Will Puerto Rico become the 51st US state?

[@joshuamelendez9882]

As a Puerto Rican myself, I thank you for sharing this with the rest of the world.

[@alphaomega1351]

You're welcome! It's what I does. It's what I do. 🤓

[@fanniemaeurmom3752]

Somos de España, olé!

[@MrXXY-yx8qr]

Puelto lico should be given back to Spain or to dominan republic

[@websitemartian]

with 51 states we would have to redesign our flag ..... i don't think this would work 😅

[@felixargyle3659]

​@@websitemartianWe've changed the design of our flag numerous times in the past to accommodate for new states, so that won't be an issue. Add 1 star for each state, then place all of them in a symmetrical pattern. Nothing else on the flag changes.

[@thegoodthieves]

I feel taxation without representation should lead to something

[@TheAmericanPrometheus]

PR does have a representative in Congress. EDIT: it doesn't matter that said representative doesn't vote, it still counts as representation.

[@kitcarpo4745]

Like the USA stop sending support to Puerto Rico as a beggar class country.

[@Anthony-jo7up]

PR doesn't pay federal taxes.

[@kitcarpo4745]

@@TheAmericanPrometheus Observational, and coversational contributor. No vote.

[@dulguunjargal1199]

They do not pay federal income Tax

[@HarkTrack9661]

Key word: non binding. Has happened already several times with no outcome actually being considered in congress.

[@RedXlV]

That's because Republicans always block statehood for Puerto Rico. They can't stand the idea of a non-white majority state.

[@TheHJMR]

This is why many people in PR boicot these referendums. They are tired of the goverment waisting millions of dollars on these non binding referendums.

[@raam1666]

Good

[@mapwiz-sf5yt]

The House passed a statehood bill for DC and Puerto Rico soon after it took office in 2021. But then Joe Manchin allowed the Senate Republicans to block it.

[@TheBT]

If should be, 3.2 million people under American rule should have representation in the US government.

[@ucouldnevah]

no

[@bababababababa6124]

@@ucouldnevahokay then, if that’s the case then I don’t want to ever see Americans criticise Europeans for their past colonialism. Because not giving Puerto Rico statehood is basically like keeping them as a colony

[@The_FatGeneral]

​@@ucouldnevahWhy

[@ucouldnevah]

@@bababababababa6124 never criticized Europe for colonizing… it is what it is

[@Ardiantothehulk]

they voted no. ​@@bababababababa6124

[@kyrudo]

Puertorican living on the island, me, getting off work, checking my feed and see this vid: “Oh, this is gonna be good”

[@VMan29397]

@@kyrudo the brits are the only people more clueless on puerto rico then americans

[@c-bass9968]

jajaj, yo también. ¡La alianza va!

[@bnbcraft6666]

I've never been to Puerto Rico, how are y'all doing?

[@aceman0000099]

What is your opinion?

[@VMan29397]

@@bnbcraft6666 awful

[@bookmouseivy4546]

The fact that they are eligible for the draft without equitable representation in our government is fucking despicable.

[@jeff-i7x]

All of our territories are the same way like Guam Sapan American Samo ,US Virgin Islands.

[@andrewklang809]

FWIW, while the draft is still on the books, it hasn't been used since 1975, and the US military has made it very clear they don't want to use it. They'd rather have volunteers who are eager to serve than conscripts who aren't, and are more likely to be liabilities.

[@bookmouseivy4546]

@@andrewklang809 I’m aware, as a veteran myself. It’s still unconscionable.

[@mikesands4681]

There is no draft. There is selective service registration

[@bookmouseivy4546]

@@mikesands4681 they are the same thing. Nobody likes a pedant.

[@Bestia12345]

The image you presented from .24 to .34 is not from the Island of Puerto Rico (the subject of the video), but from Puerto Rico beach in the Canary Islands in Spain.

[@egm233]

Bueno, 9 de 10 familias tienen origen o antecedente de las Canarias, más el acento es bastante similar, salvo algunas palabras.

[@Bestia12345]

@@egm233 Fantastico. Pero, ¿que tiene que ver eso con la imagen de Canaria que el présento en el vidéo? El esta discutiendo Puerto Rico, no Canarias.

[@larryalvares1369]

Are you kidding me 🤓

[@agspr]

yup, was just going to comment on this. also, hurricane Maria was in 2017, not 2018.

[@Alf-826]

3:55 Hurricane Maria impacted Puerto Rico in 2017, not 2018

[@cl8804]

nt, jewbani

[@kacperzimowski4626]

in*, not "on"

[@cl8804]

"in" a year, "on" a date

[@icecreamlarry8622]

shut the ...​@@kacperzimowski4626

[@Alf-826]

done fixed it

[@Mrcapo100]

One more thing. The Jones act has been putting a chokehold on Puerto Rican economy for over 100 years.

[@taylorwickham]

The Jones Act should be repealed

[@AntonioRivera28]

That’s really the only problem PR has. Its lack of statehood is actually a massive benefit to the island but the jones act screws it up. Get rid of the jones act and it could potentially become the Hong Kong of the US and the most business friendly part of the country.

[@LauraCandelaria-e7o]

Oh yes that one.

[@Xmc-rx6ph]

@@Mrcapo100 That’s why Puerto Rico needs to become State 51st.

[@Mameoth]

The situation of Puerto Rico is called "being a colony"

[@Wha2les]

You would think the Brits would know what that is. Lol

[@autokukk88]

A colony they voted for. The Puerto Ricans enjoy the benefits of both sides. If they wanted independence, they voted no, if they wanted statehood, they voted no in previous decades. Yes, there is some interference from US, but not enough to matter

[@leandro6234]

@@autokukk88 They didn't vote for it. They largely voted for statehood in previous referendums. The US has been occupying it since the first day.

[@zombiekilldemon]

​@@autokukk88okay colonizer

[@yomu6285]

​@@autokukk88The only one that can issue a binding referendum is the US. 100% of Puerto Ricans can vote in favor of Statehood and it wouldn't change anything because Puerto Rico simply does NOT have the power to decide it's own status.

[@VMan29397]

Fun Fact: in the town of Bayamon is the Ron Del Barrelito rum makers. In their warehouse is a barrel of rum from 1952 that will be opened the day puerto rico achieves its independence. On that day it will be taken to the center of town and all will drink from it for free

[@ab9840]

Also, they say after 121 years the body of Eugenio María de Hostos who was pro-Ind. (referred has being the great citizen of the Americas) and who is currently in the Dominican Republic (supposedly has an honor guard) will have his body brought back to PR. Many streets and schools named after him in PR.

[@DeMan59]

And the next day you’ll be Haiti. Won’t be getting billions is aid from the U.S. anymore.

[@rl8571]

Why give up on American provided welfare? That barrel will never be opened.

[@VMan29397]

@@rl8571 It will be opened. The Latest polling shows national soverignty tied with statehood. And there's a good reason why. The younger generations who have grown up in Puerto Rico have seen the decay the economic stagnation the corruption and exploitation that has been nonstop since 2006. They see no future in America because they see that america does nothing to help them. The us only has made things worse. Not to mention statehooders in Puerto Rico have no economic development plan whatsoever. Meanwhile the pro-independence camp in Puerto Rico has detailed comprehensive economic development proposals to revitalize the economy.

[@VMan29397]

@@rl8571 Because it's a stop gap and not an actual solution to fixing the economy of Puerto Rico. You ask a pro statehood supporter in Puerto Rico what their economic development plan is to get the economy back up and running they cannot answer that question. All they can talk about is federal funding and they will give you vague answers like how being a part of America will magically fix everything but the fact of the matter is it won't you make Puerto Rico a state it's gonna be perpetually the poorest state in America it will never climb out of that poverty because that is the way it was built by pro statehooders in Puerto Rico they have built it so that people cannot climb out of poverty because poverty breeds dependency dependency breeds statehooders

[@Ornitholestes1]

"the key to maintaining the island’s unique identity" In other words, even those in favor of the status quo couldn’t come up with an argument for why being part of a country while being unable to vote in its elections should be preferred to either of the other options, so they just declared it "part of its unique identity" because that sounded nice.

[@Dorlan2001]

Well for the most part it is an oversimplification, not right, not wrong. You see, Statehood brings some benefits to the Island, problem is the Federal Tax Income on top of our taxes which are the highest of any US territory, would utterly destroy the economy. Also, Puertorricans don't identify themselves as Americans and most don't really care about US politics or traditions, let alone speak English. But Independence would bring much uncertainty as 65% of the population receives some sort of Federal Aid that would simply not exist if PR is an independent country. So yeah, the Commonwealth is not perfect, but it is the best of both worlds.

[@StevenHughes-hr5hp]

Being part of the USA economically but not politically and culturally is not a hard argument to make.

