August 27, 1853: Slavery in Puerto Rico

Natalia, a female slave from Puerto Rico, explicates with reasons her desires for independence and abolition movements in her native homeland of Puerto Rico. After many years of strenous deeds and a difficult lifestyle, she tells her story about her freedom and the difficult journey others like her have faced.


Before I explain about our position as slaves here in Puerto Rico, I must inform others of our island’s history. For many many years slaves all throughout the Caribbean islands have been treated horribly; to be a slave is a weary, upsetting job. I’ve heard from others that have escaped from slavery, others like me, that between 1735 and 1834 there had been about 57 slave revolts or uprisings throughout the Caribbean. That’s one uprising every other year. We were treated wrongly and even though there are only so few slaves in Puerto Rico, freedom is a general desire.

The Spanish rule over our nation like a hovering storm cloud that can, with one strike of lightning burn down a tree. They have taken advantage of Puerto Rico and have taken it upon themselves to twist and change the laws in order to suppress our individual liberties as well as taking away from our constitutional rights. The Spaniards made a law that enforced the payment of taxes that were meant to pay for the suffering that Spain went through after the Napoleonic invasion.

For most of my life, the Spaniards had introduced laws that took away my rights as well as encouraging acts and events such as dancing, drinking and gambling. These acts are merely out of the hope that we would eventually become distracted from our Puerto Rican (political) activities. It was there way to protect their control and leadership and not be overthrown by a slave rebellion. Other ideas idiotico son the laws that allowed the punishment of a lazy employee, a law that disables the movement from one residence to another as well as a law that banned mustaches and goatees. All of us slaves from the fields where we worked could see that Spain was abusing their power and introducing laws wherever they could in order to control every aspect of our lives. We needed to take action and we needed to take action before we would never be able to escape.

Slaves all throughout Puerto Rico were revolting against slavery in whatever way that they could. Those who worked in the fields hoped that by braking tools and working improperly and poorly they could stunt and ruin their master’s food. Those women who were lucky enough to work within the houses themselves managed to poison food since they had access to medicine, liquor, and other household items that they could use as weapons.

As tales go, it was not uncommon for slaves to commit suicide or self mutilation. I have heard of many occasions where slave women cut their wrists, covered their wounds with dirt and covered them in order to provoke infection and disease. Others just hung or killed themselves by jumping off of slave ships with weights to make them sink and drown. Many of these slave ship revolts were unsuccessful although some, such as a revellion where slaves seizes a ships crew and killed the captain and the cook. They were able to gain control of the ship itself and pleaded that international trade laws were violated by the Spanish. This was lead by Joseph Clinque, a price from Sierra Leone. Many other revolts like this one occurred in Puerto Rico and in other Caribbean nations.Maroons, or runaway slaves, managed to escape from the terrors of hard labor and brutality at home.

The first talk of independence that I ever experienced was from several Puerto Rican independence conspirators. One of these people was a woman named Maria Mercedes Barbudo. She used to hold meetings within her home where she would talk of independence and Puerto Rican rights. Why, I never thought of the Spanish as brutal until now… her ideas opened my old, worn eyes to everything around me. Unfortunately, I was never able to be a part of her independence groups since I did not gain my freedom until the past couple years after I escaped with other Maroon and she was deported and exiled to Cuba by our governor de la Torre because of her beliefs.

I can proudly say that Puerto Rico will one day gain its full independence from Spain; not only will the slaves be given their freedom, but Puerto Rico will be released from Spain’s strong grip. One day Puerto Rico will be able to make rules for itself and not depend on Spain for economical support. It seems to me that the only reason that Puerto Rico is still ruled by Espana is because we are afraid of what would happen to our nation if they suddenly let go. All these revolts will take place and will eventually produce a nation we’ll be proud of; one full of liberty. The Spanish will not know that we are going to rise up against them… no language barriers nor lack of education will keep up from gaining our rights. No nation will hold us slaves back from our freedom. It will one day be so close that we will be able to taste it and Spain will have no choice but to unlock our cells and set us free.

Natalia de San Juntes
(Picture citation: http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/img/slaves.jpg)

March 19, 1899: US conquer of Puerto Rico

A citizen of Puerto Rico tells the tale of how the United States gained conrol of Puerto Rico and what is was like to live under Spanish then American rule.

Many years ago, the people of Puerto Rico, including myself and my ancestors, bathed under the rule of our foreign mother country, Spain. Under their power we became a culture… one Puerto Rico people. We adopted their Catholic religion and their Spanish language as well as many other customs that are rooted in Spanish History. Despite these connections, we Puerto Ricans suffered beneath high taxes imposed on us by our Spanish leaders.

