Should Puerto Rico have to Adopt English as its Principle Language for Statehood?

pezenfuego

pezenfuego

Active Member
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/14/santorum-says-puerto-rico-must-adopt-english-for-statehood/
I couldn't find the results of this poll, but I remember it being 51% for no and 49% for yes, which I found to be a bit surprising. I know I've been gone for quite some time and I have never posted a political thread or poll before. I don't know where that motivation came from, but here you are. I would be interested to hear some opinions.
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
If I heard correctly the only state to have a state language is New Mexico and it has two state languages English and Spanish
 
mantisman51

mantisman51

Active Member
Moot point. Boriquens have voted against statehood several times. If they want to become a state, then I'd worry about it. As is, they are a Spanish speaking territory who never asked to be a state and have every right to use Spanish, Portuguese, Slavic, Mandrin, or whatever they want.
 
pezenfuego

pezenfuego

Active Member
jerthunter

jerthunter

Active Member
I think you are looking at it the wrong way. The real question is, if the US wants PR to become a state, should the US adopt Spanish as a national language. And the answer is si.
 
mantisman51

mantisman51

Active Member
I am a little biased on the subject. I love Puerto Rico. It is as beautiful as any Caribbean island, more so than many. It is a unique and just plain cool place. The people are so friendly and welcoming. Even those who didn't speak English were just so warm and made my wife and I feel at home. Yeah, San Juan is a typical big city, but once you're out in the countryside, the people and the beauty of the island is incomparable. I have said for years that every American needs to visit Puerto Rico. Unlike Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, you don't have to worry about taking one wrong turn from the resort and end up a corpse lying in a gutter. It is the safest, lowest crime island in the Caribbean, but because of the stereotype many mainlanders have of "New Yoricans", they assume it is a giant gangland and that is the furthest thing from the truth. If I win the lottery, I will buy a home there-and learn Spanish. Yo amo Puerto Rico! :)
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
In order to be a mixing pot you have to have one language. So you would favor a separation between US citizens. A separation like that leads to hatred and civil unrest. Read and learn from history.
 
mantisman51

mantisman51

Active Member
No one here has championed a common language and culture in the U.S. more than me. I see that need reinforced everyday here in Arizona. Puerto Rico is a totally different story. They were annexed without choice after over 300 years of being a Spanish colony. Unlike the Southwest, it was a heavily populated and established Spanish territory. That special dispensation is why they are still a territory after 120 years of U.S. rule. PR has a unique culture and history unlike any other U.S. territory. If you read my first post, you will see the distinction I have made. "If they want to become a state, then I'd worry about it."
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member

No one here has championed a common language and culture in the U.S. more than me. I see that need reinforced everyday here in Arizona. Puerto Rico is a totally different story. They were annexed without choice after over 300 years of being a Spanish colony. Unlike the Southwest, it was a heavily populated and established Spanish territory. That special dispensation is why they are still a territory after 120 years of U.S. rule. PR has a unique culture and history unlike any other U.S. territory. If you read my first post, you will see the distinction I have made. "If they want to become a state, then I'd worry about it."
I do agree, and it is my understanding that every year they petition to become independent of USA.
 
mantisman51

mantisman51

Active Member
There have been 3 votes since 1990 to see if the people of PR want to become a state. Every time it has been defeated. And the vote to become an independent country has been defeated by even wider margins. Puerto Ricans understand their place in America and enjoy their status as an independent territory within our country. I think it is a win-win deal for America and Puerto Rico. I would hate for them to become a state, but only because they would lose much of the distinctiveness that makes Boriquens unique.
 
reefraff

reefraff

Active Member
If they want to become a state they need to adopt English as the official language of state business. I see no reason why other states should have to have spanish speaking employees to do business with another state. Hawaii I believe has two official languages as well.
 
stdreb27

stdreb27

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantisman51 http:///t/391039/should-puerto-rico-have-to-adopt-english-as-its-principle-language-for-statehood#post_3466179
There have been 3 votes since 1990 to see if the people of PR want to become a state. Every time it has been defeated. And the vote to become an independent country has been defeated by even wider margins. Puerto Ricans understand their place in America and enjoy their status as an independent territory within our country. I think it is a win-win deal for America and Puerto Rico. I would hate for them to become a state, but only because they would lose much of the distinctiveness that makes Boriquens unique.
lol, why change, they get all the beni's, the rule of law, without a lot of the burden?
I personally like Puerto Rico, I use it an example, of the greatness of America.
 
stdreb27

stdreb27

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantisman51 http:///t/391039/should-puerto-rico-have-to-adopt-english-as-its-principle-language-for-statehood#post_3466911
I agree Ruben. They got a good thing going...and Lalo Rodriguez.
I love the Caribbean. There really are no differences in natural resources, they all come from similar demographics, indiginous peoples, along with a strong european influence. Plus they have all the major political trains of thought, from Communism, to a territory of the United States. And which is the only place that isn't a third world island?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top