113 years of colonial limbo

21 de julio de 2011

On July 25, 1898, Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States. The Island began the 20th Century under a military rule with officials and governor appointed by the President of the United States. In 1917 Puerto Ricans became U.S. Citizens via the Jones Act. As a result, many Puerto Ricans were drafted to fight in all wars fought by the USA, Puerto Ricans living in the Island can't vote for the President, or Congress that sends them to war.

In 1952, U.S. Congress and President Truman approved and ratified the Constitution of Puerto Rico, which was proclaimed and instituted on July 25, 1952, on the 54th anniversary of US invasion. Puerto Rico adopted the name Estado Libre Asociado ( Free Associated State ), but instead of solving our political status it created an endless political status dilema and a traumatizing identity crisis. Three plebiscites have been held, and no changes have been attained, still the the defenders of the status quo have lost strength, while the pro statehood movement have gained strength over the last 49 years. The independence movement has been truncated to a 3–5%. This makes it clear that Puerto Rico is heading towards anexation and become the 51st state of the United States.

As a Puerto Rican, U.S Citizen, American, and a resident of Florida, I think its about time Puerto Rico has a real oportunity to decide its political status. I have always belive that Puerto Ricans should take the iniciative to vote and request a change in their status, as a state, or as a republic, but I understand the internal stuggles and conflict of intertests have made impossible for this to happen, interests that are far from what it is the best course for the people, but for their own pockets and ambissions. If Puerto Ricans can't make up their minds, I think US Congress and the President should take action that leads to a plebiscite with final and defitie alternatives. No middle grounds.

Last month, President Obama visited Puerto Rico as part of a fundraiser tour. The sad part is that Puerto Rican that live in the Island can't vote for him, but there are 4 million of us that live in the states, and we can vote. And I think it is time the President, Legislators and polititians starts taking Puerto Rico seriously. Obama said in an interview that if Puerto Ricans don't make up their mind by the end of 2012, he would start his own course of action. I hope he keeps his word, because if December 31, 2012 comes, and there is no definitive action to solve Puerto Rican status, I will have no choice but to vote for the Republican candidate. I invite all my fellow Puerto Ricans living in the states to do the same, and demand respect. Puerto Rican-Americans, united we stand. I think 113 years of colonial limbo is enough.