Today I can greatly look at my home of Puerto Rico as one of great pride and success as we can finally live without the Spanish breathing over our backs; controlling us with their high taxes. Our independence from Spain was strongly impacted by the American intervention and now we are held within the palm of the United States. What will they do with us? It is not certain; however, I am very certain that I am experiencing more freedoms than I can ever remember. Many years ago, the people of Puerto Rico, including my ancestors, and myself bathed under the rule of our foreign mother country, Spain. Under their power we became a culture… one Puerto Rico people. We adopted their Catholic religion and their Spanish language as well as many other customs that are rooted in Spanish history. Much of our culture has come from Spain, and I believe it will always be this way.

Despite these connections, we Puerto Ricans suffered beneath high taxes imposed on us by our Spanish leaders. Tariffs were also extremely high, and Spanish rule was harsh. I will always remember the burdens of the libreta system. This system made it so that laborers such as myself, made into serfs, could not leave our plantations without receiving permission from our employers. We had to document our every move in a notebook, and our employers knew everything about our lives. Native Puerto Ricans were extremely unhappy with thus system and the other drawbacks of Spanish rule, and began to plot rebellions against Spain.

These rebellions caused the Spanish American war, and I can still recall when the Americans first intervened. Last year, on July 21, 1898, the Americans left Cuban shores with 3,000 marines. Of course they were on their way to help us get rid of our Spanish leaders, yet many Puerto Ricans did not support our breaking from Spain. Because of this, many Puerto Ricans were ready to fight the Americans back of our own shores. These Puerto Ricans were accepting of the amendments that Spain was attempting to make with us such as giving Puerto Rico political autonomy. Thankfully though, others still were all for gaining independence and wished to welcome the American troops with flags of independence.

The United States did not come face to face with a peaceful settlement because the Spanish soldiers fought with force in cities such as San Juan and Coama. They fought hard, and later in August, the Americans were prepared to fight for us again, as compatriots. Although the people of Puerto Rico evacuated their homes, a greatly anticipated combat never took place. This attack was to be one of great destruction, but instead the weak Spanish signed an armistice between themselves and the United States.

It took many months, from August to December, for a solution to finally be created. For months we Puerto Ricans sat on our toes waiting to hear news of our fate. Our nation of Puerto Rico was sadly not invited to take place in the negotiations, but in Paris, a treaty was signed which handed our homeland into the hands of the United States. Finally Spain was no longer our controller and we were recognized and supported by our protectors. It is said that Spain asked France to control and take the peace treaty into their hands, and I can only wonder and laugh at the poor Spanish who could do nothing for themselves. How they could ever rule us? I do not know, and I cannot believe that for such a long time we were under the rule of cowards.

Where is Puerto Rico headed now? I cannot say. I am not very happy with the military occupation of our island, and the American attempts to “Americanize” us. Despite all my grievences with the Spanish, I am proud of the culture they have given us, and I do not want this to be taken away from me. There is much uncertainty within our future; the Americans might like having us as their territory but I doubt we Puerto Ricans will stand for this. But I am thankful for the Americans at this moment. Only time will tell what our future will bring, but for right now I can only be thankful that I am free from the rule of the Spanish.


Santiago Ramirez

(Picture Citation: http://www.solpass.org/7ss/Images/war.gif)

September 23,1933: A Troubled Economy

A description of Puerto Rico exploitation by the Americans told by Juan Carlos and why he wishes for Puerto Rico to become an independent nation.

All around me, Puerto Ricans are suffering from a terrible economy. The Great Depression has his us, and it has hit us hard. All around me, I see unemployed people. Poverty is everywhere. I am lucky to have my job, but in the past three years my income has dropped from a meager fifteen cents an hour to an even smaller ten. Some of my fellow laborers are striking for better wages, but some of us do not want to risk our jobs, so we keep quiet. After all, the many unemployed would rather work for half my wage than for nothing at all.

But even through our great economic struggles, the Americans are exploiting our economy as I write. Yes, they are helping to increase our sugar production, but the they are prospering from this, not us. I am currently employed on a sugar plantation. It is one of the 41 in existence at this time, and one of the four companies owned by the United States. These four sugar companies own about one quarter of the total cropland, and process one half of the raw sugar in Puerto Rico. I am forced to raise my family in poverty, all because the 120,000 laborers on the fields of these sugar farms have to split the little money given to us by the greedy plantation owners. I must make do with the ten cents an hour I earn. My family barely makes a living during the tiempo muerto, the idle season of the sugar industry. And during the zafra, or growing season, our lifestyle is slightly better, but far from perfect. I slave for hours to earn my pay. The rich Americans and a select few Puerto Ricans share the real wealth of the sugar industry.

How am I supposed to give my children a good life? My son and my daughter are terribly underfed, as are the friends I sometimes see them playing with. I give them everything I have, but sometimes it seems it is not enough. Sometimes I stop and wonder just how the United States government could let such atrocities take place. Can they not see us suffering? Do they really turn such a blind eye to our pain?

