I have enjoyed writing my blogs because it gives me the opportunity to see how I have changed the ways in which I think and feel about Puerto Rico. However there is one thing that still intrigues me everyday. That is the Partido Popular Democrático, los populares.
It is easy for someone, including myself, to come in here and take a look at this party and say "They support their colonial status." But after I did some studying on the PPD I discovered that this party was monumental for the island. This was the party that established the Estado Libre Asociado, the Commonwealth.
1952 was the inaugural year of the Commonwealth. The Puerto Ricans were given the right to pen their own constitution. This document gave them the right to vote for their own governor. Prior to 1952, Puerto Ricans were appointed a governor, and everything was directed from Washington.
Essentially, the Estado Libre Asociado was a huge step. Now with their own constitution they were able to limit the instruction of English and place emphasis on their native language (Before 1952 many American born teachers were here on the island and English was the official language, but the PPD promoted Spanish and almost all American teachers returned to the states). Today, students are obligated to take English in public school, but just one class a day.
Hence, the Puerto Ricans could elect their own governor, and speak their own language. This was a complement to their already present American citizenship, as well as a heavily US subsided economy - life was looking much better. They were able to reap the benefits of being a state while still being a different entity.
Gary Voight, author of "Isla Verde," is an American who lived in PR for 26 years said Puerto Rico was the first colony to abuse it's colonizer. That statement is extraordinary. I think it is a fascinating way to describe the US/PR relationship.
For the most part I think its true. I think that is why the PPD still continues to be a driving force on the island. It seems to be a sense of pride for them. Because here are some of the main arguments that I hear frequently from los Populares:
1. I like having our own team in the Olympics.
2. I like having our own flag.
3. Spanish is the language of our parents.
4. We aren't completely assimilated to the United States.
But here is where I don't understand the PPD. I wouldn't be so concerned about being completely assimilated into the US, its too late. Look around, this really cannot get any more Americanized. Wendy's, Subway, Quizno's, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and Leeann Chin's sprinkle the highways. Huge malls identical to the US which feature stores such as: JC Penny, Sears, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Walgreen's and Sam's Club. Or the fact that I turn on my tv and my cable is all from the US, with a few Spanish channels here and there. Sadly, all this stuff, mostly crappy American food and huge department stores, make you feel awkwardly at home.
To also have the opportunity to live here during an election year has been nothing but a learning experience. As I have previously mentioned June 1st will be the Democratic Primary. Just now is propaganda for both candidates going up. In San Juan there are two huge Obama posters that stretch across a building and a parking ramp that say "Puerto Rico con Obama" and little signs in yards that read "Puertorriqueños con Hillary." It just doesn't make sense how we can ask for their participation in the nominee process but ignore it in a general election. Voting in the primaries is like a consolation prize. There is some moral victory but in the end you're still losing. Therefore those arguments mentioned by los populares do not carry much weight. Puerto Rico is being severely limited and it seems to be the people just continue on day to day in this semi-satisfied static state of mind.
To sum it up, it is impressive for Puerto Rico to hold on to their language, music, and food without being "completely assimilated" into the US. But I don't think turning it into a state would change much at all. The Spanish could be retained, as it would be a violation of the first amendment. The time is near for Puerto Rico to be given a path to independence or a plan for statehood. So PPD don't be afraid of assimilating, give your people their the chance to be a sovereign nation. Or the chance to be heard in their country.
Thank you for reading.
*Clarification, The Puerto Ricans right to elect their Governor was acquired in 1947 and has nothing to do with the constitutional changes in 1952 . The real political status change was in 1947...excuse me.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
I Should Send this to Barack
Dear Senator Barack Obama,
Your message has been one literally of "change." You have sparked hope in the heart of millions of Americans. You have also spoken of unity. You said in your keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention "There's not a black America, and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America."
But what about Puerto Rico? Mr. Obama, there is a Latino America, and it is Puerto Rico. This is a territory that has been lost along the way. You don't hear too much from the Virgin Islands or Guam,smaller tourist / naval bases, but Puerto Rico is a territory of 3.8 million American citizens. Or to put it this way - 3.8 million American citizens that are prohibited from voting.
We can not just let it sit here in this confused hybrid-like state. The Commonwealth was meant to be a transition, not permanent. The Puerto Ricans deserve better. Consider this, 48,000 Puerto Ricans served in the Vietnam War, 345 of them died. Puerto Ricans were silenced from voting throughout this entire controversial period (not to mention every other war we've fought since 1898).
After the womens and civil rights movements one would believe everything is square, right? However as of today, sadly in 2008, 3.8 million Americans do not have the right to vote. Where is the sanity in that?
Mr. Obama I am an avid fan of yours, so if you truly speak of these things "Hope, Change, Unity" this must be high on your list of priorities. Fix Puerto Rico. You said the Puerto Ricans should decide their destiny, I agree with you, but interest has to come from your part too. Lets give Puerto Rico their deserved freedom or their chance to vote in their own democracy.
Thank you for your time.
From Hatillo, Puerto Rico
Andrew Howard
Your message has been one literally of "change." You have sparked hope in the heart of millions of Americans. You have also spoken of unity. You said in your keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention "There's not a black America, and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America."