[@dearthditch]

I’d give up my senators and congressman for no federal taxes

[@macwarrenconnor]

@@Dorlan2001 The commonwealth is arguably much worse as it currently stands as the lack of any representation on a political level means that the US puts Puerto Rico on the lowest of it's priority list; hell, the end up even forgetting that they exist at all. Haiti for instance sought independence from France and they got it; look where they are now. Sometimes, independence doesn't mean that the people would be better off, and the reality has to be faced that they might've had it good if they didn't revolt, and even better if they assimilated to their bigger country.

[@Dorlan2001]

@@macwarrenconnor there's no problem with independence in PR since they don't even get 10% of the popular vote, but Puertorricans don't feel "American". Most people, even pro-Statehood advocates feel puertorican first, they talk Spanish first. There are advantages and disadvantages for all political statuses, but if you put on the ballot to be as we are now, it defeats all other options resoundly. I support this because the current problems in PR are mostly not political first, despite what our politicians try to tell the world.

[@hunterfiles7987]

I would love to see Puerto Rico to become a State seeing them all Us Territories as US citizens and deserve full rights but if independence is what they want then let them be.

[@Labyrinth6000]

No, they need to remain a territory, otherwise they will all fall apart under independence. Good areas to have a military base as well!

[@hunterfiles7987]

@@Labyrinth6000 I support state over status quo and independence.

[@AndresLeon-hz5qe]

@@hunterfiles7987Puerto Rico gets more benefits remaining a territory rather than becoming a state.

[@MooseOsauras]

​@@hunterfiles7987the thing is the other territories are to small and pointless to become states like Guam Guam is 4 times smaller than Rhode Island it will be so pointless to be a separate State with the Northern Marian islands so they should just join as one state same with the US virgin islands they could just become a district of Puti Rico not there own state.

[@MIA_DaDe]

@@Labyrinth6000 I agree with you that it is in PRs best interest to remain a part of the US weather territory (most likely outcome) or state (not likely for now). As for the bases... yeah.. not so much any more. During the days of steam ships and gunboat diplomacy.. the Roosevelt Roads (former naval base), Fort Buchanan, Vieques, etc. were strategically important particularly during the Cold War and Cuba/Soviet alignment. Today, strategically they are nice to have but the US fundamentally doesn't need them for any specific strategic value. To more direct for economic reasons it does make sense for PR and also the US. It is less expensive to maintain a bases in PR than if they had to move them to Florida or even USVI.

[@OrlandoSanchez-i6l]

Mitch McConnell ironically stated last week that "no new states will be admitted to give favor to the other side" meaning they put petty politics and power over equity and civil rights. This just confirms what we always knew. If they don't want us, then let us go. Enough of this limbo status. We can be as successful as singapore if we do it right.

[@Vandalia1998]

If Puerto Rico becomes the 51st state I hope they add more reps to the House instead of just rearranging the ones we have

[@joshgriffith7554]

The house is already to big also it is more likely that Taiwan becomes 51 than Puerto Rico

[@ethanclark6132]

Puertorican American here! I live on the mainland for a while but most of my family is still there. We contribute by joining the military and working jobs. We deserve statehood we have been loyal to the republic it would be nice if the republic was nice to us

[@carlosbrito8147]

How many Puerto Ricans are in prison, on social benefits like welfare and food stamps, time to cut bait

[@RafaelNegrete-e6u]

Who cares.

[@davietravels]

@@RafaelNegrete-e6u You do because you took the time and energy to comment 😂

[@Alex-gw6ie]

So you aren't Puertorican :((

[@thetaikonaut8397]

Arrodillao

[@aferre]

Puerto Rico wasn't a Spanish colony when "ceded" to the US as you mentioned, but a Spanish province. Also just before the Spain-US war, they were given the autonomic status being the first Spanish territory to get it (nowadays, all the spanish territories are autonomous).

[@BigBoiiLeem]

3:30 that's not entirely accurate. Puerto Rico *could* file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy *until* Strom Thurmond included a random clause in a bill that specifically said Puerto Rico can't, and no-one can really figure out why he did that.

[@yadielmercedes3635]

Im in puerto rico and i live near “strom thurdmond” lake/dam (renamed clark hills) and i find that interesting

[@BigBoiiLeem]

@yadielmercedes3635 that is very interesting, I didn't know there was a place (formerly) named after him there.

[@BigBoiiLeem]

@yadielmercedes3635 that is very interesting, I didn't know there was a place (formerly) named after him there.

[@adeadfishdied]

Storm Thurmond was a raging racist, so that’s your explanation.

[@Nylo77]

The visibility this video gives to the island and its people is important. Thank you for talking about Puerto Rico's political status.

[@O-OO1-O]

The immediate comment below yours' said that they thought it was called Puerto Lico. 😭

[@MustraOrdo]

@@O-OO1-O Puelto Lico

[@r.d.9399]

Independence!

[@AL-lh2ht]

@@r.d.9399 which PR does not want. If you actually cared about them then you listen to what they have to say

[@VMan29397]

@@AL-lh2ht not true we want independence

[@andresirizarry3642]

Puerto Rico, services WWI 20,000 .WWII 70,000 .Korea 63,000 Vietnam 54,000 Kuwait 32,000 Afganistan 40,000 Irak 30,000.

[@ericktellez7632]

To be fair, those are not numbers to feel any proud of nor applaud, it should be 0.

[@AustrianPainter14]

Fake news

[@UndertakerFromWWE]

I can’t find any sources to back this claim up

[@andresirizarry3642]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6HdhYJtfcaji7csi=OceN5uEdeHr1NuLM​@@UndertakerFromWWE

[@andresirizarry3642]

😂​@@UndertakerFromWWE

[@spritemon98]

Short answer is no

[@clean280]

and the long answer is absolutely fucking not

[@cretannia9790]

@@rainfrog That’s not a guarantee. Puerto Ricans are conservative by nature. 77% said back in 2017 that abortion should be ILLEGAL in most or all cases, and 55% said gay marriage should not be allowed. This island is deeply Catholic, and if they aren’t Catholic they’re Protestant, 90% of the island is religious. This isn’t some Liberal bastion at ALL.

[@thewingedringer]

@@cretannia9790 You think people who Trump calls illegals would vote for him or the republican party? Actually...

[@cretannia9790]

@@thewingedringer They may not vote for Trump, but they aren’t voting for somebody that’s Pro-Choice that’s for SURE

[@Aubrey2004-j4k]

@@cretannia9790look at how Trump treats them. They would be dems

[@maxmarraccini6344]

They either need to be given independence or allowed to be a state because this is ridiculous

[@XaiNYt]

Not likely. States have always been admitted into the union in pairs of two: A conservative state, and a liberal state. The last two were Alaska and Hawaii, and PR currently has no pair state to be admitted along with. The territory would likely not survive on it's own as a nation, and would fall into third-world country status in a matter of years

[@springerengineering6697]

​@@XaiNYt states have never been admitted in pairs of "republican" and "Democrat". In the days of slavery, states were admitted in pairs of slave and free states. Party preference has never been factored in, because that preference isn't a codified status and shifts over time. Nowadays, the pattern of states being admitted in pairs is just due to when certain territories applied to be states and the current administration's stance on bringing in new states. The reason that Hawaii and Alaska were admitted in the same year is that the Eisenhower administration was more open to bringing in new stats s

[@XaiNYt]

@@springerengineering6697 That is the current objective reason. Republicans will not allow PR into the union because it will vote for Democrats, the days of slavery were the years at which most states were entered into the union and the party standards are back seeing as people today are more patriotic for states. Eisenhower would not have allowed Hawaii or Alaska to enter alone, and if he did his party would have disapproved. It makes no sense for a party to screw themselves by giving the other more votes on election day. That being said, you are correct that it's not an actual rule, I apologize for phrasing it in a way that made it sound like there legally had to be a pair state. What I'm saying is that there is a 0% chance that PR will become a state, unless there is another state with it that supports the opposite party

[@XaiNYt]

@@springerengineering6697 It's not a rule you're correct, but that is always how it's been. You're only partially correct that preference isn't a codified status, a lot of states have been voting for the same ideological candidate since the 1800s. In any case it doesn't matter, groups of people only think in the short term. The last example is also terrible, the executive branch doesn't admit states. Both sides of congress only agreed to admit the other state as long as their state was admitted, Hawaii was originally only going to be admitted to suppress southern democrats. If Alaska wasn't admitted, congress would have never agreed to admit Hawaii

[@luisfilipe2023]

Considering that there have been multiple referendums on this issue over the years and absolutely nothing has changed I predict this will be a big bowl of nothing

[@thetaikonaut8397]

Tell that to Congress

[@rickyodom1201]

they voted on becoming a state congess has sit on there ass for how long now

[@kungpaochicken89]

This feels like an alternate universe thumbnail idk why

[@Bayard1503]

No taxation without representation, no draft without representation. Honestly, Puerto Rico shouldn't even have the option of staying like this. It should be: a state or independence, choose.