I know that many of my fellow workers are rallying around Albizu Campos, leader of the nationalist party. He wants independence for the Puerto Rico, and I can see the benefits. Right now, we face restrictions from the United States government. “[Our] governor, his cabinet, and the judges of the supreme court [are] all to be appointed by the U.S. president”. We have almost no say in our own politics, aside from a small, 35 member large House of Delegates. I believe we deserve more representation than just that. If the United States is treating us this way, then maybe independence is an option to consider. If we will continue to suffer this horribly, then maybe it is best for us to break away from America and live on our own. We’ll never know until we try, but can things really get worse than this? I don’t think so, especially with Americans limiting our economic growth. The way I see things, independence seems like a very reasonable option.

I don’t know how much longer we will be suffering like this, but I can only hope it ends soon. My pay is at its worst point in years, my family is hungry, and I am surrounded by political and economic unrest. I do not want to strike, for fear of losing my job, but I am very far from satisfied with what is going on. America, if you hear our cries for help, come save us, and if you do not care, then let us go so we can learn to prosper on our own.

Juan Carlos

(Picture Citation: http://www.free-fad-diets.com/Images/Sugarcane.jpg)

July 31, 1943: Roosevelt

In a letter to congress concerning the well being and citizenship of the commonwealth Puerto Rico.

A letter to Congress:

I have found that the United States position in our commonwealth of Puerto Rico is not meeting expectations that I wish for our great nation to follow. Beginning in 1899, when the Treaty of Paris, which transferred control of Puerto Rico into the hands of Americans, was signed, it did nothing but confuse Americans and Puerto Ricans upon the topic of American sovereignty. This confusion and treaty passed all ideas to the Congress which eventually lead to the Foraker Act in 1900. This is the only act which ensures Puerto Rican identity as Puerto Rican American nationals; however, they were and are not to be named American Citizens. I understand and acknowledge the time put into developing the Foraker Act, but the under this Act, the Puerto Ricans have less control and identity then they had under Spanish Control. There has been an ongoing debate as to where Puerto Rico stands and this conflict is thus causing many concerns in both Puerto Rico and here in the United States.

It was not until 1945 that the Puerto Ricans gained full citizenship, however; congress and the nation still restricted Puerto Rican rights. The average American citizen is able, under the rights of the constitution, to vote in matters concerning the wellbeing of the United States and all states within. This right should be extended not only to states, but to all American citizens, including those who live within American territories. The Foraker Act did nothing for Puerto Ricans except for naming them citizens; their influence and participation in American events such as elections still remained limited. How is the concept of American freedom showing through the oppression of the Puerto Rican citizenship rights.For forty five years, Puerto Rico’s economy has significantly grown in ways of material, yet I still strongly believe that taking the American economical supports from the Puerto Rico would call economic collapse. The small nation cannot be referred to as “economically self-reliant [since] there has been a tendency to become more dependent upon outside markets” such as the United States. Withdrawing assistance would mean or devastating disasters in both the US and the commonwealth and tear apart the mutalistic economies since both benefit off the other’s profit.

The United States as a whole, as well as backing all Puerto Rico’s economic decisions, has provided the citizens of Puerto Rico a new American lifestyle and increasing literacy, public health and enlarging the English speaking population. We have given medical hospitals to the commonwealth and future goals aspire ideals including those of nutritional value. The lives of the some odd two million people in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico have greatly improved under American aid and encouragement.The United States of America has a duty to encourage equality for all peoples and as long as Puerto Rico is American soil; those living in the nation should all have equal rights and benefits. What difference does an American citizen living in Puerto Rico have compared to one living in New York? American soil is American soil; nothing can change that. We need to “recognize our citizens—whether continental or overseas—to the greatest possible degree” which means that all peoples should be able partake in nation elections and decisions. If anything I believe that we need to “consider as soon as possible an amendment of the organic law of Puerto Rico to permit the people… to elect their own Governor… respectively”.

Puerto Rico, after long rule under the United States’ hands should finally be allowed to take its first baby steps and hold its own federal government. That is not to recommend that idea of pulling out and giving Puerto Rico soil away, it is just the concept of loosening the parental grip and let the nation begin to find its own way. We, as the United States, need to assist once again in the early stages of forming this government and will guide along the way… we just need to look at and give Puerto Rico that same independence that we give all the other fifty states. “The government of Puerto Rico should not be static; it should be changed and developed as conditions warrant. It is…important that the economic situation of the Puerto Ricans should be improved [and] I am confident that these objectives can be obtained.”Puerto Rico is not an independent nation; however, it is a part of America and it is freedom that makes American soil so great.

President Roosevelt

(Picture Citation: http://img.search.com/thumb/0/07/Teddy_Roosevelt_video_montage.ogg/mid-Teddy_Roosevelt_video_montage.ogg.jpg)

March 21, 1937: The Ponce Massacre

The Ponce Massacre as described and told by Isabella Marizana. She is a witness to the horrible deeds performed by the Puerto Rican police on March 21, 1937.