But what about Puerto Rico? Mr. Obama, there is a Latino America, and it is Puerto Rico. This is a territory that has been lost along the way. You don't hear too much from the Virgin Islands or Guam,smaller tourist / naval bases, but Puerto Rico is a territory of 3.8 million American citizens. Or to put it this way - 3.8 million American citizens that are prohibited from voting.
We can not just let it sit here in this confused hybrid-like state. The Commonwealth was meant to be a transition, not permanent. The Puerto Ricans deserve better. Consider this, 48,000 Puerto Ricans served in the Vietnam War, 345 of them died. Puerto Ricans were silenced from voting throughout this entire controversial period (not to mention every other war we've fought since 1898).
After the womens and civil rights movements one would believe everything is square, right? However as of today, sadly in 2008, 3.8 million Americans do not have the right to vote. Where is the sanity in that?
Mr. Obama I am an avid fan of yours, so if you truly speak of these things "Hope, Change, Unity" this must be high on your list of priorities. Fix Puerto Rico. You said the Puerto Ricans should decide their destiny, I agree with you, but interest has to come from your part too. Lets give Puerto Rico their deserved freedom or their chance to vote in their own democracy.
Thank you for your time.
From Hatillo, Puerto Rico
Andrew Howard
Monday, May 12, 2008
My Two Sweet Gifts
I was at the Plaza del Norte this weekend, shopping for Mother's Day, when I picked up a gift for myself. I bought two hats, both can only be found in Puerto Rico. I bought a Red, Partido Popular Democratico (pro-commonwealth) and a blue, Partido Nuevo Progresista hat (pro-statehood). These are two unique hats, they look sharp, and they will always remind me of my time in Puerto Rico. However, I will never put either of them on until I get to Minnesota.
That's because I would really push buttons, I would make the Puerto Rican's political blood boil more than it already is. I know that if I went out with that hat some fanatics would flip because there is a gringo in their country making a political statement (even if I was just wearing it because the red hat matched a red shirt).
I already walked into my a friends house with the PPD red on, because I just wanted to get a rise out of him, and he looked at me and said "Ah take that shit off, thats colonialism!"
Subtle things such as this represent so much to me. From this I still see how far the United States is from Puerto Rico. I really could cause problems if I put that hat on. Some people don't want to see a gringo making statements, because thats not what I'm supposed to do, because its not my country. But then you stop and think for a moment, 2 of the 3 political parties advocate some form of United States participation. Shouldn't I be able to have an opinion? Wouldn't it be better if more gringos came down here and instead of get drunk and hang on the beach, actually show some interest in the country? Couldn't we resolve this issue if more Americans knew more about the actual situation on the island? Ask someone if they need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? I wouldn't have known the answer prior to April 2006.
It just sparked me as peculiar how my hats could cause an uproar. I believe that the Puerto Ricans should respect me for whatever hat I put on my head. I've lived here modestly, on volunteer living wage which is similar to what many Puerto Ricans earn. I've experienced many of the same frustrations Puerto Ricans deal with everyday (I'm single, but I know people that support their families on their Americorps wage! IMAGINE THAT!). I give back to my foreign community in a self-less job and live on foodstamps. I speak Their language, give back to Their community, participate Their society and damnit I feel I've earned the right.
Again, thanks for reading.
That's because I would really push buttons, I would make the Puerto Rican's political blood boil more than it already is. I know that if I went out with that hat some fanatics would flip because there is a gringo in their country making a political statement (even if I was just wearing it because the red hat matched a red shirt).
I already walked into my a friends house with the PPD red on, because I just wanted to get a rise out of him, and he looked at me and said "Ah take that shit off, thats colonialism!"
Subtle things such as this represent so much to me. From this I still see how far the United States is from Puerto Rico. I really could cause problems if I put that hat on. Some people don't want to see a gringo making statements, because thats not what I'm supposed to do, because its not my country. But then you stop and think for a moment, 2 of the 3 political parties advocate some form of United States participation. Shouldn't I be able to have an opinion? Wouldn't it be better if more gringos came down here and instead of get drunk and hang on the beach, actually show some interest in the country? Couldn't we resolve this issue if more Americans knew more about the actual situation on the island? Ask someone if they need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? I wouldn't have known the answer prior to April 2006.
It just sparked me as peculiar how my hats could cause an uproar. I believe that the Puerto Ricans should respect me for whatever hat I put on my head. I've lived here modestly, on volunteer living wage which is similar to what many Puerto Ricans earn. I've experienced many of the same frustrations Puerto Ricans deal with everyday (I'm single, but I know people that support their families on their Americorps wage! IMAGINE THAT!). I give back to my foreign community in a self-less job and live on foodstamps. I speak Their language, give back to Their community, participate Their society and damnit I feel I've earned the right.
Again, thanks for reading.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Puerto Rican Cuisine
Living on my own has forced me to improve on my cooking abilities. OK, after eight months my ability does not go much further than Healthy Request Chunky Soup, grilled cheese, or tuna sandwiches, but I still eat well. Since I'm pretty limited on cooking, I never pass up the chance to eat a nice Puerto Rican meal.
If a friend invites me over to have dinner, there is no point in asking what will be served, because the answer is already known. Over the past 8 months I have eaten more arroz y habichuelas (rice and beans) than I have in 23 years of my life. I would go as far as saying that the rice and beans that I consume here throughout the course of my year will probably exceed the amount that I will eat in the rest of my life. Before Puerto Rico, rice and beans would not have sounded very stimulating, but now I love it. With hot white rice, or yellow rice or however its prepared with some hot beans soaking over the top, it grows on you.
