Is Puerto Rico an island of garbage or the next state of the United States?

November 5, 2024

Is Puerto Rico an island of garbage or the next state of the United States?

Neither. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island inhabited by approximately 3.5 million Hispanic Americans. Puerto Rico voted today to elect its next governor. Puerto Rico also voted on a referendum about statehood. We have not seen any official results yet, but believe that Republican candidate Jennifer Gonzalez of the pro-statehood party and current "Resident Commissioner" of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Congress (non-voting representative of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Congress), has been elected to become the next Governor of Puerto Rico. We also believe that the majority of voters chose Statehood over the alternatives in the political status referendum.  

Puerto Rico will not become a state any time soon. 

The second coming of Jesus Christ to judge living and the dead, and the Rapture, will happen before the U.S. Congress makes Puerto Rico a state of the Union. Why? In one word: racism. Puerto Ricans are Hispanic Americans. To make matters worse for pro-statehood Puerto Ricans, rumor has it that Puerto Rico would be an overwhelming Democratic state like Hawaii. The chances of the U.S. Congress overcoming racism and partisan politics to admit Puerto Rico as a state are slim to none.

What is Puerto Rico anyways?  

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands. It consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands, including Vieques, Culebra, and Mona. Here are key points about Puerto Rico:

1. Political Status:

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, meaning it is under U.S. sovereignty but not fully incorporated into the Union as a state. Its residents are U.S. citizens, but they do not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections unless they reside in a U.S. state. Puerto Rico has a local government with its own constitution and operates similarly to a U.S. state in terms of its internal governance, with an elected governor and legislature.

2. Cultural Identity:

Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage that blends Indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences, resulting in a unique blend of traditions, music, art, and cuisine. Spanish and English are the official languages, although Spanish is more commonly spoken.

3. Economy:

The economy of Puerto Rico is diversified, with key industries including manufacturing (particularly pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles), agriculture, and tourism. However, Puerto Rico faces economic challenges, including high public debt and poverty levels.

4. Debate on Statehood:

Puerto Rico's status has been a topic of debate for decades. Some Puerto Ricans advocate for statehood, which would grant full representation in Congress and federal benefits, while others prefer independence or maintaining the current status with modifications. Several referendums have been held, showing mixed support among Puerto Ricans for each option.

In summary, Puerto Rico is a unique U.S. territory with a blend of American and Puerto Rican cultural elements, limited political representation, and a complex relationship with the United States.

What is required under U.S. law for a territory to become a state?

Under U.S. law, for a territory to become a state, it must go through a process outlined in the Constitution and established by historical precedent. The basic steps typically include:

1. Petition for Statehood:

The territory’s residents usually express a desire for statehood by petitioning Congress. This often involves a referendum or vote in the territory to show popular support for becoming a state.

2. Enabling Act by Congress:

If Congress agrees to consider statehood, it may pass an Enabling Act, authorizing the territory to draft a state constitution. This act lays out the requirements the territory must meet to be eligible for statehood, including setting up a government compatible with the U.S. Constitution and agreeing to abide by federal laws.

3. Drafting and Ratification of a State Constitution:

The territory holds a constitutional convention to draft a state constitution. This document must establish a republican form of government and align with the U.S. Constitution. Once drafted, the constitution is typically submitted to the territory’s residents for approval.

4. Approval by Congress:

After the territory’s constitution is approved by its residents, it is sent to Congress for review. Congress votes on whether to admit the territory as a state, generally requiring a majority vote in both the House and the Senate.

5. Presidential Signature:

If both chambers of Congress approve the admission, the President signs a joint resolution or proclamation formally admitting the new state to the Union.

These steps ensure that the territory’s government aligns with federal principles and that there is local support for statehood. Congress ultimately has the power to decide whether to admit a state, and it may set additional conditions based on the situation. 

For Congress to admit Puerto Rico, a relatively poor and nonwhite territory overwhelming supporting the Democratic Party into the Union, conditions may include surviving the Rapture and the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

Mark these words. Puerto Rico will not become a state anytime soon. Why? Racism. 

Now you know it. 

Live well. Die better. Enjoy.

Creatix, the intelligence matrix. On the web at www.creatix.one