Thursday, November 8, 2012

Does Puerto Rico really want to become the 51st US state? - The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Does Puerto Rico really want to become the 51st US state?

 
While more than half voted to change Puerto Rico's commonwealth status, the vote did not offer a clear sense of whether statehood or independence is the preferred next step, writes a guest blogger.


The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com
 
Latin America Blog
 

Does Puerto Rico really want to become the 51st US state?

While more than half voted to change Puerto Rico's commonwealth status, the vote did not offer a clear sense of whether statehood or independence is the preferred next step, writes a guest blogger.

    People ride atop a vehicle waving a Puerto Rican flag during elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.
    (Ricardo Arduengo/AP)



By James Bosworth, Guest blogger
posted November 8, 2012 at 10:21 am EST
• A version of this post ran on the author's blog, bloggingsbyboz.com. The views expressed are the author's own.
Once again, Puerto Rico held a referendum with convoluted questions that don't provide a clear answer as to what its citizens want.

On the first of two ballot questions yesterday, 54 percent voted to change its current status from a United States commonwealth. The problem is that those 54 percent are divided among statehood, independence, and a third option. Those who want statehood and those who want independence are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to Puerto Rico's sovereignty, yet both vote "yes" when asked to change the current status.

On the second question about what alternative should be chosen, 61 percent chose statehood, 33 percent chose "sovereign free association" and 6 percent chose independence. However, one third of the voters who answered the first question didn't bother answering the second question, meaning none of the options reached a majority.
I have no opinion on the subject other than I support whatever a significant majority of Puerto Ricans want. If they want statehood, welcome No. 51. If they want independence, they have a right to it. If they want to remain a commonwealth, that's fine too. However, there doesn't appear to be an active majority in Puerto Rico for any of those options and holding multi-part, multi-choice referendums confuses the issue further.
– James Bosworth is a freelance writer and consultant who runs Bloggings by Boz.

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via A List's Facebook Wall by A List on 11/8/12

A 51st state? Congress takes up Puerto Rico statehood
www.csmonitor.com
A bill in the House of Representatives would give Puerto Rico's 4 million residents a vote on whether they want to transition to statehood or independence.
 
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"Puerto Rico News - Selected Feeds" bundle created by Mike Nova

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via PUERTO RICO NEWS by Mike Nova on 11/8/12

Does Puerto Rico really want to become the 51st US state?

While more than half voted to change Puerto Rico's commonwealth status, the vote did not offer a clear sense of whether statehood or independence is the preferred next step, writes a guest blogger.


The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com
Latin America Blog

Does Puerto Rico really want to become the 51st US state?

While more than half voted to change Puerto Rico's commonwealth status, the vote did not offer a clear sense of whether statehood or independence is the preferred next step, writes a guest blogger.

    People ride atop a vehicle waving a Puerto Rican flag during elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.
    (Ricardo Arduengo/AP)

By James Bosworth, Guest blogger
posted November 8, 2012 at 10:21 am EST
• A version of this post ran on the author's blog, bloggingsbyboz.com. The views expressed are the author's own.
Once again, Puerto Rico held a referendum with convoluted questions that don't provide a clear answer as to what its citizens want.

On the first of two ballot questions yesterday, 54 percent voted to change its current status from a United States commonwealth. The problem is that those 54 percent are divided among statehood, independence, and a third option. Those who want statehood and those who want independence are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to Puerto Rico's sovereignty, yet both vote "yes" when asked to change the current status.

On the second question about what alternative should be chosen, 61 percent chose statehood, 33 percent chose "sovereign free association" and 6 percent chose independence. However, one third of the voters who answered the first question didn't bother answering the second question, meaning none of the options reached a majority.
I have no opinion on the subject other than I support whatever a significant majority of Puerto Ricans want. If they want statehood, welcome No. 51. If they want independence, they have a right to it. If they want to remain a commonwealth, that's fine too. However, there doesn't appear to be an active majority in Puerto Rico for any of those options and holding multi-part, multi-choice referendums confuses the issue further.
– James Bosworth is a freelance writer and consultant who runs Bloggings by Boz.

