Pro-statehood supporters march with a REVOLUCIÓN ESTADISTA (Statehood Revolution) banner in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, on Sunday, September 1, 2019 (Photo by Edwin Jusino/Latino Rebels)
HATO REY, Puerto Rico — James came all the way from the western city of Arecibo on his bike to march with hundreds on Sunday who were demanding action from the U.S. Congress on the issue of statehood for Puerto Rico.
He said he moved to Puerto Rico with his wife and that he had been convinced that the island territory should be admitted as a state of the Union. A native from Nebraska and a veteran, James explained that veterans living in Puerto Rico received less care than those who reside in any of the 50 states.
James wasn’t the only veteran to march on Sunday, a demonstration that was not a partisan activity promoted by the island’s pro-statehood New Progressive Party (PNP). The Movimiento Revolución Estadista (MRE or Statehood Revolution Movement) is composed of registered Republicans, Democrats and Independents, mostly young people who saw the Puerto Rico Summer Revolution as a wake-up call.
James at the Sunday statehood march in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, on Sunday, September 2, 2019. (Photo by Edwin Jusino/Latino Rebels)
Dan Santiago, one of the organizers, said in a written statement in Spanish given to Latino Rebels that “It’s time to create the conditions so that we are recognized.”
During the march to the federal court house in Hato Rey, loudspeakers blared and messages against alleged media bias were shared. At one point, one announcer said that “we are a movement of law and order”—a clear reference towards groups that reacted to police aggression and fought in Old San Juan during the #RickyRenuncia July protests.
The statehood march began around 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart metro station. Latino Rebels estimated that several hundred people attended, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 people.
Supporters led the march with a banner that read “Statehood Revolution” in Spanish. A combination of veterans and young people marched with the banner. A massive U.S. flag was also used in the march, which included several local PNP politicians.
Once the march arrived at the federal court house, members of the Sociedad Civil Estadista (Civil Society for Statehood) organization gave speeches, vowing to create momentum for the movement and plan a march in Washington, D.C. Supporters demanded that Congress immediately incorporate the territory of Puerto Rico (just like D.C.), which would be a stepping stone on the path for statehood. Organizers also announced an online petition for this demand.
Two pro-statehood supporters wave U.S. flags and wear U.S. flag masks at the Statehood Revolution march in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, on Sunday, September 1, 2019. (Photo by Edwin Jusino/Latino Rebels)
Supporters also said they would create pro-statehood assemblies for the island’s 78 municipalities so that citizens can propose ideas for the movement.
All in all, it was a short activity, and no PNP politician gave a speech—a clear sign that the island’s pro-statehood movement has grown beyond the PNP. March participants also expressed anger towards the ruling class, saying that the PNP has abandoned the statehood movement.
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Edwin Jusino tweets from @erjusinoa.
Latin Rebels
WOW!!
I am impressed and happy that I am receiving your information of my/our tropical Island. Puerto Rico. I am from Guayama and now a resident in NYC. I say “Gracia!” of what the information that you are providing to others….
I wish and ask, how can WE do this same type action (Statehood March) above in NYC?
I have done few creative techniques to make the PR people to awake them of the future of PR, but no big great reaction to them yet…..
Can I speak to a particular person (Ex: Dan Santiago) or an organization (PR/NYC) to contact each other as to what plan can we do in PR, and or to in NYC? Can you call me? .ADMIRABLE OF WHAT THOSE PR’S (IN PR) ARE DOING!
Fantastic. i AM PROUD OF THEM.
THANK YOU TOO TO THE LATIN REBELS
AMEN.
My mom & dad, live in Rio Piedras .BRING ON STATEHOOD, FOR PUERTO RICO !
The key here is hundreds March for statehood. The attitude of this administration towards Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans have convinced many Puerto Ricans that remaining in Commonwealth status is better at this point. As long as the Republican party is in control of the Senate fuhgeddaboutit.
