"The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and
Regulations respecting the territory or other Property belonging to the United
States . . ."    Article IV, sec. 3, clause 2,The U.S. Constitution

        The island of Puerto Rico has been an unincorporated territory of the United
States since the end of the Spanish-American War.  Spain ceded Puerto Rico, among
other colonies, to the United States in the Treaty of Paris.  The island's people and
culture have "belonged" to the United States since then.  In 1917, Congress provided
U.S. citizenship to people born in Puerto Rico; exercising the "power" given to them
by the Territorial Clause of the US, Constitution, and just in time for World War I. 
At the time, Puerto Rico was still considered to be a colony subject to the whim of
congress.  A little leeway was gained in 1952 when the commonwealth structure
was introduced by Luis Munoz Marin, a Puerto Rican national.  This new political
structure allows Puerto Rico full self-government regarding internal government
and administration, but does not restrict the authority of the U.S. congress to
interpret the application of Federal law on the island.  The commonwealth
structure allows Puerto Rico to function almost as if it were a state, but it isn't.  
     There are almost four million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico.  They are subject
to the draft and all other Federal laws.  They vote in the Presidential Primary but
not the General election.  They receive some federal aid, but are exempt from
federal taxes.  They elect their own governor and one non-voting member to the
United States House of Representatives.  Nevertheless, all of these privileges are
arbitrary and can be voided at anytime by congress according to the Territorial
Clause of the Constitution.   
     In 1989, the people of Puerto Rico petitioned congress asking that they be
consulted as to their political status preference.  Historically, the people have
favored either statehood or outright independence.  But in 1993, they held plebiscite
where none of the three proposed political status options received an over-bearing
majority.  The commonwealth won a simple majority with 48.6% of the vote;
statehood was second with 46.3%, and independence, a distant third with a meager
4.4%.  This plebiscite, however, was not binding because it was not approved by
congress.  Last year, Republican Don Young (Representative of Alaska) sponsored a
bill that would allow the inhabitants of the island to determine their future political
status once and for all.  
     This bill is called "The United States/Puerto Rico Political Status Act" or
"H.R. 856."  On March 3, 1998, this bill was passed by the House with a single vote
(209-208).  It calls for a referendum to be held in Puerto Rico no later than
December 31, 1998 that would allow the people to determine their political status. 
The bill is not expected to pass the Senate, at least, not anytime soon.  The wording
of the bill seems to favor statehood because a vote for independence or
commonwealth would not dissolve any ties with the U.S. government that an
autonomous political entity would warrant.  It even goes as far as determining what
type of government shall be instituted if the vote is for independence.  If
commonwealth wins the majority , a referendum will be held no less than once
every ten years [until the desired outcome is reached].  

". . . English shall be the common language of mutual understanding in the
United States, shall apply to al States duly and freely admitted to the Union." H.R.
856, Sec. 3, clause b.  

     This stipulation maybe the only obstacle that would prevent Puerto Rico from
becoming the 51st star on Old Glory.  Although, there are 3.8 million U.S. citizens
in Puerto Rico, only 25% of the population speak English fluently.  Interest groups
like English First have made opposition to Puerto Rican statehood number one on
their agendas, because of this fact.  Currently, Spanish and English are the joint
official languages in Puerto Rico, however, English is only required in the Federal
Court system.  Spanish is the primary language on the island.  H.R. 856 states that
Puerto Rico would have to expand its English language Requirements if it were to
choose statehood.  This expansion would include: the public school system, local and
state government, business, etc.  Many people believe that this stipulation will
smother the proud culture of Puerto Rico, and is overtly conspicuously racist, but is
this too much to ask of a candidate for admission into the Union?  

Why Statehood?

- Puerto Rico would receive all benefits and privileges awarded to states: Federal grants, two senators, seven Representatives in the House, full voting rights, etc.

Why choose independence?

- Puerto Rico would no longer be under the thumb of congress. - Puerto Rican culture will be able to evolve unhindered by English language requirements.

- Puerto Rico would be able to trade with whoever it wants --Cuba?

Why choose commonwealth?

-Puerto Ricans will keep their U.S. citizenship.

- Do not have to pay Federal taxes as long as they live on the island.