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via Puerto Rico News on 11/8/12
On a warm day late last month a crowd filed into a white tent outside the royal palaces in Amman to hear a much-anticipated speech by King Abdullah II on the country's political future.


Christian Science Monitor

Does Puerto Rico really want to become the 51st US state?
Christian Science Monitor
Those who want statehood and those who want independence are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to Puerto Rico's sovereignty, yet both vote "yes" when asked to change the current status. On the second question about what alternative ...


ABC News

Puerto Ricans Send Strong Message They Favor Statehood in Tight Elections
ABC News
Puerto Rican voters on Tuesday favored a ballot measure endorsing U.S. statehood but also unseated pro-statehood Republican Gov. Luis Fortuño. On Wednesday, Fortuño, a member of the New Progressive Party that supports statehood, conceded to his ...


OxySure Appoints Territory Representatives for Illinois, Texas, Puerto Rico ...
NASDAQ
Bobby Pulis Industrial Sales, LLC was appointed to support Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Its President, Bobby Pulis is native to Puerto Rico and formerly managed a significant sales territory in the Occupational Health and Safety ...

and more »


iAfrica.com

Puerto Rico eyes US statehood
iAfrica.com
Puerto Ricans voted for the first time in favour of their island becoming a US state in a non-binding referendum, election officials said on Wednesday. The Caribbean island is now a self-governing US territory. The referendum was held on Tuesday along ...

Hurricane Sandy in Brooklyn, New York - Picture Report from Sea Gate, Brighton Manhattan Beach, NY Picture report by professional photographer Anton Oparin about catastrophic disaster due Hurricane Sandy in Sea Gate, Brighton Manhattan Beach neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York. October 29 - November 03, 2012 Hurricane Sandy came through and devastated our community. Sea Gate, Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay neighborhoods in Brooklyn were among the hardest hit places. The damage is unimaginable, over 200 houses were flooded or washed out to sea. The winds put telephone poles through windows and the water flooded cars and homes. Some of us were luckier than others, the more fortunate have a house still standing and their families safe. As if the flooding and 90mph winds weren't enough, there were fires sparking all over the place. Local heroes emerged during the storm, braving the hurricane winds, flying objects, downed electrical wires and neck deep, contaminated, rushing ocean water to save their neighbors from their burning homes. The pictures don't even do it justice, and the experiences many endured are unforgettable, the stories are endless, but we will RECOVER and WE WILL REBUILD. Things are replaceable but lives lost are not. While my family and I were lucky to survive, there were lives that were lost. To those who have suffered such a horrible loss my sincerest condolences to you and your family. As of early Wednesday Nov 07 morning, roughly 676000 were still <b>...</b>
Views:1671
10ratings
Time:07:41More inNews & Politics

via puerto rico - Google Blog Search by U.S. Geological Survey on 11/7/12
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, responsible for monitoring, reporting, and researching earthquakes and earthquake hazards.

via puerto rico - Google Blog Search by U.S. Geological Survey on 11/7/12
131 km (81 miles) N (359°) from Breñas, PR; 131 km (82 miles) N (350°) from SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico; 132 km (82 miles) N (356°) from Dorado, PR. Location Uncertainty, horizontal +/- 8.5 km (5.3 miles); depth +/- 9.9 km (6.2 ...

via YouTube Videos matching query: puerto rico news by NMAWorldEdition on 11/8/12
SUBSCRIBE to Next Media Animation: www.youtube.com Puerto Rico statehood: is the US territory closer to statehood? On Tuesday, Puerto Rican voters voiced support for statehood in a non-binding referendum. Voters were asked whether they were happy with the island's status quo and more than 900000 voters, or 54 percent, responded "no". But does Puerto Rico really want statehood? Only 800000 voters voters said they supported statehood. About 437000 backed sovereign free association and 72560 chose independence. Nearly 500000 didn't choose any of the above options. Facebook: www.facebook.com Webpage: www.nma.tv Twitter @nmatv: twitter.com Tumblr: nmatv.tumblr.com Complicating matters: voters tossed out pro-statehood governor Luis Fortuno, who was perceived as being ineffective in dealing with crime and unemployment. Congress and the president would need to approve statehood for Puerto Rico. Should the island be admitted, it would get five seats in the House of Representatives. If Congress doesn't approve of an enlarged House, those seats could come at a cost to states such as California and Texas.
Views:79
12ratings
Time:01:57More inNews & Politics