Federal Government will NOT BE ABLE TO PUSH US HEBREWS ASIDE ANY LONGER..!!!!YES WE ARE HEBREWS..DO YOUR FUCKING RESEARCH..ALSO PUERTO RICO IS NOT THE NAME OF THE ISLAND..ITS ..BORINKEN…A HEBREW WORD AS WELL..WAKE THE FUCK UP MY PUERTO RICANS.. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE AND CONTINUE TO BE PERSECUTED ..NEGROES..NATIVE AMERICANS..WE ARE HEBREWS. BUT OUR GOD YASHUA SHALL COVER US FROM THE ESAU’S..YES CAUCASIANS WILL BE SEVERLY PUNISHED BY GOD HIMSELF ONE FINE DAY AND WE SHALL SEE THE PUNISHMENT OF THEE WICKED..I AM NOT RACISIT..BUT THE WHITE PUERTO RICANS ARE ON THE ISLAND. I AM ANTICIPATING MY RETURN TO MY LAND SOON..WE ARE TAINO INDIANS…NOT FUCKING LATINOS..CATHOLICS AND WHITE PEOPLE TRIED TO TAKE OUR IDENITIES..I KNOW MY HISTORY.. REAL HISTORY..BUT I WILL WAKE MY PEOPLE UP WHEN I ARRIVE..SO IN THE MEANTIME WHITES THAT SPEAK WITH FORK TONGUES..WILL HEAR THEIR OWN HISTORY AS EUROPEANS THAT YOU ARE..YOU ARE NOT HEBREWS!!° MR.PRESIDENT I HEAR YOU ..CLAIM..YOU LOVE THE JEWISH PEOPLE!!! SO THEN YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE ALSO BECAUSE WE ARE HEBREWS!!! WHY DID COLUMBUS ARRIVE WITH 12 SHIPS AND HAVE A HEBREW TRANSLATOR WITH HIM IN HIS SECOND VOYAGE THEN..??? WE SPOKE HEBREW THAT’S WHY..AND WHY WAS THAT?? BECAUSE WE ARE HEBREWS..JIBARROS !!! HEBREWS WITH JEWISH CUSTOMS…WATCH OUT MY PEOPLE I AM COMING..AND TO THE CAPITOL OF THEE WHITE HOUSE AS WELL..THE DEVIL HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED…REPENT YOU FOOLS!.. VIRGEN MARIA SANTIAGO GOTAY IS COMING..
Yes you may contact the president of the movement Elvin Rosa in twitter: @REstadista Facebook Movimiento Revolucion Estadista Instergram : Revolucionestadista
It’s overdo!!! It’s about time Puerto Ricans stop fighting each other on the island for divided political parties and be as ONE on our beautiful island and fight the Federal Government and those corrupted officials in power in Boriken!!! Clean the Puerto Rican Swamp and fight for our rights as citizens of America!!! We are the true Americans and get treated like shit!!! We are also Hebrews from the tribe of Eprhraim..yes..we are Jews!!! My name is Virgen Maria Santiago Gotay..I live in Washington,DC..but love my home of Boriken from Ponce…lol
BENDITO,That deal was done it means Washington D.C. And Puerto Rico and that’s not happening !A-ME-RICAN
Hopefully the Congress do that,but I don’t see that happening with presidente Trump in office./Esperaria que el Congress de los Estados Unidos pasara eso,pero no lo veo pasando con el presidente Trump.
Did it happen when Obama was in Congress ? The referendum for statehood had already pass with the majority electing to become a state yet nothing happened when Democrats controlled both the House and Senate .
I would support Statehood, only if my people are going to be respected, and taken for a sucker, my people are 1st class not 2nd.
That is not going to happen with Trump in office. What we need to do is get the pots and pans and Bang it! In a huge march to get him out of office!
Beyond pleased. For those who don’t know THEY HAVE BEEN PAYING MORE FEDERAL TAXES ON THE ISLAND THAN US IN THE STATES! SO PAY ATTENTION TRUMP YOU MORON YOU AREN’T GIVING US NOTHING WE HAVEN’T ALREADY PAID FOR!!! SALES TAX ALMOST DOUBLE ON THE ISLAND! All the beauty our isla allows Americans to enjoy for free going back and forth without a passport! ONLY IMMIGRANT I KNOW IS TRUMP HE NEEDS PASSPORT TO VISIT HIS FAMILY..