While it is only a day after the massacre, I feel as though I must write down these words before I forget the story. The Ponce Massacre, as it has been called, has been one of the most horrific disasters Puerto Rico has ever faced. All the deaths and injuries caused because of a mere misunderstanding and poor lawful leading; who ever thought that the Puerto Rican police would open fire on a crowd of nationalists. It is not their constitutional right that they can protest? Does it not state that they have the right to rally and protest?

Now, starting at the beginning… From what the newspapers have released and from what my neighbors have told me, the Partido Nacionalista had decided that they were to organize a march to protest the unfair jailing of their leaders. It is not as though they were doing it to cause trouble or death; they merely were trying to free their leaders from jail. This act is not uncommon here in this nation so this was supposed to be a peaceful march. The Nationalists had made announcements in the newspapers for a week to their fellow nationalists informing them about the march: dates and times as to where it was going to be held. The Nationalists even had requested a permit that enabled them to march.

That’s when everything got bloody. The Puerto Rican police did not want the nationalists to be marching and drawing support from others so they withdrew the permit that the nationalists had received from Governor Diego hoping that they would just go home. That, however, is not how the actual march ended though… it ended as the nationalists went against the police using their rights to march and protest and the police began to fire at the crowd.

At two pm yesterday I heard the screaming and shots and I cannot get these memories out of my mind no matter how hard I try. Whenever I close my eyes I can imagine the blood spill and the danger that everybody on the streets of Ponce we in. The reality is, I cannot believe that the nation that I live under so proudly, would shoot at innocent civilians in order to keep a few people of little importance in prison. The police caused all the trouble and killed eight people instantly. They were friends, family, nationalists of all the Puerto Ricans. Our brother, our neighbors… all these people were innocent in an act caused by our national leaders. Many others I know such as my brothers and neighbors were injured and the rest were arrested. To think that all this could have been avoided; prevented. To think that if the government just followed their own laws all these people would be alive and okay. The Puerto Rican Police are still tallying the number of deaths today, yet I fear that we will never know or truly understand how many Puerto Rican lives were taken yesterday afternoon.

The headline this morning’s newspaper though is what surprises me the most. After all that I have witnessed and what I have been told, the police of Puerto Rico are blaming all this turmoil on the nationalists. I know for a fact that the nationalists did everything correct… they even went above and beyond, like a said earlier, by acquiring an unneeded permit. Who wishes to live in a nation that looks right pasts your rights states in the constitution? I certainly do not!
It amazes me how in one day, your nation can flip itself over and turn to total destruction. Now, Puerto Rico must understand that parades now may be watched in fear or not watched at all since the Puerto Rican government officials cannot be trusted. I am ashamed to tell the story of what happened today in my wonderful city, yet I tell it as it is since the truth is always better to tell.

Isabella Marizana

(Picture Citation: http://www.prdream.com/patria/timelines/img/ponmass39.jpg)

December 30, 1950: Oscar Collazo

Prior to the Jayua Uprising in 1950, the nationalist party of Puerto Rico, lead and controlled by Pedro Albizo Campos was already envisioning plans for a new, self ruled Puerto Rico. With the help of many patriots, these nationalists were determined to use terror as a weapon to gaining back their home country and hoped to chase the Americans back to the shores of the United States. With various attempts at bombarding the US, the nationalists have succeeded only a select few times, with many being nationalists being jailed or killed during and after these attempts. One of the most notable attempts is the Attempted Assassination of President Truman while he was residing in his Blair House Residence. This attempt was organized and committed by nationalists Oscar Collazo and Torresola. With the death of Torresola ending his nationalist career, Collazo was sentenced to 29 years in jail for his act of attempted murder. Although many nationalist leaders were imprisoned, their ideas still spread throughout the rich port allowing the Puerto Rican Independence movements still continue on today. The following is a post by Oscar Collazo after the attempted assassination and his reflection on his actions and beliefs.

Using terror and enforcing fear in the hearts of our enemies drives our nationalist party to this very jail cell. In no way do I look down upon my actions that brought me here to this cell nor do I believe that I actually did anything wrong. According to our leader, Pedro Albizo Campos, Puerto Rico is illegally owned by the United States and should be free of all foreign control. I can not say that I regret my actions as I acted for the goodness of my country; for the sake and well being of Puerto Rico.

I can recall the first time that I heard Campos, my great leader, speak. At the age of fourteen, I committed my first unlawful act by choice and attended a student strike against American’s control of Puerto Rico. The day was the birthday of Puerto Rican politician Jose de Diego; the day was the day that I first saw my “maestro”. In his speech his words made perfect sense to me, engraving ideas that my mind has been craving into my brain. For years I was forced to listen to my brother’s words, words out of the mouth of the Union Party of Puerto Rico. Never had the ideas of independence or belief in Puerto Rico under its own rule come up in daily conversations; however, it seemed as though finally, Campos spoke everything that I had been dreaming of my entire life. I wanted to be free. To rule my own life without someone else controlling every little aspect around me. Whether is was my older brother telling me what to think or the Americans taking over and running our nation and economy, I felt as though I had never broken the individual barrier that makes me different that the man standing next to me. Campos not only won my support because he seemed to be, in my eyes, a great leader, but also a man of strong and willful action. Still to this day I bow down to his wonderful ideas and worship his concepts with every ounce of nationalism I can conjecture.

