The following column by Oscar Pintado Rodríguez was published in Spanish in the April 12 edition of El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s largest circulation newspaper. We have provided a translation into English. Pintado Rodríguez expresses the opinions of the island’s Alliance for Free Association (ALAS in Spanish) and how this non-political party will use the proposed upcoming status plebiscites to educate Puerto Rican voters about the option of free association, one of three options being recommended (independence and statehood are the other two) by the White House report.
The Alliance for Free Association (ALAS) announced that the upcoming consultations (referendums) are a good opportunity to educate people about the option of free association. We are a group of private citizens organized to educate others about this option of decolonization.That is why we do not have the weight that political parties carry in the electoral interests.
We believe that status must be keep out of the elections and the hands of political parties. Our participation is conditional and that the definition of free association is consistent with international law, the conditions of participation are equitable to the representatives of all the alternatives and that the definitions of the options are based on the reality of relations between Puerto Rico and the U.S..
This involves the inclusion of a provision of dual citizenship for Puerto Ricans. However, if the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) wants to defend this provision, I’m sure ALAS would not have qualms to disband and join the PDP.
However, since we are not a political party nor do we want to be, we can not be asked to think and act with electoral interests in mind. Consequently, our good friends from the Popular Party cannot pretend to grant ALAS responsibilities that show our allegiance to the PPD, or any other political party. The proposed referendum has to have options that are non-colonial and non-territorial. The colonial commonwealth will not be on the ballot. We have always claimed that we want to decolonize Puerto Rico. In fact, the Obama report recognizes the territorial nature of the current commonwealth.
However, trying to put it in as an option of decolonization is a clear violation of international law. If the definition of free association, as I said before, meets, according to ALAS, current standards of international law, we will represent, defend and spread our message to educate our people.
Puerto Ricans who believe in sovereignty should not miss this opportunity to place free association as a legitimate option for the future.
I hope and pray that this option can be a dream come true. Hopefully with this group people can be more educated about this status unlike the last plesibite in 1998 where no know actually knew really about free association.
“It appears that nothing has been gained so far from Fortuño’s intentions to push the status question back onto the radar, and as a result, the island’s tradition of typical partisanship, accusations, and criticisms continues. Puerto Ricans are also savvy enough to understand that the current political system and its future is still controlled by the US Congress and no one else.”
Congressman Luis Gutierrez
My interpretation of this remark made by the congressman is why should we even try to change our status when after all only Congress can make the change. Yeah, this attitude certainly benefits his (PPD) party which would keep PR as a colonial commonwealth. Yes, in many respects a Free Association with the US would be an enhanced statehood status, but at least we would then have more control over how PR is governed and which countries we can trade with. Free Association status might also relieve the tension that seems to exist between Puerto Ricans and Americans and the resistance to learn english in schools because it is not part of the culture. I believe having complete control over ones destiny will bring forth a more trusting, open and inclusive society.
I would like to know how Soverign Free Associated Republic would be “a enhanced statehood status” for Puerto-RIco? This is actually a alternative independence status. I personally believe this is the best Alternative independence status for Puerto-Rico. Simply because we would become a Independent country, We can renounce our short lasted Puerto-Rican citizenship, engage diplomacy foreign relations with countrys all around the world, and become Governmentally and politically independent from the U.S. Under this status we would be able to have the U.S. to support us Economically, with special governmental programs (as what we have right now), Homeland securtiy (like right now),
I think its highly unfair at the fact that Congressman are not taking this Status change very seriously! a 54% majority voted in the first referendum question NO! we dont want to remain a Colony/Territory of the U.S!
It doesnt matter if the current governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla doesnt aprove it, Hes not the one who is in charge of the status change Its all up to the U.S. CONGRESSMAN of Washington D.C!
We clearly voted NO, we want a new status and I dont see any changes happening! Congressman cannot let this status change madness become squashed from the center of discussion!
NO TO STATEHOOD!
NO MORE TO THE COLONIAL/TERRITORIAL STATUS
YES TO SOVERIGN FREE ASSOCIATION REPUBLIC WITH THE UNITED STATES NOW!
I believe in a Soverign Free Associated Republic Puerto-Rico just like the Marshall, Islands, The Confederated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau but in Latin America!