The pro-statehood Puerto Rican government thought last Sunday's referendum would prove islanders' desire to become the 51st state.
Islanders are American citizens with the right to move to the mainland.
But while on the island, they can't vote for president, pay no federal income taxes, and send only one nonvoting delegate to Congress. Unfortunately, on this ballot, as before, the political parties could not agree on the definition of commonwealth. Many of the latter said they were voting for the status quo. That's not going to persuade Congress to start the statehood clock, however much the San Juan government wants it. Someday the people of Puerto Rico may have to bite the bullet and make up their minds for statehood or independence.