Statehood for Puerto Rico? Candidates Don’t Care
When it comes to Puerto Rico, the presidential candidates want to have it both ways.
There are thousands of people on this island who believe the commonwealth should be made a state. That would bring voting rights and equality under US law – but it would also bring the federal income tax. That’s something that those who oppose statehood would like to avoid.
Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have advocates for both sides on their campaigns here – and Clinton, for her part, is remaining as neutral as possible. At a colorful church service in Hormigueros, Clinton swayed left and right as the congregation sang Latin flavored hymns – but stayed straight down the middle on the issue of statehood.
“I believe all people are entitled to a representative form of government at all levels of government, and that the people of Puerto Rico should have the right to determine by majority vote the status you choose from among all the options,” she said. “I have no preference. My only commitment is to work with those from all factions and with the congress to give you the right to make that decision. I want that done within my first term as president.”
As was fitting for the setting, she cited scripture as a reason to keep going. “Do not grow weary doing good. For in due time we shall reap if we do not give up,” she said.
“There isn’t anything we cannot do together if we seek God’s blessing and if we stay committed and are not deterred by the setbacks that often fall in every life. If I had listened to those who had been talking over the last several months, we would not be having this campaign in Puerto Rico today.”
“But I believe this is an opportunity unlike any in recent history for the needs and interests and diversity of the people of Puerto Rico to be in the spotlight. This is an opportunity to educate everyone about this wonderful place and to have not just our country but the world learn more about Puerto Rico,” she said to applause.
Tags: barack obama, hillary clinton, puerto rico
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COMMENT:
HILLARY, HEY, LEAVE WILL ENOUGH ALONE, DON’T RUN YOUR MOUTH IN OTHER COUNTRIES!
THATS HOW WE ARE IN THE MESS WE ARE NOW?
“But I believe this is an opportunity unlike any in recent history for the needs and interests and diversity of the people of Puerto Rico to be in the spotlight. This is an opportunity to educate everyone about this wonderful place and to have not just our country but the world learn more about Puerto Rico,” she said to applause.
_____________________
She is an inspiring Leader…and I couldn’t agree more but it is up to the good people of Peurto Rico…I have been waiting for this primary since the beginning of the primaries..and I do hope they get coverage in the National Meida..and we can learn more about Peurto Rico…and the politics there…It’s been a long time..and I can understand not wanting to pay those ugly Federal Income Taxes..but with those Taxes comes rewards..
Hillary will not win and that is the point.
Clintons last time did nothing to help us. they took one main prime scenic road and built
villas and mansions. thats what we got for their support. if you visit , come look at the other side of the island. you can see what they gave us. its just like her last visit here, this time come and talk. oyea thanks you so much., for nothing
thats about it.
FREE PUERTO RICO, FREE TIBET
Statehood for PR!
The people in PR will not be fooled by the Clintons again. The military fiasco in PR and Bill Clinton did nothing to calm the storm there. Hillary and her pandering yet, they don’t talk about how they cut back so much funds to the people of PR. Now the Cubans are saying that the people in PR will not vote for Obama because he is black. They are saying that in Mexico. I hope that is not true.
Fox needs to fix where names cannot be hijacked…all these jerks have made it totally annoying
that is so true owbud
remeber
Only when the North Vietnamese discovered that his father was a top admiral did they give him medical care and announce his capture. What about the other guys. So why is he now trying to use his military record as a badge of honor. so many falling into enemy hands didnt have that privelage.Not to mention the fact that he chucked his wife to marry someone more affluent and physically fit. Give us a break. It appears he cares about no one but himself.
American Woman…
I’ve seen your posts all over the FoxNews blogs. You and I are at opposite ends on the same side. Most of the time, you are very rational and make your point eloquently, as opposed to some of your friends (Patty, NJ).
Would you argue the Clinton perspective regarding why Hillary supported the DNC rules re: FL and MI right up until the time she started to lose the primary? She signed the agreement, she came on publicly (on CNN) and said she supported the DNC decision to strip FL & MI of thier delegates and that thier primaries should not count because they broke the rules, etc. ad nauseum.