[@MrAres703]

You weren't paying attention, there's no federal income tax in Puerto Rico. The only federal taxes are social security and Medicare, programs that Puerto Ricans qualify for.

[@randucci]

That's up to the US Congress, nothing else.

[@eMeLeGe1007]

0:27 is the canary islands no Puerto Rico all the videos on you tube always make this error omg so frustrating

[@matpk]

All TLDR are dumb projects

[@kramerican4]

Shows you how "serious" they were about making an accurate video.

[@andresirizarry3642]

(Douglas Mac Arthur) The Puerto Rican forming the rank of the gallant 65 th Infantry on the battelfields of Korea.. are writhing a brilliant record of achievement in the battel and I am proud indeed might have many more like them.

[@RenegadeElite101]

I’ve had several friends from PR, and the way they talk the vast majority of Puerto Ricans actually want statehood but the feeling is they will never actually get it and pro-statehood factions just stay home during these non-binding referendums, which is why the “commonwealth” option gets so much traction.in most referendums (getting as high as high as 30-40%. If a truly binding vote was held it would likely increase turnout substantially and statehood would likely get 80+% if everyone turned out. That being said there’s a laundry list of reasons it hasn’t happened yet. Ranging from issues on the island (like corruption ), to economics, national politics, and the desire on the mainland to maintain the status quo.

[@miguelalmodovar6472]

we don't want statehood. Puerto Ricans who want to be u.s.-anian so bad can just move to Florida or New York.

[@jlm3744]

Well your friends are Bullsh*tting you. Really right now all options are pretty much even in support. If you ask younger people or very old people they will say Independence because the the very old lived in the time of the Gag laws by the US government and the younger people grew up now with seeing the island in a recession because of the US. But all the middle age people are mostly split between statehood and commenwealth, because they grew up in what was called The Golden Years of the ELA, which was when Puerto Rico became a commenwealth and the island was actually very prosperous, so the mentality of "Puerto Rico is nothing without the US" is engraved into their minds, and they do anything to protect their status options like corruption.

[@reucat24]

Reunification with Spain option is growing on the island

[@julianbello8376]

​@@reucat24 It really isn't

[@AL-lh2ht]

commonwealth would make PR even more of a colony

[@kiko_animal1459]

As a Puerto Rican living on the island, the colonial status needs to change and we people want a change. The older generations lean on statehood while the younger generations lean on independence. The political party that defends our status quo is rapidly diminishing. Personally, I prefer establishing a process of having more autonomy until finally reaching independence. Independence is better for PR than statehood.

[@reucat24]

There is a better alternative. Reunification with Spain

[@kiko_animal1459]

@@reucat24I disagree. Puerto Rico has developed its own cultural identity. We are very capable of self determination and governance. Reunification with Spain will just be a regression.

[@mauropereira187]

While that sounds good, what about Puerto Ricans in the US military? What will become of them? Im puerto rican and I have family in the military, especially since a lot of us make up a decent portion of the US military.

[@reucat24]

@@aoterou Indpendence in the Caribbean does not work, look Dominican Republic and Cuba, they are neocolonial outpost of the US (Cuba until 1960, then outpost of the Soviets), both are poor and backward countries.

[@TheModeler99]

@@mauropereira187 I don't see the issue they can simply leave the Army if they wish and serve PR.

[@diannhershberger74]

Because of recent views of the US government I don’t think Puerto Rico would wanna become a state any more

[@VMan29397]

It does not. The latest polling by puerto rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia show this. According to their polling Support for national sovereignty Which is support for either the option of independence or independence via free association combine to statistically tie with puerto rican statehood. Then they go even further and break it down by gender and age groups. And the results show that I'm on the youngest demographic in Puerto Rico the 18 to 34-year-olds 59% support the idea of a sovereign puerto rican nation.

[@C.J.R.]

@@VMan29397 Polls, a newspaper that is characterized by having the least accurate polls of all and that openly supports the colonialist party. That's why they call it the Huevo Dia 🤣. The reality is that the majority is statehood and we are going to see it clearly in these elections. Because let's suppose that in these elections on November 5, 1.3 million people and 800 thousand (to put a number) vote for statehood and 500 thousand leave the ballot blank, what does that tell you? that the majority believes in statehood. Damage the ballot or do whatever they do, since they have to vote for other candidates, indirectly their vote is counting as a "no" they are fools 🤡🤣. The PNP are corrupt, but they made a masterstroke with the symbolic status referendum, with that of damaging the ballot they are not going anywhere, because all they need is for the statehooders not to damage theirs and that's it 😅🤣.

[@TheHJMR]

Thanks for the video. Here is a little more info on PR politics and statehood: La Alianza movement, that includes the indepence party and the citizens victory party (composed of all the boricuas who are tired of the traditional corrept parties) is currently challenging the traditional bipartisan politics. They have big chances of winning multiple seats in the house/senate. They are estimated to be second place for the goverments race. Meaning the PPD and PNP are no longer the two strongest political structure. For the first time boricuas want to clean the goverment of all corruption and bad practices before talking about the political status. No need to be a state or independent country if you don't know how to administer the island. Non-binding referendums are done by the pro-statehood party to ensure their voter rollout. They are a corrupt party that is shrinking and need their voters to go out to vote to ensuring they stay in power. PR's voters commision have been signaled to have multiple possible fraud issues. They have sent folders full of multiple ballots by mail to one address and even have hundreds of thousand dead people enrolled for voting. There are boricuas living in the Dominican Republic who appeared as they voted last election and even dead people who were born in the 1800's. PR state income tax for the middle class is 25%. If we were a state our income tax might be around 45-50%. With such an expensive island, that would be the death of the tiny middle class the island has. The PNP and PPD have had 10+ politicians convicted of fraud and corruption on the past 4 years. In 2019 PR made a PNP governer resign because of horrible comments against the general public in a telegram chat. These comments included saying that the 3000+ dead boricuas from hurricane Maria should be thrown to the streets to feed the crows. The Jones Act prohibits free commerce with all our neighbors and we need to use a the USA merchant navy for our commerce. This has caused a massive inflation in the daily products boricuas need to consume. Unlike Florida, when we get hit by a hurricane we cant have busses of humanitarian aid drive to assist. In 2017, when hurricane Maria hit the USA blocked an enormous vessel filled with humanitarian aid comming from latinamerican countries. All this aid went on to be distributed to other islands in the Caribbeans while the boricuas had barelly any food. Note that PR imports 80% of our products. The oldest city in USA property is San Juan, PR. Sources? I live in the calentón.

[@VMan29397]

you hit the nail on the head. this talk about status is by a bunch of tone death fools who no little of the situation in puerto rico

[@LuisRivera-jk1vo]

As Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 myself I don't know if could happen For now I don't live in Puerto Rico anymore I live in USA 🇺🇸 in Springfield Massachusetts.

[@OwenSp]

When you travel to Puerto Rico you don’t see American flags, you see Puerto Rican flags. Only one I saw was on the Federal Prison. I don’t see any enthusiasm. They aren’t walking around acting like unloved Americans, they are busy being Puerto Ricans.

[@johnj8639]

I've been to Puerto Rico, and I have family in Puerto Rico, and I am Puerto Rican, I saw a lot of American flags. American flags often flown next to Puerto Rican flags. Many Puerto Ricans serve in the US military (as much of my family has), and many other Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico thank them for their service, and give military discounts. Many Puerto Ricans equally identify as both American and Puerto Rican, as most Puerto Ricans have family that live in the mainland.

[@ape_on_rhino8467]

First I read "Perturabo" and was Hella confused

[@notusneo]

Rogal Dorn will be the 52nd US state if that happened

[@tenchan3255]

Lmao

[@spikehamer2]

We could reach the forty first millennium and Puerto Rico would still not have stable electricity.

[@casteddu6740]

​@@spikehamer2Given the living conditions of your average imperial citizens that's not too far off

[@Patrick-y4d1z]

Nobody expect the Imperial Inquisition !

[@WalterZiobro]

Puerto Rico would be better with independent association, like Micronesia, provided that Puerto Ricans are given the option to retain their US citizenship.

[@evanburrows1697]

Puerto Rico should be independent. Frankly, USA should just unilaterally cut the ties, and announce "congratulations, you're "free".

[@SheldonCooper-n9c]

It immediately turns into Cuba and we have another “refugee” crisis in one day no joke.

