@jaimealvarez8896]

AMÉN!!!!!!!!

[@angelnunez7376]

I think the same but our government is way corrupt for us to be independent and move us in the right direction.

[@radrook7584]

The problem is that Island Puerto Rcans don't perceive that as being an urgent need.

[@JuanOrtiz-ee5ln]

I love to know what's exactly those resources puerto rico have to become an Independent country? Because I don't see them.

[@radrook7584]

The nation's psychological dependence on being aided by a bigger brother mentality is too deeply ingrained to permit the development of that mindset that you describe. In fact, if given independence I predict a vast exodus from the island to the USA mainland even greater than those induced by the last hurricane. They will still produce good boxers though.

[@MeatBallBoy23]

Instead of asking what can the US do for Puerto Rico, we have to ask what Puerto Rico can do for the US. It seems unfair and feels wrong to think that way and you're right. The island will unfortunately continue to be viewed as a place with little value until proven otherwise. If the island can become a powerhouse of value, the country would grant us statehood in no time. Our star belongs on that flag with the other 50, but that won't happen if we can't show that we're worth saving.

[@cuffedpans]

Independence!!! We the puerto rican people of the island of boriken have been under colonialism since 1492, 600 years we’ve been under colonialism. Its time for independence.

[@Erick-xc7wx]

or you can just move to Cuba and live your dream

[@luissegarra8384]

@@Erick-xc7wxQue ignorante lo mismo de Cuba Por Dios Ya dejen el mismo metodo de manipulacion Otros paises son republicas independientes y estan muy bien buena economía y muchas otras cosas mas que mejor ejemplo que Republica dominicana ya esta mucho mejor que nosotros 🤷🏾

[@carlitosortiz2870]

Because the residents of puerto rico haven't voted for statehood, for statehood you need at least 85% of the residents voting for statehood, statehood has never gotten over 50% vote.

[@waterlight27]

Seeing those asking for Statehood makes me very sad...Not in a way to offense but mostly bc it's a request that will never be granted. That's why for me independence seems like the only way out of poverty. Puertorricans are largely underestimated mostly bc they(colonizers) made us believe that without the US we are nothing when in reality puertorricans are amazing ppl that get through hard times in everyway. Thats why we should believe in ourselves more ❤🤍💙 Independencia ya!

[@SunnyIlha]

Indeed ALL the WORLD knows P U E R T O R I C O When asked around the Globe, 'Do you know *Puerto* *Rico* ? ...The WORLD says YES! ALL the WORLD knows where Puerto Rico is! It's music, it's dance, it's very famous great People ! It's Caribbean Island World existence ! The *PUERTO* *RICANS* Is PUERTO RICO synonymous with the U.S. ? NO, it is NOT !! Puerto Rico is, as all know, is NOT of english language! Puerto Rico has the ROMANCE Language. It is a Land, A People, a C U L T U R E A place of magnificent blending and fusion. Puerto Rico is unique unto Itself! It is a World Heritage Culture and Place! It is distinct and unique! When asked, where does Salsa come from?, ... the WORLD answers PUERTO RICO. It's prominence in the Caribbean Realm, The Great BORINQUEN ancestors! No. Puerto Rico is not American. Puerto Rico is none other than P U E R T O R I C O

[@renegade619]

Agree 100%. Long term domination by the US has made many of the people subvervient and negatively reinforced a sense of insecurity in their own abilities.

[@hectornegron9155]

@@SunnyIlha That was so beautiful and poetic. Agree on everything except on the SALSA origin. SALSA is a commercial name, like an umbrella, meant to group together a series of tropical rhythms mainly from the island of Cuba. Yes, the vast majority of the artists are of Puerto Rican descent but the music is mainly from Cuba.

[@hectornegron9155]

@@boricuadepuracepa7628 A- No need to be disrespectful to express disagreement. B- He's 100% correct and unknowingly you just agreed with him. You just named some of the most important reasons why independence is the only way out bc the way we're going it's either that or die waiting for statehood.

