This is not a game show contestant trying to bluff his way through a question or an unprepared students being called on in class. This is the Governor of Puerto Rico, the head of the Island’s government, the leader of the party that favors Commonwealth, well prepared and with a number of documents at hand, answering a question in a Senate committee hearing — a question that he must have known would be asked.
In 10.5 minutes, with repeated help and prompting from the Senate members at the hearing, the governor was unable to describe what he meant by “enhanced commonwealth.”
How can people be expected to vote for something that cannot be defined? How can a proposal be approved if it cannot be clearly explained?
Following this hearing, a letter was sent to the governor from the Senators, then Chairman Ron Wyden and then Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski, saying clearly that “enhanced commonwealth” is “not a viable option” and warning that it could not be included on the ballot.
Watch the video above to hear for yourself the definition of “enhanced commonwealth” offered by an influential support of the idea, and see for yourself whether it sounds like a viable option.
Related
On Puerto Rico’s Paradox
Bhatia Will Support Statehood Vote
Puerto Rico’s Delegate in Congress Challenges Territorial Leaders to Let People Vote
What Are the Insular Cases?
Following the Money: Would Statehood Be a Better Investment for the U.S.?
Explore Puerto Rico 51st
5 Good Changes Statehood Will Make in Your Life
Taxation without Representation in Puerto Rico?
Alaska Before and After Statehood
Hawaii Before and After Statehood
How Kentucky Became a State
You must be logged in to post a comment Login