Another Day, Another Speech: Obama en Puerto Rico

President Obama's visit to Puerto Rico left nothing on the table other than the crumbs from the lunch he shared with Senator Alejandro Garcia Padilla, if that. The best thing to come out of his visit seems to have been the beautification of some San Juan streets. That is, for Puerto Rico, but for Obama, it may bring in some support in Florida, a battleground state, which has seen an increase in the Puerto Rican population.

On his speech:


Obama stated that the question of political status had been addressed by the presidential task force on Puerto Rico status. That the report provided a meaningful way forward but that remains to be seen. It was obvious that his visit showed how divided the people really are and that a much longer road to resolving  the status dilemma is still ahead.  Although he states that his administration will stand by the decision Puerto Ricans choose, that still leaves a question unanswered, "what about congressional plenary powers on this matter?"

There was nothing concrete or for that matter, anything to celebrate about, in regards to his part on education, housing and employment. The same drab speech, on these subjects, given by many a politician with an eye on their political future. In the President's case, four more years with the hopeful support of the Latino vote.

Let's face it. The American story has been written and, yes, Puerto Ricans have helped make it happen but with little to no mention. Just ask many about Puerto Rico and they would be puzzled, know nothing about it or its political and social dilemma. A crafty speech would never imply or use the word colony (still in denial).

On Marc Anthony's presence  and the use of J.J. Barea  's name in the speech. Well, very nice, some would say it was a brilliant inclusion. It was just the right hook needed to capture the hearts of many. A little show, À la Hollywood, to gain some support.  J.J. Barea did Mr. President a favor, all within perfect timing.

Not leaving any stone unturned, Obama touched on the veteran. Those Puerto Ricans who have given of themselves so valiantly, yet, can't vote for any U.S. President, their Commander in Chief. Let's remember, even in Puerto Rico, they do come from all walks of life. Like in America, socio-economics play a role in entering military service. Not to say that there are not those who do it for their patriotism towards the U.S. but, as it stands, Puerto Ricans are sharply divided. There has been no measure of those in military service and their sentiments toward the political status of the island.

In the end, did he take a foothold of the Latino vote? Election time will answer that. As for Puerto Rico today, it's just another day in the colony. Much ado about nothing.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Puerto Ricans: Puerto Rican Unity

People for the Ethical Treatment of Puerto Ricans: Puerto Rican Unity: "Odilia Rivera Santos,   My parents were very traditional Puerto Ricans: they got married young, had nine kids, and had distinct rules regardi..."

Puerto Rican Flag (Nuestra Bandera) revisited...

Ring the alarm! Bring out the bells and whistles, emblazon everything imaginable with the colors of the Puerto Rican flag and the signs that another year, another National Puerto Rican Day Parade has come. If it's any indication of the sentiments felt by those outside the circle of Puerto Rican Pride, then 'Emboricaute' did hit the nail on the head about those very sentiments. The negative connotations in the advertisement brought on the petitioning against it and its eventual removal.

Now we continue this show of pride with one less derogatory to distract us. Not to add any spoils to the pride but lets, at a minimum, understand the meaning behind the flag that gets waved so proudly. Each one can, after all, teach one.

In doing so, here are notes from a previous post on the Puerto Rican flag:

Nuestra Bandera

The Puerto Rican flag..similar to that of the Cuban flag, is beautiful, handsome and gracious.

The Puerto Rican flag was adopted by the Puerto Rican Section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, circa 1895. There are several accounts as to the actual creation of the flag but, nonetheless, it was a beautiful creation. The design of the flag is open for debate; Francisco Gonzalo Marin, Antonio Vélez Alvarado, Manuel Besosa and even Lola Rodríguez de Tió have all been credited with the design depending on the account.
While we see so many flags displayed proudly it is hard to believe that from 1898 until 1952 the same flag could not be displayed and was considered a felony to do so. It was 1952, when the flag was adopted and proclaimed the official flag of Puerto Rico.
Prior to 1952 :

• The red symbolized the blood of the brave warriors, white for the peace and victory that would be attained after gaining independence, blue (sky blue) for the sky and blue coastal waters and the lone star represented Puerto Rico.

