The sings that we will become a state within the next 25 years.

[thegenie]

For you people that really doubt that we are going to become part of the Union.
Especially for those of you who do not even live here.
I don't know where you are getting your Inf.
Some of you think that the people in PR are poor. And that they can't handle Federal taxes.
First….Poor people don't have to worry about Federal taxes, only rich people do.
I do not know where you guys live, but most of you most certainly not here in PR.
Because if you lived here you would know for example that Progress in PR is almost there with other states. Most of you left long ago and still living thinking in the past. You read the newspapers and think you really know what is going on here. I assure you!
You have no Idea!
Let me give it to you Straight.
What you are reading in the papers is a spectacle. Only to sell the papers. It is so that I am willing to bet you that the present government is going to get reelected. We will see on November 7th. So if you want to take this as a joke, fine but if we win again then it is motive to re-evaluate your thoughts and really think about what I'm about to tell you.
No insults to you from my part and I hope you have the decency to do the same for me.
Remember we live in a democracy and you have the right to differ from me and I from you but with Respect.

Let us put this in Perspective.


From an economic point of view.

1. It would be economically feasible for the USA to grant PR statehood.
a. As Puerto Rican economy grows which it is growing (Unemployment is down to 10%) and equals that of any state, there will be no problem for the US to accept us into the Union.
b. Some one said in the forum, one that believes in independence. That if PR were to gain independence about 90% of the people would flee to the Mainland. I agree. That is another economic reason why it would make sense to the US to grant Statehood to PR. Let me explain why: If you had 100,000 people moving to any State lets pick Texas for example at one Periodic time You would have an economic problem because of the Impact on the economy of that State. Not to mention the Riots that would brake on that State from the people that already live there. It would create instability in the Nation. Now try to imagine 3.5 Million people moving in an exodus to the mainland. I would say that is a major Problem. ( And by us being US Citizens how can they prevent that) Since Independence would not be automatic it would be a transition.
2. Puerto Rico is gradually changing as we speak. Take a look at the signs.
a. English and Spanish the main language in PR. (It is Law)
b. When you walk the Streets of PR more and more people are actually Bilingual.
c. More and more people with higher education.
d. In the US for example you are going to look for a job lets say sales, all they require from you is to be motivated, outgoing, clean looking, bla bla bla. (Take a look at the newspaper there in the classifieds) Here you are most certainly required a 4 years College or some type of degree. (Again take a look at the same listings here in PR.) My friends that is on purpose. Don't be fooled. They are trying to bring us up to par soon.
e. This year the clock is set back just like in the US.
f. Bilingual public schools.
g. Cable TV has an indirect impact in Puerto Rico's Society. Most programs are in English and you have some in Spanish just like in the US plus your local channels.
I could keep going but I think I made my point.
3. It makes political and logical sense.
a. If the US wanted PR to be independent they would have done it long ago. It would have been less of a problem then, than to try and do it now.
b. Why else would you give more and more say to the Puertorican representation in Congress? If it isn't to get other congressman used to the Idea. Change is always hard for both sides and there is always going to be some resistance at first. So you do it gradually. (Makes sense)
c. There have been movements already from Congressmen to give two choices to PR. (STATEHOOD or INDEPENDENCE) even though this did not go through last time; it is just one more attempt to get congressmen used to the Idea. Don't you think they already know who is going to win? THINK ABOUT IT.
d. If you knew Statehood would win and you were not willing to grant it you would not even consider making that kind of offer.
e. Going from the premise that if PR was to become a Republic they would have a civil War on their hands here in PR (Which is a major possibility)(I don't want to see the shed of blood not from your side nor from mine) and create instability in the Caribbean I think you would agree there is too much at Stake.
f. The Only two real Options to PR are Independence or Statehood. I believe we both agree at least on that. Because ELA is a colonial form and neither of us (I mean Independents and Statehooders) want it. The days are counted for that form of Status. (Vieques is a sign on that)
g. Now when the time comes and it will. For PuertoRicans to decide whether to pick State or Independence. Even most Populares you talk to agree that they much rather have a Statehood that an Independence. Guess who is going to win.
h. Yes there will be revolts at first but it shall all go back to Normal.
4. More signs.
a. Why do you think the people who believe in independence are mobilizing their people? They realize what I am saying, they are smart leaders. They want to make Americans perceive that puertoricans do not like USA. What do you do when you know you are going to loose a battle with an adversary, his army hasn't gotten in all the way and you have only one chance? (I tell you what you do… You get loud like hell in order to make the enemy believe you are Strong force trying to convince them to go back before the battle begins) It is call a Bluff in the POKER GAME. It is a good tactic.
b. More and More American Companies are moving into PR. These companies invest Billions and I guarantee you they have a lot of pull in respect to US government. They would not invest Billions if they were not sure that PR was going to stay part of the US. The Industry in PR has changed from manufacture to RETAIL. (I guarantee you these companies have advisors that study the market and the country's stability before going in and investing billions) Would you agree with me on that?
c. Did you guys know that PR is one of the major spenders in the World? Let's take Home Depot only open 2 stores in PR so far; they are already #1 in the Nation. Sears, #1 store and #2 store in sales are in PR. and I could keep mentioning.
d. Retail is a major Industry in USA. Do you think they have say on Congress? Don't you think they have a major pull on Gov. decisions?