[@NECruz-rx1cp]

Tell this to any state and wait for the response. In general, PR operates like any other state but half of the population of the mainland missed their own history course! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@korakys]

As a New Zealander I recognise another country that is too dumb to realise that the answer is independence. We resisted independence for a long time too, only finally acceding to it in 1947. In retrospect it was definitely the right call.

[@newyork1970]

The video showing hotel and coast is not PR, that is the coast of Gran Canaria, Spain that have a city named Puerto Rico.

[@etiennehernandez8831]

¡Que viva Puerto Rico libre!

[@realBryanAlejandro]

The Future of Puerto Rico as a state is like Hawaii, ask the locals how that went.

[@musicowned]

Much better than any commie Marxist bullshit you may think would be better

[@MIA_DaDe]

@reallyBryanAlejandro Boricua? Anyway, even if PR became a state what would change? Tax treatment changes (fed income tax, loss of some tax favorability), do your really think that Americans would flood the island and take over population / replace the culture? We could have done that already if it was an attractive place to live. Not gonna happen. Reality is PR is an economic risk for the US and that is why the population will never give up their US blue passports for independence. The ease of migration to the US is their life line.

[@jakethefinn2353]

​@@MIA_DaDeEconomic risk? The US squeezes tens of billions of dollars from PR

[@MIA_DaDe]

@@jakethefinn2353 Nice try at some unsubstantiated /inaccurate factoid. ...though if true (it's not). then they should go independent and 'keep' your alleged squeezed $10 Bs. Who are you trying to fool... fool?

[@VMan29397]

@@MIA_DaDe You clearly are looking at the Polls. Soverignty is rising espically amoung the youth

[@TrainerAQ]

They got the thumbs up from me. Puerto Ricans are a party! 🥳

[@MusiacterJoe1188]

Thank you! I’m Puerto Rican and this video is gonna make explaining the island’s current political situation to my international friends a lot easier.

[@R.J._Lewis]

Personally I would welcome Puerto Rico becoming a state. I could absolutely see why they wouldn't want anything to do with us though.

[@hmmfat]

Puerto Rico needs to be its own country.

[@kaiseramadeus233]

There's no reason an island of 3 million people should be relegated as a territory while some states have only half a million residents. But I think we know why Wyoming is a state while Puerto Rico isn't

[@GeorgeEugeneBarrett]

You libs blame everything on “racism.”

[@rami8896]

Its because they are kind of in the middle when it comes to being democrats or republicans. So both parties dont want to risk losing their edge.

[@Lando-kx6so]

Puerto Rico is a country

[@RajDeelish]

Wyoming became a state during the process of American history. It's not about who has more people. Puerto Rico is complicated. If we are adding stated left and right then we need to include Guam in the conversation too.

[@mozzie2729]

Because Wyoming is part of the continental States while Puerto Rico is further from the land mass. Wyoming became a state through Manifest Destiny. How Wyoming because a state and not Puerto Rico have no connection at all.

[@phoebus86]

If Puerto Rico did become a state, they will gain 2 senators and 6 representatives. Unfortunately, since the maximum number of representatives in the house is 435, those 6 reps will have to come from other states. And since Puerto Rico leans blue, it would mean the Republicans may lose seats in the house.

[@Dangic23]

Leans red

[@paradoxmo]

It doesn’t purely “lean blue”. PR is socially very conservative. And their local parties don’t completely align with the national parties. As a new state it would temporarily just gain seats, and the seats would be reallocated at the next census. The most likely to lose seats is probably California or Texas.

[@timmmahhhh]

​@@paradoxmoif PR is social conservative it must not be enough for the Republicans to want statehood.

[@kylerowsley]

It would muttle the senate, not the house. The house seats would mostly come from Democrat states like California and New York given depopulation. Given also the red shift of Latinos in the US, this could extend there also, Puerto Rico might not be a guaranteed blue state, but some mix. At least maybe 59% Democrat and 40% Republican as a rough estimate I just made up; though, that would still depend on how well the parties can kick off and appeal to the public with local issues there once statehood is achieved.

[@jlucky11]

It 100% is solid red it is extremely catholic and conservative they're so conservative they single handedly flipped florida to solid red

[@Umbrdooks13]

A TLDR video about my home…I guess theres a time for everything 😅

[@John-wl9pg]

Puerto Rican with a PhD in Politics here. Please note that the Jones Act of 1917 *forced* US citizenship on the people on the island (somewhat what Rome used to do to its subjects) but the land itself was, and still is, a colonial territory. Statehood would mean finishing the colonial project by many, as it means a political and probably cultural absorption of a country. Legally, statehood sounds great; equal rights and equal application of laws. Politically, it means to erradicate a different people group. We are under the Federal jurisdiction, but corporations pay next to no taxes, labor is (was?) cheaper, and we see large corporations funnel their profits here on paper, making them not pay taxes. It is too convenient for US interests to change the status. On the US front, with growing antagonisms against “Latinos”, a debt-ridden, small island-nation, with 90 something percent of Spanish speakers who have a different lifestyle and idiosyncrasies, is not something that will appeal to many constituents. Case and point: for the first time, the Republican Party took out support for statehood from its manifiesto. This referendum is like every other since the 90s: its tied to the election. The governing party was concerned over reelection (as they are rightfully perceived to be corrupt) and, as they do, they promised statehood if we just vote on it enough. When really, it’s rallying out people to go out and vote for their party, the statehood party. Disclaimer: I’m pro-independence

[@Gryphind0r]

Continue to fight for your people and your country. One day you will succeed

[@chadleach6009]

Puerto Rica seems to have little desire for change, quite happy to use the us military as protection while not having to contribute to it. Best of both worlds for some.

[@joemency2242]

​@@chadleach6009dude wtf? Puerto Ricans are in the military and also have to sign up for selective service. You are spouting so much disinformation

[@zombiekilldemon]

@@chadleach6009 we don't need your military. Who would be invading us if we became independent beside America? Costa Rica hasn't had a military since the 40s. America in the on that invades and conquers. Stop the imperialist talking points colonizer.

[@chadleach6009]

@@joemency2242 yes Puerto Ricans are offered many advanced opportunities in the US military, that's not what I said. I said they don't have to contribute to it, such as via federal income taxes.

[@campfire75]

3:55 Hurricane Maria was in 2017 not 2018

[@bpmachete]

Puerto Rico had become an autonomous part of Spain with representation and self government in 1897-1898 to be enforced right as the US invasion began.

[@Anesjuk117]

The independent party is growing to rival the PNP party, so do you guys think that independence is soon looming?

[@miguelalmodovar6472]

Dalmau is the son of two statehooders, so he is not anti-statehood. He just wants to see a democratic process happen.

[@Oriveral7754]

As a Puerto Rican, this is my opinion. Ever since the passing of the PROMESA ACT, which is talked about in minute 3:34, the current territorial status is becoming more unpopular, and thus, I believe people who are against statehood have been moving to support independence. So, yeah, I believe its support is growing, but Puerto Rico is never gaining independence unless US Congress allows it

[@reucat24]

Reunification with Spain is also growing, it is expected that by 2028 they will have a political party representing that movement in that election

[@Anesjuk117]

@reucat24 Honestly, it's not a bad choice. We would join the European Union

[@splashnskillz37]

@@Anesjuk117 Ask Catalonia how's that going for them

[@jusnlopez2643]

We do not wanna be like Hawaii we just need a better economy to get ourself together

[@AL-lh2ht]

No there will not be a mass immigrants to PR if statehood.

[@rami8896]

Since labor is cheaper is PR, and the population is relatively high skilled, you could easily get US companies to move their factories there in return they have to invest in PR. Im sure it will be a strategic spot for China too, so im sure they would love to bring some of their factories there.

[@darkwoodmovies]

What’s wrong with Hawaii?

[@jfcfanfic]

I was not expecting a video about this at all from this channel. Well, a Puerto Rican fan doesn't mind listening to another one.

[@jorgeomarjaimesviafara6061]

Independence to Puerto Rico. PLEASE!

[@acano774]

They would crumble as soon as the pen hits the paper

[@c-bass9968]

I never thought id see my island on this channel. Puerto Rico is the world's oldest colony, only Statehood or Independence can change that but we are not in a position for either. I 100% prefer independence and the movement is growing although a slim majority of mainly older residents prefer statehood. This is a very complex topic and im exited to see how you covered it .

[@lotsinganimedes]

This Puertorrican concurs.

[@VMan29397]

@@c-bass9968 most millenals and genZ back independence/ soverigenty. I imagine gen alpha will lean even harder towards those 2

[@reucat24]

Reunification with Spain is the way forward.

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

I do not support an independent Puerto Rico. I support a statehood Puerto Rico so it can enjoy American technology finally benefiting it

[@r.d.9399]

Independence is the way forward

[@americantitan2190]

I feel like most Americans would gladly welcome them. The problem is the politicians don’t give a crap on both sides.