Another fantastic side dish or compliment to any dinner is the mofongo. Mofongo is usually made out of plantains that get smashed up and fried and when its done it is served to you in a heaping mound. It has a texture similar to mashed potatoes but not quite. Mofongo can be filled with anything, from chicken, meat or sea food. However, mofongo is best when you pour one of Puerto Ricos finest innovations over it. This innovation is the infamous mayoketchup. Literally a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. Tastes kind of like 1000 island dressing, but different. Any recreation is not a quality substitute. I've tried making my own mayoketchup, but I just can't pull it off. Mayoketchup makes everything a little sweeter.
Another favorite food of mine is the hot dogs sold on the street. If you take a cruise down just about any street here in Puerto Rico you can see little entrepreneurs on almost any corner. These hard workers arrive every morning in their restaurant, literally in their restaurant as they turn UPS like trucks into businesses. They sell everything, pizza, burritos, tripletas (a fantastic sandwich) and much more. My favorite is the hot dog. I just pull off the side of the road and sit down at one of these little businesses and enjoy a mouth watering dog. There is no such thing as cross contamination as I watch the man (or woman) use the same tong to pick out the hot dog, ground beef, and onion that he puts on it. I am not too concerned, that's probably more of a guideline than a rule. The item that makes these hot dogs fantastic are the little potato chips that look like little sticks. This extra crunch along with the ground beef, ketchup, mustard, and onions is delicious. I usually can get a hot dog and a soda for under $2.25.
Another excellent, cheap food are the pinchitos. When I say pinchito think of the state fair in Minnesota, because its on a stick. My favorite place to get a pinchito is at the most beautiful beach on the island, Crashboat, in Aguadilla. Every now and then on a Saturday or Sunday morning I will wake up and drive about 3o or so miles (with all the traffic lights 30 miles feelslike 100) westward to Crashboat. I only bring about 20 bucks because I know I will not spend more. Once you arrive to the beach you see about 6 or so negocios (businesses) barbecuing pinchitos out of their truck. The chicken and meat are good, but I have been opened up to the seafood pinchitos. I recently tried marlin. I have not tasted anything so good in a long time. Besides marlin you can get pinchitos of shark, shrimp, or dorado. The great thing is, each one only cost $3 (and only $2 for chicken or meat). So for only $3 you can get a fat pinchito, while at the Minnesota State Fair that would run you about $7 or so. So if you're ever in Puerto Rico and see a little truck selling pinchitos, do yourself a favor and try one, and don't be deceived there are thousands of little trucks claiming to be "Lo mejor pincho" or the best pincho, but they are all pretty damn good.
Another food that is very popular among Puerto Ricans is your typical American fast food. I think it would be interesting to see a report on how many Wendy's or Burger Kings there are per square mile. In my town alone I could take you to 3 or 4 Wendy's. The main chains here are McDonald's (with no dollar menu), Burger King, KFC (referred to by the locals as simply "Kentucky") Wendy's, Subway, and Church's Chicken (similar to "Kentucky"). I try to steer clear of these places but every now and again I am tempted, especially with Wendy's and Subway. I continue to convince myself that Wendy's isn't fast food, "it's Wendy's" just like the commercial says, so I don't feel as guilty eating it.
The Puerto Rican food goes on and on. I have omitted many fruits and vegetables (i.e. guayaba, and yuca) but this blog would run on for a long time. If you do ever come to Puerto Rico make sure you try the local food, and don't go to a Mexican restaurant thinking all latino food is the same. Believe me, when I lived in Venezuela I remember people asking me "so what do they eat down there, tacos?" The food has variations from country to country. One last thing, if you order rum drink, ask for the Don Q not the Bacardi, because the Don Q is truly Puerto Rican and Bacardi is the big market company that is actually Cuban and was forced to flee when Castro instituted his communist regime.
Once again, Thanks for reading.
If a friend invites me over to have dinner, there is no point in asking what will be served, because the answer is already known. Over the past 8 months I have eaten more arroz y habichuelas (rice and beans) than I have in 23 years of my life. I would go as far as saying that the rice and beans that I consume here throughout the course of my year will probably exceed the amount that I will eat in the rest of my life. Before Puerto Rico, rice and beans would not have sounded very stimulating, but now I love it. With hot white rice, or yellow rice or however its prepared with some hot beans soaking over the top, it grows on you.
Another fantastic side dish or compliment to any dinner is the mofongo. Mofongo is usually made out of plantains that get smashed up and fried and when its done it is served to you in a heaping mound. It has a texture similar to mashed potatoes but not quite. Mofongo can be filled with anything, from chicken, meat or sea food. However, mofongo is best when you pour one of Puerto Ricos finest innovations over it. This innovation is the infamous mayoketchup. Literally a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. Tastes kind of like 1000 island dressing, but different. Any recreation is not a quality substitute. I've tried making my own mayoketchup, but I just can't pull it off. Mayoketchup makes everything a little sweeter.
