Issues Under Fire: Is it Time for Puerto Rico's Independence?
Now that hurricanes Irma and Maria have revealed to the world that Puerto Rico is America's step child and Puerto Ricans are treated like second class citizens, many are wondering if the island territory has finally reached the point of taking their future into their own hands. After the U.S. invaded and took over the island in 1898 during the Spanish American war, Puerto Rico was colonized and left in a state of political limbo. The so-called 51st state is not a state, but doesn't enjoy independence either. Puerto Rico was screwed from the very beginning and the screwing continues to this day.
At a time when the people of Puerto Rico find themselves at their lowest point in the island's history, they are belittled and berated by someone calling himself their president. Instead of embracing the islanders during their time of despair, they are told by "45" that "Puerto Rico is throwing America's budget out of whack". He let Puerto Ricans know how much Puerto Rico is costing the taxpayers. They were scolded for being in debt. They were reminded that despite the total devastation, their infrastructure sucked before the hurricanes. It wasn't pretty.
Considering Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, pay taxes and serve in the U.S. military, it became painfully clear they aren't being treated like Americans. "45" is treating Puerto Ricans like something less. Prior to his visit, "45" tweeted the Puerto Rican people wanted everything done for them. He blamed the mayor of San Juan for poor leadership, because she failed to get workers to help. He tweeted "The Mayor of San Juan, who was very complimentary only a few days ago, has now been told by the Democrats that you must be nasty to Trump." And while none of that could be further from the truth, that was "45"s initial response to a people's plea for help.
With 46% of the population existing under the poverty line, while struggling with 14% unemployment, paying high taxes and suffering severe austerity measures in order to repay an impossible debt, the Puerto Rican people are in a world of trouble and those in the United States government who could help have turned a blind eye. Every proposal the government of Puerto Rico has put forth for financial and economic relief has been denied. As a U.S. colony, Puerto Rico can't declare bankruptcy. And what's worse, because Puerto Rico is not independent, it can't seek help from international financial institutions. They have literally become slaves to debt.
Speaking with NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera of the 33rd district in the Bronx, who has family suffering on the island, he expressed a strong desire to encourage dialogue that would challenge Puerto Rico's colonial status quo. He was open to talks of an independent Puerto Rico. From his perspective, he felt the U.S. response was insensitive, inadequate and insulting. Since it's a given the island territory will never be granted full statehood, even if residents voted for it, the next logical step would be to push for independence. Independence has been achieved and successfully sustained in Asia, Africa and Europe. Why no Puerto Rico.
Bottom line: Some people need a slap in the face before realizing they'll never be fully accepted or appreciated as an equal. Well, the Puerto Rican people can consider themselves slapped. How they'll respond to the U.S.'s response will say a lot about the depths of Puerto Rican culture, pride and courage. As we wish them well in their journey toward self-determination, we'll be watching even when the cameras go away. Podcast below.
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