By DAVID GREENE

With the spotlight on Puerto Rico following the recent Somos conference, this week we asked readers what they think about whether the island should become the 51st state or maintain its independence.

“I think Puerto Rico should stay as it is and maintain its independence. They don’t get enough support. I really do not know. I don’t live there so I don’t know what exactly is going on. But I know from what I see, and from what my family tells me, that it would be nice to keep their independence, but I don’t think they’ll be able to continue to support themselves.

Alma Maisonnette,

Parkchester

“Yes, I am a proud Puerto Rican, born and raised in the South Bronx. Both of my parents were from the island and my grandmother had a great influence on my life. At one point, I thought the island must be the 51st state, because of its advantages. However, after witnessing how they were treated after Hurricane Maria, my feelings changed. Puerto Rico should be left completely independent and free. “

Flora Montes,

Soundview

“I am Puerto Rican and yes I would like Puerto Rico to become the 51st state. This way, residents can have all the benefits of being US citizens in the United States, and the island is still well protected by the US military.

Que Viva Puerto Rico! ”

Elizabeth Sepúlveda,

Clason point

“Puerto Rico had decided not to be a Commonwealth state. Puerto Rico is expected to become the 51st state because it can help solve Puerto Rico’s money problems. The people of Puerto Rico want to become the 51st state and we claimed Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War. The island is in trouble because of the hurricanes, and no one ever helps and the people are on their own. I think if Puerto Rico becomes a state, residents can get the help they deserve and experience a better quality of life. Enjoying state status, they would be able to pursue and live the American dream on the island. “

Antonia Santiago,

Great Hall

“The best thing for Puerto Rico is to remain independent and stop being a colony of the United States. Puerto Rico has a consumer economy that only benefits America and the Jobs Act, and many others like Law 22 which grants tax incentives to foreigners who are not originally from Puerto Rico, and the inhabitants do not benefit from these tax advantages. Congress is deliberately ignoring the plebiscite and the vote of all Puerto Ricans, because if the PR becomes independent or a state, foreigners will no longer benefit from the tax haven they currently receive. Puerto Rico is sold, and the illegal debt is legalized by the Tax Control Board and they raise taxes on all goods until 2052 to pay off this illegal debt that the United States created with the Jones Act.

Tony too,

Brooklyn

Editor’s Note: The JOBS Act is a law intended to encourage financing for small businesses in the United States by relaxing many national securities regulations. The Jones Act is federal law establishing support for the development and maintenance of a merchant navy to support commercial activity and serve as a naval auxiliary in times of war or national emergency.