The history of Puerto Rico is complex. As the island enters its 113th year as a territory colony of the United States, the interdependencies between the U.S. and Puerto Rico weren’t, and never will be, a simple matter. It is a history of paradoxes and complications regarding political identity and basic human rights of self-government.
Puerto Rico's first administrative cabinet under the Jones Act of 1917
Take, for example, the 1917 Jones Act, an act of Congress that granted U.S. citizenship to all Puerto Ricans born on the island. (Important sidenote: Unknown to many, this is not a Constitutional act, but it would take a Supreme Court act to revoke the right.) The Jones Act, signed by President Woodrow Wilson on March 2, 1917, not only established U.S. citizenship for Puerto Ricans on the island, it also created a new form of government. As the following states (source: Library of Congress):
The Jones Act separated the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of Puerto Rican government, provided civil rights to the individual, and created a locally elected bicameral legislature. The two houses were a Senate consisting of 19 members and a 39-member House of Representatives. However, the Governor and the President of the United States had the power to veto any law passed by the legislature. Also, the United States Congress had the power to stop any action taken by the legislature in Puerto Rico. The U.S. maintained control over fiscal and economic matters and exercised authority over mail services, immigration, defense and other basic governmental matters.
There are so many contradictions in the act that many people are unaware about and we would like to make some clarifications:
- Even though Puerto Ricans have the right to govern themselves, in the end the Governor of Puerto Rico and the U.S. government still have to power to veto and control any legislation on the island. That is a huge concession of power and rights.
- History has stated that Puerto Ricans did not request for citizenship at the time. In fact, the member of Congress representing the island in 1917, Luis Muñoz Rivera, questioned such imposition in late 1916, basically telling Congress that Puerto Ricans would prefer Puerto Rican citizenship.
- The U.S. still has control over several basic government services that in any other form of government, would be under the jurisdiction of a local government. In the end, Puerto Ricans gained U.S. citizenship, but never gained much more, except for the right to freely travel with a U.S. passport and also freely live in any other part of the United States.
- History also suggests that the United States needed more men for WWI. After Wilson signed the Jones Act and after the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, military conscription was passed in June, 1917. This meant that as U.S. citizens, eligible Puerto Rican males were drafted into the armed forces. Over 2,000 Puerto Ricans were drafted to serve at the very beginning. In the end, it was estimated that 18,000 Puerto Ricans served in World War I. Most of them went to the Panama Canal, but some Puerto Ricans, like musician Rafael Hernández, proudly served on the Western Front. Puerto Ricans who were not eligible were sent to labor camps in the South.
The issue of U.S. citizenship for Puerto Ricans has always been a study in paradoxes. For example, a Puerto Rican-born individual who lives in the United States could vote in U.S. elections, like the ones for President, but that same person could not vote in those elections if living in Puerto Rico. The same goes for federal taxes. If you are Puerto Rican-born and live in the U.S., you have to file a federal tax return. On the island, though, a Puerto Rican does not have to file a return.
In general, it is safe to say that most Puerto Ricans value the benefits that a U.S. citizenship has bestowed on them. However, Puerto Ricans still fall into a second tier of U.S. citizens, when compared to their fellow American citizens. Issues of civil and human rights (noted by the U.S. crackdown on Puerto Rican Nationalists who never truly had the right to free assembly after tensions arose in the 1940s and 1950s) are still valid concerns.
As the island begins to yet again explore the political direction it wants to take, the question of whether Puerto Ricans would trade in their U.S. citizenship for Puerto Rican citizenship will always be open for debate and dissection. Four generations have passed since the Jones Act became law, and for a certain group of U.S. citizens, full constitutional rights have yet to be achieved.
A very informative article, Julio. Thanks for sharing this.
I should also add that despite their U.S. citizenship, Puerto Ricans are often lumped with other Latinos as “immigrants” to the United States. The most notable example of this widespread fallacy occurred when Judge Sonya Sotomayor was first nominated to the Supreme Court and her “immigrant background” was part of the bio reported by many news sources.
Exactly, Raul! There is such a misconception that has always bugged me, but also like I said, Puerto Rico is a paradox: we celebrate the best of Latin America and the U.S. on one hand, yet are quick to condemn the injustices of the U.S. on the other hand, and rightly so. But in the end, PRicans really second-class U.S. citizens from a legal and constitutional perspective. The US Congress tomorrow could revoke citizenship for Puerto Rican-born people. Nothing protects us from that. But at the same time, I have lived 31 years of my life freely in the U.S. without any issue, but I am born in Puerto Rico and if I could ever get a Puerto Rican passport, I would jump for joy, yet I also feel as American as Chevy. It is so complex and a theme that the media misses.