[@davidwebb4904]

Do British Overseas Territories people vote in the UK elections?

[@Marco-xy7nd]

Good question! Commonwealth nationals resident in the UK can vote in all UK elections and referenda. But it is not reciprocated, I.e. British nationals resident in Commonwealrh member States can not vote in their elections. When I was resident in the UK, as a South African, I voted in all elections. I voted for Remain in the 2016 referendum. Yet if I was a just Portuguese/EU national, I was not allowed to.(I'm a dual-national).

[@ichiro.g]

No

[@PrograError]

​@@Marco-xy7ndprobably just benefit of being a former colonial power... And the former colonies doesn't want foreign interference... There's good reason why they went independent...

[@shaider1982]

​@@Marco-xy7nd so Falklanders cannot vote in UK elections?

[@ryandanngetich2524]

They are completely independent from Britain completely except in matters of foreign policy and defence

[@albertElihills]

Honestly the USA SHOILD GET RID OF PR.

[@OceanicGFX]

No they shouldn’t Puerto Ricans do a LOT for the U.S, the US just doesn’t really care about Puerto Rico and it’s ridiculous that it’s still a colony they should make it a state by now.

[@JoeWithTheHoesBiden]

@@OceanicGFX like what 😭😭

[@kestonsmith1354]

Puerto Rico should fight for Independence

[@belisarius2776]

@@kestonsmith1354 they just have to vote for it. Np need to fight.

[@lane1776]

PR is free. There ya go

[@Jose-sq6ne]

Puerto Rico was not a colony of Spain. Puerto Rico was Spain. After "El Grito de Lares," Puerto Rico became an autonomous region of Spain. Puerto Rico had its own currency, its own trains, and had politicians in Spain representing the people. All of that progress was stripped because of the stupid Spanish-American war. Actually, Puerto Rico payed for a false flag operation in Cuba (USS Maine). At the time, Puerto Rico was better off with Spain than the US. With the US, yes, we receive federal funds, that is what keeps us afloat. But it's no different than the British colonist in the 18th century. With the state we have now, we are not starving to death. We never had a dictator. However, we need sovereign representation in Congress. My heart say independance, but my brain says that this is what we have, and we need to work within the system. I'm not going to vote for that stupid plebiscite. We do not need another referendum. It will only get ignored. So I'm ignoring the vote.

[@zombiekilldemon]

Look up free association. Palau gained independence from the US in 1993 and through free association they still have free trade with the USA along with visa free movement. They have their own full voting seat in the UN. Free Association can be exited at anytime by Palau, so if they feel it no longer benefits them they can leave freely. Also their children will never have to be drafted to fight in America's imperialist wars ever again. I am Puerto Rican and independence with free association is the answer I believe our people need to finally have sovereignty.

[@Gryphind0r]

If you get statehood you'll become like Hawaii, your culture almost completely gone a pathetic husk of your former self.

[@robertofernandez7773]

You have your right to think what you please and respect it. However, this mentality is what stops you guys from achieving anything. There is no such thing as succeeding with being complacent. In general, you don't want something, but you don't want to lose any of the benefits. That is the mentality of welfare, and I despise it. And people or a country with that mindset will never thrive. I'm Spanish although I live in the US and you will never be better off with Spain, they also have that defeatist, careless attitude and mindset that you Puerto Ricans have, that is why Spain is so irrelevant in today's world after being one of the largest civilizations the world has seen. Spain was unable to change quickly enough to the modern times and well... here we are. All young people leaving the country. If you truly think independence is the best option, go ahead an do it, but be prepared for uncomfortable times. Those uncomfortable times , might or might not, bring a better future for you. But at least you tried whatever the outcome is.

[@Jose-sq6ne]

@@zombiekilldemon Yeah, I know about free association. It could be the first step to independence. But I don't know if it has worked for Palau and Marshall Islands. But with as many people that live here, it could work. Doesn't hurt to try to have real sovereignty without barbarically stripping the island's economy. It's not like we don't have allies. DR is experiencing an economic miracle. Panama has done great since the US left. Costa Rica has a sweet security deal with the US. I just hate to use positive examples of countries similar to ours, and the far-right addressing the white elephants in the room. I'm sick and tired of the far-right talking about the Cuba and Venezuela rhetoric. And Dalmau needs to be clear to the people. I'll link you a video to an interview done by Alejandro García Padilla. This was freaking serious. PR was freaking screwed. Like they say here, "¡estamos jodios!"

[@Jose-sq6ne]

@@zombiekilldemon kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGSukmuGl5KSj9Esi=WqoSCkoYz9oPyBsK

[@Troy-nc5br]

As someone who stays in Puerto Rico off and on part of the year becoming a part of the United States would be devastating to the Puerto Rican economy they would see their homes jump a 200% gain overnight while they're wages would not increase fast enough they would see another 70% gain in rent the dramatic changes to the statehood would make an already bad economic situation far worse

[@C.J.R.]

That is a challenge when it comes to turning 🇵🇷 into a state. But it must also be said that we cannot remain a colony forever, because we cannot progress as we are… Without political power you are tied to what others decide for you…

[@priscidr]

I’m a Puerto Rican living in Puerto Rico, and most Puerto Ricans do not wish for statehood. They have done elections several times, and if you look at the actual votes (not the convoluted interpretation the Pro-statehood party usually wants to peddle) most Puerto Ricans wish to retain some level of autonomy. We are a Latin America culture that speaks a completely different language and has frankly, very different cultural values. Most people are not okay with the idea of losing our identity.

[@Bori.1776]

This is just a lie. Every Puerto Rican I know wants to be part of the US. It’s why there’s more Puerto Ricans in the US than in the island. No mientas por favor, btw I’m not PNP. I hate them, but I am for statehood. We should have that right considering so many of our brothers and sisters have fought for the US.

[@miguelalmodovar6472]

@@Bori.1776 we are an archipelago, please put some respect on our revolutionaries in Vieques. and stop romanticizing war. we are trying to evolve past the need for that shit. there are lots of countries (in the caribbean and the pacific) that don't have standing armies. statehood does not have a majority. 52% of 54% voted for statehood in 2020, meaning that statehood only has 28% support here. if you gonna vote for statehood mejor quedate en casa. si tanto deseas la estadidad, múdate a nueva york o florida. sounds like you probably do live over there though.

[@acetorres8787]

@@Bori.1776your lying

[@sabin97]

@@Bori.1776 la estadidad seria nefasta para nosotros. viste lo que le hicieron los anglos a los hawaiianos? ese seria nuestro futuro con la estadidad. rincon, pero todo el archipielago.

[@RayTheomo]

​@Bori.1776 sounds like its not a lie, but more that its much less unanimous than one would think. I think a popular vote would be interesting. Of course everyone you know would agree with you. But that doesnt represent EVERYONE.

[@legendlink196]

