TLDR News here offers an economics-focused review of Puerto Rico’s history, up to and including the six status plebiscites that have already taken place and the plans for a seventh vote on November 5, 2024.
They conclude that the November vote won’t change Puerto Rico’s status. This is true, because — as the video says — “Puerto Rico cannot plan a binding referendum on its own, as the power to actually go through with statehood or an alternative change of status lies with the U.S. Congress.”
“Ultimately, if statehood is to happen,” the video continue, “it requires not just a clear and decisive call for action from Puerto Rico, but also a receptive U.S. government to act on it.”
Almost immediately after that statement, the video switches to a lengthy ad for its news organization, but the key point has been made.
It’s not really about self-determination
It’s common to hear political leaders in the federal government talking about self-determination for Puerto Rico, or about the need for Puerto Rico to make up its mind on its preferred status. There’s also talk from Puerto Rican leaders on how Puerto Rico should be making the decisions about Puerto Rico’s future, rather than allowing Congress to make these decisions.
In three referenda so far this century, Puerto Rico voters have clearly chosen statehood. The government of the Island has officially requested statehood. Puerto Rico has made up its mind and undertaken democratic actions of self-determination.
Are we amazed that Puerto Rico still has not been admitted as a state?
The truth is, Congress makes decisions about territories. Puerto Rico is essentially a colony of the United States, much as it was a colony of Spain before Spain passed the Island over to the United States. Every time Puerto Rico votes for statehood — and it will probably happen again in November, as the video above states — it becomes more embarrassing for Congress to ignore that call to action.
Members of Congress have their own priorities, focusing on their own states. That is exactly why it is so important for Puerto Rico to gain admission as a state. Once the Island has full representation in Congress, there will be senators and voting members of the House of Representatives to stand up for Puerto Rico. Until that time, we must help Puerto Rico’s voice reach the attention of Congress. If you live in a state, please reach out to your representatives. Once they know that their constituents care about Puerto Rico statehood, they will also care.
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