via YouTube Videos matching query: puerto rico news tv by AlJazeeraEnglish on 11/4/12
Tito Vega, a preacher at the Church of the Renewal in Kissimme, Florida, tells Al Jazeera's Andy Gallacher that the economy is still the foremost issue for Latino voters in the sunshine state. Vega says people who are losing their houses "are concerned if they will be able to get their houses back" or if they will once again have the kind of gainful employment to allow them to pay down their mortgages. Though as residents of a US territory Puerto Ricans do not face the same immigration challenges as other Latino populations, Vega says it is still an important issue for the entire Latino electorate.
Views:950
13ratings
Time:02:10More inNews & Politics

via YouTube Videos matching query: puerto rico news tv by NMAWorldEdition on 11/8/12
SUBSCRIBE to Next Media Animation: www.youtube.com Puerto Rico statehood: is the US territory closer to statehood? On Tuesday, Puerto Rican voters voiced support for statehood in a non-binding referendum. Voters were asked whether they were happy with the island's status quo and more than 900000 voters, or 54 percent, responded "no". But does Puerto Rico really want statehood? Only 800000 voters voters said they supported statehood. About 437000 backed sovereign free association and 72560 chose independence. Nearly 500000 didn't choose any of the above options. Facebook: www.facebook.com Webpage: www.nma.tv Twitter @nmatv: twitter.com Tumblr: nmatv.tumblr.com Complicating matters: voters tossed out pro-statehood governor Luis Fortuno, who was perceived as being ineffective in dealing with crime and unemployment. Congress and the president would need to approve statehood for Puerto Rico. Should the island be admitted, it would get five seats in the House of Representatives. If Congress doesn't approve of an enlarged House, those seats could come at a cost to states such as California and Texas.
Views:186
18ratings
Time:01:57More inNews & Politics


The Guardian

Puerto Ricans favour statehood, poll shows
The Guardian
Puerto Ricans have supported US statehood in a vote that jubilant members of the pro-statehood party say is the strongest sign yet that the Caribbean island territory is on the road to losing its second-class status. But Tuesday's vote comes with a ...
Puerto Rico Vote for Statehood QuestionedThe New American
Puerto Ricans favor statehood for first timeCNN
Puerto Ricans support US statehood for first timeFox News
New York Daily News -BBC News -Wikinews
all 1,199 news articles »


San Francisco Chronicle

Puerto Rico governor concedes in close race
San Francisco Chronicle
Puerto Rico governor concedes in close race. Updated 8:50 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2012. View: Larger | Hide. People ride atop a vehicle waving a Puerto Rican flag during elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Puerto Ricans are ...


Puerto Rico changes course, elects Garcia Padilla as governor
Fox News
Delays by the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico in announcing the results of the voting meant that Garcia Padilla did not celebrate his victory until the wee hours of Wednesday, while Gov. Luis Fortuño of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party ...


Plain Dealer

Puerto Rico votes for statehood, but Cleveland-area Puerto Ricans don't see it ...
Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Despite a first-time election victory in Puerto Rico on Tuesday for those pushing U.S. statehood, members of the local Puerto Rican community interviewed Wednesday predict the effort will go nowhere. The referendum that solidly ...


