I have no objection to Puerto Rico becoming a state, if that is what the citizens of Puerto Rico want. Currently they have most of the advantages of statehood without the disadvantages (taxes). Puerto Rico has voted three times to remain a territory.
I do object to the parsing of words. If you don’t like the answer to your question, you change the question. Washington is trying to ask the question so that they get the answer they want.
The Puerto Rico Democracy Act proposes a two step process. In the first election the citizens of Puerto Rico will be asked if they wish to maintain or change Puerto Rico’s current status. It is likely a majority will vote for change, since they hold a variety of opinions concerning the type of government they want. Then a second election would be held, which would give them four choices: statehood; full independence; independence with political associations with the United States; and retaining their current commonwealth status.
It is almost inevitable that none of the four choices will receive a majority of the votes. Statehood may indeed receive the highest percentage of votes, but without receiving a majority of votes. If Puerto Rico is to become a state, it needs to be supported by a majority of its citizens. A minority should not be allowed to dictate the type of government that the majority must have.
This matter should be decided by a simple vote. Do you or do you not wish statehood? Let the majority decide. Eliminate the legal eagle wording and political maneuvering.
Signed,
The Electorate
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