Most of the U.S. media is, pardon the pun, color-blind to the complexity and diversity of the Latino community.
So true. We cannot be boxed.
I beleive it is pertinent to say that citizenship was bestowed on puertorricans without their consent or request. The member of Congress representing the island at the time , Luis Muñoz Rivera, questioned such imposition. It seems that the need for additional servicemen for the war effort played a role in the decision to grant puertorricans US citizenship.
It is ironic, the war could have been an excuse to extend citizenship to a people who did not ask for it and presently you states considering the possibility of repealing birthright citinship. How times change.
It should be clarify that once citizenship is obtained Congress nor state legislatures may take it away according to a U.S. Supreme Court decision. That is the law.
And for that we have Yeyo! Gracias mil.
Jose, what a great point you bring up about current attempts to gut the 14th Amendment. When the U.S. needed conscripts for war, the politicians extended citizenship — with obvious strings attached.
Jose is a former PR senator and has spent a lot of his life in Washington fighting for the island’s status. We love Yeyo! He and my dad went to college together.
Julito,
I agree completely with you and Raul Ramos. We are second tier if not third tier citizens. Going well with Raul’s Citizen H Novels.
I think Julito’s standpoint does tie in with Raul’s Novel. I think many Puerto Ricans have understood clearly what a second class citizen is or in Raul Ramos’ words H Citizen.
One of the biggest issues I have had as a Puerto Rican trying to relate a lot more to my brothers in Latin America than any other country is how in some occasions my Puerto Rican brothers think they are worth even more because we have been given the citizenship from Birth.
Last week I really enjoyed the article talking about how hispanics work for the border patrol when they themselves where immigrants or descendants of Immigrants.
I clearly can say that if we had an opportunity to have Puerto Rican Citizenship I would sign up. Puerto Ricans like myself that reside on the Island have no benefits such as electing the people that make decisions for us. But on the other hand we are open to serve in military and offer our lived for a country who restricts us for so many things.
Thanks again for bringing this type of subject … I am really enjoying them.
Gracias mil, hermano. It is a study in paradoxes. As someone who loves his island, was born there, has studied its history and literature, but has lived in the U.S since he was 8 (with summers in Puerto Rico and one year on the island in 1991), I am torn. Maybe it will be a case of dual citizenship like Ireland? Who knows? Gracias mil.
Raul, it’s clear that U.,S. immigration policy and citizenship are often tools used for political purposes. My fellow Cubans arriving on the shores of the U.S. in a raft without a visa are given an expedited green card process because the U.S. deems them political refugees. But if any other nationality did the same, they would be summarily deported. I wonder if Puerto Rico were to choose independence, what U.S. immigration policy would be toward its former protectorate.
That is an interesting scenario, but I think it is clear that most Puerto Ricans see benefits from US citizenship.
Julito
This is a great post. Recently, I tried explaining what Puerto Ricans can do and cannot do as voters, citizens, taxpayers. Next time, I will send simply send this link.
Gracias, Gio!
Throughout all my adult life, both socially and professionally, I have been amazed at the lack of knowledge, portrayed by almost all the citizens of the USA, to know that Puerto Ricans are USA citizens by birth, let alone how they became USA citizens period. This reality even includes Puerto Ricans themselves both living abroad, in the USA & even in Puerto Rico proper!
Thanks for bringing enlightenment to this point of abhorrent ignorance or worst of all apathy, projected by those that find it rightfully fit to expound on or justify knowing about what should be done about P.R. and its future relationship with the the USA and most importantly with the world itself.
Please keep bringing forth the wisdom of experienced human beings with hands-on knowledge and sincere altruism , like Jose (Yeyo) Ortiz-Daliot, and others that I’m sure you will be connecting with, and that will also give us, what they have given their lives to propel their way of resolving Puerto Rico’s 100 years+ paradox of existence.
Always in peace, papijulio
Papi, I love the term “paradox existence” love you!
I can relate to PapiJulio’s statement 110% . It amazes me at the lack of knowledge on many things Puerto Rico by so many. Interestingly, it was my experiences in the military that made me clearly aware of this.