The other question I have relates to Bill. Sen. Obama, has tried to rise above the frey, with occasional lapses into the gutter. But he seemed to try and conduct the campaign in a positive manner. Nobody has offered me a good argument regarding what the GOP will do to Sen. Clinton during the GE. Sen. Obama was a gentleman and did not bring up Geniffer Flowers, Monica, the blue dress, the pardons, the questionable ethics, the scandals, etc… But do you really think that the GOP will be constrained in thier use of this stuff? Clinton supporters seem to forget the plethora of ammunication the GOP has against Hillary and Bill. Just because Obama has not used it, doesn’t mean it won’t be used. Why do you think the GOP want for Sen. Clinton to be the nominee? At least against her, they stand a slim chance by slinging mud (of course they will do this with Obama too, but they don’t have near the amount of mud.)
Remember, it was during Bills second term in office that all this “stuff” came about. After that, the GOP had little reason to use it until Hillary ran for POTUS.
Do you really think that Hillary would get out of the GOP machine unscathed? This confuses me regarding the electability argument. Once someone REALLY campaigns against her and the swift boat groups come along… she’s toast.
A group of Cuban dissidents has backed a call by the US presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, for direct talks with the new Cuban President, Raul Castro.
The organisation, Women in White, is made up of female relatives of Cuban political prisoners.
They applauded his offer to allow Cuban Americans to freely visit relatives here.
They also wrote that a more creative policy could help the transition towards democracy and that the current confrontation is used by the authorities in Havana to justify their repression.
Good afternoon all.
McCain 08!
Are you serious ari? I think we should hold talks with Cuba. It is about time that they should be able to go and visit there family without being scared. We are tired of seeing them try to come over to the U.S. in trucks, makeshift boats and anything just to escape Cuba. It is time we have a new President.
Hey ari,
Not sure you saw it the other day, but I rebuked one of you statements without looking at the time and after fruther review apologized for doing so when you weren’t there to defend your position. I wanted to apologize to you directly for that as I hate don’t like it when people do it to me.
How are you DB
Obama 08!
I think we all agree that it would be best for all sides to establish normal relations with Cuba. The only real debate is do we want our President sitting down directly with Raul and the various other tyrants in the world on a face to face basis without preconditions. Most would say we shouldn’t but that certainly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t attempt to establish talks with them at the lower level to establish the preconditions we seek.
Doing good Marc. How’s your weekend going? Hope well!
Good. Just came back from some business meetings and feels good to be back home.
Bye the way everyone, Happy Memorial Day weekend.
I think we should have face to face talks with the likes of Cuba and North Korea. I think Iran also. What else do we have to loose. It’s not working under the Bush/McCain policy.
Nothing like returning home from a trip. Glad you made it home safely and in time for a relaxing weekend.
MCain 08! Time for Peace!
Marc,
That’s the point Marc. We do have talks with all nations form a lower level. Generally it’s from the State Department, whereby we try and establish common ground that both countries can work from but it often doesn’t work out. I’ll give you an exampe. With NK we refused to have one on one talks until certain conditions were met. Our Stae Department personnel worked vigorously trying to find common ground while in the media it appeared all bets were off. Well through time they found some common ground and before you knew it we were having direct talks. Now once all matters are agreed to, the President will meet with the NK President on a formal visit. That’s how it works and how I believe all negotiations should proceed.
Hey Obama Resign. Yes McCain 08! Time for Peace!!
I agree too DB, but when we talk about Iran and Syria, we do have conditions. But if those conditions are not met, then we have to look at what is best for our nation and for the world. I am listening to Hillary Clinton right now. When Bill was in office, they did nothing for Puerto Rico. Now Hillary is talking about doing everything for Puerto Rico. Pandering to the voters once again.
Sorry Obama Resign. McCain can’t win.
McCain… time for peace? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Isn’t McCain the guy who keeps talking about going into Iran? I just can’t put McCain and Peace together in the same sentance.
Obama 08′
Good point DSP
Marc,
It’s like any negotiation Marc. If both sides can find common ground to work from then it can proceeed up to a point where the senior reprsentatives can thn come together to sign the necessary paperwork. Iran and even Syria to a certain degree are unwilling to legitimately try and find common ground on certain issues and thus the tension. You just simply can’t reward themfor that with a face to face at the highest level as nothing can be gained by it.
