I'd say they should just become a state already. They probably won't ever vote it in though, there really isn't much for them left to gain by becoming a state.

They've enjoyed their benefits as a commonwealth for a long time (including exemption from Federal Income Taxes). I find it interesting that the local Democratic Party is the one opposing such a move towards statehood, when it is they that look to gain more seats in the US Senate and House should such a measure succeed. ::shrugs::

It think it should be up to them. If they want to be then it's OK by me. As I recall they've taken votes before and the majority have chosen not to become a state.

Should they be a state? Short answer: No. Long answer: Hell No!

Should they be independent? Short answer: Ehhh... Long answer: Who Cares?

Status Quo? Nope. Stop giving them handouts - cut 'em loose.

I totally agree with Scaramonga.

But if you were to ask me, if you want to look for potential states, don't look to the south but to the north.

I think its possible, however unlikly, that we could add the western half of Canada to our union...The more conservative half. If you want me to specify, well here goes...

By Western Canada, I mean:

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, & Yukon (which would consist of both the Yukon and Northwest territories).

The rest can belong to French Canadia.

I have visited Puerto Rico. They speak spanish and even the custom officials speak a heavy accented english. They have pride in themselves and should be independent.

They won't of course, too much welfare comes to their area.

U.S. Citizens should have pride in their country and speak english.

This is a tough one, but I have to agree with Scaramonga. It's always rubbed the wrong way, knowing they receive aid, but do not pay taxes, so cutting them loose would be the best case scenario. Particularly since we cannot use Viecas (sic) to train, anymore! Why bother wasting any more tax dollars on them?

I also believe Puerto Rico should be cut lose (though we have to hang on to Guam until China becomes a democracy); with a proviso to allow Puerto Ricans living in the continental US five years to decide whether to remain as US citizens, or more back to PR and be only PR citizens.

Oh great Mark, make me think on this Sunday evening. Since I consider Puerto Rico as the Spanish speaking France I'd say cut em loose and see how they survive on their own. I bet in no time their anti-Americanism would disappear.

IMHO, 50 is a nice, round number. For no other reason, let's keep it that way.

Plus the gratis welfare bit. Yeah, that ticks me off, too!

*Chuckles*

Does that mean we need to get five or ten states all at once to keep it a nice even number Dan? :)

Seriously though, I wouldn't mind if Puerto Rico became state, but I don't like this "limbo" they're in right now. Basically "sh** or get off the pot."

I'll agree with the first few commenters: the choice is up to them, assuming a clear majority ever lines up for any of the three options. So far that hasn't happened, and I doubt it will any time soon.

If I were voting in Puerto Rico, I'd favor the status quo. Limited congressional representation and not voting for president seems like a small price to pay for avoiding federal taxes. I voted Republican last November and I just paid my taxes, and right now I don't feel like I'm getting value for money.

Im puertorican, somethings that you say are true like we dont have to pay federal taxes , we dont make presidential votes,we receive federal aids im accepting that but one thing maybe you dont know is those privileges arent free, here in PR we have the bestselling US stores, like Walmart,Home Depot and all that money goes to the US and we have the most fallen soldiers than any other state in this war.Canada did that for your country?... We deserve to be a state, ill be proud to pay my federal taxes and have the same obligation that every 1st class US citizen have.
Remember we fought in every war with you and because in PR most people dont speak english thats not a reason to give us the independecy that would be a racist act.

Commonwealth only brings the best of both worlds. But I want statehood. With statehood, me (along with other Puerto Ricans) will have the best of everything, the best of all worlds! Also, just because we don't speak Spanish when we're a state, doesn't mean that the culture is lost. We still got the same appearance, same clothing, same music, same food. Let's become a state to show that the best can also come out of the Hispanic race. I prefer to use the term "Carribean Islander" by the way.