Unlike yourself Julio, I was born in New York but traveled quite extensively between NY and the island. Sometimes, I felt like I lived in both (a statement I made to Raul C.). Having studied so much Puerto Rican history, I too feel torn between what I know and the experiences I have lived through.
I think it is safe to say that it is this very ‘paradox’ which keeps Puerto Rico in limbo. The fear of the unknown status‘, whether independent or statehood, and being in the comfort zone, its present political status.
Efrain, you are a unique individual. We share a common passion in the history of the island. Yes, the push and pull between the mainland and the island is so prevalent in the souls of millions of Puerto Ricans. The image of an “island victim” (a major theme in Puerto Rican authors like José González, Zeno Gandía, Rosario Ferré) needs to change. We can no longer be a victim. We need to control our future.
Efrain, the choice is not among statehood or independence, both dignified political options. There is one more choice and it is not Commonweallth which is not in itself a dignified relationship. I am talking about “Free Association” which is the 3rd political option endorsed by the international community under the auspices of United Nations resolution 1541 from 1960. So there are 3 political status options under which puertorricans could live a dignified life. The U.S. has negotiated Free Association agreements with former territories in the Pacific Ocean. New Zealand presents another example of Free Association relationships with its former colonies such as the Cook Islands and in this case the residents if Cook Islands kept the the citizenship of the metropolitan power, New Zealand. So there is precedent for Puerto Rico to opt for a Free Assoc. agreement with the U.S. and keep their U.S. citizenship, as well of course the puertorrican citizenship. Es posible y hacia ya vamos. Sin miedo.Free Association provides political sovereingty and a dignified relationship with the U.S.
¡Gracias, Yeyo!
Regardless of earned degree at law,in my country,this post would be of interest to me,because i like interesting issues and have curious nature.And this article just fit my inspired spirit to go for mystic and unsolved questions.
To dare to say Puerto Ricans are not free citizens!If US holds control over the services belong to the government of Puerto Rico,it makes them the citizens in vassal relationship.
Of course it is the matter of Puerto Rico to decide what their future would look like,but in my view it should be rewarded and treated at least equally as the states of US.
Puerto Rico is a small but incredibly nice and at /perhaps/good location,and much of merits from the past.The participation in World War I*/for solitude my country suffered one of the greatest amount of sacrifices as well,is a news for me,great to learn more,and one proof more that common experiences and destinies connect nations around the world.
It is up to you to assess your benefits of having US citizenship and request equal treatment as other its citizens.Maybe,new era with president Obama is a way to follow your dreams.
This is a very great response.
one correction;for solace/not solitude/..
Who ever says that Puerto Ricans are immigrants have lied and confuse sociological concepts of nations. Puerto Ricans who move to other states in the nation are migrants, immigrants are citizens of other nations who move to a foreign country. The puerto ricans, since 1900 are considered for purposes of nationality as ‘nationals’ with unrestricted freedom of movement on the mainland. The ‘Puerto Rican diaspora’ in the United States is different from those who migrate to Europe or South America who decide to live in a foreign country. Sonia Sotomayor to be an American citizen born descendants of puerto rican migrants, his family has never been foreign and had to swear allegiance to the American constitution, saying that she and her family are immigrants is a fallacy.
But you have to agree that US citizenship was imposed on us, no?
I enjoyed reading your post. Born in Arecibo (Bo Santana), grew up in Bayamon (Santa Juanita), educated at UPR (Rio Piedras campus and University Hospital) I found myself part of the complexity and paradox of been a citizen of the United States. I proudly served in the US Navy’s nuclear program onboard USS Daniel Webster, SSBN-626 Blue, NSGA Sabana Seca, PR and USS Pargo, SSN-650. Yet in some instances during my military service felt as an immigrant, rather than a migrant believe it or not particularly while stationed at Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico! The first question I will be asked by my fellow military men and women was where the cannibals are! The second was a statement as to the fact (in their view) that there was a “machetero” terrorist behind every palm tree! Neither statement was true. However, I will try to explain the reasons why some people will not like them (los continentales). I was a prime example since even some of the officers will make comments as to they were waiting for a Puerto Rican to jump the fence into the base so that they could execute them with extreme prejudice! Thanks God for Mr. Wrightson, the Executive Officer who was a continental (born, raised and educated in Alabama) who was the most Puerto Rican officer I have met! He was married to a lady from Juana Diaz and he considered himself a Bona-Fide Puertorriqueño. He taught me history from Puerto Rico I did not know and he made sure the other officers understood; Puerto Ricans were already inside the base! And that we were serving as equals! The US needs to educate their people so that the people understand that Puerto Ricans are citizens. I like for Puerto Rico to resolve its political status. The “free association” as Jose Ortiz has stated in his comment will be one I will like for us to experience
What a great story! ¡VIVA PUERTO RICO!