Conclusion:

I know a lot of you are concern about loosing your Identity, and are comparing PR to Hawaii, but you have to understand that Hawaii and PR have different History. That in Hawaii they were already a minority before they became a State. That PR will be the only State with the majority of its inhabitants being Puertoricans(THAT IS A FACT)
And most of all! Nobody can take away your culture, your language, your heritage, your history, your flag, or anything else you are afraid of loosing. Let me put it to you this way (a hand is part of the body but it doesn't stop being a hand with its uniqueness.)
Just the same by you being part of the Union you do not stop being Puerto Rico the shining Star of the Caribbean. And if you are born in PR you are still a Borincano. And you have still your Spanish heritage, and that my friends No STATUS can change.
By the way when PR becomes a State you won't have a major exodus to PR in part of the Americans like some say. That is very improbable. I think if any you would have more tourist.
And we will have a MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM. WE WILL GET TO BE THE CHAMPS BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD AT IT.

I hope you guys read this objectively and think about it. Let's treat eachother with respect, class and education.

[Poncepr68]

The Gennie,

Well I truely agree with you, if the status is posed with Statehood and Independence alone yes statehood would win be a landslide and many may disagree but that is natural. Concerning ELA I can say that is this is still an option it will continue to win for some years to come but that is highly unlikely with some senators talking about how this has been hiden from the american people. Resistance to change is a natural human or animal behavior and that is a FACT! Well my brother I will have to say that you are speaking with truth and proper information but still time will tell.

[EL_BORICUA]

[quote]Originally posted by thegenie:
[b]For you people that really doubt that we are going to become part of the Union.
Especially for those of you who do not even live here.
I don't know where you are getting your Inf.
Some of you think that the people in PR are poor. And that they can't handle Federal taxes.
First….Poor people don't have to worry about Federal taxes, only rich people do.
I do not know where you guys live, but most of you most certainly not here in PR.
Because if you lived here you would know for example that Progress in PR is almost there with other states. Most of you left long ago and still living thinking in the past. You read the newspapers and think you really know what is going on here. I assure you!
You have no Idea!
Let me give it to you Straight.
What you are reading in the papers is a spectacle. Only to sell the papers. It is so that I am willing to bet you that the present government is going to get reelected. We will see on November 7th. So if you want to take this as a joke, fine but if we win again then it is motive to re-evaluate your thoughts and really think about what I'm about to tell you.
No insults to you from my part and I hope you have the decency to do the same for me.
Remember we live in a democracy and you have the right to differ from me and I from you but with Respect.

Let us put this in Perspective.


From an economic point of view.