As for the Clintons promising everything for PR, I understand that as they tried to gain the PR citizens support for both the islands acceptance of becoming a state and of course support for Hillary’s nomination. I believe Barack did the same thing just yesterday right?
Comment by DSP
May 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
McCain… time for peace? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Isn’t McCain the guy who keeps talking about going into Iran? I just can’t put McCain and Peace together in the same sentance.
Obama 08′
———————————————————-
Hey DSP,
On the surface it would appear it is an oxymoron, but if you look it below the surface you can see where McCain really is the candidate for peace. Why? You have to understand the mindset of the Middle East and for that matter henchment around the world. Admajenadad (sorry for the spelling), Chavez, etc are leaders who rule by power and in order to deal with them you must be in a position of power as well. This is especially true in the Middle East and I can personally speak to it on a much lower level. The louder, more forceful person, will in the end gain the advantage and ultimately gain what they want. Any sign of weekenss, will be taken advantage of and they will never ever back down again.
Comment by DSP
May 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
McCain… time for peace? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Isn’t McCain the guy who keeps talking about going into Iran? I just can’t put McCain and Peace together in the same sentance.
Obama 08′
———————————————————-
Hey DSP,
On the surface it would appear it is an oxymoron, but if you look it below the surface you can see where McCain really is the candidate for peace.
I agree in large part with holding discussions at the State Dept. level. But sometimes, to get what you want, don’t you have to go to the store manager, the CEO, the top dog?
I’m not an expert on foreign policy, but it just seems like maybe the President would carry with him/her a certain authority that the lower people don’t. What happens for example, when the US state dept. guy and the Cuban state dept. guy have personality clashes? I guess my question is, are these men and women able to rise above the petty personality or philosophical differences for the the better of both countries? Maybe I’m being shallow, but I’m not sure they can.
McCain really does represent peace. Just look below the words and understand the meaining of “Peace through Strength”.
DSP,
“Peace through Strength”
DSP,
“Peace
through
Strength”
Peace thru strength
Wow, can’t get strength thru
Yes DB, but Hillary has been going off of Bill’s success and did not mention that they did nothing for Puerto Rico. Obama does not fall in that same catagory.
Peace
Hillary has been going off of Bill’s success DB and yet, she forgets that they did nothing for PR. Obama does not fall in that catagory.
Ok, again the cesor is going wild. Please for forgive the mulitple attempts to get a blog through if it comes in pieces.
I’m trying to write to you DB, but once again, they are not letting me.
I don’t know whats going on
hello
lets try this again.
Comment by David, Santa Rosa, CA
May 25th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
American Woman…
I’ve seen your posts all over the FoxNews blogs. You and I are at opposite ends on the same side. Most of the time, you are very rational and make your point eloquently, as opposed to some of your friends (Patty, NJ).
Would you argue the Clinton perspective regarding why Hillary supported the DNC rules re: FL and MI right up until the time she started to lose the primary? She signed the agreement, she came on publicly (on CNN) and said she supported the DNC decision to strip FL & MI of thier delegates and that thier primaries should not count because they broke the rules, etc. ad nauseum.
The other question I have relates to Bill. Sen. Obama, has tried to rise above the frey, with occasional lapses into the gutter. But he seemed to try and conduct the campaign in a positive manner. Nobody has offered me a good argument regarding what the GOP will do to Sen. Clinton during the GE. Sen. Obama was a gentleman and did not bring up Geniffer Flowers, Monica, the blue dress, the pardons, the questionable ethics, the scandals, etc… But do you really think that the GOP will be constrained in thier use of this stuff? Clinton supporters seem to forget the plethora of ammunication the GOP has against Hillary and Bill. Just because Obama has not used it, doesn’t mean it won’t be used. Why do you think the GOP want for Sen. Clinton to be the nominee? At least against her, they stand a slim chance by slinging mud (of course they will do this with Obama too, but they don’t have near the amount of mud.)
Remember, it was during Bills second term in office that all this “stuff” came about. After that, the GOP had little reason to use it until Hillary ran for POTUS.