“Who ever says that Puerto Ricans are immigrants have lied and confuse sociological concepts of nations. Puerto Ricans who move to other states in the nation are migrants, immigrants are citizens of other nations who move to a foreign country.” Wilo
Then why are Mexican workers who come to the US to harvest the fields referred to as migrant workers?
The UN definition of a migrant is someone who moves around within ones own country in hopes of finding work. It also labels foreigners who leave their own country to find work in another country as migrants. I guess I answered my own question. Immigrants are people who enter another country permanently. And emigrants are people who leave their country permanently.
1-Then it should not be called “relocating”, not migrating or emigrating.
2-Yep. In 2007 I had to remind a NJ tv reporter calling a young newly elected state legislator, “1st generation American”, that she was prob. 5th generation American; my greats-etcs. were and I’m 67.
3-They are not teaching it in the US, I think, that PRicans are US citzns; in PR it’s not mentioned either.My dghter was in UPR when she finally realized it.
4-Bottom line:What good has the US citizensp done if PRicans have not taken advantage of it like other ethnic groups (Latin-Ams, Mid-Easterns, Jewish, Orientals, etc.) who come to work long hrs. or open businesses until they build capital? Most PRicans here still live in slums.Who own most of the dscounts/shops in RP?
5-I know people on foodstamps in PR didn’t want to pick coffee. Shame! And I was trying to find out how to have a chance & I’m retired. I think they offer free rooming, right?
There are 3 million Puerto Ricans living in the United States. Gonna go out on a ledge and say we have taken advantage of opportunities.
You sting like a bee Madge.
Yes nice way to put that.
Great site to get in touch with my roots and my people!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Necesitamos Independencia! If you want to go into the History of it, you have to realize that the Americans never had any right to step foot on our country. If they were going to get into a war with Spain, they could have at least finished their war and gotten out. We already had achieved great political autonomy and we had been given economic freedom the year before the war began. The document was known as La Carta Autonómica (1897). And it had taken us 400 years too! We probably only had a couple years to go before Spain completely let us go. Either way, our economy would have been run by us and not by whatever the US buys from other countries and then gives to us (heavily taxed).
I feel angry when I get to thinking that the US really stuck their nose where it shouldn’t have been for so many years. It really hurts me. We reset a 400 year effort that took a lot of blood and sweat from our ancestors. A lot of blood and sweat. And probably a lot of tears too. We’ve been used and hindered by the US. I mean, look at what is said in the article here. We were given citizenship after 17 years so that it wouldn’t seem as wrong when we were drafted into a war that wasn’t ours (WWI). Without our consent too. Who said we every wanted to be American citizens?
I can’t get hung up on those feelings though. I mean, it’s in the past. But even today! I am going through college in Texas but I live back home, in Puerto Rico. The Americans call me Mexican and associate me with all the negative thoughts that they unfortunately have about them. They don’t know a lick about our island and don’t care either (at least that’s the impression I’ve gotten). They think we are leeching off the US because we want to. Wasn’t it the US that made us a colony?? I don’t think we had a choice in that, huh? If the Americans are going to keep us as a colony, they should at least demonstrate a tiny bit of respect. We are dedicated ONE paragraph in history books and we have to go through a whole course in American history when we are in high school.
Aren’t we Boricuas? We have our own history. We have our own language. We have our own culture, our own food, our own traditions, our own PEOPLE. We are a nation. Aren’t these some of the arguments placed in the American Declaration of Independence???
Sorry for the rant here. I needed to get these things off my chest.
I seriously believe we should become independent.
Would you guys be willing to talk to me? I need to know more.
Lucas
No worries! We are here!
I read the La Carta Autonomic of 1897. What Spain offered Puerto Rico was exactly the same thing the U.S. provided in 1898 after the invasion. Spain reserved the right to appoint a governor from Spain in order to maintain it’s control. And yes, the U.S. also appointed a governor from the U.S. to oversea the affairs of PR. Approximately 50 years later the U.S. authorized Puerto Ricans the right to elect someone from Puerto Rico to be the governor. What took 400 years to achieve from Spain, everything and more was given to Puerto Rico in only 50 years by the U.S. Just think where PR could be in another 350 years. Just a little food for thought.