Many people, I guarantee, are wondering as to why I and my fellow nationalist friend, Torresola, advanced and attempted to kill United States President Truman at his residence in Blair House, New York and I can tell you why. I feel no shame in what I did since I believe that the attempt brought Puerto Rico one step further towards independence and socialism. Socialism will become the key to all of Puerto Rico’s future prosperity and under it everyone will experience equality. Honestly, I was in no desire to kill the President just for his death; there is no failure in my attempt. I solely wished to take my patriotic fervor and draw world wide attention to the oppression of Puerto Rico by the United States. The U.S dominated my nation and I was and still am angry and disgusted at the so called “progress” that the Americans take pride in. They in no way helped to advance our nation as a whole. Under their rule they held us back beyond our true potential since they fear the baby steps the Puerto Rico may take in the future. I can briefly remember what actually happened that night of the assassination. The guards were everywhere, yet they did not scare me or my partner. Our Puerto Rico pride prevailed through our fear and pushed us onward until we came face to face with death. The last thing I can remember experiencing before getting shot myself is watching my dear friend Torresola fall to his knees, the death in his eyes. I pushed harder and harder to reach the president as it was up to me to bring the world’s attention to Puerto Rico… the richest port in the world. Then the advancement came to an end, bringing me here to where I’m reflecting on all of my accomplishments. How I managed to succeed against the United States shall show the rest of those living in Puerto Rico that they can stand up against the Americans as well. Fear will always fall behind the hero.

The decision to actually persevere our plan made me leave behind my wife and daughters, yet however much I try and convince myself that I hurt them by committing this crime, I can see no hurt or fault… just the great new opportunities I have opened up to them.When I get out of this cell of opportunity I hope to be met with a new, glorious and independent Puerto Rico. I dream of the Americans leaving and maybe when I return I will see “when the last Yankee soldier leaves the Puerto Rican territory,” then “I'll be glad to write a letter of appreciation to the president of the United States."

Oscar Collazo

(Picture Citation: http://iconicphotos.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/pict319-jpg.jpeg)

March 7, 1964: Luis Munoz Marin

Luis Munoz Marin writes as he makes his decision to step down as governor of Puerto Rico. He has held that position for the past four terms, but he wishes to step down. He reflects on his life and what he has accomplished in office.

1964—After much thought and consideration, I have made the decision not to run for a fifth term as governor of Puerto Rico. While my four terms here have been highly successful, I believe it is my time to step down from this position, and return to my seat on the senate. I am very proud of what I have achieved here. I believe that I have helped to make Puerto Rico a better place, and that I have strengthened Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States as well as our individuality and identity as a people. In 1949, Puerto Ricans were given the right to vote for their own governor. That was the year I became governor, and for the three following elections, I was voted again into office. Now, I wish to step down from my position, and pass it on to someone else. I do, however, wish to return to my seat on the senate so that I can still be an active participator in Puerto Rican affairs.

I am both proud and amazed at how far Puerto Rico has come in the past few years. When I was born in 1898, Puerto Rico was taken by the United States as a territory. Though we were freed from the grasp of Spain, we now had a new captor to overcome. Since then, we have risen above many obstacles to establish our rights and our identity as a culture. I followed my father’s footsteps; he, too, worked for the benefit of Puerto Rico, and I am glad to continue his legacy. My views have changed over time, though. I used to fight for independence. I soon realized the downfalls of independence, such as the high tariff laws that would be in place. The United States began to consider statehood, but as for me, I changed my views. I wanted Puerto Rico to become a commonwealth of the United States. A commonwealth “is a new kind of state, both in the sense of the U.S. Federal System and in the general sense of people organized to govern themselves”. I then launched Operation Commonwealth with the dream of achieving that status. This was, at the time, an tentative policy, but I had faith that it would work out in the end. Our new commonwealth status now “represents a novel, flexible, imaginative relationship within the American constitutional tradition”, and I am proud to say that I was a part of making this happen.

I have always worked to expand Puerto Rico’s economy as well. I launched Operation Bootstrap to improve the economy, and many great results came from this. Many American companies set up factories on our island, providing jobs for our people. From 1940 to 1956, our net income grew 107 percent and our illiteracy rate dropped from 32 percent to 20 percent. Unemployment is still not when I hope it can become, but things are still getting better. We are making improvements, one step at a time.