- Will not change anything, but still have the other options in case attitudes change.

When the decision is made, it will go to the President who will have 180 days to submit a transition plan to congress of no more than ten years. If the commonwealth structure is maintained, there will be more referendums held to be sure that congress still has authority over the political future of Puerto Rico and that this authority is approved by the people. Also, congress has the power to dissolve political ties with Puerto Rico whenever it feels like it. If independence is chosen, everyone born on the island after the decision would no longer be U.S. citizens and anyone that takes part in any election or government in this newly established sovereignty will lose their U.S. citizenship. Statehood is the least consequential choice except for the language issue.

Since we all have different opinions, here are all our conclusions:

Brian: Puerto Ricans has known the protection of the U.S. Constitution for one hundred years. It would be irrational to sever this umbilical cord and try to continue as a separate sovereignty. Independence would leave the island in political and economic disarray leading to an inevitable civil war. A choice for commonwealth status would leave Puerto Rico vulnerable to the whim of Congress.

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. They have fought under the same flag in the same wars as every other citizen of the U.S.since 1917, pledging their loyalty and their lives to the United States government. It is time for retribution and being admitted into the Union would be the best possible sceenario for the Puerto Rican people. At last, they will have a say in a government that has used them for so long. The pro's of statehood outweigh the con's by far. The language issue is not as important as it seems to be because Spanish has been around for a long time and it is not going anywhere. No matter what sort of provisions that are made to promote the use of the English language in P.R., Spanish will not die.

Edwidge: In conclusion, I feel that it makes no sense for Puerto Rico to vote because their vote doesn't count anyway because congress must vote on it and okay it after ward, so what's the point. I know it's not my choice to make but I feel that Puerto Rico would be better if they voted for independence. Yes they wouldn't be able to make it for a couple of years, but I truly, strongly and honestly believe that Puerto Rico can and will be a success. Take a look at Haiti, they've done it, they've come along way but still hasn't gotten to where they would like to be, but that's because of certain issues which is another story. Puerto Rico can do it, but their afraid and believe's they can't do it because they've been brainwashed and it's put in their heads to get any where in society physically, financially etc. they need the United States. You can't blame the Puerto Rican's though. But I hope what ever decision is made it's carefully thought about and will bring nothing but hope and peace for Puerto Rico because they deserve it.

Elizabeth: I believe Puerto Rico should stay at the status it is now, commonwealth. The people of Puerto Rico wanted to become a state when it was ceded to the United States, but the United States didn't want it to become a state then. In 1952, Puerto Rico was called the Estado Libre associado but they translated to commonwealth with fear of Puerto Rico wanting to be a state. Now in 1998, the question "Should Puerto Rico become the 51st state?" is now arised. Puerto Rico would be in worse shape. It is poor as it is and it has help from the United States. It would be the poorest state of the United States and it would have homeless people all over the place. But last not but not least Puerto Rico should not lose the Spanish language. That is all Puerto Ricans known all their lives. If they become a state overtly they would lose their culture. To the question above, I think the answer should be NO! Why interfere with them now?

Vanessa: The current status of Puerto Rico as a commonwealth is one that will eventually change with the decision of the qualified voters. These voters will have to decide on whether they want the status of Puerto Rico to be independent or become a state. Puerto Rico currently has many of the same rights of U.S. citizens. Given that Puerto Rico basically receives most benefits and have many of the same advantages of U.S. citizens, I believe submitting Puerto Rico as a state is the best decision. Puerto Rico will have a full internal government and will be able to establish more stability. I understand that it may be hard for many of the citizens to pay taxes, but if an agreeable rate is set then things can eventually work out. Puerto Rico's current status is not at a very high standard, but provided that statehood is voted for, the United States will have further obligations to providing necessary aide to allow Puerto Rico to prosper. Whether or not a decision is made by the end of this year, the qualified voters of Puerto Rico will still have to come up with a decision. Voters will have to decide every ten years on the status of Puerto Rico. Coming up with a decision sooner will allow Puerto Rico to prosper and gain all the benefits that U.S. citizens currently obtain.

For additional information on the changing political structure of Puerto Rico check out these websites:

http://www.puertorico2000.com

http://www.puertorico51.org/english

http://www.puretoricoherald.org