I taken a racial beating as a Afro-Latina Puerto Rican from both whites and Afro-Americans for calling myself an American.The white Liberal media does not consider Puerto Ricans ciizens what’s why we are never asked about the nation’ concerns on local or national media,. Many times I get a beating on Twitter &Face Book when I openly talk about hate in America towards Latino Negros like me.No one wants to hear it because they are too busy hating..
A poll was recently taken to see how well Americans knew their geography. Here are the results.
One-third of respondents couldn’t pinpoint Louisiana on a map and 48 percent were unable to locate Mississippi.
Fewer than three in 10 think it important to know the locations of countries in the news and just 14 percent believe speaking another language is a necessary skill.
Six in 10 could not find Iraq on a map of the Middle East.
While the outsourcing of jobs to India has been a major U.S. business story, 47 percent could not find the Indian subcontinent on a map of Asia.
While Israeli-Palestinian strife has been in the news for the entire lives of the respondents, 75 percent were unable to locate Israel on a map of the Middle East.
Six in 10 did not know the border between North and South Korea is the most heavily fortified in the world. Thirty percent thought the most heavily fortified border was between the United States and Mexico.
And people wonder why so many Americans know so little about Puerto Rico. It’s because they know so little about just about anything.
Absolutely! They can’t even find their own town on a map. But they can find the latest “reality show” in a snap!
The disappearance of newspapers + web media will make it worse. A newspaper shows you something you did not expect to see or learn. On the web, however, you only see what you want to type!
VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE
Puerto Rico is a colony of the United as is Hawaii (absolutly stolen by US business interests). Reasons why the US is in control of Puerto Rico and many other nations for that matter is for a One-World government. The British Empire created the United States is to form a One world army and economy from Washington and London. (Research the Roman Empire and their multicultural society. It is unbelievable how much our people bow down to American interests when in fact they originally tried to kill us off with cancer (research Rhodes and the cancer shots) and through mass sterilization as they did to American Indian tribes (whom they exterminated more than 19 million in conservative estimates) to make Puerto Rico an American Base. Pedro Albizu Campos exposed this. What a shame that our people divided on our political status. The Americans keep us divided through media propaganda and of course the war on drugs who the US government ships in. Don’t believe me? research the Iran-Contra Affair of the 1980′s, the Vietnam war with the golden triangle, and now Afghanistan (Watch Geraldo Rivera on Fox NEWS with the U.S.Marines helping them grow the opium. all in your face..All of these people I am responding to WAKE-UP from your dreamworld. Especially you “lawyers” who study American Law, the only law that needs to be practiced is Natural law, our right to be human beings with our own destiny. America just wants you to be slaves (which you are in reality especially when you are depended on the collapsing US dollar!) Its about time. Que viva Puerto Rico libre!!!
Who told you that in Puerto Rico we don’t have file federal tax returns? Get your info right, that’s absolutely not true. The IRS harasses us in PR, just like they harass you back in the states, if you fail to pay them.
You pay federal taxes? You file a federal tax form? Or are you referring to the taxes you pay to PR?
From the IRS
“In general, United States citizens and resident aliens who are bona fide residents of Puerto Rico during the entire tax year, which for most individuals is January 1 to December 31, are only required to file a U.S. federal income tax return if they have income sources outside of Puerto Rico or if they are employees of the U.S. government. Bona fide residents of Puerto Rico generally do not report income received from sources within Puerto Rico on their U.S. income tax return. However, they should report all income received from sources outside Puerto Rico on their U.S. income tax return. Residents of Puerto Rico who are employed by the government of the United States or who are members of the armed forces of the United States also should report all income received for their services to the government of the United States on their U. S. income tax return.”
I have a question for voting for USA president et al, If you are a continental born citizen, and are a bonafide resident in the island, do you lose the right to vote? or this only applies to citizens born in Puerto Rico, despite their ancestors birth place? And if you work for an american corporation, while living in PR, do you still have to pay Federal taxes? Can you deduct excite taxes?
The Carribean islands have been owned or dominated by several countries ever since the days of Columbus. In the modern world none of the islands have the resources to protect itself from a foreign invader. Therefore all have ownership or alliance with a larger country. PR pays no taxes to the U.S., but is protected by the U.S. In return, PR sends soldiers to American disputes. It is a trade off. PR does not have the advantage of “State” citizenship. But statehood has been offered to them many times… they dont want it. You cant take the benefit of a bargain and not the burden, or vice versa in this case. It is their choice.