We have earned Statehood, we have died and shed blood for the United States for a long time
We did on free will, Now Trump has nothing but ill will towards our Beautiful people and Island.
No sir, we are owed Independence! But the U.S. won’t release our island from it’s clutches until the movement is reignited. Statehood would temporarily solve some immediate problems but (as others have mentioned) it would destroy everything unique and beautiful about Puerto Rican culture. These non-Rican transplants should have no say in the topic of statehood! The U.S. has never been a friend to Puerto Ricans!
In a country of 300+ million people, you will find people who are not sympathetic to the Puerto Rican struggle. Is the US perfect? Certainly not. But to blame the US for all of Puerto Rico’s trouble is a stretch. Puerto Rico was under Spanish rule for 400 years and our Island was still in the medieval age when the Americans came in. From that point until today, go ahead and compare Puerto Rico to any of the other countries in this hemisphere and you will find that only Canada and the US are in better socioeconomic shape than Puerto Rico…
Yes, Puerto Rico is in financial trouble, but how can anyone blame the US for that? Go ahead and spew your hatred towards those who feel PR will be better as a state. Think about this, Venezuela is independent…have much greater natural resources than PR and yes, they are pretty glad to be self reliant!!! I don’t think so!!!
But heck Puerto Rico will be much better because our politicians are more honest, our people in the metropolitan areas are ready to go to the mountains and farm the land, and when a hurricane comes and totally destroys the Island, don’t worry, we won’t need FEMA. OUR great administrators would have set aside billions of dollars to ensure the reconstruction happens within weeks not months. And, our Olympic team will beat the heck out everyone in the world. We may not be able to eat but we will have representation in the Olympics. Cool!!!
SR. PATRICK … INDEPEN. ITS NOT THE SOLUCION I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT PLANET YOUR FROM BUT BECOMING INDEP. WILL MAKE THE PROBLEM EVEN BIGGER ….. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.
John can you articulate how exactly statehood would help us? I wont bring more money we would fall under an even higher tax code for businesses as well as citizens. We’ll run into imminent domain rules meaning large corporations can petition and lobby the government to gain large swaths of lands for their corporate needs like for example Hawaii except we do not have numerous islands to move dislocated populations. Moving to the states we run into heightened bigotry and increased chances of poverty. We would however have a political advantage every 4 years but aside from that virtually no gains whatsoever. Seems to me once again John that it’s you that does not think before you talk, and I know you are probably blissfully ignorant of all these matters but stop speaking your mind or sharing it for that matter because seriously you can’t spare it.
Orlando Cruz, you don’t need to attack people as you did with John to make an educated point. Yes, you are the smartest person around. All we need to do is ask you and you will let everyone know. The United States does not need Puerto Rico. You need Puerto Rico. The only thing you want from the USA is someone to blame for everything that has gone wrong in the island. I remember when the Puerto Rican govermemt took land from land owners to build el expreso las americas. They received compensatiom for it…that is called emmiinent domain. So it happened in Puerto Rico too. The only difference is that a big percentage of the budget came from the US. Your idealistic wish of independence will be difficult for many. But you have the right to your opinion. You think that the US did things to us just because we are puertoricans. The US people have also gone through difficult times including a civil war and the era of McArthy. When people are in power they seem to abuse it. It is a human thing. Look at all the republics in latin america and you will see abuse of power in each of them. The independence movement seem to be willing to force the majority to swallow your ideology whether they like it or not. Now tell me, does that sound like abuse of power? The 10 % subjugating the 90 %. Sounds worse than the alternative. But I guess you don’t care about my opinion; do you?
