Plebiscite:
A plebiscite is a vote by the whole people and is often used synonymously with a referendum. In the most recent literature a plebiscite has been defined as “an instrument, which allow[s] a government to appeal to people to express themselves with a yes or a no”[i].’ [sic] The two terms do not always overlap in the legal, political and diplomatic literature as will be shown below. [Encyclopedia Princetoniensis]
Noted in “Thursday’s Mini-Report, 12.15.22,” Steve Benen, Maddowblog:
* Puerto Rico’s future: “The House voted Thursday in favor of the Puerto Rico Status Act, which seeks to resolve the U.S. territory’s status and its relationship to the United States through a binding plebiscite. In a 232-191 vote, the bill was passed by 216 Democrats and 16 Republicans. All votes against the bill came from Republicans.”
As the Republicans were supporting statehood for the Puerto Ricans about a decade ago, it’s a puzzling vote. And while the Democrats may not find the Puerto Ricans to be as liberal as they might like, the current flavor of Republicans may be equally disappointed.
