Boston Tea Party becomes 5th party to endorse self-determination for Puerto Rico

Boston Tea Party becomes 5th party to endorse self-determination for Puerto Rico

July 8th, 2009

ALLOW SELF-DETERMINTION FOR PUERTO RICO

Boston Tea Party National Committee Endorses HR 2499
The Boston Tea Party National Committee passed a resolution “in support of HR 2499 To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico” 5-0 (with 1 not voting).

Puerto Rico’s Governor Luis Fortuño says, “The reality is that the island’s current status does not enable the people of Puerto Rico to fulfill their potential for social, economic and political development.”

Darryl W. Perry wrote, “This bill calls for the first ever federally-authorized plebiscite on self-determination which will use a two-tier vote, unlike past plebiscites which were locally-authorized and placed all options on one ballot; thus ensuring no option received a majority. And even if a majority were reached, it would not necessarily have been accepted by the Federal Government.

HR2499 would require two votes, the first vote would determine if a majority of Puerto Ricans favor a change of status (i.e. something other than “commonwealth”/Territory of the USA). If a majority supports the status quo, new plebiscites will be held every 8 years. However, if a majority supports a change of status another plebiscite will be held with three options: Independence, Statehood or Sovereignty in Association with the United States (similar to the status of Micronesia, Marshall Islands & Palau).”

With the passage of this resolution, the Boston Tea Party becomes the 5th Party to support this bill; joining not only the Republican and Democratic Parties but also the Popular Democratic Party and the Puerto Rico Independence Party.

“HR 2499 has over 150 co-sponsors in the Congress. The American people want the Puerto Rican people to have a choice in regards to their sovereignty. It is the right of the Puerto Rican people to choose if they would like to change their status, and if so what that new status may be.” said BTP Chairman Doug Gaking.