Again you mistake me for something I’m not Felix, John was telling people including myself to shut up because he disagrees with independence as you do. He does not respect a differing opinion as you claim to do. I do however take exception with you assessment that independence is only 10% of the population when in fact its higher than the pro-statehood movement and overall 75% wants to retain the current status. Why do you insist on portraying yourself as the majority when you are clearly not. If so wouldn’t there have been way more tha. a few hundred demonstrators at the so called revolution for statehood debacle? Like all good facist right wing groups propaganda and disinformation is your team’s only weapon. You have the right to your beliefs as do I but facts are facts and they are worth acknowledging. The current troubles with Puerto Rico are 20th century problems you correctly cited that imminent domain was used in the building of the Expresso las Americas but this was a federally funded project ordered from Washington DC if you don’t beleive me just realize that the expressway is part of the US federal highway system you can look it up so the orders where in Spanish to take away land from the people they were orders from the United States. Little fact for you Highway #2 that circles the island was referred to as “la militar” another federally funded highway system where imminent domain was also used. Pro-statehood advocates often resort to name calling and demonization of anyone that opposes thier beliefs it happens in the states too mostly by Republicans. In this case I want you know that you don’t know me I’m not the type to deny you the right to an opinion but you are going to make it public then expect a public response. It was gallant of you to defend John but it was misplaced you just saw someone with the same opinion as yours and you immediately went in to attack. Unfortunently for you I know my subject matter way to well And I don’t back down.
I wish you a good night unless you want to continue this pointless banter.
Stating that President Trump will not allow PR to become a state is a position which admits failure from the start. Why march then?
We need to march, but we need to also sell our position. Puerto Ricans have made great contributions to our United States of America. I say “ours” because we are as much “Americans” as anyone inside the continental United States. In fact, the only difference is that we have no representation in congress. So, what we need to argue is that the inclusion of Puerto Rico as a state has nothing to do with the political affiliation of those asking (Republican or Democrat) it has everything to do with giving Puerto Rico what we have earned during the last 100 years. Our men and women have fought alongside other Americans and there was no difference between us when it came to making the ultimate sacrifice. Lets not pick up a fight with the President; lets close the deal!
I totally agree with you, and being a soldier who served the US Army, I feel we need to get treated as first class citizens and not 2nd class citizens.
Ladies and Gentlemen we need to tone down the nasty comments and be civilized; specially when we disagree. As a fellow Puerto Rican, I feel frustrated for the lack of action by congress and the leadership in Washington. But engaging in verbal attacks will get us nothing. Politicians will act like politicians….lots of words and no commitments!
Grassroots efforts like the march for statehood in Hato Rey is a good start. Lets follow that with another march, and then another, and grow the number of supporters. When the number gets big enough, the politicians will listen and eventually take action. I know it will take time and I want my island to be treated equally as the other 50 states. We will get there faster if we unite and become a force to be recken with. “En la unión está la fuerza” the strenth is in the numbers. If we are able to think as one Puerto Rico not as democrats and/or republicans, we will achieve more. The most sought after people in the US by politicians are the “independents”. The pro-statehood movement in Puerto Rico needs to be “independent”. Work towards one single goal (statehood for Puerto Rico) and negotiate your support for those who will make our dream a reality. Do that and Puerto Rico will be the 51st State of the Union much faster than attacking those we disagree with.
What a bunch of brainwashed fools. America has bombed us, taken our resources, experimented on our women’s fertility, forced the island into perpetual poverty and stole our land.
The moment Puerto Rico becomes a state, our culture will begin to die. We will be forced to change our official language as what happened with Hawaii and Alaska, and non Puerto Ricans will begin to buy and abuse our land for profits.
This will never happen, because if it did, those who support independence will arm themselves and fight to the death for real freedom.
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And I forgot to add I hate when the media makes it sound like the majority is out there marching for statehood. When this is not the case. I know for a fact that many Puerto Ricans do not want to become part of the United States because if the situation is like that now okay imagine when Puerto Rico does become a state they will lose everything okay again I’ll mention Hawaii look at Hawaii today Hawaii regrets the moment the time the minute that they entered into the Union because today Hawaii is a complete and utter mess they took everything from them but they gave him one thing and returned methamphetamine and I’ll leave it at that
I once wanted PR to become a state but living in Puerto Rico for many years I began to realized something more important than anything else..we will never be a jones , Smith , blues eyes for within our ancestors , we have and will will always be Latino of Spain descents as my father and his fathers ancestors. I will never give up my culture and I am and where I am from . That is what happened to all those native Americans Indians and Mexicans and others that their lands where stolen and murdered by the Europeans and now they are telling the real Americans to BACK !..and go back ?…who should be going BACK are those racists Europeans whites who took their ascentors land..so who are the real Invaders?.. that is will happen to Puerto Rico. We are Rivera , Lopez , Rodriguez..not Johnson or James.
