Puerto Rican Statehood/Independence in the November 2012 Election

As I understand it, and I could be wrong, they don't pay federal income tax on earnings in Puerto Rica unless they are employed by the federal government. That would change with statehood.

Theyve voted on similar referenda before and have alkways defeated statehood for the very reasons Rog mentioned. Theyve got the milk, dont need to feed the cow.

Correct. Plus, at the Puerto Rican Day parade in Manhattan, you see a sea of Puerto Rican flags. In my opinion, the concept of being a territory already includes an identity as strong as nationhood or statehood. The ethnic identity of being Puerto Rican is quite strong, regardless of the political nature of the island, so the political nature can be a non-sequitor for a person that is Puerto Rican. Not necessarily so for a white anglo boy interested in politics?

a) Do you agree that Puerto Rico should continue to have its present form of territorial status?

No: 54.00%
Yes: 46.00%


b) Which of the following non-territorial options would you prefer?

Statehood: 44.60%
"Blank Ballot": 26.02%
Sovereign Free Associated State: 24.33%
Independence: 4.05%


http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news/white-house-status-vote-not-clear-79102.html