Another favorite food of mine is the hot dogs sold on the street. If you take a cruise down just about any street here in Puerto Rico you can see little entrepreneurs on almost any corner. These hard workers arrive every morning in their restaurant, literally in their restaurant as they turn UPS like trucks into businesses. They sell everything, pizza, burritos, tripletas (a fantastic sandwich) and much more. My favorite is the hot dog. I just pull off the side of the road and sit down at one of these little businesses and enjoy a mouth watering dog. There is no such thing as cross contamination as I watch the man (or woman) use the same tong to pick out the hot dog, ground beef, and onion that he puts on it. I am not too concerned, that's probably more of a guideline than a rule. The item that makes these hot dogs fantastic are the little potato chips that look like little sticks. This extra crunch along with the ground beef, ketchup, mustard, and onions is delicious. I usually can get a hot dog and a soda for under $2.25.
Another excellent, cheap food are the pinchitos. When I say pinchito think of the state fair in Minnesota, because its on a stick. My favorite place to get a pinchito is at the most beautiful beach on the island, Crashboat, in Aguadilla. Every now and then on a Saturday or Sunday morning I will wake up and drive about 3o or so miles (with all the traffic lights 30 miles feelslike 100) westward to Crashboat. I only bring about 20 bucks because I know I will not spend more. Once you arrive to the beach you see about 6 or so negocios (businesses) barbecuing pinchitos out of their truck. The chicken and meat are good, but I have been opened up to the seafood pinchitos. I recently tried marlin. I have not tasted anything so good in a long time. Besides marlin you can get pinchitos of shark, shrimp, or dorado. The great thing is, each one only cost $3 (and only $2 for chicken or meat). So for only $3 you can get a fat pinchito, while at the Minnesota State Fair that would run you about $7 or so. So if you're ever in Puerto Rico and see a little truck selling pinchitos, do yourself a favor and try one, and don't be deceived there are thousands of little trucks claiming to be "Lo mejor pincho" or the best pincho, but they are all pretty damn good.
Another food that is very popular among Puerto Ricans is your typical American fast food. I think it would be interesting to see a report on how many Wendy's or Burger Kings there are per square mile. In my town alone I could take you to 3 or 4 Wendy's. The main chains here are McDonald's (with no dollar menu), Burger King, KFC (referred to by the locals as simply "Kentucky") Wendy's, Subway, and Church's Chicken (similar to "Kentucky"). I try to steer clear of these places but every now and again I am tempted, especially with Wendy's and Subway. I continue to convince myself that Wendy's isn't fast food, "it's Wendy's" just like the commercial says, so I don't feel as guilty eating it.
The Puerto Rican food goes on and on. I have omitted many fruits and vegetables (i.e. guayaba, and yuca) but this blog would run on for a long time. If you do ever come to Puerto Rico make sure you try the local food, and don't go to a Mexican restaurant thinking all latino food is the same. Believe me, when I lived in Venezuela I remember people asking me "so what do they eat down there, tacos?" The food has variations from country to country. One last thing, if you order rum drink, ask for the Don Q not the Bacardi, because the Don Q is truly Puerto Rican and Bacardi is the big market company that is actually Cuban and was forced to flee when Castro instituted his communist regime.
Once again, Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
An American Imperialist?
I know that if I were to voice my pro-American opinions about the status of Puerto Rico, some Puerto Ricans would immediately label me as an imperialist that thinks that America can do no wrong.
I believe that Puerto Rico, in general, has an advantage to other Latin American countries to have its controversial relationship with the United States. A friend of mine told me that when the Spanish began granting autonomy in the late 1800s they gave more political freedoms to PR than the US. His argument is valid, others may disagree, but think for a minute about the time period. It was the late 1800's and Spain was on a free fall. . Between 1810 and the 1820s Spain saw at least 9 Latin American revolutions. Countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina wanted to brake free from the choke hold that the Spanish crown had placed on them. This is also a country that had a legitimate kingdom until the Spanish Civil war and put a dictator in power up to 1975. Basically, Spain was unstable.
In my opinion the Spanish failed miserably in developing Latin America. Why? Because they did not give a shit about it. The Spanish crown did not conquer with intentions to declare independence and create a new free nation. They came with the purpose to convert the natives, enslave them to expand the size of the church, and to extract as much wealth from the land as they could. There was never any sense of "liberty and justice for all."
The United States gave Puerto Rico a chance to succeed and compete in the world. Without US help where would it be? There has to be a problem with a country when it sends half of its population abroad. There are just as many Puerto Ricans that live stateside as there are on the island. Imagine 8 (give or take) million Puerto Ricans living on the island. The economy is already struggling, what would happen if you flooded it with about 4 million more people. The 12% unemployment rate would look good. I don't think Francisco Franco would have offered Puerto Rico a better option.
Therefor there must be some reconciliation done between the two parties. The US has abused PR and treated it as a second class state. For example, in the 1950s The US sterilized about 2/3 of the women to control the population, or the fact that Puerto Ricans are required to fill out that military service form when they turn 18, but can not vote. Or as I mentioned in the last blog, only 6 sitting presidents have visited the island.
It is a sweet and sour, love/hate, relationship with the United States. That is why there are three different political parties who each seek a drastic change for their country. It is why you have people who do not know whether they are American or hispanic. The Puerto Ricans must demand change and the US policy makers must listen.
Thank you for reading.