[@hectornegron9155]

@@boricuadepuracepa7628 A- I'm not interested in changing your mind. B- I live in Puerto Rico so no need to move anywhere. C- There're so many republics in the world, STARTING WITH THE USA. Yes the USA is a REPUBLIC. Why use the poorest one to explain your point of view? Why not aspire to a better future? It's your self esteem so low your mind can only produce self defeating thoughts? How depressing. D- Your name Is very misleading. It's totally contradictory to your way of thinking. True boricuas don't think like you. I suggest you change it bc you're embarrassing us all. Nice day and good luck.

[@TheBoricuaGamer]

Just look at how he treats the Native Americans. Statehood? ha..ha..ha I don't want it.

[@williamrapien6071]

I have been in Puerto Rico since I was stationed at Ramey AFB in the Air Force. I met a beautiful girl from Moca and married her. I have been here for over fifty years and consider myself Boricua even though I have no Puertorican blood. People always seem to assume that I am pro-statehood because I am a gringo. I am pro getting the status resolved one way or the other so we can concentrate on the real problems Puerto Rico is facing. As long as the status issue is the main issue of the Puertorican people, there can be no real progress for the island. One thing I have always noted is that most Puertoricans identify as Puertoriqueno first and sometimes as American. There is always a distinction made between Americans and Puertoricans even though I have the exact same limitation of rights as everyone else while I reside on the island. I identify with both. I doubt that Puerto Rico will truly identify as being American unless all political entities recognize that we are American first and Puertorican second. This does not diminish our identity as Puertorican but does accept our identity as free members of the nation call the United States of America. So, choose. Be American or be Puertorican. Statehood or Independance... just choose! Mas de lo mismo no vale na.

[@bpassion4fashion581]

Puertorriqueña hasta la muerte !!!

[@opr59]

@@bpassion4fashion581 Texans seem to consider themselves Texans first. Ever think of that? In any case, Puerto Rico has its own strong and proud identity ... and language...from that of the mainland, thank God!

[@ckself]

@@opr59 I don't think all Texans identify that way but many do. When we moved to Houston 8 years ago, we couldn't help but notice how many large Texas flags there were. I remember reading a study that showed that patriotism in Texas is lower than one might think because of the Texas first mentality. The Texit movement is big enough to be noticeable. But it's still a minority, though a sizeable minority.

[@radrook7584]

What exactly is Puerto Rican blood? Blood from black people of Luiza Aldea. Or is it blood from the while families who govern the island? Or might it be perhaps the blood of those who are a mix of the two?

[@radrook7584]

That is the delusional condition under which most island Puerto Ricans exist. They think that most Anglo Americans want or will happily accept Puerto Rican statehood.

[@yeche1202]

Puerto Rico should be it’s own country, like the Philippines. It just give power to the people to become a government that will look after its own and be able to trade with other countries.

[@dylanshaffer2184]

The residents must have a binding referendum to decide once and for all if they want to become a state. I personally believe that PR should become the next state of the union, but the residents must vote for it. Do the residents want to remain US citizens or not.

[@cristobalortizortiz]

whenever the congress get serious and tell us we will make a decision based on your vote it will happen for now i don't believe they are not serious about making a decisions scare of the re precautions this could have in politics for booth party also the seats Puerto Rico representatives will get sadly its on the USA Congress hands no USA president have authority over this :(

[@dylanshaffer2184]

@@cristobalortizortiz well in a binding referendum, congress is responsible for responding to the majority vote of the referendum. So if statehood again is the majority of the vote, then congress will vote for whether or not PR becomes the next state. It only needs a simple majority votes in both houses of congress. If the representatives can work together on it in a bipartisan way, statehood can happen. Both previous Republican and Democratic presidents have supported statehood. So statehood can happen.