Do you really think that Hillary would get out of the GOP machine unscathed? This confuses me regarding the electability argument. Once someone REALLY campaigns against her and the swift boat groups come along… she’s toast.
================================================================
Cracks me up when I see I people talking about me when I havent been on in two days!!
Sorry mister but I have to disagree with what you say here. The GOP do not want to run against Hillary because they will loose the election. Why would the MSM try to shove Obama down our throats the way they do? I know why and so do alot of Dems! They have a whole lot of cr*p coming out on Obama…Remember the “OCTOBER SURPRISE”!! They will truly be very dissappointed when Hillary is nominated because their is no new news on her. Bill is not running and he will not be much of an issue. Anyway as I see it, I will be going for McCain in November if Hillary is not the nom and many more dems to follow> The DNC really messed things up this time and I cant see it being recovered!
It really cracks me up seeing people talking about me when I havent even been on for two days!! I must have really made an impression!
KEEP FIGHTING HILLARY MILLIONS SUPPORT AND VOTE FOR YOU!
My -how nice to see a few well thought out posts here! Not the usual obama group trash!
Sure wish the media would act as nice and treat all candidates fairly & with respect.
The reason the Hillary supporters will never vote for obama is because he is just Not Qualified - his background is scary - what more do we NOT know??? We ALL know that Hillary is FAR from perfect - but - we already know all about the Clintons - and know that Clinton or McCain will take good care of our country - can we honestly say that about obama with his questionable background?? We only have 3 choices here to be President of the USA - and since obama is not qualified - now we are down to 2. IF obama can win fair & square with counting ALL the states and gets the magic number - fine - he is the nominee - but - IF the Hillary supporters feel that he STOLD the nomination by dirty politics - then we will always feel cheated and will NEVER vote for him. So - what does he really “win” - the nomination - but will never be elected - and the DNC has lost the white house yet again.
Comment by DSP
May 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
McCain… time for peace? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Isn’t McCain the guy who keeps talking about going into Iran? I just can’t put McCain and Peace together in the same sentance.
Obama 08′
*** It will be because the nasty people like you that Obama will loose.
McCAIN 08! 09! 10! 11!
Comment by DSP
May 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
McCain… time for peace? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Isn’t McCain the guy who keeps talking about going into Iran? I just can’t put McCain and Peace together in the same sentance.
Obama 08′
*** The reason Obama can’t win is because he has people full of hate following him.
McCain 08! 09! 10! 11!
Comment by DSP
May 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
McCain… time for peace? Isn’t that an oxymoron?
**** People like you are the reason why he wont win. McCain 08! 09! 10! 11!
I think when you pay very close attention to what obama says, he wants what will work best for OTHER countries, leaving the U.S to foot the bill, or CHANGE to accomodate other countries. Again we must wonder whose side is obama on?
Why is McSame not appearing anywhere with Bush? It’s because he’s running from his Bush legacy. Why has the media suddenly been banned from the Bush fundraisers for McSame that were previously open to them? Maybe they’re taking place inside “Slippery Dick” Cheney’s man-sized office safe!
Why is JMC not appearing anywhere with the Shrub? Why has the media suddenly been banned from the Shrub fundraisers for JMC that were previously open to them? Maybe they’re taking place inside Cheney’s man-sized office safe!
back
Really? She’s quoting scripture to defend her position on staying in this race? I’m not sure, but I’m just not 100% convinced that the campaign tactics she has decided to engage in would be considered “doing good,” as reflected in the scripture (Galations 6:9). I am an Obama supporter, but by defect. She was my first choice. This is the election I had waited on for the past 8 years. I am simply not happy with some of the campaign tactics she has used. I am still in awe over the public’s seemingly acceptance to her LIE, not exaggeration, about being under sniper fire, presented to the public in multiple prepared speeches. The truth is that in and of itself this is a pretty petty issue. My concern was more with her response during the last debate, where she indicated (I’m paraphrasing) that she charactized events that she KNEW to be inaccurate and was embarrassed…translation….I LIED and I’m sorry you caught me. If she would lie about something so insignficant then what wouldn’t she lie about and how would my future be affected by this type of calculated pandering? And do I teach my God-Daughters to follow the rules, unless they are NOT in their favor? There have been other incidents that, IMO, magnify what I percieve as her true character. I may be wrong, but she doesnt’ seem to be offering any other character traits to which I can compare and contrast which would provide me with an opportunity to reconsider my position. In any event, I am open to a true Hillary supporter to offer me some insight that I may not be privy to, if I have made what they may consider to be an uneducated decision/opinion. The challenge I would like to submit is for this information to be provided SOLEY based on her merits and not by discrediting Obama. I like to think I have an open mind, so this is also a challenge for me to look for good reasoning to embrace wholeheartedly, a woman who very well may be the next VP (or even President) of the US.
