From The Road
May 26, 2008 7:30 PM

Clinton: No Vote for Puerto Rican Vets "An Injustice and an Insult"

By
Fernando Suarez
Topics
Hillary Clinton
(CBS)
From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO -- During an evening Memorial Day service in old San Juan, Hillary Clinton spoke of the unfairness in U.S. policy toward Puerto Ricans who risk their lives in the U.S. military and have their voting rights stripped when they return home to the island. Clinton called the action "an injustice and an insult."

Clinton's message on a day when Americans honor those service men and women who gave their lives in combat was simple: every U.S. citizen should be given a right to vote.

"I believe it is long past time that we give the people of Puerto Rico - United States citizens all - an equal voice in the vote for the commander-in-chief who sends young Puerto Ricans to war."

Clinton also took on critics who oppose the right of Puerto Ricans to be granted a vote for the presidency saying, "To anyone who would suggest that the people of Puerto Rico do not deserve equal treatments, equal benefits and equal opportunities because of their position as United States citizens, I say 'Come see this monument. Read the names on this monument.'"

The Memorial Day service brought to an end a weekend of campaigning for Clinton who now heads out West where she will campaign in Montana and South Dakota.

Add a Comment See all 21 Comments
by leighleslie May 28, 2008 7:21 PM EDT
FIGHT ON HILLARY, FIGHT ON. SHOW AMERICA YOU CAN GRAB THE BULL BY THE BALLS, OR IN THE CASE THE DONKEY BY THE BALLS. . .
Reply to this comment
by leighleslie May 28, 2008 7:19 PM EDT
I think it''s so true. How can the U.S. send young Puerto Rican''s to war, but won''t let them decide who''s the commmander in chief. It''s sad. I think Hillary will do something, she will fight. I certainly don''t think Obama has any solutions (on any issues whatsoever). HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT 08
Reply to this comment
by hopeful08 May 28, 2008 4:06 PM EDT
Sad...
- that Hillary continues this Quixotic quest
- that her supporters resolve to shoot themselves in the foot for loyalty
- that the Democratic party did not find a solution for FL, MI in time rather than leaving it the candidates
- that the DEM party now has buried its collective head in the sand hoping that it all works out
- that the most important election in 30 years is at the mercy of party insiders
- that no matter what happens on March 31st, enthusiasm will be replaced by anger

Very sad for this country that the world used to look at as the best experiment in Constitutional democracy
Reply to this comment
by pepperwood2 May 28, 2008 3:39 AM EDT
Its interesting to note when Hillary shows up to campaign she immediately goes about creating a talking point to incite, divide & polarize the Puerto''s Rican People to vote for her.

When frankly my dear she does''nt give a Da... so sad....


Reply to this comment
by pansycritter May 28, 2008 12:53 AM EDT
Posted by Omaar-101 at 05:57 PM : May 27, 2008

Omaar---101...try English 101.
Reply to this comment
by unclereggie2 May 28, 2008 12:01 AM EDT
Gloat on kool aid drinkers, gloat on.
Reply to this comment
by wheresclair May 27, 2008 11:57 PM EDT
The current DNC rules - rules ALL candidates agreed to - say it''s the most delegates that win the primary NOT the popular vote, but because she can''t win by the rules she agreed to, she wants to change the rules and make the popular vote the winning factor. Puerto Ricans, can''t even vote in the general election, but she''s pandering to them to run up the popular vote in the primary. She wasn''t at all concerned about Puerto Rican voting, much less their rights when she could have spoken up for EIGHT years as the First Lady! Isn''t it strange how she gets all worked up about such "injustices" just when she happens to need a state or island''s votes!!!
Reply to this comment
by missglo May 27, 2008 6:33 PM EDT
Why do she think it was a injustice done in Puerto Rico now. But when her husband was in office. Nothing was done about it. Just another front and lies.
Reply to this comment
by ponco seno May 27, 2008 4:44 PM EDT
When PR pays taxes and quits collecting welfare, then we''''ll talk. Till then, no vote!

Posted by LibH8er at 12:45 PM : May 27, 2008



Puerto Ricans have payed with their blood since WWI.

On Welfare, the island residents only get 50% of what the main land recipients get. There is quite a bit of room for improvement. They need to work in reducing their welfare recipients.

On Taxes, Puerto rican products get taxed when they are shipped elsewere.
Reply to this comment
by libh8er May 27, 2008 3:45 PM EDT
When PR pays taxes and quits collecting welfare, then we''ll talk. Till then, no vote!
Reply to this comment
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