Admitting Puerto Rico into the Union

This is something that I really think ought to be done. Puerto Rico has been a commonwealth of the United States for almost 50 years! 50! This unacceptable, especially from the United States which has disavowed any colonizing intentions centuries ago... yet Puerto Rico still remains.

Puerto Ricans have had the opportunity to vote on joining the United States 3 times in the past: 1967, 1993, 1998. However, in all three of these votes, Puerto Ricans were giving the choice to remain as a commonwealth. Puerto Ricans have affirmed the status quo.

Well, I just think it is time to give Puerto Ricans an ultimatum: either become an independent nation, or join the United States as a state. Such an ultimatum does not seem as fierce in reality as it may seem in print. This is because Puerto Rico currently has no say in how it is governed in relation to the rest of the United States. It has no representation in the House or the Senate, only a non-voting delegate in the House. And even though Puerto Ricans are United States citizens(and have been since 1917), they get no vote in the presidential election.

Back in 2000, adding Puerto Rico to the fold seemed to be on the table. However, since 9/11, most of Congress's time has been devoted to more pertinent matters. President Bush has made a little movement in that direction, but not enough in my mind.

I recently travelled to Puerto Rico, and must say that I was impressed. It is a lot more developped and has a more vibrant economy than I had been led to believe. Due to its tropical nature and different culture, it reminds me a lot like Hawaii. A big hang-up has been the language barrier, however, I did not feel there was one. Yes, most people spoke Spanish, however, most also spoke English. Paige and I had little time communicating to anyone while we were on the island.

And as far as what we do with the flag...