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We are not only descendants of Spain but also of Africa and most importantly the Taino! If Puerto Rico does not become a state it will continue to be raped! By Americans. As a state it will rights. If it becomes independent it will turn into a 3rd world country! Love my isla ??
It doesn’t have to be that way. We can have our rights and live in solidarity with eeuu. Many are making something that can be possible impossible.
My belief stands the same having control over our destiny and a coexisting relationship with the United States
Take a look at Hawaii today .Just because the US wanted Hawaii in the union. Find in the state that the natives finds themselves. Also what the Polynesian people have gained for a American government has com in and destroyed the native and gained white Americans in paradise. The U.S. Stole generations of Polynesian land thousands of acres. Now Imagine Puerto Rico Falling for the same. Americans have already been robbed ,exploited land, air and sea to American corporate governance takeover already. That will be like kicking the last two legs Puerto Rico and it’s natives still have. PUERTO RICO DOES NOT NEED US TAKOVER,NOTHING WITH COME OF IT, ONLY CALAMITY TO PUERTO RICO AND ITS PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES Still owned by Puerto Ricans. All that for a voice that still will not be heard in congress. Not going to happen. Leave Puerto Ricans alone we’ve had enough manifest Destiny “Robbery” by US
Check your facts Hawaii is one of the richest states with low crime rates. Excellent health care . All of which the natives flourish from . They speak their native language if they choose. Of course school and business is done in English. Every major country in this world teaches English. If it had not become a state it could be just like the Philippines were the people are starving and no medical care or education unless you are wealthy enough to afford it!
You want independence for Puerto Rico hope you have a military already in place! Hope you can feed the poor goodbye public assistance and food stamps! Hope you have a top notch health care system in place and the money to finance it! Shall I go on? As a state we get everything we are entitled to! Boricuas are way to proud to lose their heritage or culture! Look at New York the Puerto Ricans there represent all day everyday! There are more Puerto Rican flags than American flags! Only want the best for mi gente! Straight outta Ceiba Puerto Rico ??
I guess we agree to disagree because the natives are NOT doing well at all in Hawaii. Methaphetamine and Poverty is running rampant with the native.
I can ONLY agree that it’s the rich American that now live the good life in Hawaii many from properties that were literally stolen from native families generations. Be well
So you are with Puerto Rico becoming the 51 state. You cannot love the island and it’s people. The day that Puerto Rico becomes a state. All of our history will be erased. Oh and ask natives of Hawaii just how happy they are being a state of the union?
Your views are that of youth.
Puerto Rico will be raped either way. The rape you mention is that of the EEUU, PPD,and PNP taking from what is supposed to go to the people of Puerto Rico. How is is that governor after governor rob’s the island and the US which is overseeing this robbery NEVER intervenes in the theivery ,in fact some of these governor go to the mainland with 6 figure positions. Where is Ricky. Then maybe you will accept that this is all a conspiracy and becoming a 51 state will only make a bad situation worst.
I’m not advocating that Puerto Rico become a nationalist island. But I do advocate for equality, humanity, and a stable government free from raping a pilliging from the people of Puerto Rico. Also with today’s economy around the world it is safe to say Puerto Rico will not become a state any time in the near future.
Very well said..so true. We are Latinos from our ancestors , not Europeans Invaders
Brainwashed? Perhaps informed.
In the past 500 years the people of puerto rico have evolved. Our culture has changed by the influences of outside folks and that continues today. We are a mix of Spaniards, Taino indians, africans, and many others. To think that our culture will change just because we become a state is naive. Change in culture is happening as we speak. In the 19th century we were under Spanish rule, we listened and danced to Danzas. Then in the 20th century we embraced some of the african influences and it led to Plena, bomba, salsa. Then the influences of Cuba and Domican Republic brought us merengue, guajira. Now we have regaeton…a mix of reggae, hip hop, and rap. Our young are changing through the influence of social media and anyone who thinks that Puerto Ricans will lose their culture through a sudden change in its political status, is either blind, or just purposely want to cling to the idea that people can remain the same….just don’t bring any socio political change. Right! Who is brainwashed here?
