Politics Random, Random

[dryrunguy]

The Puerto Rico statehood debate is a completely different ball of yarn. I'm not convinced that is a good idea. But I am moveable. I see positives for sure, but the negatives, as I see it, are fairly compelling.

[Togtdyalttai]

This is the part of the Constitution that Dave is referencing. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17:

Congress shall have Power...To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Building.

The Democrats argue that nothing in there says that the District has to include all of what it does currently. It's even true that its boundaries have changed four (depending on your definition) times since its creation. The bigger deal is that the new Federal District that they propose would have no residents. I can't see how the Constitution prohibits that, but 1) I'm not a lawyer and 2) I wouldn't put it past the Supreme Court to rule otherwise.

[mmmm8]

Why not Puerto Rico, too?

Because Puerto Ricans aren't sure they want this whereas DC have been trying to get representation for such a long time.

Puerto Rico voted for statehood this past November: https://ballotpedia.org/Puerto_Rico_Sta ... dum_(2020). Granted, the margin wasn't great and the turnout was below 50%, but they did vote for it.

Yeah, there was a lot behind that vote. Many leading activists and politicians called it useless and suggested the governor called it to drive turnout for her party and switch the conversation from all the post-Maria/corruption. There were also accusations of fraud.

The previous 2017 referendum was even less engaging, had something like a 22% turnout

[mmmm8]

The Puerto Rico statehood debate is a completely different ball of yarn. I'm not convinced that is a good idea. But I am moveable. I see positives for sure, but the negatives, as I see it, are fairly compelling.

It seems this is also the position of many Puerto Ricans, both on statehood and independence. Which is why nothing's happening.

[JazzNU]

Based on a few posts in here, it seems to me not everyone here knows the history of DC's fight to govern themselves and trying to get statehood and would do well to read up on the subject.

[ti-amie]

I really hate when they pimp their own sites but this is an interesting tidbit.

[ti-amie]

[ti-amie]

Meanwhile:

[ti-amie]

And meanwhile:

[ti-amie]

[ti-amie]

[ti-amie]

[Togtdyalttai]

This is a really good article about the advantages Republicans have in the American political system. I could copy the text here, but I'm not going to because it is tennis-themed, and you'd miss out on all the lovely tennis graphics.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/advantage-gop/

[ponchi101]

A great way of putting down in numbers something we (this forum) already knew.
Sorry, no way that is the greatest democracy in the world. And excuse my offense.

[Suliso]

A great way of putting down in numbers something we (this forum) already knew.
Sorry, no way that is the greatest democracy in the world. And excuse my offense.

Which country do you think is now?