I believe that Puerto Rico, in general, has an advantage to other Latin American countries to have its controversial relationship with the United States. A friend of mine told me that when the Spanish began granting autonomy in the late 1800s they gave more political freedoms to PR than the US. His argument is valid, others may disagree, but think for a minute about the time period. It was the late 1800's and Spain was on a free fall. . Between 1810 and the 1820s Spain saw at least 9 Latin American revolutions. Countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina wanted to brake free from the choke hold that the Spanish crown had placed on them. This is also a country that had a legitimate kingdom until the Spanish Civil war and put a dictator in power up to 1975. Basically, Spain was unstable.
In my opinion the Spanish failed miserably in developing Latin America. Why? Because they did not give a shit about it. The Spanish crown did not conquer with intentions to declare independence and create a new free nation. They came with the purpose to convert the natives, enslave them to expand the size of the church, and to extract as much wealth from the land as they could. There was never any sense of "liberty and justice for all."
The United States gave Puerto Rico a chance to succeed and compete in the world. Without US help where would it be? There has to be a problem with a country when it sends half of its population abroad. There are just as many Puerto Ricans that live stateside as there are on the island. Imagine 8 (give or take) million Puerto Ricans living on the island. The economy is already struggling, what would happen if you flooded it with about 4 million more people. The 12% unemployment rate would look good. I don't think Francisco Franco would have offered Puerto Rico a better option.
Therefor there must be some reconciliation done between the two parties. The US has abused PR and treated it as a second class state. For example, in the 1950s The US sterilized about 2/3 of the women to control the population, or the fact that Puerto Ricans are required to fill out that military service form when they turn 18, but can not vote. Or as I mentioned in the last blog, only 6 sitting presidents have visited the island.
It is a sweet and sour, love/hate, relationship with the United States. That is why there are three different political parties who each seek a drastic change for their country. It is why you have people who do not know whether they are American or hispanic. The Puerto Ricans must demand change and the US policy makers must listen.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Puerto Rico and the 2008 Elections
The November elections have people buzzing with ideas of change. For the first time in 8 years Americans will have the opportunity to change the face of their country. However, the US is not the only country excited about change, Puerto Rico is also talking change.
Puerto Rico is an interesting place to be at the moment. Their governor just turned himself in to the Feds last week for 19 counts of violating federal election laws (He is also a super-delegate who has endorsed Obama). Second, the Puerto Ricans will have the chance to vote in the democratic primaries in June for the first time since 1988, where 63 delegates will be up for grabs. Senators Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton have already started to run their mouths on how they would resolve the Puerto Rico status issue.
Obama has stated that he believes the decision should be left up to the Puerto Ricans, and he will respect whatever decision they make, including statehood. Pedro Pierluisi, the candidate for vice-governor of the pro-statehood party, has endorsed Obama. Pierluisi is confident about converting PR into the 51st state as he told the newspaper El Nuevo Día "Obama has made it very black and white, if Puerto Rico decides the path to statehood, like I am sure it will, Obama will support the decision of the people."
Clinton, too has tried to appeal to Puerto Rican voters. She recently told the newspaper, El Vocero, that if president she will make it a priority from day one to resolve Puerto Rico's controversial situation.
I hope that they are both telling the truth and not just playing politics and blowing smoke up our asses. Puerto Rico is in desperate need of a change. The situation on the island is far from good. Over recent years unemployment has surged, the wages remain low, and the confidence of the people is being depleted. A Newyorican (Puerto Rican born/raised in New York) asked me how I liked PR and I said it was a beautiful place and that I liked it and he replied in a snappy tone "Yeah you sound like a tourist, the situation is bad here. Worst it has been in years." For example Americorps (my full-time volunteer position) is viewed more as a job rather than a phase, stage, or step in one's life as it would be for most college graduates who decide to live off food stamps and do a self-less activity for a year or so. Puerto Ricans do it because there is a steady check of $790 a month, which gets you basically nowhere.
To resolve the issue once and for all I think the pueblo (the people) should have two options: independence or statehood. PR has voted for statehood on four occasions, and each time has chosen the comfortable commonwealth status. Take it one step further and make it black or white, statehood or independence, then we will see what PR chooses.
Although in my last blog I mentioned that I do like aspects of it's commonwealth position, it is also entirely too ambiguous. Realistically, how long can people be satisfied being a colony? Can a country stay united and satisfied when the two of the three political parties seek a drastic change for their people?
The current situation, supported by the Partido Popular Democrático, is like a group of people invited to a party who go and enjoy all the booze and tasty h'orderves but bring nothing to contribute, and stay isolated in a corner. They like all the benefits of being associated with the US; the dollar, citizenship ect. but they choose not to be a state; basically out of pride. All the commonwealth does is offer comfort, because they don't have to completely "sell out" to the American empire while getting to hold on to all that is Puerto Rico. The Puerto Ricans have a true identity crisis. Staying a commonwealth they remain second class American citizens, mostly forgotten by the American population.
Sometimes I feel if the Americans knew how much tax money is poured into PR combined with the large number of Puerto Ricans who do not wish to be a part of the states, Americans would say "pues, vete,'' or "then go." Still I remain torn on my opinion on it's status as I discovered only six presidents have visited the island while in office. Why would any Puerto Rican be convinced that it is better to be state when in 110 years of American rule a measly 6 presidents have visited? Americans show little or no interest in the island.
