Puerto Rico, Comedy, and the Constitution: A Hilariously Tragic Tale
Ah, Puerto Rico—an island known for its beauty, culture, and, unfortunately, some rather unfortunate comments made by a comedian at a Donald Trump rally. Yes, you heard that right. In a bizarre twist reminiscent of a bad stand-up routine, Tony Hinchcliffe decided to take center stage in a rather ignoble fashion by quipping that Puerto Rico is “an island of garbage floating in the middle of the ocean.” Talk about setting the bar *lower than a limbo stick at a toddler’s party*!
Now, you’d think that a comedian might use their microphone for jokes rather than jibes at an entire nation—a nation that, by the way, can’t even cast a vote in the presidential election, which, let me say, is as confusing as trying to explain why we still use pennies in this high-tech world. Those poor Puerto Ricans (all 3.2 million of them) are left out in the cold, not because they don’t want to participate, but because they live in a territory that the U.S. government has treated like a slightly awkward cousin—invited to the family barbecue but not to the voting table!
LOOK: How could the “racist” joke about Puerto Rico mean a setback for Trump in the key state of Pennsylvania?
After Hinchcliffe’s *epic* faux pas, Trump’s campaign quickly threw him under the proverbial bus, insisting that his words “do not reflect Trump’s views.” A classic case of, “This doesn’t represent me!” rather than “Hey, maybe don’t put a mic in this guy’s hand!” But as of Wednesday, Trump had yet to issue a formal apology to the angry Puerto Rican community. Maybe he’s still busy trying to remember the last time he visited the island… or he’s just brushing off the dust on his “thank you for not voting” speeches.
Now, let’s unpack the bureaucratic mess that is Puerto Rico’s political status. Once an island paradise, after the U.S. snagged it post-Spanish-American War—which sounds as romantic as it is catastrophic—when it comes to voting, Puerto Rico is more of a spectator in a game where they’re not even allowed to hold a ticket. The United States Constitution gives voting rights to states; Puerto Rico is merely “a territory” (which sounds ominously like being “the designated driver” for the rest of your life).
Why can’t Puerto Ricans vote for president? Well, according to the U.S. Constitution, Puerto Ricans can’t elect electors. They can send their opinions to the National Conventions, but it’s less about being part of the conversation and more about ensuring that the conversation continues without them. Imagine being invited to a potluck but not being allowed to eat any of the food. So sorry, Puerto Ricans; the menu is strictly for U.S. states and D.C.!
The History of Puerto Rico’s Status
Ever since its forced entry into U.S. territory—thank you, Treaty of Paris!—Puerto Rico has juggled federal laws like a clown at a circus act. They became U.S. citizens in 1940, which is lovely, but it’s akin to receiving a participation trophy while everyone else gets medals.
Puerto Rico penned itself a constitution in 1952—kind of like a self-help book but for a whole island. They received some self-governance but kept core powers in the grip of Congress. And let me tell you, Congress hasn’t exactly been a model of responsiveness. Six referendums later and still no binding decision on whether Puerto Rico wants to be a state, independent, or in some ambiguous state of ‘can we please just figure this out?’ And, spoiler alert, the seventh is on its way this November 5th.
The upcoming plebiscite offers three options: statehood, independence, or sovereignty in free association. Sounds simple enough, right? Until you realize that Congress is still the ultimate gatekeeper, which, let’s face it, is about as comforting as being told you’re “great for your size” by the coat rack at a party.
So, folks, in the midst of jokes that land harder than a lead balloon and political intricacies that make even the best comedians sweat, Puerto Rico remains a land of cultural richness but political ambiguity. As the limelight shines on future elections and punchlines, let’s hope the U.S. can figure it out before the next comedian decides to take a jab at the island. Because, dear readers, this isn’t just a revolution of humor—it’s about a community yearning for their rightful place at the table.
Puerto Rico has recently gained attention after a comedian made a derogatory joke regarding the island during a rally for Donald Trump in New York. This incident occurred in the final weeks leading up to the presidential elections scheduled for November 5, where residents of the island, despite being U.S. citizens, are disenfranchised and unable to vote for the presidency. This raises a significant question: Why are they excluded?
At the rally held on Sunday at the prestigious Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked outrage by declaring that “Puerto Rico is an island of garbage floating in the middle of the ocean,” which incited widespread anger among Puerto Ricans across the nation and beyond.
LOOK: How could the “racist” joke about Puerto Rico mean a setback for Trump in the key state of Pennsylvania?
In response to the backlash, the campaign of the Republican candidate quickly distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, asserting that they “do not reflect Trump’s views.” Yet, as of Wednesday, the former president has yet to issue a public apology to the Puerto Rican community.