[@cristobalortizortiz]

@@dylanshaffer2184 agree but sadly the only thing they ever agree is to approve their own salary increse unanonimosly i will be more than happy if they ever prove me wrong but everytime they touch the status in congress i watch it andnits empty and taken as a joke :( cheers brother

[@dylanshaffer2184]

@@cristobalortizortiz cheers, curious do you want statehood?

[@cristobalortizortiz]

@@dylanshaffer2184 of course at this point in history will be unthinkable of something else.

[@StrawberryMochii222]

As a Puerto Rican I feel we should not become a state. I still want us to have some autonomy from the U.S.

[@GardenStateNJ27]

Do you prefer the commonwealth or compact if free association

[@NUYORICAN-wy3bz]

I would never tell the abused to marry their abuser.

[@papotorres9064]

El pez gordo siempre se come El pequeno. The big fish always eats the smaller one . Sad but true .

[@yasminer3288]

As a Puertorican I WANT INDEPENDENCE NOW!!!!!

[@oldcrook510]

Puerto Rico should be freed and let go. We don't need another welfare state with our empire in decline & you don't need more Americans moving there. It's best to part ways and just have friendly relations and trade.

[@hectormanuel8360]

Thank you for making impartial journalism with quality. ¡Viva Puerto Rico!

[@Comdesron17]

I want statehood!!! Puerto Ricans also spilled their blood for this nation, United States .... we've earned it!!!

[@joseoquendo1882]

Great video, I moved from the island in 92. Why can you get more perspective on it though like the corruption and the criminality of the political class in the island over the years. I think it’s a bit elites to think that it’s just a political problem only and not give it more perspective by explaining the results of political limbo the effects of political limbo and also the heroes. Love your work.

[@puertocool]

Bad internal government is precisely why independence is not an option at this time. Nor is statehood a viable option.

[@fgb6737]

@@puertocool Os recuerdo que hay 47.000.000 de Españoles integrados en la Unión Europea (UE) y con un Euro más fuerte que el dólar que son iguales a los Puertorriqueños ..., y que os esperan!! . Con vuestra misma cultura, idioma, gastronomía, religión y costumbres, no hay diferencia. En el Ateneo de Puerto Rico dijeron la verdad. EEUU quiere la jaula pero sin pájaros.... Os están volviendo esquizofrénicos porque EEUU Nunca aceptará a 3.000.000 de Hispanos. Por desgracia, NUNCA os darán la estadidad. 🇵🇷🇵🇷. 🇪🇦🇪🇦 Busca Vídeos pepinianos en KZbin, Baudilio desde Orlando te indica el camino correcto sin estadidad.

[@Jay92master]

That’s why we want to be our own country

[@TheGonzedd]

Yo pregunte lo mismo en las Naciones Unidas (Manhattan) y me dijeron que es por que No nos da la gana. Porque para ser estado tiene que aceptarlo Todo el pais en un referendum. Si no es 100% nunca van a conceder la estadidad. Ademas, le saldria demasiado cara a los EU. Por ejemplo, cambiar todas las banderas para que tengan 51 estrellitas costaria millones de dolares. Por ultimo, tendriamos demasiado poder en el Congreso, ya que, al tener mas poblacion que otros estados, tendriamos derechos a mayor cantidad de representantes. Etc,...

[@salero2118]

You are treated differently because you ARE NOT a State.

[@JessicaLeese]

What are your opinions on having Puerto Ricans born and raised in the States having a say on the status of PR? Are you for it or against it? Personally, I think they should have a say, however, there is the danger of US Puerto Ricans voting for the wrong reasons or voting based on misinformation.

[@radrook7584]

Many of those PRs who were born and raised in the USA don't know how to read or write Spanish. Many can't speak it. If they do speak it, the garble it. Know virtually nothing about Puerto Rican history. Another large percentage of those with certain Puerto Rican lineage have never been there and prefer to identify with African Americans whom they resemble physically and culturally. These consider island Puerto Ricans foreigners and unworthy of being a state. So in view of how culturally alien these people have become, I would say that they not be provided with any say at all about the status of the island. If indeed they are given that privilege, they will only express their Afro-American-derived ideas about what should be done.

