Like a roaring lion it was introduced and gained some attention; now with a mere huff and puff it is shelved. H.R. 2499 was introduced on May 19, 2009 with much debate from all political parties in Puerto Rico and some discussion in the U.S. mainland as well. All the attention seemed to have awakened some to the colonial dilemma that hangs over the island. There seemed like there was some movement when the U.S. Congress acted on the bill. This, I'm sure, brought some smiles to the pro-statehooders who so much wanted this bill to get passed as it leaned heavily in their favor. As the saying goes, "Don't hold your breath".
This past week, news that the
U.S. Senate shelved H.R. 2499 should be of no surprise. After 112 years of colonialism, why should this year be any different? Where is the importance? Referendum after referendum, bill after bill and no change has come to the worlds oldest colony. To state that much has been gained is to be pleased with the crumb offerings while still crawling.
Today, the colonial situation remains, the call is that the time is now to
move forward on the status issue. The time to move forward was set into motion a long time ago (When the Taino's drowned
Diego Salcedo, when the
cries for independence were heard in Lares, when
nationalist entered the U.S. House of Representatives.....) What you have now is a dilemma and, to some, a social stigma that survival is dependent on the continuance of its current status or statehood.
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It does not surprise me and in all honesty I really think it would have made little difference in P.R. I just returned from the Island and still find it quite a contrast of cultures. Puerto Ricans living on the Island are happy with the status quo and I do not see that changing any time soon. Becoming the 51st state will take away a whole lot of what makes Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans so proud of everything Puerto Rico. It will be interesting to see what the future holds but in all honesty it is long overdue to make a decision one way or the other, either become a State or a Republic, the status quo is really a joke.
ReplyDeleteStatehood will prevail no matter what. 112 and years has only benefited the residents of Puerto Rico in showing them that without the U.S. it would be just like the rest of those poor island around them. How selfish do the Indipendent sound when they shout their uneducated cries, nowing damn well that they would be the first to cry like babies and run to the mainland if Puerto Rico would find itself like Haiti or other 3rd world countries around the world. Statehood is the only way, think about Puerto Rico's Future generations. Sooner or later it will become a state. We can still show are pride as Puerto Ricans, but Pride allow is not going to help support the people living on the island. Pride alone is not going to replace the aid and support that others countries wish they had. To all those Pro Statehooder I say Keep the faith "Statehood is coming" to all who are against, wheather to live in the backwoods of the main land or in Puerto Rico, I say "Move Over Statehood for Puerto Rico is Coming". Trust Me you'll give thanks later. And if you are Anti statehood then leave the U.S and move to 3rd world country that you can call your own. Or the moon for that matter.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Tony Vega
A.Z,Main land
vega_400@hotmail.com
Whether statehood prevails or not is not left to opinion alone. Statehood, just like independence, is merely a desire. The peoples right to self-determination can only be realized and acted on only when the U.S. Congress faces its responsibility. 112 years has benefited by merely making the people of Puerto Rico dependent on the U.S.
ReplyDeleteYes, arguments on whether Puerto Rico can survive on its own or not can be debated endlessly back and forth and the same can be said about its status. Selfishness on the other hand is shared by many, regardless of their preference in status. Whether they favor statehood or independence is also not a measure of intelligence. That statement is reminiscent of one made by U.S. Senator George Frisbie Hoar when describing Puerto Ricans “uneducated, simple-minded and harmless people who are only interested in wine, women, music and dancing."
You are correct in saying that one can show their pride no matter where or what situation they are in and real pride in who you are cannot be replaced or measured by aid and support. Just the same, pride alone cannot be used to make a decision on political status or used as a means to degrade others for their political beliefs.
Lastly, while there is no need to defend what I favor (this is my blog, after all), no I am not anti-statehood but rather believe that all options need to be thoroughly looked at and that the people have a right to get honest information. Statehood and “commonwealth” both receive far greater emphasis than independence. There is a need to educate the people on all options equally.
P.S.: after 20 plus years of military service I have earned a right to voice my opinion. Best regards to you as well.