The ex-mayor of San Juan recently told El Nuevo Dia that for the governor to turn himself into the Feds demonstrates the "painful reality" of PR's colonial status. He added that "For the governor to turn himself in to the Federal Government demonstrates that he is obligated to recognize that Washington controls PR," and finished off by saying "this just killed the experimental colony called the 'commonwealth.'"
This pseudo state mode has had it's run. The time has come to decide. Obama and Clinton have made it known that they are willing to help resolve the islands status. Let us hope that they are not being a typical empty-promise politician and make a real effort to fix this problem. We know we can't count on McCain because he has not been pulled into this mess.
Again, thanks for reading.
Puerto Rico is an interesting place to be at the moment. Their governor just turned himself in to the Feds last week for 19 counts of violating federal election laws (He is also a super-delegate who has endorsed Obama). Second, the Puerto Ricans will have the chance to vote in the democratic primaries in June for the first time since 1988, where 63 delegates will be up for grabs. Senators Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton have already started to run their mouths on how they would resolve the Puerto Rico status issue.
Obama has stated that he believes the decision should be left up to the Puerto Ricans, and he will respect whatever decision they make, including statehood. Pedro Pierluisi, the candidate for vice-governor of the pro-statehood party, has endorsed Obama. Pierluisi is confident about converting PR into the 51st state as he told the newspaper El Nuevo Día "Obama has made it very black and white, if Puerto Rico decides the path to statehood, like I am sure it will, Obama will support the decision of the people."
Clinton, too has tried to appeal to Puerto Rican voters. She recently told the newspaper, El Vocero, that if president she will make it a priority from day one to resolve Puerto Rico's controversial situation.
I hope that they are both telling the truth and not just playing politics and blowing smoke up our asses. Puerto Rico is in desperate need of a change. The situation on the island is far from good. Over recent years unemployment has surged, the wages remain low, and the confidence of the people is being depleted. A Newyorican (Puerto Rican born/raised in New York) asked me how I liked PR and I said it was a beautiful place and that I liked it and he replied in a snappy tone "Yeah you sound like a tourist, the situation is bad here. Worst it has been in years." For example Americorps (my full-time volunteer position) is viewed more as a job rather than a phase, stage, or step in one's life as it would be for most college graduates who decide to live off food stamps and do a self-less activity for a year or so. Puerto Ricans do it because there is a steady check of $790 a month, which gets you basically nowhere.
To resolve the issue once and for all I think the pueblo (the people) should have two options: independence or statehood. PR has voted for statehood on four occasions, and each time has chosen the comfortable commonwealth status. Take it one step further and make it black or white, statehood or independence, then we will see what PR chooses.
Although in my last blog I mentioned that I do like aspects of it's commonwealth position, it is also entirely too ambiguous. Realistically, how long can people be satisfied being a colony? Can a country stay united and satisfied when the two of the three political parties seek a drastic change for their people?
The current situation, supported by the Partido Popular Democrático, is like a group of people invited to a party who go and enjoy all the booze and tasty h'orderves but bring nothing to contribute, and stay isolated in a corner. They like all the benefits of being associated with the US; the dollar, citizenship ect. but they choose not to be a state; basically out of pride. All the commonwealth does is offer comfort, because they don't have to completely "sell out" to the American empire while getting to hold on to all that is Puerto Rico. The Puerto Ricans have a true identity crisis. Staying a commonwealth they remain second class American citizens, mostly forgotten by the American population.
Sometimes I feel if the Americans knew how much tax money is poured into PR combined with the large number of Puerto Ricans who do not wish to be a part of the states, Americans would say "pues, vete,'' or "then go." Still I remain torn on my opinion on it's status as I discovered only six presidents have visited the island while in office. Why would any Puerto Rican be convinced that it is better to be state when in 110 years of American rule a measly 6 presidents have visited? Americans show little or no interest in the island.
The ex-mayor of San Juan recently told El Nuevo Dia that for the governor to turn himself into the Feds demonstrates the "painful reality" of PR's colonial status. He added that "For the governor to turn himself in to the Federal Government demonstrates that he is obligated to recognize that Washington controls PR," and finished off by saying "this just killed the experimental colony called the 'commonwealth.'"
This pseudo state mode has had it's run. The time has come to decide. Obama and Clinton have made it known that they are willing to help resolve the islands status. Let us hope that they are not being a typical empty-promise politician and make a real effort to fix this problem. We know we can't count on McCain because he has not been pulled into this mess.
Again, thanks for reading.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Puerto Rico the Hybrid state
When I first arrived in Puerto Rico a short 7 months ago, I was excited to get to know a new country, or should I say territory or commonwealth. I had never thought about Puerto Rico before I decided to take the Americorps position.
Before I came I did some research on the country to know what I was getting myself into. I actually shaped my senior thesis around Puerto Rico's island of Vieques and how the United States Military used it as a bombing ground to practice war time activities. What I studied about Vieques would be the foundation of how I came to view this confused island as a foreigner.
The island of Vieques, as well as Culebra, are two small islands of the eastern coast of the island. The US Navy had previously used, as practice grounds for war time activities. Meaning they would bomb the shit out the islands in order to prepare for such historic events as the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, WWII, the list goes on. The United States abused this island, killed its economy, and forced its inhabitants to to move from their homes as the US occupied 2/3 of the island of Vieques.