1. It would be economically feasible for the USA to grant PR statehood.
a. As Puerto Rican economy grows which it is growing (Unemployment is down to 10%) and equals that of any state, there will be no problem for the US to accept us into the Union.
b. Some one said in the forum, one that believes in independence. That if PR were to gain independence about 90% of the people would flee to the Mainland. I agree. That is another economic reason why it would make sense to the US to grant Statehood to PR. Let me explain why: If you had 100,000 people moving to any State lets pick Texas for example at one Periodic time You would have an economic problem because of the Impact on the economy of that State. Not to mention the Riots that would brake on that State from the people that already live there. It would create instability in the Nation. Now try to imagine 3.5 Million people moving in an exodus to the mainland. I would say that is a major Problem. ( And by us being US Citizens how can they prevent that) Since Independence would not be automatic it would be a transition.
2. Puerto Rico is gradually changing as we speak. Take a look at the signs.
a. English and Spanish the main language in PR. (It is Law)
b. When you walk the Streets of PR more and more people are actually Bilingual.
c. More and more people with higher education.
d. In the US for example you are going to look for a job lets say sales, all they require from you is to be motivated, outgoing, clean looking, bla bla bla. (Take a look at the newspaper there in the classifieds) Here you are most certainly required a 4 years College or some type of degree. (Again take a look at the same listings here in PR.) My friends that is on purpose. Don't be fooled. They are trying to bring us up to par soon.
e. This year the clock is set back just like in the US.
f. Bilingual public schools.
g. Cable TV has an indirect impact in Puerto Rico's Society. Most programs are in English and you have some in Spanish just like in the US plus your local channels.
I could keep going but I think I made my point.
3. It makes political and logical sense.
a. If the US wanted PR to be independent they would have done it long ago. It would have been less of a problem then, than to try and do it now.
b. Why else would you give more and more say to the Puertorican representation in Congress? If it isn't to get other congressman used to the Idea. Change is always hard for both sides and there is always going to be some resistance at first. So you do it gradually. (Makes sense)
c. There have been movements already from Congressmen to give two choices to PR. (STATEHOOD or INDEPENDENCE) even though this did not go through last time; it is just one more attempt to get congressmen used to the Idea. Don't you think they already know who is going to win? THINK ABOUT IT.
d. If you knew Statehood would win and you were not willing to grant it you would not even consider making that kind of offer.
e. Going from the premise that if PR was to become a Republic they would have a civil War on their hands here in PR (Which is a major possibility)(I don't want to see the shed of blood not from your side nor from mine) and create instability in the Caribbean I think you would agree there is too much at Stake.
f. The Only two real Options to PR are Independence or Statehood. I believe we both agree at least on that. Because ELA is a colonial form and neither of us (I mean Independents and Statehooders) want it. The days are counted for that form of Status. (Vieques is a sign on that)
g. Now when the time comes and it will. For PuertoRicans to decide whether to pick State or Independence. Even most Populares you talk to agree that they much rather have a Statehood that an Independence. Guess who is going to win.
h. Yes there will be revolts at first but it shall all go back to Normal.
4. More signs.
a. Why do you think the people who believe in independence are mobilizing their people? They realize what I am saying, they are smart leaders. They want to make Americans perceive that puertoricans do not like USA. What do you do when you know you are going to loose a battle with an adversary, his army hasn't gotten in all the way and you have only one chance? (I tell you what you do… You get loud like hell in order to make the enemy believe you are Strong force trying to convince them to go back before the battle begins) It is call a Bluff in the POKER GAME. It is a good tactic.
b. More and More American Companies are moving into PR. These companies invest Billions and I guarantee you they have a lot of pull in respect to US government. They would not invest Billions if they were not sure that PR was going to stay part of the US. The Industry in PR has changed from manufacture to RETAIL. (I guarantee you these companies have advisors that study the market and the country's stability before going in and investing billions) Would you agree with me on that?
c. Did you guys know that PR is one of the major spenders in the World? Let's take Home Depot only open 2 stores in PR so far; they are already #1 in the Nation. Sears, #1 store and #2 store in sales are in PR. and I could keep mentioning.
d. Retail is a major Industry in USA. Do you think they have say on Congress? Don't you think they have a major pull on Gov. decisions?


Conclusion:

I know a lot of you are concern about loosing your Identity, and are comparing PR to Hawaii, but you have to understand that Hawaii and PR have different History. That in Hawaii they were already a minority before they became a State. That PR will be the only State with the majority of its inhabitants being Puertoricans(THAT IS A FACT)
And most of all! Nobody can take away your culture, your language, your heritage, your history, your flag, or anything else you are afraid of loosing. Let me put it to you this way (a hand is part of the body but it doesn't stop being a hand with its uniqueness.)
Just the same by you being part of the Union you do not stop being Puerto Rico the shining Star of the Caribbean. And if you are born in PR you are still a Borincano. And you have still your Spanish heritage, and that my friends No STATUS can change.
By the way when PR becomes a State you won't have a major exodus to PR in part of the Americans like some say. That is very improbable. I think if any you would have more tourist.
And we will have a MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM. WE WILL GET TO BE THE CHAMPS BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD AT IT.