Enlighten me: when was statehood offered to Puerto Rico “many times” as you claim? Is there an alternative universe I am not aware of?
President Ford reccomended statehood for PR at the end of his term. Several other presidents have floated the idea in adress’s to PR I believe Preident Obama jusy did the same when he went. There were others.
President Ford did the most and Reagan suggested it, but please do not be revisionist in your history. There weren’t others. I am aware of what Ford said and President Obama has not offered anything about statehood for PR.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=5538 You can read the address of President Ford in its entirety where he reccomends statehood for PR.
Puerto Ricans consistently have rejected statehood, but is has always been up to them. Here is the Wikipedia reference, they have other footnotes for support:
Puerto Rico statehood referenda have been consistently, though narrowly, unsuccessful. In each referendum, statehood supporters are matched almost equally by supporters of Puerto Rico remaining an American territory, with the small balance of the votes being cast by supporters of independence. Support for U.S. statehood has risen in each successive popular referendum.[10]
In October 2011, Governor Luis Fortuño set August 12, 2012 to hold the first part of a two-step status plebiscite. If a second status vote is required, it will take place on the same day as the general election in November 6, 2012, he added. A bill was brought before the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico in 2011 to effect the governor’s proposal. The bill passed on December 28, 2011. Both referendums, however, will be held on a single ballot on November 6, 2012.
The first referendum will ask voters whether they want to maintain the current commonwealth status under the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution or whether they prefer a nonterritorial option. If more voters check that nonterritorial option, a second vote would be held giving people three status options: statehood, independence or free association. [11]
You do know that this plebiscite is non-binding, meaning that Congress still has final say, and it is just another plebiscite that would be respected or need to be paid attention to. Thanks for your comments.
Technically a referendum is an offer. Puerto Ricans have always voted for Commonwealth and Congress has always accepted it which is why it is still a Commonwealth. Only until Statehood gets the majority vote will we see what Congress does then. I just hope Puerto Ricans never try to call Congress’s bluff by voting for Statehood in the first place.
As I travel around the world..especially the Latin countrys and talk to the people and each one of the youth say “my dream is to travel…but no one accepts a Colombian passport….” I realize how blessed I am to have that American passport and can travel freely around the world. It is one of the greatest benefits I have. I raise an eyebrow when I see those who have an American passport and all it offers… and place no value on it. I get that feeling from many who place these blogs.
Sure, there is great value in an American citizenship. This post just reminds people the real reasons behind why Puerto Ricans became US citizens. It was imposed.
wow I liked everything I have read, so we are Puerto Ricans, we are special.
We have many points of views that leads to what we all want, a Puerto Rico worthy happy and be respected by the United States and the world.
Keep Going.
“so we are Puerto Ricans, we are special.” Angel Gonzalez
Oh yes you are so special you good boy!
Regardless of whether or not Congress has acted on the wishes of Puerto Ricans, and many believe Congress has, the fact is every time a referendum has been conducted Puerto Ricans have voted to maintain the status quo which Congress continues to accept. I have asked the question many times as to why so many vote for Commonwealth, and what I hear is that the Commonwealth option is “The best of both worlds. We continue to be U.S. citizens with benefits, and more importantly we are able to retain our culture.” Now, if anyone can promise another option that provides that then I am sure you will see Puerto Ricans vote overwhelmingly for it.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” I place emphasis in the pursuit because that was and is the force that drives the well being of the governed. As it did with our forefathers who by signing “this Declaration with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”, send a clear message that they were willing to do what they deemed necessary so that England’s power will no longer be exercised in their countries. I must make clear the historical fact that the forefathers believed that what we call today a state was their country. It is not until the civil war that the concept of unity, particularly, after Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that this government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth.” Forward to the 21st century and we have the case of Puerto Rico. We, (at least I was taught in the public school system in the island from the 1960’s to the 1970’s) that we are citizens of the Great Nation comprised of the “tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” (Emma Lazarus, 1883) I was further taught that the blood of Puerto Ricans have served the Great Nation, from their Declaration of Independence to the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Recently all the way to the Middle East. I believe we earned respect. I believed that we need to pursuit our inalienable Right to self determination. Yes, we do acknowledge the historical fact, and a point that some make, about the giving of Puerto Rico as payment for the Hispanic-American War was an irresponsible and illegal act on both Spain and the United States of America . We have traveled a long circular road. It is time to act! It is time to demand a change. I would like to end with a quote, that I find applicable to our situation today, even though it was said on March 23, 1775, “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” (Patrick Henry, speech at St. John’s Church)
Great post Angel; but you did not say one thing about how PRicans have voted during the past referendums. The Commonwealth status has been the choice of the majority of PRican voters, and it will be again this coming referendum. The democratic process our forefathers established is working just fine here in PRico. Congress has respected the wishes of the majority by keeping PRico a Commonwealth. I’m sorry it is not what you like but that is the way democracy works. After all, that is what you wrote about, right?
