While America was out voting for the President, the people of Puerto Rico were having their own polls. The U.S. territory was asked if they were currently happy with their relationship with the United States. 46% percent said they were happy, and 54% said they wanted to change the relationship. Those that wanted change, were then asked how they wanted change. 5% of people wanted Puerto Rico to be declared independent, 33% asked for to be a sovereign free association, and 61% of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood.
Puerto Rico sounds like its on the right track, but don’t count on them becoming a state anytime soon. Democrats and Republicans both agree for Puerto Rico becoming a state. Obama even said that he would support it, if the majority of the people said they wanted to. But, this still has to be approved by Congress which could take years.
If Puerto Rico does eventually become a state, America would have to add another star to the U.S. flag, which currently has 50 stars, so this means every single flag would have to be replaced.
Puerto Rico’s primary language is Spanish, and 85% of the population admitted to knowing none, or very little English. A good thing about adding Puerto Rico as a state is that it would bring variety to the U.S. culture.
Currently, Puerto Rico has an unemplyment rate of 13.8%, which would be the highest in America if they were to become a state.
Students at Bob Jones were asked what they think of Puerto Rico becoming a state. Kyle Shipley says, “I think it’s a horrible idea.” Will Jackson says, “It really doesn’t matter to me.”
People clearly have different views on this situation; we will just have to see what happens in the years to come.
Do you like the idea of Puerto Rico becoming a state?
- Yes. (55%, 16 Votes)
- Do not care. (28%, 8 Votes)
- No. (17%, 5 Votes)
Total Voters: 29
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