Puerto Rico Primary

“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.

In her first visit to the island in almost a decade, Hillary Clinton had the following words for her puertorriqueño supporters:

“My commitment to Puerto Rico did not start last month or last year. It stretches back more than a decade.”

Let us take a moment to revist that commitment shall we?

Last month- Clinton files a bill to require the NSF to reinstate funding for the Arecibo Observatory.

Last few years- NADA! The Observatory has been in peril for some time now, political motivation or simply avocation? YOU decide.

Last weekend - Clinton says “I am committed to providing new tax benefits to revitalize Puerto Rico’s economy, extending to Puerto Rico the wage credits and tax benefits of Empowerment Zones and other programs that stimulate investment in underdeveloped areas.”

Last decade- Bill Clinton cut tax credits to companies doing business in Puerto Rico.

Last weekend- Clinton says: “I believe you should have a vote in picking the president, too.”

“I think you should be treated equally, nothing less. That is the core of my agenda in Puerto Rico, a passionate belief in your right to equal treatment. This is the 21st century, we need to treat every person equally and certainly the United States government should be the model and set the example.”

Last 8 years in the Senate- ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Last weekend- Clinton says, “I feel as though I have been your senator and now I want to be your president.”

Last 8 years in the Senate- ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Last Week- Clinton’s Campaign releases a statement saying “Hillary will put more police on Puerto Rico’s streets. . . She will also provide funding for programs President Bush has sought to eliminate, such as the Justice Assistance grants to improve Puerto Rico’s criminal justice system and support crime fighting activities. ”

Last Decade- Hillary supports her husband’s 1999 commutation of 16 members of FALN, a violent Puerto Rican nationalist group responsible for setting off 120 bombs in the US and Puerto Rico; but later flip-flops her position when the members refuse to give up violence.

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

Check out the video below of Barack going Boricua during his trip on Saturday to La Isla del Encanto:

Video footage of Michelle Obama’s visit to la isla a couple days back. Such a modern Jackie O, don’t you think?

Is it just me or is the future President’s Spanish sounding muy bien these days? Listen for yourself below

PR LOVES OBAMA

PR LOVES OBAMA

Obama was out and about early this morning at the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamon commemorating the veterans of Puerto Rico.

“It’s fitting to be here today, not just because Memorial Day is around the corner but because Puerto Ricans are such an important part of the United States military. On this island and in Puerto Rican neighborhoods across America, you can go into almost any home and find a veteran living there or a photograph of a loved one in uniform hanging on the wall,” Mr.Obama said. 

“You have my assurance, veterans here in Puerto Rico will be treated the same as veterans everywhere else.”

Then it was off for a “caminita” with the future president who marched along the streets of San Juan with supporters who held a “Puerto Rico con Obama” banner.

“I will never forget the support and the friendship that I’ve seen here in Puerto Rico. … I am absolutely confident that if that we keep on working hard, there’s no reason why we can’t win here in Puerto Rico, and if we win Puerto Rico, we will win the nomination.”

AND A SHOUT OUT to pedro for the hot posters!