'A colony is incompatible with democracy': AOC leads new push for Puerto Rico statehood [View all]

[brooklynite]

Source: The Independent

Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, along with two other Democrats, on Thursday introduced a new legislation seeking to create a bigger role for citizens of Puerto Rico in determining the future status of the US territory, including statehood and independence.

New York representative Nydia Velázquez and New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez along with Ms Ocasio-Cortez re-introduced the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2020, which was first introduced on August 25, 2020.

The bill proposes creating a "status convention" made up of delegates elected by Puerto Rican voters to come up with a long-term solution of its future and territorial arrangements with the US, potentially paving the way for sovereignty or full-statehood for the island.

“A colony is incompatible with democracy,” said AOC while co-introducing the bill in the house. “It’s incompatible with full citizenship, and we should all be able to enjoy the right to vote for our leaders,” she said.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/aoc-puerto-rico-bill-full-statehood-b1819519.html

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Before getting excited, keep in mind that:
1) There's never been a majority of PR Citizens who supported Statehood (vs independence or Commonwealth)
2) There's no assurance that PR Statehood will result in two new Democratic Senators (Gov. is a Trump-supporting Republican)
3) There's no likelihood that this will get through the Senate.