I also launched Operation Serenity in “an attempt to give to economic effort objectives that commend themselves to the spirit”. I was happy with the economic progress we had been making, but I was afraid that we would lose our culture and identity in the process. I did not want this. I have always believed that "the supreme utility is freedom with reasonable comfort… In the old days you lived a good life, served God and went to Heaven. What are we living for? To beat the Russians? Own one automobile, two, three, four?”. We have now created a careful balance between culture and economy. Twenty-one years ago, a member of the United States senate deemed us “unsolvable”. Today, we are prosperous.

Looking back at my time in office, I know I have helped Puerto Rico to achieve great things; however, I do believe it is my time to step aside for someone else. I will not run for a fifth term in office, and I plan on returning to my old position on the senate. I have worked my entire life to improve Puerto Rico. I do not intend to stop now. I will always be proud of what I have accomplished here in office, and I will continue on working for the good of Puerto Rico.

Luis Munoz Marin

(Picture Citation: http://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/m/fotos/munoz_marin2.jpg)

June 12, 1990: Our Music; Our Culture

Yound Caterina Francesco talks about her favorite Puerto Rican musical group, Menudo and their impact on Puerto Rican culture: how it changed the culture and how it brings their traditions onto a new stage... the radio.

(To the right: Menudo, a Puerto Rican Music group created in 1977).

My favorite music group is our native Puerto Rican group known as Menudo. The band brothers (Carlos, Oscar, Rickey Melendez and various others) make music that caused my heart to sing. For the most part, many Puerto Rican music groups were traditional, and they were not known world wide, yet this group of boys have made it to the top… the very very top. I remember reading a magazine where Menudo’s producer said that “If we play it cool, I know, I feel, that Menudo will be successful around the world” and look at them, they have become one of the most successful music groups in the world. On top of playing music, they have been in a weekly TV show and even made a movie. They have been in the Guinness book of World Records for having one of the largest recorded audiences ever and have played concerts in places like Mexico City and in the United States. Apparently while they were in New York, they came during a Puerto Rican parade; they were able to show New York City their nationalist pride by being there. They were also the first Latin American group to record their music in various languages. While my copy of their CD is in Spanish, they have also made CDs in English, Portuguese, Italian and Tagalo. It is amazing how music, one band, one group, can bring so many nations together with one common interest other then an interest of war. With these boys, Puerto Rico has finally made a name for itself in the world. Puerto Rico is no longer only known for its sugar economy, but also for the production of one of the most famous music groups in the world. One of their most notably famous songs is “Quiero Ser” which means “I want to be” and can be heard not only here in Puerto Rican homes, but translated and on American radio stations. They have made over fifty albums and in 1984, only a mere six years ago, they released an album called “Reaching Out” which is still very famous in the United States today. It is funny how these boys have given the Americans some of our culture while we have also taken theirs. Just imagine, Puerto Rican culture has been spread and welcomed by the United States in cities like New York and San Francisco while we have been embracing American customs as well.

Menudo is just one type of music that is made here in Puerto Rico and is notably a form of the more modern and more western pop. In Puerto Rico, music is a branch of our culture that goes back all the way to our native roots. Every nation that has influenced us or tried to change us has only made our traditions greater and stronger. Anyone can observe these changes and triumphs by looking at the instruments that make our music so famous. We have incorporated many different instruments into our music. You have more traditional instruments such as the Guichno to instruments that are from the Western world such as violins, cellos, brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, and saxophone) and also the piano. A Guichno is a Taino instrument that consists of a hollowed out gourd. It has been played in Puerto Rican music for centuries and it is very inspiring to see and hear it in our modern music.

Maybe being a commonwealth under the United States is not going to be that bad in the future since they have showed us that we can be our own nation and still have our own customs and traditions. Their rule and support may actually benefit our nation in other ways and will help us grow as Puerto Ricans. With all the American customs we have acquired and grown used to, we can still recognize our own roots and our own background and as we have learned from our pop music groups, we can mix the American traditions and our Caribbean traditions to form something much greater. The ability to be Puerto Ricans and the ability to notice, understand and believe in our cultures is what makes us Puerto Ricans and not Americans. Through music we can be ourselves and well as incorporate western ideas and learn from other nations.

Caterina Francesco

Piel De Manzana @ Yahoo! Video

(Picture Citation:http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Menudo-puerto-rico-357039_509_508.jpg)

December 13, 1998: Who wants to become a state?

Angel Quiles is going to vote in the third Plebiscite vote. He is going to vote for statehood, and he discusses his reasons for doing so.

Today I am going to vote in Puerto Rico’s third Plebiscite vote. I am going to vote that Puerto Rico should become the fifty-first state of the United States of America. To me, this only makes sense. We should be equal to citizens of the United States, yet we are not. Independence for us is just not rational, and the “Enhanced Commonwealth” status that some propose is unreasonable, and it still does not allow us the full benefits of being part of the United States. “The United States is a republic, not an empire”. We should be treated as first class citizens, and we can achieve this by becoming a state. Of course we would receive representation in congress and an ability to vote for the president, but there are more benefits, too. Statehood would lead to a prosperous Puerto Rico.

