I know the issue of Puerto Rico’s status - whether its “just” a possession or whether it should ever be granted statehood like Hawaii was after enjoying a similar status - is always a thorny one, but with the news of how the Democratic candidates are putting the pedal to the metal in preparation for PR’s Dem primary, I just have to shake my head.

You see, Puerto Ricans can vote in a primary ahead of a general election, but they have no right to vote in the election itself. Does this strike anyone else as… well… convoluted?

I can understand the argument of not letting them vote at all (not one I necessarily like but the issue does have some weight as does the opposing side), or giving them full state status and letting them have the same voting rights as anyone else (just like DC should have).

I find myself wondering if there’s an agenda being served by allowing the first part but not the second. An agenda serving perhaps the opposing party that doesn’t like any Hispanic vote outside of the GOP’s declining Cuban-American support (has dropped very sharply in recent years).