THE 51ST STATE? 

Considering the cries over financial reform and the Arizona law, I'm sure that this one has slipped under your radar. Just a little gem being voted on in Congress today. Ever heard of HR 2499? It is otherwise known as the Puerto Rico Democracy Act. This resolution would require Puerto Ricans to hold a national referendum to decide if they want to remain a US commonwealth or ... become the 51st state.

Yes, you read that right - a state. Here's how it would work. The House passes this resolution. Then Puerto Rico holds a national referendum. The referendum would offer two choices: do you want the status quo or do you want to "pursue a different political status?" If the majority of Puerto Ricans vote to pursue a different status, then we go to round two. Here would be the three options:

1. "Independence: Puerto Rico should become fully independent from the United States;"

2. "Sovereignty in Association with the United States: Puerto Rico and the United States should form a political association between sovereign nations that will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the United States Constitution;" and,

3. "Statehood: Puerto Rico should be admitted as a State of the Union."

Notice that none of these options now offer the status quote .. something has gotta change. So if merely a plurality of Puerto Ricans then vote to become a state, then .. tada! .. we have a 51st state.

My guess? Many Puerto Ricans don't really want their country to become a State. Residents of Puerto Rico don't pay U.S. income taxes on the income earned in Puerto Rico. Why would they want to start? On the other hand ... Puerto Rico is basically a welfare state. You would not believe the percentage of Food Stamp money is spent in Puerto Rico. If they become fully independent this money goes. Interesting situation.