[@tantalusmedias3394]

Please don't make PR a state, many of our new millionaire and billionaire residents rely on its territory status as a reason to come move here to avoid taxes in the mainland. If we can just remain a territory and offer Act 60 for 10-15 more years PR will become the next Switzerland, Silicon Valley, or Singapore! You can already see how much money and jobs are flowing into the island. My cousin and I both got jobs from a new amazon FBA company in Dorado and we already make $6,000 a month each starting.

[@kendrickmorales7744]

Are you giving me a job ? or just still avoiding taxes and keep making my people poor ?

[@BlueDisney1]

Just because rich people choose to avoid taxes here doesn’t mean that independence will result in a Singapore/Switzerland scenario. This place is so corrupt that will never happen

[@UserUnknownError]

¿Cómo consigo ese tipo de trabajo?

[@nunnie768]

@@BlueDisney1 I don't think they're saying INDEPENDENCE will make them singapore/ switzerland. I think they're saying the tax havens will. I don't know if it's true but it's the position.

[@humberlick]

ELA allow us Puerto Rican to be self productive and progressive to stamp out corruption if it become a state in 100 years the puerto rican culture will disappear only to leave behind relics of the past. Corruption is the core of our problem not political identity. ELA give us the shield to keep the uncle monkey of our back. believe in Ela system choose good leadership.

[@albizureyes9550]

I don’t ever want to see Puerto Rico a state I want independence

[@catherine9468]

That's honestly impossible, the economy of Puerto Rico is bust and it's not able to support itself on its own, plus many puerto ricans actually want statehood

[@catherine9468]

But statehood is impossible rn too, it's bankrupt and the majority of the population speaks Spanish not english

[@Professional_444]

@@catherine9468 you forgot tourism...but in a untouched way. Too much -Development like Tokyo, or protected self sufficient Kyoto.

[@willrodz8453]

Yes !

[@eroman10]

The USA is a constitutional representative republic, not a democracy. If you want to be a state, at least learn what you're asking for.

[@theboricuaenlal1a]

It would be interesting to see a video on the dynamics of the three movements in Puerto Rico in their interactions with each other. How much has the demonizaton of each status formula be the parties affected the lives of Puerto Ricans through infighting in the past and how many are over it in the present. This definitely would open up for a series on why parties such as Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana and Proyecto Dignidad were created and what their overall goals are in the scope of Puerto Rican politics. You are doing a great service by producing content the layman can easily understand. I invite congressmen and senators to watch your content so they can get a better understanding of the political dynamics in Puerto Rico.

[@amyt2400]

@theboricuaenlal1a ✅ Co-signing!

[@anar.trujillo5744]

I still ask why did congress say yes to Hawaii and no to Puerto Rico

[@daisycruz1765]

I do not agree statehood I want Puerto Rico to stand as an independent country because even if you are recognized as a state they will not accept you as true American due to your color so why depend on them ? Be brave enough to become independent and govern your own country

[@hacienda2490]

"They will not accept you as a true American" Christ, that statement is practically leaking bullshit.

[@JoeVirella]

Love the reporting on both sides of the issue 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@solidus_snake_]

Hi Bianca. I appreciate you creating content that brings attention to PR to a wide variety of folks. We may not agree on how we got here or how to go forward, but I respect you putting content out there for + and - critique despite the blanket decrease in civil discourse lately. From the moment any PR resident walks out of their house to go to anywhere, they are burdened with dilapidated pot-holed streets, roads with no street signs, a spider-web of entangled, dangerous & inefficient electric cables dot the island etc. This is due to the PR gov primarily. My larger point is we need to get our house in order before we petition state/ind. PR had a golden chance to do so when they had access to bond markets. But as the original Spanish did to PR, our own PR leaders stole the wealth while tolerating inefficiency and bad public service. The purposely bad PR public service to its OWN people is a betrayal. On top of that, there is no visionary PR leadership. We have the MOST inefficient power grid in the whole of US. Only 3% of its energy is generated by renewables in an island that gets 284+ days of Sun a year. I think of it like this. If our leaders are so bad they can't do basic gov duties like fill potholes, how can we expect them to solve state/ind? Perhaps future vids that scope the PR gov too? I would be happy to donate my time for PR's future to help w/t any future content.