Although this may sound terrible, Puerto Rico has also seen many advantages from being a part of the US. For example, before US intervention there was no institution of higher education, no university! The Spanish were ruthless bastards, who controlled the island with an iron fist. The Spanish government actually began to grant PR some autonomy in the late 1800's but the US and Spain went to war and PR's newly found autonomy was quickly snatched up and placed under the eye of US control. For those who don't know, the Spanish and Americans went to war in 1898 after the Spanish supposedly sank the US Maine outside of Cuba, and the Americans declared war. With the Spanish American War of 1898 the US received the countrys of PR, American Samoa / Guam, the Philippines, as well as a military occupation of Cuba. After the Spanish/American war the United States and its territories stretched from the far Pacific to Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.
Flash forward to modern day Puerto Rico, what do you have? A commonwealth. A semi autonomous territory that controls its domestic issues but has no input on international affairs, neither a vote in the United States congress. Puerto Rico has a delegate in congress, who represents the country, can give his opinion, but does not vote. That person is basically there to give his 2 cents and hope that someone takes notice.
However the relationship with the United States is sooooooo strong. Two of the three political parties support a relationship with the United States. The Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) supports the commonwealth status, does not want to be a state but wants to be associated with US. Afterall, PR is highly funded by American tax dollars. Then you have the Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP). The PNP supports statehood, wanting to make PR the 51st state of the union and complicate the design of the American flag (Seriously, where would that extra star go? It would look entirely out of place!) You can see the PNPs proudly waving the American flag everywhere you go. During the Puerto Rican primaries you see caravans of Puerto Ricans proudly waving the American flag. And finally you have the Independentistas, those who support an independent Puerto Rico. Go to any public university here and you can find these independentistas who think PR should be free. The independentista movement would be a drastic blow to Puerto Rico.
The unemployment rate is already 12%, higher than any other state, and the average Puerto Rican makes about $12,000 or so which is severely lower than any other state. My fear is, what would PR do without US help. Ethnocentric as I may be speaking, take a look around Latin America, where do you see a thriving economy? They really don't exist. It seems like every country is plagued with unemployment and a weak currency. I speak Spanish and this gives me another perspective on the world, because I can understand how other people view the world, and I have been trying to figure out what I think of this confused island. I try to listen to other peoples opinions and I have friends from all parties, PPD, PNP and Independent (PIP)
I am torn on my political beliefs and the "right" future for PR. I am somewhere between PPD and PNP. Puerto Rico IS a different country. Although there are many aspects that mirror a US state (Such as there is money [they use the US dollar] affluent people, as well it is very modern, developed country). I think it would be better if it were a US state, because at least it would have a vote, the people could vote in presidential elections and have an opinion in the direction of their country. It is also important to inform you that PR would have a population greater than 26 or so other states, giving it more seats in the House, as well as more electoral votes in the electoral college than half of the 50 states, but this is another issue. But what I fear is if it were a state, is that it would lose its great feel. The Hybrid that it is. The hybrid that is molded from a Latin American/Caribbean culture, with the United States. A true encuentro de los dos mundos, a meeting of two worlds. The Puerto Ricans are a proud people, full of life, and loving. Even though the money may not be as abundant as it is in a US state, the people are happy and loving. They love their salsa, and are very welcoming. Almost everywhere I go, I am greeted by a handshake by a man or a kiss on the cheek by a woman. And if I have a question in a store a woman may tell me "Digame amor" or "Diga me joven" Tell me my love, or tell me young person (but not a direct translation to young person).
I also like the relax on the law that there is here. For example, I can stop in any gas station pick up a Medalla light (the local beer), bring it to my car and cruise away. It is illegal to have an open bottle just like in the states, but it is not as strictly enforced. I see people do it ALL the time. However, I do not advocate drinking and driving, but I just use this as an example. The laws are not as strictly enforced here, neither is the negative social conotation of alcohol and drugs (Don't worry, I am not sticking needles into my arm...yet). E.G. in the United States if you drink twice weekly, get drunk on the weekends, you have someone to tell you that you're an alcoholic, an addict ect. FUCK THAT, go to any country in Europe, Latin America and you'll see people getting fucked up just like they do in the states, if not more. But you don't have someone making you feel guilty for what you did.
I enjoy the differences that Puerto Rico has, I also enjoy the similarities. PR is a hybrid, like I said before. An almost, yet not quite, and so far from being a US state. I don't want Puerto Rico to lose what it has, its language, or culture because, because they truly define the island. I fear that assimilation into the US would kill all that Puerto Rico has to offer. For this reason I remain torn between statehood and commonwealth status.
I will continue this blog and write other stories on PR. Everyone get ready to know PR a little better, as you should, the Puerto Ricans are Americans (granted US citizenship in 1917 by the Jones Act) and deserve our attention. FYI, in June PR will hold their democratic primary, in which 63 delegates will be up for grabs and PR will have a say in who becomes the democratic primary - Está cabrón! (Fucking crazy!)
Go in peace serve the lord (peace be to god). haha, not really, you can if you want, but thanks for reading.
Before I came I did some research on the country to know what I was getting myself into. I actually shaped my senior thesis around Puerto Rico's island of Vieques and how the United States Military used it as a bombing ground to practice war time activities. What I studied about Vieques would be the foundation of how I came to view this confused island as a foreigner.