In the words of Carlito Brigante ” motYou lostherfuker. if any one of you’s that is marching for this craziness is thinking that becoming part of the of the Union is going to change for the betterment of the island of Puerto Rico you are absolutely crazy insane..
Look at Hawaii today
Exactly!
There were not even a hundred persons in that “march-” How can you be so stupid to say there were hundreds. Are you still dreaming? Keep dreaming !!!!
@erjusinoa
If you want to live in a state they are already 50 you can choose from.
Statehood would DESTROY the Puerto Rican Nation, the Puerto Rican culture, the Puerto Rican identity, the Puerto Rican music. Puerto Rico is a unique Society with a modern history of 526 years.
Yeeeesss! Exactly! Thank you. ??
Very well said and so true. We are Rodriguez, Lopez , Garcia..not Smiths , Jones or Johnson..and we will never be white ..we are of our are fathers ancentors from our mother country Spain, not United States racist country
Puerto Rico in! Get Trump out!
4 Gatos los americanos no queen a Puerto Rico como Estado mejor luchen para que quinten la lay de cabotage
Hundreds? Really? Tres pelagatos si…hundreds no!
Noooooo, no damn statehood…wtf is WRONG with these ‘vende patrias’…my goodness! So shameful!
Puerto Ricans are hardly U.S. citizens. They are colonial subjects.
Hurricanes unveil unequal power dynamics, crush souls and create narratives, such as: “Puerto Ricans are American citizens.” This is dangerous and arrogant. It is dangerous because it is incomplete. It is arrogant because it presupposes that the solution to Puerto Ricans’ colonial predicament is U.S. citizenship.
I find this story disturbing. It deprives Puerto Ricans of self-determination, and it assumes that the master knows what is best for the slave. The question is not why Puerto Ricans are not treated as U.S. citizens. The question should be whether Puerto Ricans want to be U.S. citizens.
It is true that Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship due to a series of congressional statutes. But it is also true that these statutes were enacted without consulting Puerto Ricans.
Puerto Rico became a U.S. colony in 1898, when the United States purchased the island and its people as war booty from Spain as part of the Treaty of Paris. Before the United States invaded, Puerto Ricans had Spanish citizenship. The queen of Spain had signed the Autonomic Charter of 1897, granting Puerto Ricans representation (voice and vote) in the courts of Spain. Ironically, Puerto Ricans enjoyed greater political participation under the monarchy of Spain than under the United States.
Soon after, in 1900, Congress passed the Foraker Act, implementing a military government in Puerto Rico. Sen. Joseph Foraker (R-Ohio) proposed Puerto Rican citizenship for Puerto Ricans because Congress did not want to give Puerto Ricans even the illusion of having the same rights as those on the mainland.
Eventually, Congress did give Puerto Ricans official citizenship under the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917. But to this day, Puerto Ricans continue to be subjects of the United States without a right to vote for the president, without voting representation in Congress and without equal treatment compared with citizens born or naturalized in the United States. The Supreme Court has yet to decide whether the statutory citizenship that Puerto Ricans possess is equivalent to U.S. citizenship — including guarantees of equal protection laid out in the 14th Amendment.
One solution to the separate-and-not-equal nature of Puerto Rican citizenship might be for Puerto Ricans to be granted the full rights enjoyed by other U.S. citizens. This answer to the Puerto Rican citizenship conundrum, however, passes over the essential step of Puerto Rican self-determination.
The fact that a minority of Puerto Ricans favor independence does not mean that a minority of Puerto Ricans favor self-determination. Puerto Ricans have a right to decide who they are before they decide whether they wish to be U.S. citizens. The prevailing story that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and should be treated like citizens on the mainland presupposes that Puerto Ricans have already decided their political future — or worse, that Puerto Ricans have no say in the matter. This story line promotes Puerto Ricans’ perpetual colonial status.
Puerto Ricans never asked to be colonized, never asked to be denied their Puerto Rican citizenship and never asked to have U.S. citizenship imposed upon them. Puerto Ricans suffering the devastation of Hurricane Maria are not fellow American citizens; they are colonial subjects of the United States.