I hope you guys read this objectively and think about it. Let's treat eachother with respect, class and education.

The too long list posted by Genie is a good reason why we should not become a state,but
the one thing Mr.Genie fails to take into
account is that even should statehood win a
plebesite the U.S.Govt. still has the last
word,and the govt. are the people here and
there is NO will here to let P.R. into the
union every law dealing with it has been
defeated or tabled,but still they want to
humble themselves in order to achieve this
when the american people dont want it and we
boricuas who live here will continue to work
in order to remind them what a mistake it
would be to allow P.R. into the union.

[Papo_Blair]

The PNP is not going to Win the election. I live in PR and the everyone and the TV is saying the PPD is going to WIN big they even saying that the PIP should even pick ground in this coming Election. Every where I go in PR I see more and more people removing their PNP flag from there home and replacing them with PPD flags and PIP flags. In Puerto Rico I know people the once believe in the PNP like me are now Turning to the PPD or to PIP. So you see, your PNP has done to many things in PR to even think of winning. Your PNP has stole so much money the people are really angry here in PR. Now, you ask me if we became a State? Would you accept it peacefully? Or would you shed the blood of innocent people? No, I would accept it peacefully but I can't talk for the rest of the PIP and etc. Maybe they would take up arms I don't know and I hope they don't but only time would tell. So stop wasting your time in a bad party and fight for your true country Puerto Rico.

[thegenie]

Originally posted by Papo Blair:
The PNP is not going to Win the election. I live in PR and the everyone and the TV is saying the PPD is going to WIN big.

Mr. Blair again with all due respect.
I do not know wich tv set or which newspaper are u reading. I know is not over untill is over. But the Poles in el Vocero puts them even three to four weeks ago. El Dia gives Pesquera a 6% lead. The TV like WAPA, TeleMundo and TVSeis, are saying the same thing.Hernandez Mayoral wich is a PPD member, who is the Son of HERNANDEZ COLON ex-governor of PR and a leader in the PPD party said himself that in their own poles SILA is behind for even a higher percentage 9%. And you know that. I mean I know you love your party. But lets not insult eachother intelligence and let us speak with the truth. If you like go in the Internet to EL Dia interactivo and they should have an archieve. Look for the Pole anybody that doubts and lets see who is speaking truth here. If you win great! Good Luck! If we win then think about what I said here. Now let us both live in peace. Because even though we have different believes we both want the best for the island.But let us speak to eachother with facts and not fanatism.

[thegenie]

[quote]Originally posted by EL BORICUA:

Originally posted by thegenie:


The too long list posted by Genie is a good reason why we should not become a state,but
the one thing Mr.Genie fails to take into
account is that even should statehood win a
plebesite the U.S.Govt. still has the last
word.

Again this is a matter of opinion.

But to this I would reply asking you to remember what happened when the Black community was seeking equal rights. For those who like to read history. You will learn that there were a lot of people against and a lot of people in favor. The President, Congress and the Senate where under a lot of pressure, there were congressman and senators which their own States where against granting equal rights to the Black community. Examples of those were Alabama, Georgia, S.Carolina etc. Then there were those in favor. You guys know how it ended. They ammended the Constitution and the rest is history.
I know you may think that they don't want us. But government will do what would be in the best interest of the Nation. And if you follow what I said before I think we would agree that it is in the best interest of the United States of America Granting Statehood if the votes show that is what Puerto Rico wants.
Besides in the United Nations they have stated that they will do what the People of Puerto Rico chooses when the time comes. I garantee you they will because they would look bad in the eyes of the World if they didn't. And again it would be a lot easier than to grant Puerto Rico Independence.

[EL_BORICUA]

Mr.Genie check this out: www.nzz.ch/online/04_english/background/background1999/background9905/bg990504puerto_rico_usa.htm
You see Genie I think your ideas are wrong
but being on the island you dont know what goes on here.