Our commonwealth status limits our economic growth. “I take a look at the economy that they have in the United States, and I want that, too”. Currently, we are not subject to federal income taxes, but in the long run, these taxes would not compare to the economic growth we would experience should we become a state. Our incomes would be higher, enough to make up for the difference in taxes, and we would receive full federal benefit. The Puerto Rican economy is not doing very well at the moment, but if we became a state, our economy would grow.

The language barrier is not as big of an issue as some may argue. What many Americans do not realize is that English is an official language of Puerto Rico, along with Spanish. It is required to take English classes through high school. And, I might add that language has never been a requirement to become a state. When Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma were admitted into the United States, there was no language requirement for them, either. Why should this be an issue for us? We are willing to adopt and embrace the English language, along with keeping our own heritage intact.

I do not believe that becoming a state will destroy our Puerto Rican identity. Puerto Rican identity is strong and continues to be so. Becoming part of a nation does not necessarily mean loss of individuality. “Puerto Rico has been exposed to U.S. mainland cultures for a long time, 100 years---and Puerto Rican culture and heritage has thrived and grown”. Many states still keep their own individuality and culture alive, yet they are all proud to call themselves part of the United States. We, as proud Puerto Ricans, can achieve this as well, especially in a place like the United States, where culture is embraced.

I personally believe that becoming a part of Puerto Rico could only increase our freedoms. For much too long, we have been under the rule of foreign nations. If we become a state, we will be, for the first time, part of a free and glorious nation. We will no longer be oppressed and restricted by a greater power. As Puerto Ricans, we will be able to enjoy freedom as a part of the United States of America. Who would not want this? I want this for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for future generations of my children. America is a free nation, full of opportunity. Why shouldn’t we seize it?

We Puerto Ricans have earned our statehood “through [our] steadfast support of [their] country, [their] flag, and by sending [our] sons and daughters to fight in US wars, [their] wars, ever since the Spanish American War in 1898”. Statehood provides much more benefits than drawbacks, and I believe that with this vote, the United States should act on admitting us into the union. That is why I am going to vote for statehood today, so that Puerto Rico can have a brighter future as a complete part of the United States of America.

Angel Quiles

(Picture Citation: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/02/11/PH2008021101413.jpg)

December 13, 1998: Who wants a Commonwealth?

A citizen of Puerto Rico is going to vote in the third Plebiscite vote. He is going to vote for “Enhanced Commonwealth”, and he discusses his reasons for doing so.

To the left: Puerto Rican dinero; notice it is not American, but Puerto Rican

Today I am going to vote in Puerto Rico’s third Plebiscite Vote. I am going to vote for “None of the Above”, because I wish for Puerto Rico to become an Enhanced Commonwealth. The benefits we would receive under this status are much too good to deny. Supporters of statehood, who wish to divide the commonwealth votes, have removed the Enhanced Commonwealth option from the ballot. They have replaced it with Territorial Commonwealth, our current situation and an option that no one wants, and None of the Above. Our votes are still strong though, and supporters of Enhanced Commonwealth will vote for None of The Above.

I am not very pleased with our current situation. “The current bill attempts to engineer statehood by defining ‘commonwealth’ in such a way as to ignore a whole set of constitutional rights -- U.S. citizenship, non-territorial status, [and] the ballot in plebiscites”. “Under [this] arrangement, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but the 3.8 million living here cannot vote in presidential elections and have no voting representatives in Congress. [We] don't pay federal taxes, but receive reduced welfare and other federal benefits”. We are under the congressional laws of the United States, yet we are not allowed to choose them? I do not believe this is fair in any way. If we cannot share our opinion in the creation of these laws, then I see no reason for us to be subject to them.

Under the status of Enhanced Commonwealth, the Territorial Clause would no longer pertain to us. We would receive all federal benefits and welfare without having to pay federal income taxes. I believe this is especially important to Puerto Rico, because 71% of our families rely on food stamps from the United States government. Permanent United States citizenship would be granted to all Puerto Ricans to be born in the future. This idea of an Enhanced Commonwealth allows us to enjoy much of the benefits of being part of America, while also avoiding federal taxes and keeping our identity alive.

I do not believe that we should become a state. I am proud of my Puerto Rican heritage, and I do not want it to be lost. Currently we have our own Olympic team. If we become a state, we will not have this anymore. Having our own Olympic team is very important. Not only does it allow us to take pride in our heritage and show this to the world, but it also allows for Puerto Rican athletes to shine. How will our gifted young athletes training here in Puerto Rico compete with Americans training at large and highly advanced facilities in the United States? This is just one example of how our proud culture could be lost should Puerto Rico become a state. Becoming a state would take away our cultural identity, and this is not something that Puerto Ricans such as my self are very willing to give up.