W.a.t.e.r.g.a.t.e burglar G. Gordon Liddy. H.o.w. c.l.o..s..e a..r.e McCain and Liddy? In 1998, Liddy’s h.o.m.e w..a..s t..h.e site of McCain f.u.n.d..r.a.i.s.e.r. Over the years, h.e h..a.s made at least four contributions totaling $5,000 to the senator’s campaigns ? including $1,000 this year.
Hi all
Obama is ARROGANT - and LIES! How dare he use the RFK “Story” to trash Senator Clinton -
her comments were innocent and he twisted them into a lie! Oh - but now he says “let’s just move on” - think NOT! Axelrod is a DISGRACE - typical Dirty Politics!
Thes Obamabots are insane..
I don’t know why Obama Doesn’t want to count florida as it is. Why way for Puerto Rico when he can accept the result of Florida? He is about 55 delegates away to get the nomination and Clinton is about 300 away. Count Florida, about 200 delegates at stake. Cliton gets 55% which is about 110 and the 30% for Obama that is about 60 delegates. There you have it! Problem solved
DB
I have read your post for awhile, I respect your position, but common ground with Iran, and their puppet Syria, Immpossible. Common ground to them is our destruction. common ground to them is global domination which they believe is their right. No DB, there is no common ground to be found with them.
W#terg%te burglr G. G Liddy. H0w close are McCain and Liddy? In 1998, Liddy’s home was the site of a McCain fundraiser. Over the years, he has made at least four contributions totaling $5,000 t() the senator’s campaigns ? including $1,000 this year.
cha
RE: Comment by David, Santa Rosa, CA May 25 3:40 pm
You appear to be in general denial regarding Obama. I have little doubt Obama will be defeated by McCain in the General Election…possibly…even crushed! I would never vote for Obama (or for that matter Hillary) based on a multitude of political/character issue points. Should you desire to address ANY of the critical issues facing Obama and/or his stated position(s)… if any, I will gladly respond in a meaningful exchange…
Nothing on this site about B a r r getting the Libertarian Party nominee in Denver Convention.
Nothing on this site about Barr getting the Libertarian Party nominee in Denver Convention.
we will be the chnage
we will be the chnage we want to see in the world.
Obama 08
avid, Santa Rosa, CA,
Sorry it took me awhile to respond to post. I have been in and out and usually am on this blog in either early morning or evening and I thank you for not calling me names and your respectful comments.
Hillary Clinton signed an agreement to not campaign, spend money or run ads in any states that moved thier Primary date up according to the DNC rules, she agreed verbaly to these rules in support of the DNC to keep states from moving thier primary date…and she held her end of this agreement. She went to Florida the night of the Florida primary victory and told the voters she would do whatever it took to have thier votes counted. She had nothing to do with Florida going against the DNC rules. Barack Obama had the opportunity to join in Hillary’s efforts to seat Florida and MI with re-votes and he choose not to…and he also did not live up to his written agreement because he did run ADs in Florida and his surragates waged a Non-Commited Campaign against Hillary Clinton in Michigan and she still won.
David, Santa Rosa, CA
I’m sorry I have been unale to respond to your post since for some reason the Fox Censors won’t allow me to…
I even broke it up in two parts and it still would not post…so I don’t know why .they were no words that would be found offensive…subject matter not offensive…
David, Santa Rosa, CA
avid, Santa Rosa, CA,
Sorry it took me awhile to respond to post. I have been in and out and usually am on this blog in either early morning or evening and I thank you for not calling me names and your respectful comments.