Yes, indeed. I would like to make it clear that I am of the opinion that Puerto Ricans need to make a decision other than the status-quo. I know that Congress has been respectful of what we have decided in the past. I have to admit that it has changed, due to the policies of the opportunistic political parties that have controlled the island for so many years using scare tactics, towards statehood. In 1898 (and about 15 years later) the majority of Puerto Ricans were expecting that the US Congress were to declare us an independent, albeit a “protected” republic. Mistakes have been made on both sides of the issue. We have been scared to death that Puerto Rico does not have resources. I disagree. We have resources that with responsible exploitation can make the island an example in the Caribbean. Not a panacea but at least we can make a better living. We have failed ourselves and will continue to do so as long as we keep thinking that once we are a state it will be a panacea. I know better. Reality is that the only thing we will gain is paying taxes to the federal government, which by the way we now do indirectly. In the final analysis I am a realist and see that Puerto Rico will one day be state. I hope that we will not be known as the “Welfare State”. But without the opportunity to work as a free country, associated to other countries like Bolivar, Hostos, Ruiz-Belvis and others imagined, we will be known as that. What will the leaders of Puerto Rico will say then? Will they move out of the island to the mainland? One thing is for sure, the future is ahead!
I am just glad to see some reality come to this blog site. A one sided argument never gives you the full picture. But Angel PA, one thing you have to remember when it comes to evaluating the relationship between PR and the U.S., You have to look at the doughnut and not just the hole.
Yes we are. Some just happen to be illegal immigrants who barged through the front door of someones home without an invitation. How would you feel if someone barged into your home Weareallimmigrants? How do you feel about illegal immigrants coming to PRico?
Well flyboy56 I do not know anything about you…but I am an Anglo American living 120 miles from the Mexican border in Texas. I am for enforcing our borders. I know full well what having illegal immigrants around me is like. However, I am not sure the “Pilgrims” were invitees of the American Indians ? The Northern American Indians crossed the Bearing Sea and came to America, I am not finding where anyone was ever invited? Thats why I chose to call myself as I have.
All Islands were once uninhabited…so there was a first person there and then there were many different cultures who came there… like all islands. This earth was here for millions of years before us and will be here millions of years after we are all gone. In the larger scheme of things saying that one part belongs to you or that you own it because of a peice of paper… is a bit humorous. But nations give social order and it is needed. I respect the laws of each land..as they respect others. But point to anywhere on earth where people live… that was not taken by another group of people at some point ? Nations rise and fall…but cultures do not need to.
“However, I am not sure the “Pilgrims” were invitees of the American Indians ?” Weareallimmigrants
And the indians didn’t exactly have a sovereign government with defined borders either. And even those indians who lived in the North America were fighting over territory amongst themselves. So people who make this claim such as yourself only show how ignorant they really are. And you are telling me you are an anglo because you want everyone to know you are one of those white appeasers that want to make the sins of the past right again? You make me vomit if you think I’m suppose to feel guilty for what the ancestors did hundreds of years a go. Go find a real constructive cause, like educating the ignorant.
Well flyboy, I hope ond day many…many… years from now I am as smart as you. You have pointed out that I am ignorant, but then you tell me to go find a worthy cause like educating the ignorant ? Not sure how an ignorant person can teach another ignorant person? But I will say this, when I moved to Texas I was shocked to learn that the locals claimed the oldest city in America is Laredo, Texas. There were people here in San Antonio prior to the “Pilgrims” landing here as well. The question is…when America made Texas a State…did it not inherit the timeline of the citys that were in existence here as well ? If not then you are only looking at history as it spreads East to West, nothing existed before the Anglo came. Only the Anglo matters in this view.