As a puertorrican currently living on the island, The only true path to change on the island is independence. The current colonial status of the island is very hard to live in, with rising crime, flagrant corruption, and constant outages. However I'd say one of the worst aspects of modern life on the island, is the immense neoliberal project to privatize almost all aspects of the islands economic structure. Interpersonally, the issue of gentrification is high. The idea of a tax haven vacation island has pushed many puertorricans out of the costs, with a ridiculous amount of foreign landlords setting up Airbnb's, takes houses off the market and hikes up the prices of all the houses around them. All this does is further the wealth disparity between more inland municipalities, and the more tourist heavy coasts. The major industry Puerto Rico has pushed in the modern day is tourism. Now I have nothing against others appreciating the sites and culture, but this process is one of cultural commodification. It's happened before in Hawaii. The histories of these islands may differ immensely, but the exoticism the tourism industry promotes amplifies tensions between tourists and natives, while extracting wealth from the island. This exchange between the USA and Puerto Rico, has always been one of colonial extraction. In the past it was flagrant, now it's made out as "development", when all this development does is further indebt the island. The quality of life hasn't substantially improved after privatization at all. There are still water, internet, and power outages (Right now I DO NOT HAVE RUNNING WATER!); there are still hurricanes and floods; and tied to that, there is still political instability and corruption. Of the billions the US government and others have poured into relief, almost all has been for naught. Food and water aid after Hurricane Maria was barely even distributed. Even now, after 7 years, there are roofless houses bearing blue FEMA tarps. As seen in Hurricane Fiona, our inept colonial government hasn't even learned their lesson in preparing for a hurricane! Bridges were still swept in the rivers, communities still flooded, and people were still forced to leave. This pain is taken advantage of. People leave in cyclical exchange, the US benefits from this. Puertorricans move to the USA for better opportunities and stability, in droves after a crisis. Their now vacant homes are bought up and turned into an investment. The money going in incentivizes other businesses to do the same in other sectors. The environment created appeals to already wealthy families, getting them to buy a property for themselves These families then leave the second a crisis occurs. From the US they see an investment opportunity to capitalize on, as more and more puertorricans leave to never return. This clearly harmful cycle has full support of Pedro Pierluisi's government. I've said all this for a reason. Why and how would statehood ever improve this? The prevailing narrative the US has sold to puertorricans is that statehood is The Only Valid Option. It may not substantially improve much, but what other option is there! You don't want to be like Haiti do you? Things are bad right now, imagine how bad independence would be! This ignores the fact independence movements on the island have been systematically and brutally persecuted throughout history. Since before the Spanish-American War, there has been direct action done in the name of independence. The 1 time a Puerto Rican Republic was proclaimed, it lasted hours before a US intervention. The defanging of the independence movement was a deliberate, century spanning act, done both on the island, and in the US itself. To others it's not about that, it's a matter of principal. "No taxation without representation!", as if that representation will make us just like Florida and Alaska. An example of the just treatment Puerto Rico has received throughout the years, is their treatment of Vieques and Culebra. The United States performed naval operations on our smaller islands of Vieques and Culebra for decades, leaving waste and pollution, and stealing land from the islands' inhabitants. Only after massive protests (1999 - 2003) did they even make any effort to leave. Their presence still affects the islands! Throughout history, no agreement the US and Puertorrican governments have made with each other has ever been on equal terms; nor will it ever be, no matter the representation conceded to us. Illusions of the magic of statehood only exist now that the colony has run its course. Now that the US is being forced to back a horse, it only makes sense they'd choose the deal in which they keep Puerto Rico, and all its resources, forever. In the end, independence is not a piece of paper, it's a process. It may take at least a decade to work towards reversing the dependencies colonial rule grew throughout the 60's. It may take 2 to reinforce local infrastructure, incentivize local farming, and expunge the predatory business' stranglehold. It may be a lifetime until the decade long brain drain problem the island's faced can finally be resolved. The point is working towards the goal with the historical understanding that the position Puerto Rico has been in since 1508 is the direct result of centuries of colonial dominance. The younger generation of independentistas is growing to understand that. The transition period would be difficult to adapt to, but Puerto Rico would be better off in the end self reliant and free. TLDR, so those who don't wanna read this essay of a damn comment could get the memo. Pedro Pierluisi's neoliberal government has gone to great lengths to further privatization believing it to be the fix to all of PR's problems. Everything, from crime, to outages, to unrest, is worse. The end goal of statehood, due to the historical and geopolitical conditions of Puerto Rico, both under Spanish and American control, only serves to further the brain drain, commodification of the culture, and gentrification the island faces today. These conditions make Puerto Rico perfect for predatory investors and hyper-rich tourists, all extracting wealth at the island's expense. The suppression of the independence movement is a major factor in puertorrican delegitimizing of even the concept of independence, and with the track record the USA has had just in general with Latin American countries, the idea any agreement made between the 2 countries could ever be made on even terms is laughable. At the end of the day, the younger generations are growing more pro independence by the hour. All this being with the understanding that it is the process of independence that must be pursued, to then create the conditions in which it could not just survive, but flourish. ps: I wrote this little blurb a while ago, and while I stand by its contents, it may, in parts, be slightly askew in comparison to the current political climate of the election. I invite anyone in the replies to engage with these assertions.

[@tainoguy1]

Excellent information and very well explained 👏

[@janisaherrera4597]

Hmmmmm.....If you get statehood you will be allowed to exodus to the main land of the United States when climate change raises the sea level up swallowing the island.👉👈😕

[@RIPKabosu2000]

As a puerto rican who has never been on the island, it's really disgusting to read some of these comments celebrating the imperial extraction of the island. The crisis of housing, poverty, and the privatization of beaches for richmen clubs (effectively shutting out the natives from their own beaches) is indicative of the problems that would arise from statehood. Puerto Rico should be free from neoliberal control.

[@reucat24]

Reunification with Spain is the correct path, Independence means being a neocolony of the US like Dominican Republic or Honduras. We need to claim what the US took away from us, we need to reunify with our motherland as an Autonomous Province

[@janisaherrera4597]

@@legendlink196 , I speak again before my comment was deleted. Would Puerto Rico survive rising sea level from climate change currently happening without the US help? And if the island is about to go under would the island population be relocated to the United States mainland if they aren't citizens anymore?

[@cretannia9790]

Puerto Rico doesnt really know what it wants, and the Federal Government doesnt really want to deal with it. Nothing is going to change for a long while.

[@paradoxmo]

Yes, the people do know what they want. The US just refuses to give them a binding referendum that includes the option of leaving the US, so people keep boycotting the referendums.

[@SaberArc2100]

⁠@@paradoxmo FALSE!! I’m Puerto Rican and in different generations USA make us vote what we wanted. If we want to become a independent, state 51 or just associate with USA (Territory).

[@paradoxmo]

@@SaberArc2100 sorry, you are right, there were referendums before that asked about independence. But not the most recent one (2020), which only asked if PR should become a state or not. And none of the referendums have been binding, and a couple times the referendum question was not phrased in a neutral way, causing one or the other side to boycott the referendum which makes the referendum result not have a clear mandate. And it kind of looks like that’s what is happening this year too. If enough people just cast blank ballots, then it won’t be a mandate.

[@SaberArc2100]

@xftjlas8296 I’m not in NY, mostly of Puerto Rican there are a lot liberal.

[@paradoxmo]

@xftjlas8296 what does that even mean “have their cake and eat it too”? PR is bigger than many small states, and it doesn’t make sense for them to be US citizens but not have representation nationally. And even if they become independent, it would under similar terms to Micronesia or other former colonies, where they get automatic right to work in the U.S.

[@sirisaacnewton3755]

Wish you talked about how the two main parties have lost massive amount of support for being perceived as corrupt and inept, but its probably too much for a single video. In 2012 PPD and PNP got 48% and 47% of the vote respectively and in 2020 the PNP won with 33% of the vote. This year PIP and MVC have created an alliance to not split the anti-establishment vote, will see how it works out.

[@ee4life623]

As a Puerto Rican. No. Next question.

[@jesseward4115]

This is something so many people in comments seems to not understand. If Puerto Rico wants to be a state, I have seen little push back from the rest of the US against the idea. Puerto Rico is not a state because (at least in the past) they have chosen to remain a territory.

[@Wombatypvs]

@@jesseward4115 There is the fact that Puerto Rico is largely Democratic-leaning. As a result, it would be difficult for Republicans to stomach handing the Democrats 2 more senators, how ever many representatives they end up allocating, and a sizable number of electoral college votes.

[@jonedson5910]

no i dont think its going to hapen or no i dont wont it to happen?

[@shyguyy4693]

@@Wombatypvs they are very catholic and think abortion should be illegal lol

[@kosinusify]

​@@WombatypvsPR is quite religious and rather conservative on social issues, and considering its history with finances, maybe even the economy. I suppose it would be rather purple, if not leaning red, but not safe blue.

[@Winged-h7y]

Honestly just give them independence like cuba and Philippines

[@gaelsarmiento4496]

Then what do you think about the Millions of Puerto Rican's living in the U.S? Because Puerto Ricans are U.S citizens many have moved to the mainland U.S. In fact more Puerto Ricans live inside the mainland U.S now than in Puerto Rico itself. If it were to become an independent state then the majority of its productive working age population wouldn't be on the island and you would see an exodus of people leaving for the U.S before they lose their right to U.S citizenship. Additionally many people don't support independence because a) they like having the benefits of being a U.S citizen and b) they don't trust island leadership to properly run the island. They saw how its leaders when given some autonomy effectively ran the country into bankruptcy. Being a state would allow Puerto Rico a cushion to fall back on. Finally not enough people support independence. This is a contentious area because it matters if you include Puerto Ricans who recently left to resettle in the mainland U.S. If a vote were to be held available to only Puerto Ricans living on Puerto Rico then it would be close but if it were extended to Puerto Ricans living in the U.S mainland then independence would be defeated easily.

[@bergthe89th12]

And look at both countries now. Many Cuban refugees fleeing from communist rule and many Filipinos (speaking as a former Filipino, now naturalized American citizen) left for a better life overseas, due to government corruption.

[@Labyrinth6000]

Puerto Ricans DONT WANT independence, than the millions that live in the US will be kicked out as foreigners and their nation will collapse because like Haiti, they have a shrinking economy.

[@reucat24]

we were an Automous Province of Spain and we did not want independence like Cuba, the US should reunify us with Spain.