[@lizzettehomar-ramos2357]

El gobierno corrupto que parece y TODOS los partidos quieren el poder y no el bienestar del pueblo.

[@MelRicanDePonce]

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 Independent and Sovereign

[@Erick-xc7wx]

statehood! 🇺🇸🇵🇷

[@Meliryahir]

@@Erick-xc7wx Nunca, Por siempre Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.

[@kravenLaw1]

Puerto Rico was already a state of Spain more than 124 years ago! In the year 1897 Spain granted Puerto Rico statehood in the form of autonomous community which is the same status as a state. Before Puerto Rico became an autonomous community it was an overseas province, and before that it was part of the viceroyalty of New Spain. Puerto Rico was never a colony of Spain as all of you may have believed. La Leyenda Negra [The Black Leyend] runs deep in U.S. history due to Anglo-Saxon historians who were against Spain and seeked to demonize Spain as a whole. Puerto Rico had full representation in the Spanish courts and a status far superior than its colonial [commonwealth] status that it currently has. Very unfortunate if you ask me.

[@TheLWord75]

Puerto Rico was never a state of Spain because Spain doesn't have states. What they have are provinces and Puerto Rico was an overseas Province of Spain. States are poiltical entities with autonomy and in a centralized monarchy like Spain, provinces are used to denote political subdivisions that owed allegiance to the Crown.

[@joseantonioserrano6103]

Puerto Rico was granted the status of autonomy in 1897, because they lost most of their territories in America and was fighting to keep Cuba. At that time the autonomy system that was granted was not the same as what Cataluña or Pais Vasco have today. It was the beginning of that system, before the Spanish Civil War, and the end of the monarchy as it was known at the time.

[@kravenLaw1]

@@TheLWord75 You obviously didn't read my comment carefully did you. I said that Spain granted Puerto Rico statehood in the form of autonomous community. An autonomous community in Spain is the exact same status [concept] as a state of the United States or a province of Canada. That's what I said. I never said that Spain gave Puerto Rico the title "state" but rather a status in the exact same level as a state. Please read things carefully before making a fool of yourself 🤦‍♂️

[@TheLWord75]

@@kravenLaw1 I did read your comment, however, you're still wrong. Statehood is only granted to states that are indepedent from central control. Once again, Spain NEVER had states NOR could grant statehood since none of their possessions were independent from Madrid's control. Even today, with Galicia, Catalonia, the Basque Country and the Canary Islands having autonomy those regions remain under Madrid's control at the end. Puerto Rico was an overseas Province of Spain and the Spanish granted them autonomy in 1897, NOT statehood.

[@kravenLaw1]

@@TheLWord75 I'm sorry to hear that you've been brainwashed by Anglo-Saxon historians. Ahem! "In Spain, an autonomous community is a first-level political and administrative division, created in accordance with the Spanish Constitution of 1978, with the aim of guaranteeing limited autonomy of the nationalities and regions that make up Spain. Spain is not a federation, but a decentralised unitary country." - Definition of autonomy: "the right or condition of self-government." State: "a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government." state = autonomous community & autonomous community = state. I don't know how to simplified further than that but, you're welcome!

[@timsmith5133]

Didn't the residents vote down statehood multiple times? - Zoomer

[@nelsonsierra1439]

This is the best explanation of Puerto Rico statehood status I have come across. Excellent video!