[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Of course, but then again, we were founded on the principal of no taxation without representation. If the people of Puerto Rico want statehood, they should be allowed at least a debate about the topic. I feel the same about DC.

Actually it's DC who gets hosed in a lot of ways when it comes to lack of representation. But they at least do get a say in who the Chief Executive is.

Originally Posted by MysticCat

The SNP (Scottish National Party), which has always campaigned for Scottish independence and pledged to hold a referendum on the matter, won a majority in the Scottish Parliament in the last election. (Prior to that, since 2007, it was a minority government.) Last month, British PM David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond signed an agreement (the "Edinburgh Agreement") providing a legal framework under which the referendum will be held. I forgot with my earlier post that it provides that a single question, the exact wording of which will be decided by the Scottish Parliament, will be put to the electorate. The idea of the single question, as opposed to multiple questions as were used in PR, is to provide a clear answer -- "a fair test and decisive expression of the views of people in Scotland and a result that everyone will respect."

The SNP says it is in favor of retaining the monarchy (I wonder whether Elizabeth II would suddenly become Elizabeth I north of the border, though) and of Scotland joining the Commonwealth.

The referendum is scheduled to be held in the Fall of 2014.

Polls have tended to show that more Scots oppose independence than support it. But Sean Connery will, no doubt, vote for independence.

Interesting. I didn't know all of that. It's funny though, because a friend of mine who is a massive Anglophile calls the SNP "Labour with a Scottish accent."

Originally Posted by agzg

IIRC Puerto Rico does not pay federal income taxes, although they do pay local taxes.

They also do pay federal payroll taxes, and federal employees also pay federal income tax IIRC.