I also believe that independence is not a reasonable option for Puerto Rico. The low cost of trading with the United States is highly beneficial to us, and if we were to become our own nation, the tariffs between the United States and us would skyrocket. We would no longer be citizens of the United States, and therefore we would also be subject to immigration laws. We would lose all benefits, which as I mentioned before, would be devastating because so much of Puerto Rico relies on them. Becoming an independent nation would not prove to be beneficial for Puerto Rico.

Why have our votes been ignored in the past? I believe it is because the Enhanced Commonwealth status has won by so small a margin. Until one side gains a much larger majority, the United States will continue to ignore our votes. They also do not believe our idea of an Enhanced Commonwealth to be reasonable. Personally, I believe that we have received so much trouble from them in the past, that they should be willing to offer us these benefits. My only hope is that this year, the many supporters of Enhanced Commonwealth will come and vote for None of the Above. Though Enhanced Commonwealth is not defined, if we get a large majority to vote, hopefully the United States government and the Puerto Rican government will take a closer look at what the people really want, and what the people really need.

Julio Martinez

April 19, 1999: Bombing

A Puerto Rican citizen critizizes the American bombing above and on Puerto Rican soil. He talks of the experiences and the past events that lead to a protest at the American Naval Base by nationalists and other citizens.

I have had enough of the American’s so called “practice bombing”. Today, the 19th of April, my dear friend Dave Sames Rodriguez was killed during another session of what the Americans claim to be “bombing practice”. How did this happen? Why are people afraid when they hear jets and missiles flying above in air? I’ll tell you why; finally I will speak up for the people of Puerto Rico… no nation will prevent me from ensuring the safety of my family and neighbors.

My biggest question takes the form of this: are the Americans truly just practicing their military tactics, or are they purposely missing targets and killing innocent civilians. It is hard to say whether the people of the United States of America are lying about their military or actually just making mistakes, but I do not want to make the mistake of letting murders and blood thirsty leaders rule my homeland. We have worked so hard to end up where we are as a Nation; we have been through so many wars and treaties to be the Puerto Ricans we are today and nobody has the right to blow all that into shambles. I understand that this outlook on the Americans comes from a strong and biased point of view and takes a cynical tone, but along with Dave’s death, the Americans “accidentally” caused four other of my fellow citizens of Puerto Rico to be injured. Thankfully none of them died as well, but that does not weaken the consequences and blame that shall be thrust upon the Nation of United States.

There is absolutely no need for the Amiercans to be dropping bombs from the air onto civilized areas. No necesitamos los aviones por encima y la destrucción de nuestras ciudades. Even if the bombs are not being dropped on these places, the Americans know that they have little control as to where the bomb will acutally land so they are taking the risk of killing and injuring people below. Today, when the two US F-18 fighter planes dropped two five hundred pound bombs on my Puerto Rican Town of Vieques, people were hurt yet they continue to practice bombing. Over the years we citizens of Vieques have been bombarded from both US bombing in the air above and in the seas. We are unluckily located between Puerto Rico’s main island and the US Virgin Islands, so the Americans believe that they can walk and drop whatever they want on our homes.

This is not the first time that a deadly bombing has occurred, yet I pray that it will be the last. Many years ago, in 1955, another citizen, a mere thirteen year old boy who live a road down from me, Chuito Legrand, was also killed by an explosion dropped by Americans. Another incident occurred in the 1970’s when a bomb was dropped near a school in Vieques. How are we supposed to feel safe in our nation when we are afraid to send our children to school? The Americans who rule over us say that their goals are to make us a stronger and powerful nation, yet all they do is cause us devastating destruction. These accidents are destroying our beliefs in the American system. If the United State’s pernicious protection is all they have to offer, I would rather them leave and let Puerto Rico be independent. The Americans will realize the mistakes they have made since I will be taking part in a vigil at the Navy Base to protest these incidents.

Along with me, other protestors, mostly fishermen like myself and supporters from both the main island of Puerto Rico and my very own town will gather on the naval base in the hope that we will make a difference and show the US that Puerto Rico, as one, wishes them to leave us to ourselves.. We want the US military to leave our land alone as they have their own vast land in the United States to crater with bombs. Is this just a misunderstanding or a new way of placing fear into the hearts of Puerto Ricans? The first step to gaining our own independence or control is by pushing the US navy all the way back to the shores of Florida and then we will look and begin from there. The process of colonizing is over for the US… now the time for the Puerto Ricans to rise above American virtues and guns has come and we will take back our nation, piece by piece and life by life. Vieques is a strong city and we have been through many other historical struggles; this American difficulty will just be added to the long line struggles from the last five centuries. We have beaten the Spanish, broke through slavery as well as economical exploitation. We can be rid of the people as long as our motto is “navy go home”.

Jose San Marini

(Photo Citation: http://hartford.homestead.com/files/vieques1.jpg)

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