[@adamperdue3178]

Cuba and the Philippines wanted out, and we let them go. Puerto Rico can't make up its mind. First they want status quo, then they vote for statehood, but voter turnout was low and independence voters say it was a boycott, and it's really not worth going through the amount of effort to try to admit PR as a state for half of the island to come in kicking and screaming and saying that they don't want in. But it's also not right to just cut them loose when the majority want to remain part of the US (either as a territory or as a state).

[@mattazmy]

After that event MSG, they should be recognised as a state!!

[@dannydenison6253]

Give them independence!

[@MathewCO720]

Our people are too separated when it comes to that. They aren't the Pedro Albizu Campos Puertoricans.

[@kingdmind]

@@MathewCO720not yet

[@Gryphind0r]

They need reparations too

[@chadleach6009]

Lol they don't want that either as it would mean becoming Haiti.

[@kingdmind]

@@chadleach6009 we're already like Haiti. This year, both countries have been the only ones to demonstrate economic deficit. We have a corrupt governement which placed us in massive debt and dependence on the US, an unreliable power grid with the highest costs of living, have the lowest wages, and are being sold to billionaires as a tax haven to fill politicians pockets. Everyday, we stray closer to the Third World.

[@Retalak]

The people of Puerto Rico should be allowed to choose themselves through a vote whether they want independence or statehood. Having this conversation in this way, assuming that statehood is the only solution, is rather disingenuous and robs Puerto Ricans of their right to self determine.

[@tauceti8060]

True,hope they are more in favour independance

[@reucat24]

Reunification with Spain should be the first option in the ballot, Puerto Rico was a province of Spain invaded and occupied by the US since 1898

[@Labyrinth6000]

@@reucat24 Spain lost it by right of spoils of war. They belong to the US! Invaluable military base and position in the Caribbean as well!

[@RitzCookie]

@@Labyrinth6000"They belong to the US!", yeah that's why they are the 51st stat.... oh nevermind

[@ekothesilent9456]

@@Labyrinth6000we lost it by right when they voted for statehood and we said no. We can’t hold them in a state of limbo forever. At this point US has no such war claim on the island. It’d be comparable to us trying to take Gibraltar from England in 2024 because we won the revolutionary war. Too much time has passed for those sorts of demands. Plus Spain is a NATO member. You lose the right to enforce military goals on countries when you integrate them into your military alliances

[@radsrich5271]

Excited to see you guys cover Puerto Rico, thank you! This is a great surface level analysis of Puerto Rico’s political situation. I realize it’s hard to fit all of the complex history into a 10 minute video, but I do wish you guys would have done a deeper dive into the current political situation. The parties are largely defined by the status question, but it is not true that there isn’t a left/right split, with the PNP very clearly adopting right wing policies and behaving like the Republicans by falsely accusing the PIP of being communist and wanting to turn Puerto Rico into Venezuela or Cuba.

[@jonathanalveriodegarcia1219]

Nos dijeron que con la independencia íbamos a terminar como “las repúblicas bananeras” y terminamos sin los doctores que tiene Cuba, sin el libre mercado que tiene la República Dominicana, sin electricidad y sin educación y todo con dólares verdes bajo la bandera gringa.

[@tonypuga2502]

Que tal si Cuba, República Dominicana y Puerto Rico se unieran en un solo país llamado República de las Antillas

[@MrSandChess]

No tengo duda dada la trayectoria de los políticos que hemos tenido en la isla desde el comienzo, que lo mejor que podríamos alcanzar con la independencia es ser una republica bananera. Tenemos educación de clase mundial a un costo totalmente accesible , y aún así todos los años las matrículas en la UPR van disminuyendo, más allá de un problema político tenemos un problema social terrible. Y no se a que te refieres con los médicos que tiene Cuba. Los médicos taxistas? O los que trabajan para el gobierno? En fin, estoy de acuerdo que es mejor ver a Puerto Rico morir de pie pero libre, que ver como la falta de políticos buenos y la avaricia de los e.e.u.u va aplastando la clase media al nivel de que es indistinguible de la clase baja de otros países latinoamericanos.

[@John-wl9pg]

Ta cabrón

[@robertofernandez7773]

@@tonypuga2502 correccion, republica bananera de Las ancillary. Lol

[@c-bass9968]

La propaganda antiindependentista es la realidad de PR hoy día.

[@sencillo96]

As a Puertorican, NO we don't need or want that... Puerto Rico, we have our own flag, own culture, Puerto Rico is just unique, we don't want to be a state, we want to be associated with the US not a part of US ✍️🇵🇷.....

[@thorkagemob1297]

To be fair, our States also have those elements. But i do understand what you mean, it is to a different degree. Which makes sense considering we are generally raised with the idea of being American first, state identity second. Maybe even third if people are Mexican-American, Italian-American, Irish-American, etc.

[@bukhariapdelahi7072]

well maybe demand your independence then, you are a colony, you need freedom

[@Austin-g7b]

Absolutely

[@danielcavanzo8362]

¡Puerto Rico Libre! !No más colonialismo!

[@AdvocateOfJamaica]

They should be either a full state with all rights and privileges or fully independent and completely separate--one or the other. Doesn't make sense to be in between.

[@MrAres703]

They're getting a free ride

[@Mr_Fairdale]

Let it be Independent instead

[@SerbAtheist]

I think a simple fix would be for all territories to get 3 electoral votes, similar to D.C., and then doing something similar to Maine and Nevada and splitting up the votes: 1 for Puerto Rico, 1 for the remaining territories and 1 for the overall popular vote. In addition, each territory, as well as Washington D.C. should have a VOTING delegate in Congress. Having representation only in Congress, but not the Senate, would be a fair compromise.

[@MediumDSpeaks]

My family grew up or were born in PR (moved from Cuba), and this is the MOST tense issue there. They have such different political philosophies there than anywhere else, for example the Socialist party of PR is enormous.

[@jakethefinn2353]

"Socialist Party of PR" Yeah you don't really know what you're talking about huh

[@AgentClaudius]

"""enormous""" yeah so huge they quite literally only managed to get below 10% support in almost every election and only now are they gaining support but only by about 15% to 20%. quit the bullshit

[@sabin97]

nunca he visto el partido socialista. naci aqui, y he vivido aqui toda mi vida.

[@AgentClaudius]

@@sabin97 tecnicamente, el PIP vendria siendo el partido socialista pero dudo que logren implementar el socialismo aqui

[@sabin97]

@@AgentClaudius pero en los anuncios le llaman "comunismo" a todo lo que no es arrodillarse ante los yanquis.

[@0xC272]

We can skip the runarounds and just call it a US colony at this point, right? Right? But the US doesn't do the whole colonialism thing. Nope.

[@delanceysamuel4770]

You usually don't vote to remain a colony but alright

[@VMan29397]

​@@delanceysamuel4770wel when you brainwash the colonist into thinking they cant survive on their own. Look it up

[@gvibration1]

They can piss off any time they want.

[@Dangic23]

There has never been a vote on the Status of PR. In 1901 Congress decided that PR would be categorized as an unincorporated territory of the US. This designation has never changed since.

[@ryandanngetich2524]

@@gvibration1 They have been trying to, yall are hypocrites

[@AirbornChaos]

Unlike the UK, Non-binding referendums in the US can be ignored because, you know, "non-binding." It's funny how that works, England, you should try it sometime.

[@billyfox6368]

I wanted to remain and I even wanted a second referendum because of the lies and campaign misdemeanours during the first; however, in a normal, non-binding referendum, you should still realistically act on it. It is undemocratic simply to ignore something with such a definitive presentation of support for a particular direction. Yes, it's not legally necessary, but it's democratically moral. In an instance like this, for example, it is clearly wrong to give Puerto Rico all of these referendums and then just to ignore them. If it were in a practical sense truly non-binding, it might as well just be a poll.

[@RK7LifeLine]

DC and Guam left the chat! I forgot the US Virgin Islands. The list is long

[@SneedSeeding]

PR makes the most sense to be the 51st state, DC becoming a state would require a constitutional amendment, Guam's population is mostly soldiers stationed there and is otherwise literally just a rock. PR has the most people, it should be a state the soonest, but will it be anytime soon? No, no it won't, Congress can't agree or do anything rn, how are they supposed to agree on something that's not sending money to Israel?

[@kennethkho7165]

​@@SneedSeeding DC becoming a state does not require a constitutional amendment, just an act of congress ceding 90% of DC to the new state

[@SneedSeeding]

@@kennethkho7165 Specifically DC does because its existence is constitutionally mandated.

[@kennethkho7165]

@@SneedSeeding yeah DC as a legal entity can never be a state, but the vast majority of DC territory inhabited by hundreds of thousands of citizens can be separated and be made a new state.

[@SneedSeeding]

@@kennethkho7165 This will not happen for the same reasons PR will not be a state any time soon. Free 2 new senate seats guaranteed for one party. Annexation by MD is the only reasonable path for them to get representation, as much as I don't want DC being a part of MD lmao.