The United States has an obligation to provide aid to Puerto Ricans because over the past 100 years, it has chosen to keep Puerto Rico as a colony, not because Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship.
The stories we share matter. Stories can set boundaries or create possibilities.
I do not have much hope that Congress will change its story of oppression. I do hope that Hurricane Maria has disrupted the colonial space in ways that allow Puerto Ricans to construct their story of self-determination and liberation.
Please, that march was a joke. As you can see less than 5000 people attended the event. Puertoricans are finally opening their eyes and realizing that the prostatehood politicians only want to keep sucking off the federal tit and stealing the money. The upcoming elections will dictate what will happen with PR’s status. The people got together to kick out the governor, this was the first step to end the colonialism. Statehood is further than ever. The lousy politicians know it and the people who favor statehood are already out of PR or getting ready to leave. We dont need anybody who is willing to sell their homeland. If you want PR to be a state and end up worse than Hawaii please leave. PR is a country full of culture, resources and professionals ready to give it all for the growth of their country. Whoever thinks PR should be a state has not learned/lived it’s true history. If you call yourself PuertoRican and prefer the “star spangled banner” over L”a Borinqueña” you need to sort out your priorities.
Any boricua who wants statehood is a disgrace. U want to b part of racist white people country. The first thing they wld change is the flag u fucken idiots
I am 50% Puertorican. I lived in Puerto Rico for 15 years of my life. I am for statehood but it must be with a large majority with a plebiscite. At least 5% of the population is against statehood and Puerto Rico Independence Party (PIP) is still an influential force, both with words and deeds. I still remember the bombings and shootings in the 60s and 70s.
I personally believe statehood is the best option for PR. Puerto Ricans have fought, died and distinguished themselves in our armed forces but the Social Security is on a reduced basis for the American citizens who live in Puerto Rico by as much as 1/3 less than a continental American. This is wrong. It should be unacceptable and it must changed by the US Congress.
Either that or don’t send Puerto Ricans in harms way fighting for a country that does not provide equality of citizenship.
From my perspective, this is the most damning aspect of the status quo.
While i am certain that there are many well meaning independentistas, i am just as certain that there are many who are just as capable of corruption should they ever become the government.
Let the people decide and then accept and support the will of your fellow Boriquenos and maybe there will be peace for Puerto Rico.
Wow seriously you remember the violence? Then of course you remember that the violence on the island was mainly perpetrated by exiled cuban nationals that were allowed to bring their fears of Communisim into our island. You also should remember that it was these FBI and CIA supported terrorist went on a terror spree to convince the people but mostly the United States
that there was a threat of communism on the island leading to the FBI setting up an oppressive shadow force on the island. Then you must of course know that these Cuban Terrorist with the blessing of the FBI/CIA that authorized the botched assassination attempt of the socialist party leader Juan Mari Bras at his home which resulted in the death of his eldest son. You also know that this U.S. support led to the formal creation of the PNP with exiled Cubans as thier leaders in fact the 1st official PNP governor was a Cuban cement manufacturer and son of a party founder Luis A. Ferre who made the 1st attempt at statehood to create a haven for more exiled Cubans on Puerto Rico. Foreigner to our Island have always been the problem. The creation of this infernal pro-statehood party has led to persecutions of independence movement leaders under the premise that they were communist and or terrorist supported by staged acts of violence by these now PNP backed thugs. You of course should know of the most famous example of this the case of the Cerro Maravilla were university students were coerced into an attempted terrorist act by undercover police directed by officials of the FBI approved by the 2nd PNP governor Romero Barcelo. Any other violence committed by nationalists or FREEDOM FUGHTERS like the FALN or the Macheteros have been in response to the PNP deception and its lie of Statehood.
Statehood is not a viable option for us under any circumstance. It’s a failed idea The United States history of mistreatment of the island and it’s people is to long and the wounds too deep to simple forgive and let go you say you’re half Puerto Rican then you need to choose a side either you are or you are not because to us there is not half. I suspect that your allegiances lie elsewhere.