Puerto Rico Statehood Vote Wins Largest Share And Governor Luis Fortuno ...
Huffington Post
SAN JUAN, Puerto RicoPuerto Ricans have supported U.S. statehood in a vote that jubilant members of the pro-statehood party say is the strongest sign yet that the Caribbean island territory is on the road to losing its second-class status. But ...

via Puerto Rico News on 11/8/12
By Susan De Matteo Catholic News Service Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr. Joseph E. Strickland, the 53-year-old vicar general of the Diocese of Tyler, to serve as its bishop.

via YouTube Videos matching query: puerto rico news by NewsVideoNetwork on 11/5/12
www.youtube.com News Video Network Plz Subscrib for Latest World News Tito Vega, a preacher at the Church of the Renewal in Kissimme, Florida, tells Al Jazeera's Andy Gallacher that the economy is still the foremost issue for Latino voters in the sunshine state. Vega says people who are losing their houses "are concerned if they will be able to get their houses back" or if they will once again have the kind of gainful employment to allow them to pay down their mortgages. Though as residents of a US territory Puerto Ricans do not face the same immigration challenges as other Latino populations, Vega says it is still an important issue for the entire Latino electorate.
Views:1
0ratings
Time:02:10More inNews & Politics

via Gov. Louis Fortuño - Google Blog Search by The Associated Press on 11/7/12
Incumbent Gov. Luis Fortuno conceded defeat to Garcia Padilla in a close election with a margin less than 1 percent. (AP Photo/Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo). (San Juan) (AP) – A majority of Puerto Ricans have opted for the ...

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Orlando Cruz Wins First Boxing Match Post-Coming Out!

Orlando Cruz Wins First Boxing Match Post-Coming Out! Print
Written by Instinct Staff | Sunday, 21 October 2012
cruz 2360704b

With the entire boxing world watching, Orlando Cruz was victorious on Friday in his first boxing match since coming out as a gay man!
He won the bout in a unanimous decision: 118-110, 116-111, 118-110
He reacts after the jump!
"That was my moment, my opportunity, my event. And I won." Cruz said Friday night according to The Associated Press.
Cruz received a lot of public support and it didn't go unnoticed by the boxer. He said, "I was very happy that they respect me. That's what I want -- them to see me as a boxer, as an athlete and as a man in every sense of the word."
His opponent, Jorge Pazos was also complimentary, saying: "He's a boxer who moves too much, he knows how to box and he has good legs. I couldn't get him."
Cruz has his sights set on the world championship. "This fight's going to open my door for a world title fight," he said. "That's my dream, my mom's dream, my community's dream and my team's."
Asked about his new position as a gay role model, Cruz said, "I'm only one person. I feel happy with where I am. I'm free. I'm more at peace."
Congrats on your victory, Orlando!

Image Source

http://instinctmagazine.com/blogs/blog/orlando-cruz-wins-first-boxing-match-post-coming-out?directory=100011

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Estadidad AHORA!!! | 8/29/2012: Puerto Ricans Increase Their Political Influence |

8/29/2012

Puerto Ricans Increase Their Political Influence - Latin American Herald Tribune - Monday, August 27, 2012 - (author unknown)

Puerto Ricans Increase Their Political Influence


WASHINGTON – Americans of Puerto Rican origin are the second-largest Hispanic group in the United States.

The number of Puerto Ricans living in the 50 states alone is 4.7 million, greater than the population of Puerto Rico itself, which is 3.7 million.

Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans are citizens by birth, and they are becoming an increasingly powerful voice in U.S. politics. In Florida, voter turnout by Puerto Ricans was 55 percent in 2008, up from 47 percent in 2004.

“Puerto Ricans are starting to become part of the national dialogue,” said Julius Melendez, a candidate in the 9th Congressional District in Osceola County, Florida.

“The days where a presidential candidate could afford to ignore the Puerto Rican community are long gone – respect and attention are the new normal,” said Andres W. Lopez, an attorney from the island and a campaign adviser to President Obama
 
 

José A. Cabrera ·
It's time to end Puerto Rico's colonial problem through statehood.






    Posting as Mike Nova (Change)



  • Walter Caban · Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
    Resolvamos esto de una vez y por todas, estadidad ahora!






      Posting as Mike Nova (Change)