Puerto Rico Primary

“The nearly two and a half million Americans in those two states who participated in the primary elections are in danger of being excluded from our democratic process and I think that is wrong.” - Hillary

“Hillary’s position has always been that if everybody gets to vote, and every body’s vote is counted, she would accept the will of the Democrats and those who are legally eligible to participate in that process, that we would unify this party united do our best to win in November.” -Bill Clinton.

That’s funny. I distinctly remember when she agreed that she would not campaign in the state and even declared that the contests in Florida and Michigan shouldn’t count.

For those of you who may not know, Puerto Rico is one of the more democratic places under the US flag and along with Vermont and Maine, it allows inmates to have a voice in the democratic process. Today, hundreds of prisoners across the island cast their vote in the presidential primary.

For all the bruhaha about “disenfranchisement” in Florida and Michigan, many remain mum on the over 5.3 Million Americans who have currently or permanently lost the right to vote due to a felony conviction. That’s 1 in 4 adults! For more information and to learn how you can make a difference, check out GetUpStandUp.com

Paz y Libertad

Over 20 Latino Superstars have joined forces to create “Podemos con Obama.” and no Ricky’s not one of them. Maybe that’s why he endorsed Hillary?

“Podemos con Obama,” features puertorriqueños such as John Leguizamo and Don Omar, AND super stars Alejandro Sanz, Paulina Rubio AND George Lopez and Jessica Alba AND

oy just go to Podemos Con Obama and see the whole list yourself! But check out the video below. Caliente!

It has been announced today that SanJuanero and Latin sensation Ricky Martin endorsed Hillary Clinton.

Everybody is entitled to their opinion but, Why Ricky?

At least Don Omar knows what’s up.

Sigh.

The Puerto Rico Primary is only a few days to go so all you Spanish speakers - or fast learners- start making the call. This is every one’s chance to make a difference and it won’t even cost you a dime : )

As of this post, Team Obama is only 41 delegates from securing the nomination and with 55 delegates at stake in Puerto Rico, well, you do the math. Puerto Rico rolls on eastern standard time and the phone bank starts at 9am EST and goes until 9pm EST!  No late nighters from Cali, please.

Before you call you might want to read up on some of Barack’s positions and solutions for Puerto Rico but no worries. A script is also provided for you. 1-2-3 GO!

Barack tiene un mensaje para Puerto Rico!

And once again, props to pedro for providing us with this lovely video.

***UPDATE: Here’s the direct link for the video for those of you who are having difficulty viewing it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-ZZuMP0W6o

Latina Magazine Chairman, Edward Lewis, announced his support for Obama -and switch from Clinton- with the following statement:

“As the founder of a woman’s magazine, I acknowledge that Senator Clinton has served as a role model for many women across America and I have great admiration for her.”
“However, as the campaign has unfolded, I have witnessed the strength of Senator Obama and both his passion and commitment for new possibilities for a better America. His conviction has led to my conviction that he is the hope for our country. I urge all Americans to support his candidacy for President of the United States.”

we concur

“If you vote for her on Sunday in large numbers you will ensure that she wins the most votes cast in this long presidential primary.” - Bill Clinton

My oh my. It seems as though for once the former prez is saying it like it semi-is.

In telling Puerto Ricans why they should Vote for Hillary, what he basically said was:

DO NOT vote for Hillary so you can have access to health care.

DO NOT vote for Hillary so you can afford higher education.

DO NOT vote for Hillary so you can earn better wages.

DO NOT vote for Hillary so you can have a brighter future.

Vote for Hillary so she can have more votes. Simple.

After all this is “Hillary for President” not Hillary for America and certainly not Hillary for Puerto Rico.

Way to be Bill!

Amidst the upcoming Puerto Rico Primary, the blog-sphere has been plagued with many posts repeatedly asking:

“Puerto Rico’s not even a state why should they decide anything?”

HERE’S WHY:

#1: Puerto Ricans ARE American Citizens- since 1917- and have participated in ALL U.S. wars since 1898. They carry the same U.S. passport, use the same U.S. currency and US mail system as any other “American.”

#2: Puerto Ricans DO pay taxes. Aside from local, property and sales, Puerto Ricans also pay taxes toward Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other income generated from a US income source. Others pay Federal Income Tax from similar sources, including Soldiers and the Federal Employees, i.e. USDA, Federal Courts, FBI, Customs, FDA, VA Hospital, Satellite Clinics, Retired Veterans, INS, USDOT, Coast Guard, etc. No Taxation Without Representation, remember?

#3: Federal laws apply to Puerto Rico. Same Federal courts, and many of the same Federal agencies.

#4: Per capita, Puerto Rico has more active duty forces in Iraq and Afghanistan than any other U.S. state except Nevada. If you can Die you should Decide baby. 

#5: It is also home to 3 Congressional Medal of Honor Receipients and 5 Miss Universes ; )

Oh and FYI: For all the bruhaha about Puerto Rico being a commonwealth, let us not forget that the state of Texas was once it’s own nation!

And so my friends, while Puerto Rico may not be a state, it sure saves your ass.

And there you have it.