I am, but I'm weird like that.

Well, I've been trying to see if a Puerto Rican would look at it differently then I do - although Puerto Ricans are obviously as individual as anyone else. I guess I see it like this - the people on the island pay no federal taxes, except those who work for the federal government. However, they receive all the entitlements/services, including social security, that everyone else receives. I don't mind that, because I think the island really needs it, but I wish the federal tax code applied.

I think because it's so far away, an island, and culturally distinct, the federal government isn't at the front of most people's thoughts. Even the political parties are different. The lack of representation does hurt the island some, but most people seem the think the lack of taxes is an even trade. Plus, there are at least one or two nuyorican (no idea how to spell that) congressman who sort of look out for PR and it's representative often works with them to get stuff done.

In my own personal opinion, the island would more appropriately be an independent nation. But there are many veterans - the most pro-statehood group - who have served and continue to serve who very much want to be part of the US. I suspect the status quo will remain for a long time.

"why does the bad guy always have a british accent?"

"My name is Pierre. I have come to have sex with your family." t /Izzard

In re DC - one thing to remember is that not only does the federal government occupy a lot of prime real estate, there are also a whole bunch of embassies here ... and I think they're tax-exempt as well. DC relies on federal funding for a hefty chunk of the budget, but we're also largely controlled by Congress. AND we pay federal taxes (taxation without representation ... which is on the DC license plates).

Arguments against representation have historically been "well, but it's NOT a state" (and only states have voting rights) to the fact that DC traditionally votes Democratic. A recent one is that all the federal government employees would vote for increasing the size of the government ... which ignores the fact that a lot of those people live in Maryland and Virginia.

And it's amazing how many people outside the area don't realize that DC (for address purposes) is like a state.

smonster, sending much ~ma for your gran and the rest of your family.

I am all officially signed up as a substitute. I am semi-employed.

Also, good thoughts for you and your grandma, smonster.

Best wishes for smonster and family.

Thank you for the ~ma, y'all. She's had Alzheimer's for years and is at the point where she will respond to her name, but can't tell you what it is if you ask her. Plus physical issues.

-Ma for you and yours, smonster.

Good thoughts for your grandma, smonster. And you.