After 1952:

• The red became to symbolize the blood that nourishes the three branches of government, the white became to symbolize a republican form of government and the blue triangle, which was changed to a darker shade like that of the U.S. flag, represented the three branches of government.

*Note: The blue was changed to the original sky blue tone in 1995.

Additional Notes

• The Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, formed on September 22 of 1922, was the first political party to officially use the flag as a symbol of the struggle for independence (just as the Puerto Rican Section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party did).
• The Puerto Rican Section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party was formed on December 22 of 1895 , at which time they adopted the flag.
• Any flag that is displayed on a vehicle must be attached to a flagpole. (ex. not on the hood, not allowed to touch the ground)
• The Cuban flag was created in 1849 by Venezuelan general Narciso Lopez. It became official in 1902.
• The flag should be raised with the first notes of the Puerto Rican national anthem and continue to be raised slowly so that it reaches the top of the flagpole with the last notes.

*After the celebrations have come and gone, don't just hang up your pride, use it to educate yourself.

On Blogging...Well said Urban Jibaro!

Well said Urban Jibaro! I refer to the reply given, at a round table discussion, by George 'Urban Jibaro' Torres when asked about promoting competitors and driving the customer away.

There is simply so much to offer when speaking about the Latino culture. Sofrito Group does that very well and then some. The Internet is a vast realm of information and to steer the reader (not the Customer!! I agree 110% with Jibaro) to check other sites of Latino interest is part of the bigger picture. There are many who offer some valuable, interesting and wholesome information about their respective culture. These sites can offer content, about their respective culture, far greater than just one Latino site for, although, there are similarities there are also differences among Latino cultures. Even within Puerto Rican culture I find myself visiting various sites to get information.

To you, the reader, thank you for stopping in and be sure to visit the many interesting sites listed on the sidebar. Of course, make sure to visit....

Oh! and Jibaro, your not crazy. Thanks for your support, not only here but for the cultura!

Stop the Buffoonery!

It is almost as clear as day that if there were any possibility there would be an advertisement in the local newspaper classified stating, "Island for Sale..Cheap". Indeed, the details would be vague, but for the price, who cares? It would be available to do whatever the buyer wants to with it. Alongside the ad would be a picture of people happily waving American flags and offering the shirts off their backs (Photoshop does wonders!). The number you dial would connect you to a representative of the Governor of Puerto Rico.

It has been said over and over again many times, "Puerto Rico, no se vende".  Puerto Rico Governor, Luis G. Fortuño, could possibly be the poster boy of deaf ears. The Republican wanna-be pretty boy sure knows how to spend plenty of time on his knees. While he questioned Barack Obama's ability to handle the U.S. Presidency during his campaign for president, he now bows down so low he can kiss his toes. He is as excited about Obama's Puerto Rico visit as a boy getting a shiny new bicycle. This is all part of the good old, 'I am as American as you, pretty please let me be a member of you union mentality'. The mentality which has befallen many in the dependency yoke surrounding the island. This visit does one thing for sure, it puts Florida in the bag for Obama.

In reality, Fotuño's politics have really failed the people he is supposed to represent. His governorship has been more a rule than a representation. It was evident when he laid off thousands, evident when handling the UPR strike, evident in the treatment of striking students and supporters, evident when it comes to privatizations and evident now with the misnomered proposed gas pipeline project, "Via Verde"(Green Way). With this, Fortuño has once again shown his arrogance by going so far as to award contracting for preliminary research before even proposing the pipeline project. Hmmm? Questionable? Indeed! Fortuño is as typical as any politician can be, to subliminally convince the population that it is a positive thing to destroy the natural beauty of the island. Or is it really subliminally? It's either his way or the else.

The latest nonsense to come through the grapevine is, "THAT Republicans could seek to attract new voters from the growing Hispanic population by choosing Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno as the party's vice presidential candidate." *Note headline #6. And notice the surname, it's Fortuno, not Fortuño (n stressed). Buffoonery!!

 ¡BASTA YA!

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On An Excellent Post...

The following is an excellent post by Maegan La Mala of Vivirlatino. Within her post she combines the recent Coors Light 'ignominious' advertisement, “EmBoricuate”, toward the Puerto Rican community and the many issues afflicting the same both on the island and elsewhere, exceptionally. A must read post:


Getting Drunk off Fake Puerto Rican Pride