Hillary Clinton signed an agreement to not campaign, spend money or run ads in any states that moved thier Primary date up according to the DNC rules, she agreed verbaly to these rules in support of the DNC to keep states from moving thier primary date…and she held her end of this agreement. She went to Florida the night of the Florida primary victory and told the voters she would do whatever it took to have thier votes counted. She had nothing to do with Florida going against the DNC rules. Barack Obama had the opportunity to join in Hillary’s efforts to seat Florida and MI with re-votes and he choose not to…and he also did not live up to his written agreement because he did run ADs in Florida and his surragates waged a Non-Commited Campaign against Hillary Clinton in Michigan and she still won.
Third time trying to get thru…
McCain -’08 A vote for America.
avid, Santa Rosa, CA,
Sorry it took me awhile to respond to post. I have been in and out and usually am on this blog in either early morning or evening and I thank you for not calling me names and your respectful comments.
Hillary Clinton signed an agreement to not campaign, spend money or run ads in any states that moved thier Primary date up according to the DNC rules, she agreed verbaly to these rules in support of the DNC to keep states from moving thier primary date…and she held her end of this agreement. She went to Florida the night of the Florida primary victory and told the voters she would do whatever it took to have thier votes counted. She had nothing to do with Florida going against the DNC rules. Barack Obama had the opportunity to join in Hillary’s efforts to seat Florida and MI with re-votes and he choose not to…and he also did not live up to his written agreement because he did run ADs in Florida and his surragates waged a Non-Commited Campaign against Hillary Clinton in Michigan and she still won.
This is more than words…there are no words in this post that are offensive
McCain ‘08
Obama puts his personal ambitions and quest for power above the rights of Americans. If he had any integrity, if he was an honorable human being, if he was a real leader, he would put America first and defend, not deny our right to vote.
Don’t let Obama take our rights away. Don’t let him use his power against Americans. Don’t support a candidate or a political party who uses their power to take away our rights.
Renounce your membership in the Democratic Party! Register Independent! Vote against Obama! Protect the rights of Americans!
Just wish mccain could keep his mind straight but he cant, im sorry but his age is a deffinitie problem—and that vote against the GI bill pushed me to the other side–if he cant support the troops –i cant support him–and i don’t want to hear about the pork tied to the bill–bottom line he voted NO–
Go OBAMA
im sorry but mccains age is a problem–and that vote AGAINST the GI bill pushed me over–if he cant support the troops i can’t support him–and i dont want to hear about the port tied to the bill—BOTTOM LINE he voted NO
Go Obama
Good evening all.
Susan–
Puerto Rico is not another country. It is a Commonwealth of the United States of America.
Puerto Rico should not be made a state. If more countries in the Caribbean and other island countries want to join as a state of the USA as well, the USA will turn into as corrupt and as useless as the UN. However, there could be Caribbean State compromising all the island countries who want to join now and in the future.
My mom could care less about these puertoricans.
My Mom could care less about these Puerto Ricans
Time for Peace….
McCain ‘08
Susan,
Puerto Rico is not “another country.” It is a territory of the United States of America.
There is NOTHING positive to say about Barack Husien Obama.
Senator McCain has everything. Patriot, loyal, brave, courage, honor, experienced, wisdom, honest, trustworthy, humble, kind, Christian, good morals. He will fix our fiscal policies and protect us from the terrorists. His father and grandfathers had also sacrificed defending our freedom. John McCain deserves to be the next US President. Today, I thank Senator McCain for the sacrifices that he had rendered for our country. God bless Senator McCain!
McCain for Peace through victory! A concept America used to understand and work well under. Since Nam the enemy has been able to win his war in our own streets by using what Marx called “useful idiots” in the academic and entertainment world and now with Marxist Obama at the helm.
It is proper and fitting that Senator Clinton debate with Obama in Puerto Rico. The people there need to know the substance of their brain and heart. I think Senator Clinton has a lot to offer. I hope she wins election there. Obama has nothing to offer except CHANGE, YES WE CAN CHANGE!
Peace through victory with McCain. That is the only way to lasting peace. Defeat the enemy.
McCain/Romney ‘08
Aren’t you posting.