The island of Vieques, as well as Culebra, are two small islands of the eastern coast of the island. The US Navy had previously used, as practice grounds for war time activities. Meaning they would bomb the shit out the islands in order to prepare for such historic events as the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, WWII, the list goes on. The United States abused this island, killed its economy, and forced its inhabitants to to move from their homes as the US occupied 2/3 of the island of Vieques.
Although this may sound terrible, Puerto Rico has also seen many advantages from being a part of the US. For example, before US intervention there was no institution of higher education, no university! The Spanish were ruthless bastards, who controlled the island with an iron fist. The Spanish government actually began to grant PR some autonomy in the late 1800's but the US and Spain went to war and PR's newly found autonomy was quickly snatched up and placed under the eye of US control. For those who don't know, the Spanish and Americans went to war in 1898 after the Spanish supposedly sank the US Maine outside of Cuba, and the Americans declared war. With the Spanish American War of 1898 the US received the countrys of PR, American Samoa / Guam, the Philippines, as well as a military occupation of Cuba. After the Spanish/American war the United States and its territories stretched from the far Pacific to Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.
Flash forward to modern day Puerto Rico, what do you have? A commonwealth. A semi autonomous territory that controls its domestic issues but has no input on international affairs, neither a vote in the United States congress. Puerto Rico has a delegate in congress, who represents the country, can give his opinion, but does not vote. That person is basically there to give his 2 cents and hope that someone takes notice.
However the relationship with the United States is sooooooo strong. Two of the three political parties support a relationship with the United States. The Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) supports the commonwealth status, does not want to be a state but wants to be associated with US. Afterall, PR is highly funded by American tax dollars. Then you have the Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP). The PNP supports statehood, wanting to make PR the 51st state of the union and complicate the design of the American flag (Seriously, where would that extra star go? It would look entirely out of place!) You can see the PNPs proudly waving the American flag everywhere you go. During the Puerto Rican primaries you see caravans of Puerto Ricans proudly waving the American flag. And finally you have the Independentistas, those who support an independent Puerto Rico. Go to any public university here and you can find these independentistas who think PR should be free. The independentista movement would be a drastic blow to Puerto Rico.
The unemployment rate is already 12%, higher than any other state, and the average Puerto Rican makes about $12,000 or so which is severely lower than any other state. My fear is, what would PR do without US help. Ethnocentric as I may be speaking, take a look around Latin America, where do you see a thriving economy? They really don't exist. It seems like every country is plagued with unemployment and a weak currency. I speak Spanish and this gives me another perspective on the world, because I can understand how other people view the world, and I have been trying to figure out what I think of this confused island. I try to listen to other peoples opinions and I have friends from all parties, PPD, PNP and Independent (PIP)
I am torn on my political beliefs and the "right" future for PR. I am somewhere between PPD and PNP. Puerto Rico IS a different country. Although there are many aspects that mirror a US state (Such as there is money [they use the US dollar] affluent people, as well it is very modern, developed country). I think it would be better if it were a US state, because at least it would have a vote, the people could vote in presidential elections and have an opinion in the direction of their country. It is also important to inform you that PR would have a population greater than 26 or so other states, giving it more seats in the House, as well as more electoral votes in the electoral college than half of the 50 states, but this is another issue. But what I fear is if it were a state, is that it would lose its great feel. The Hybrid that it is. The hybrid that is molded from a Latin American/Caribbean culture, with the United States. A true encuentro de los dos mundos, a meeting of two worlds. The Puerto Ricans are a proud people, full of life, and loving. Even though the money may not be as abundant as it is in a US state, the people are happy and loving. They love their salsa, and are very welcoming. Almost everywhere I go, I am greeted by a handshake by a man or a kiss on the cheek by a woman. And if I have a question in a store a woman may tell me "Digame amor" or "Diga me joven" Tell me my love, or tell me young person (but not a direct translation to young person).
I also like the relax on the law that there is here. For example, I can stop in any gas station pick up a Medalla light (the local beer), bring it to my car and cruise away. It is illegal to have an open bottle just like in the states, but it is not as strictly enforced. I see people do it ALL the time. However, I do not advocate drinking and driving, but I just use this as an example. The laws are not as strictly enforced here, neither is the negative social conotation of alcohol and drugs (Don't worry, I am not sticking needles into my arm...yet). E.G. in the United States if you drink twice weekly, get drunk on the weekends, you have someone to tell you that you're an alcoholic, an addict ect. FUCK THAT, go to any country in Europe, Latin America and you'll see people getting fucked up just like they do in the states, if not more. But you don't have someone making you feel guilty for what you did.
I enjoy the differences that Puerto Rico has, I also enjoy the similarities. PR is a hybrid, like I said before. An almost, yet not quite, and so far from being a US state. I don't want Puerto Rico to lose what it has, its language, or culture because, because they truly define the island. I fear that assimilation into the US would kill all that Puerto Rico has to offer. For this reason I remain torn between statehood and commonwealth status.
I will continue this blog and write other stories on PR. Everyone get ready to know PR a little better, as you should, the Puerto Ricans are Americans (granted US citizenship in 1917 by the Jones Act) and deserve our attention. FYI, in June PR will hold their democratic primary, in which 63 delegates will be up for grabs and PR will have a say in who becomes the democratic primary - Está cabrón! (Fucking crazy!)
Go in peace serve the lord (peace be to god). haha, not really, you can if you want, but thanks for reading.
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