In your scenario, stating the Indians were not a sovereign nation…with well defined borders…by whos standards … Yours ? The Indians had their own heirarchy and thier own borders. Now PR is an Island..so not sure what sense there is in talking about well defined borders ? But to say that another civilization did not exist because it was not by “your” standards appears to me to bit a bit narrow ?
Now, I am an Anglo…. and flyboy56… I could give a rats ass about “the sins of the past” as decided by you or anyone else. Because like you said… they were all fighting amongst themselfs… that is human nature and it has been going on since the dawn of time all over this entire earth…not just over PR. Now… I love this country with all its different people and its faults… Because I have lived and traveled all over the world. I MAKE NO APOLOGY for America or how it treats ANY group of people. But you know what…. your choice is love… leave it… or bow up and fight for your islands independence. Your constant bullshitting does not advance your cause… it makes people dislike you and your people.
“Not sure how an ignorant person can teach another ignorant person?” Wear
Generally, people who pick up a cause tend to learn a few things themselves along the way. It could be good for you.
Truthfully, the only thing that has ever determined the destiny of people and cultures is who can conquer whom. Great nations have come and gone because they were conquered. The Mexicans you are referring to in Texas that were there before the Anglos? Well guess who conquered Mexico, before it was known as Mexico, Central and South America and mixed with the great Indian cultures to create the people who now live in those areas? Let’s see, the Spanish Conquerers. So have far back do you really want to go?
So stop living in your little fantasy world of who’s right and who’s wrong because to really know that you will need to go way back to the beginning of time, and I really don’t want to do that.
Well flyboy56… I think we agree on that. But I am not in a fantasy world about who owns who or how they got there…. Conquered is conquered… always has been and always will be that way… and its dealers choice after that. So then…what is a conquered nation entitled to from its conquerer ? And is PR North or South of that figure ?
“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Paris_(1898)”
Treaty of Paris. Spain believed Puerto Rico was their property to give to the U.S. And so it has been property of the US since 1898. The spoils of war. Since the 1950′s Puerto Rico has been self governing with a governor elected from Puerto Rico. Something even Spain never allowed even though you will some say otherwise. But you can research that for yourself. It’s quite clear in the Autonomous of 1897. Puerto Rico has held 4 referendums, including today, to determine what island status they want. They can choose between statehood, commonwealth or independence. So far they have voted for Commonwealth, and I predict they will vote for Commonwealth again today. It’s voted for because it gives the people the “best of both worlds.” U.S. citizenship and all of the benefits that go with that, and they get to keep their culture. Their culture meaning, Spanish is the primary language spoken and taught in public schools, and all of their own holidays to include federal holidays as well. In July, every single weekend is a 3 day weekend. Yep, cry me a river.
So does that sound like Puerto Rico is being treated unfairly to you? By the way, if you pay federal taxes, approximately $400 comes here. Yes, PRicans do pay for medicaid, medicare and SSN. Otherwise, no federal taxes are paid.
As a Puerto-Rican such as myself, it really angers me at the fact that i have Citizenship of another country that i never asked for, nor wanted. Im a Proud Puerto-Rican/Latin American, and i will be one of those proud people who would apply to obtain Citizenship based on MY OWN NATIONALITY! I never asked to have citizenship of another country, and i certaintly did not want a citizenship that would make me have a 50% chance of being drafted wars i never asked to be part of for another foreign country. I think Congressman should give allow us to renounce our short lasted, long lost Puerto-Rican citizenship. I admire Luiz Munoz Rivera.
I just want to apologize to the author of this article publisher for posting my ignorant, angry comment above this comment. I just did my information research and Puerto-Rican citizenship does exist in the island. It was reeafirmed in the year of 2007, and is easy aplicable. If you were born on the island, the state department of PR citizenship will distribute a certificate of birth with PR citizenship, if you are a Puerto-Rican person but born in the U.S. you easily are granted citizenship because your mother, or father are PR born citizens. If you are a Puerto-Rican born in the U.S. and your parent is a Puerto Rican but born in the U.S you can be eligable to have PR citizenship but must become a 1 year resident, after 1 year your Puerto-Rican citizenship is given to you, as well as the PR birth certificate. Very interesting information, Knowledge is Power, and the cure to ignorance. Having dual citizenship is a privilege to obtain of whatever country your from, and U.S. I take back what i said. Sorry.
And you also should know that with your PRican citizenship certificate you can now apply for a Puerto Rican passport with which you can use to travel to exotic foreign countries.