The controversy has reignited discussions about Puerto Rico’s status in relation to the USA and the implications of its residents being unable to vote for the president.
This disenfranchisement is rooted in the fact that Puerto Rico, with a population of approximately 3.2 million, is classified as a “territory” rather than a full “state” of the United States.
The United States Constitution grants voting rights for presidential elections to citizens residing within the states, explicitly excluding territories like Puerto Rico.
Under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution, Congress possesses extensive authority over the territories, allowing it to establish “all necessary rules and regulations” governing these regions, as highlighted by the Congressional Research Service.
The House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources oversee the political status of U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, according to the CRS.
CNN remarks that Puerto Rico is managed by Congress due to its territorial status, leading to a lack of congressional representation (other than a non-voting “resident commissioner”) and absence from the Electoral College, preventing residents from casting votes in presidential elections.
Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution affirms that only states have the authority to appoint electors. An exception exists for Washington, D.C., whose residents gained the right to vote in presidential elections with the ratification of the 23rd Amendment in 1964, according to the National Archives.
Other territories with similar statuses include Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands.
Residents of U.S. territories can participate in primaries to select presidential candidates, elect their governors, and form local legislatures, in addition to sending delegates to national party conventions.
In the presidential election, residents of Puerto Rico can cast symbolic votes for candidates like Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. However, these votes hold no weight in the final tally.
Actual votes from Puerto Ricans count only when cast within one of the 50 states in the United States.
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 6 million Puerto Ricans eligible to vote currently reside in the continental United States.
The history of the status of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico transitioned into a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Victory in the war allowed American forces to take control of Puerto Rico, later formalized by the Treaty of Paris, which transferred authority over the island to the United States.
Since then, Puerto Rico has been governed simultaneously by U.S. federal laws alongside local regulations.
In 1940, the Nationality Act recognized U.S. citizenship for all Puerto Ricans.
In 1952, Puerto Rico drafted its own constitution as a Commonwealth, allowing for limited self-governance permitted by the United States.
This new political status enabled the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to elect a governor alongside its own legislative and judicial authorities.
However, critical powers such as defense, border control, and foreign affairs remained under the jurisdiction of Congress and the federal government in Washington, D.C.
Historically, Puerto Rico has held six referendums regarding its relationship with the USA, none of which have been binding.
A vital seventh referendum is set to take place on November 5, proposed by Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
This upcoming plebiscite will present three options that do not reflect colonial or territorial status: ‘statehood’ (annexation to the United States), independence, and sovereignty in free association.
In the last referendum, held in 2020, a majority expressed support for Puerto Rico to gain statehood as the 51st state of the United States.
Ultimately, the decision regarding Puerto Rico’s status lies firmly in the hands of the United States Congress.
Puerto Ricans, marking a significant moment in their relationship with the United States. However, this newfound citizenship came with strings attached—despite being U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans are unable to participate fully in presidential elections, leaving them with a sense of disenfranchisement that persists to this day.
In 1952, Puerto Rico adopted its own constitution, a move reminiscent of a self-empowerment initiative, granting the island a degree of self-governance. However, essential powers still rested with the U.S. Congress, and the island remains subject to federal laws. This tug-of-war for control has led to ongoing confusion and frustration regarding the political status of Puerto Rico. Despite holding six referendums to address their political future, the outcomes have fluctuated between statehood, independence, and a status of free association, yet none have led to a conclusive resolution.
As we approach the seventh referendum on November 5, there’s heightened anticipation about whether the people of Puerto Rico will gain clearer direction toward their political future. The proposal includes options for statehood, independence, or continued association with the United States, but once again, the ultimate decision still lies in the hands of Congress.
The issue was thrust into the spotlight following derogatory comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Donald Trump rally, which some interpreted as a reflection of deeper prejudices against Puerto Rico. This controversy led to a renewed discussion about Puerto Rico’s identity as a U.S. territory and the implications of its residents’ lack of voting power in presidential elections.
Despite the tangible contributions that Puerto Ricans make to U.S. society, their exclusion from the electoral process raises ethical questions about democracy and representation. The longstanding narrative surrounding Puerto Rico is complicated by its dual identity—U.S. citizens who can’t vote for the leader of the country they are associated with—and it begs the question: when will Puerto Rico be granted a seat at the table?
As the upcoming elections draw near, Puerto Rico’s status remains a topic of critical importance. The island’s cultural richness and diverse contributions enhance the fabric of the United States, yet its political ambiguity persists. In a nation striving for equality and representation, Puerto Rico’s political future remains a unifying cause that demands attention and action from Congress and the American public alike. The next chapter in Puerto Rico’s history is ready to be written, but it requires a collective effort to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.