[@WilliamCarterII]

"Unusual status quo." I mean they're a colony. I'd expect that accent to know what a colony is hahah

[@FrankTorres-ci5hh]

The pro-statehood candidate received only 33% of the cast in the 2020 elections Most , the majority of the Puerto Ricans are opposed to statehood.

[@VMan29397]

Thank you

[@C.J.R.]

Que clase de 🐷 tú eres, sabes muy bien que lo que la gente no apoyas es al partido, pero si al ideal estadista. La mayoría es estadista y tú lo sabes muy bien, por eso la estadistas ganó con el 52%. Estos comunistas intentando engañar como siempre…

[@C.J.R.]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Puerto_Rican_status_referendum And why did statehood get 52.52% of the votes in the last referendum? 52.52% is less than 47.48% of the votes? Did they give you math classes?

[@VMan29397]

@@C.J.R. Those referendums are jokes. You realize they intentionally left independence off the ballot to try to sway the vote in their favor. Also the latest polling shows statehood tied with Is sovereignty at 44%

[@mattbosley3531]

It doesn't matter whether Puerto Ricans want to become a state or not, it's Congress that has to agree to it. PR has held referendums in the past where the majority of people have voted to become a state, but it still didn't happen.

[@BMWE90HQ]

It should not be a state. It should be independent.

[@AL-lh2ht]

Not accoridng to themselves.

[@RedXlV]

The Puerto Rican people have vehemently rejected independence. Repeatedly.

[@BMWE90HQ]

@@AL-lh2ht Well we don't want them. We see through it as just a ploy to give democrats even more power.

[@VMan29397]

@@AL-lh2ht stop lying

[@Xmc-rx6ph]

I am puerto rican living in the mainland for more than 30 years now and I am waiting to see Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 the 51st of the United States, as we should because we are American Citizens since 1917 and I feel very proud being an American /🇺🇸 🇵🇷puerto rican.

[@VMan29397]

Its never gonna happen. Puerto rico is undergoing an ideloigcal shift towards independence

[@MN-pb2gw]

You're lucky look at what happens to the Philippines. It was a US territory between 1898 to 1946. Our own government sucks after full independence. We were better with American government wish to become a state too

[@VMan29397]

@@MN-pb2gw lucky? Is having a broken electrical grid lucky? Is paying 1.5 billion dollars extra for shipping lucky? Is having tax dodgers exploit your home and drive out the local population lucky? It isnt. Stop with these clown takes

[@VMan29397]

@@MN-pb2gw clown take

[@MN-pb2gw]

@@Xmc-rx6ph also Guam is a very beautiful US territory

[@aaronpenaperalta]

In Spain we would be more than happy to welcome them again as the 18th Autonomous Community. 🎉🥂 Bienvenidos a casa de nuevo hermanos 🙌🏻🇪🇸🇵🇷🙌🏻

[@revinhatol]

Alaska - Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) Hawaii - Aloha 'Aina Party (AAP) Puerto Rico - Puertorican Independence Party (PIP)

[@RedXlV]

All of which have only tiny fringe support.

[@yadielrosado8012]

And the PIP has some... unorthodox sympathizers

[@demjoelsan]

@@RedXlVguess u haven’t seen recent PR election polls then :/

[@Darrytheprince]

​@@RedXlV you have no idea what you're talking about 🤣

[@Jack-sq6xb]

Alaska and Hawaii love it here bro

[@MoralHazard-g1e]

As a Filipino American, nee' former colony, I feel you guys.

[@FantusyFailure]

US citizens on their own territory should have full statehood if they want. The only reason they aren't is a certain half of the gov doesn't like that they probably won't vote for them.

[@christianwestling2019]

Puerto Rico should be given independence, not statehood.

[@Austin-g7b]

Right

[@acano774]

You do know that it would’ve survive 1 year as a independent country

[@Skeety08]

as an American I don't want Puerto Rico to become a state, we should give them independence

[@hectornavedoed.d.2940]

According to the most important newspaper in Puerto Rico and its recent October 2024 survey, 66% of Puerto Ricans reject statehood.

[@RedXlV]

According to actual voting results, "the most important newspaper in Puerto Rico" is bullshitting with that claim. If that was even remotely close to the actual popular opinion, there would be *no reason* for anti-statehood parties to boycott these referendums. There would be *every* incentive for them to try to maximize turnout and achieve a decisive electoral victory. Boycotting an election is something only done by a party that's sure they're going to lose, and thinks that low turnout will deny legitimacy to the other side's victory.

[@VMan29397]

@@RedXlV dude your lying out of your teeth. the latest polling by el nuevo dia shows statehood tied with national sovereignty at 44%. also its boycotted bec its a waste of taxpayer dollars at a time when puerto rico is dealing with austerity cuts and a shrinking economy. the referendums are a ploy to boost turnout for the pnp. they dont act on them.

[@jj4yx]

Independence!!

[@camerapasteurize7215]

"They don't pay federal income tax, meaning-" That they don't get half their income stolen? "-they receive fewer federal benefits than other Americans." Let me stop you right now. I pay federal income tax. I have *never,* in my life, nor has any of my family ever received any aid from the government beyond essentially being told, "We support you in these trying times!"

[@kingdmind]

The question of this video should not be if it will become just a 51st state, rather if it could choose, for the first time, to become an independent country. That is what is up for debate in this coming election.

[@sabin97]

we cant. i mean we can have a vote and a majority can vote for independence. but the choice isnt ours. it's yours. if you choose not to grant us freedom, then we cannot be free. it's as simple as that.

[@kingdmind]

@@sabin97 Soy boricua pa. Lo sé y estoy en total acuerdo

[@AL-lh2ht]

independence is a minority opinion. Its not the real debate on the island

[@RedXlV]

Support for independence in Puerto Rico is *very small.* Last time it was an option on the ballot (7 years ago) it got just 1.5% of the vote. That's why nobody pays much attention to the independence option.

[@kingdmind]

@@RedXlV That was in 2016, which was boycotted by parties against Statehood. In 2020 it received 48% support. In 2024, current statistics place Independence and Free Association at the same or more support than Statehood, as polls show Independence is growing amongst youth and all demographics to a decreasing extent.

[@rsantana389]

It’s missing another option: giving it back to Spain. At the end of the day, it was part of it for four centuries. And people speak Spanish.

[@gabetalks9275]

@@rsantana389 As a Puerto-Rican American, no Puerto-Rican would ever accept that. Latin America is a different culture than Spain. Spain's Latin American colonies didn't fight for independence just to reunite with Spain. Spain actually granted us independence before the US undid that at the end of the Spanish-American War.

[@reucat24]

Yes, there is a growing Reunification with Spain sentiment on the island, check Adelante Reunificacionistas yt channel, they went to the United Nations' Decolonization Committee this summer to speak in favour of this option

[@reucat24]

@@aoterou But Puerto Rico was a province of Spain, what we have now is an US Occupation of a Province of Spain

[@rsantana389]

@@aoterou Good idea!

[@Merry19ss]

​@@gabetalks9275 cariño te lo aclaro, fueron guerras civiles americanas del Imperio Español. Y era guerra entre Criollos independientes VS. Nativos, Mestizos y criollos Realistas. Puerto Rico no era colonia era Provincia Autonómica como lo es Islas Canarias e Islas Baleares en España.

[@nelsonr.flores9123]

If Puerto Rico becomes the 51st date, it would be the end of Puerto Rico as we Puerto Ricans know it lot of us don’t want to be traders I’m one of them I don’t want my Puerto Rico to become part of the US union. I would rather go back and be part of Spain the way we were before the US step foot into Puerto Rico in 1898 illegally to let the US government take complete hold of Puerto Rico as a US state would mean the end of our culture, our language, and a way of being because they’re going to convert Puerto Rico to the wrong liking just they did with the Hawaiian islands so not to statehood, and to colonialism

[@MN-pb2gw]

But i think you should be gratefull. Lots of people are risking their lives to cross the border to be in the US for better opportunities. You will loose your US Citizenship if USA let go of Puerto Rico. Think about it. Look what happens to my country. Philippines sucks after gaining independence from USA

[@demjoelsan]

Short answer: No Long answer: No

[@alfrredd]

The US should give independence to its colonies, including Puerto Rico.

[@tauceti8060]

True

[@TheIrishny]

And if the Puerto Ricans dont want that?

[@JohnRadke-p7o]

@@TheIrishnyit’s 50/50 the older generation wants statehood younger generation wants independence

[@alfrredd]

@@TheIrishny That would mean the US project of assimilation and destruction of PR's culture has been completed successfully.

[@JinxRavinstill2]

Wouldn't DC count as a colony due to it being a District and not a state?