Let’s say that everything you say is true. It is also true that only 5 to 10 percent are pro independence. So 90+ % of the people of puerto rico are ok with some form of association with the USA. That is more than a supermajority. Somehow, pro independence folks although a small minority in the island, they seem to portray themselves as if they speak for all puerto ricans and that their point of view somehow carries more weight. You are entitled to your opinion but the other 90% disagree with you. If not in total disagreement at least they are willing to weigh the alternatives regarding our future. And, the fact that a puertorican may be half black/white/chinese it does not invalidate their points of view. What exactly is a 100% puertorican? Y tu Abuela donde está?
90% support statehood in what deluded fantasy world are you living Felix? The statehood revolution couldn’t muster enough people to cover a city block that is not 90% I’ll give you 10% maybe at best but that would still make independence more popular by far. 75% wants to retain it’s current status and the independence option is growing and is more likely at 15% and increasing. Statehood is a failed idea created by Cuban exiles and forced on us by Luis A. Ferrer and the PNP. it’s led to wide spread corruption, and indebted P.R. to the tune of 72 billion dollars. The Pro Statehood movement has been nothing but bad news for Puerto Rico it’s time to put the bad idea away once and for all.
# 1..SOMOS” TAINOS”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO LATINOS ….PUNTO
l!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A thoroughly tendencious article. There were virtually no people at that aberration. And the reporter has the gall to intetview a gringo who lives in Puerto Rico as if that person has any right to speak fir the Puertorrican people. The march numering over a million people that took place recently is a truly representative event. Puerto Rico needs independence, wants independence and will have independence!
No to Statehood . . the United States has pillaged the island for last 121 years Statehood is the last thing we.need otherwise we’ll end up like Hawaiians forced off thier Indigenous lands to accomadate North Americans. What we need is sovereignty we need independence and freedom to grow our culture and plot out path forward. The atrocities committed against our people are a matter of record so there is no need to go over them, this bunch of self loathing “takers” should not be listened to they are part of the problem they stifle creativity and are always opposed to self worth. NO TO STATEHOOD VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE Y SOBERANO.
YOU ARE A SIMPLETON …… HOW DO YOU PLAN ON LIVING ??? YOU LOVE THE GEORGEs THE FRANKLINS MAN SHUT UP
Yes I am a simple man who is proud of my ancestral heritage. How do I live quite well as a matter of fact No I don’t love the Benjamin’s or Franklin’s but as a responsible hard working successful adult I realize that currency is a necessary tool to survive and progress. Why is it that ow brow imbeciles always believe that if you believe in freedom for your people that one must be poor? seems to me that a U.S. loving pro-statehood person would at least know that the American revolution was planned and organised by wealthy land owners no one seems to question their motives because they had money too. Please stop making a fool of yourself with that argument cause really you sound like an idiot all of you do. Puerto Rico can succeed on it’s own if fearful little people like yourself simply get out of our way and let freedom reign over us. We are a smart, creative, hardworking people that given the opportunity can and will succeed. I stand by my comment “QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE Y SOBERANO”
ONE MORE THING TOUGH GUY YOU CAN SHUT THE FUCK UP, EVERYONE IS A TOUGH GUY ON THE INTERNET PUNK.
If statehood does happens, have a law made that your property is yours to keep & the state not allow to deal/touch with it, otherwise will be another Fidel Castro, just make sure your properties is yours period, not right that your bought it or built it or grow it with your own hands that should be your investment not the other way around.
Que mucho joden los pnp para que puerto rico sea estado.largensen para uno de los 50 que ya hay.deje la basura que habran mas beneficio pues es mentira.Habra mas contribuciones eso si.ya no Habra mas olimpiadas pues Iran los de usa.los pnp los mas corruptos.permita Dios venga un huracan categories 5 y se estacione haber si se lleva today la basura azul
Hundreds?…jajajaajajaja, what a joke!
Disappointed by this article by so called “Latino Rebels”.
There were definitely not thousands at this march. And media like this lies to the people about the truth of where the masses are. Statehood is trash.
Disgusting.
We didn’t say “thousands.” The reporter actually counted and estimated it. Hundreds is accurate. And sorry that we can’t report stories that make you feel uncomfortable. We stand by the reporting, just like we stand by the previous reporting we have done on the statehood vote, which we have raised critical questions about it. We’re disappointed that you want to selectively comment.
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