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Requiem for the Puerto Rican Independence Movement
Posted by lastpersonleft on November 21, 2008
Thoughts from a disappointed nationalist…
The results of the 2008 election in Puerto Rico may have officially signaled the demise of the Puerto Rican independence movement. The Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) garnered a mere 2.0% of the vote. It was the worst showing ever for Puerto Rico’s major independence party. In the 13 general elections and 3 political status plebiscites held since 1960, the independence movement has never surpassed the 6% mark and has averaged a pitiful 3.3% in the three elections held this century.
It is obvious that leaders within the independence movement have failed to articulate a coherent, all inclusive message. Too often, the movement remained stagnant and too closely associated with fringe elements of extremism. The 1960’s notion of revolution became dependent on the idea that a modern independence uprising, like the 1868 “Grito de Lares” would materialize. It never did. Attempts to create a national awakening of sorts never took hold. We never came close to a Polish-style Solidarność, a Czech Velvet revolution, nor a Filipino People Power movement. Lolita Lebron never quite achieved Mandela-esque stature. The 1978 police entrapment and murder of two independence activists on El Cerro Maravilla galvanized the movement. Tragically, even their martyrdom failed to become a catalyst for collective action. Only the dispute with the US Navy over the island of Vieques received world wide attention but failed to evolve into a much broader issue of national sovereignty. The “struggle for liberation” became passé and with little momentum, became more a nostalgic novelty than an actual cause.
Sadly, it appears that Puerto Rican independence has become an irrelevant consumer choice; victim of mismanagement, misdirected advertising, and poor marketing strategies. The PIP is not entirely to blame for the current state of the movement. The pro-statehood party (PNP) and pro-commonwealth party (PPD) masterfully instilled unfounded fears about the dire consequences of independence upon the general electorate. For decades, the independence movement failed to counter these tactics. The recent emergence of a “Green Party” on the island may have sealed the fate of the independence movement. Green politics is the new form of expressing electoral non-conformity. The Green Party (PPR) received nearly 14,000 (.8%) more votes than the PIP in 2008.
It may be time to finally realize that Puerto Rican independence may be nothing more than a melancholic dream of years past. After nearly a century and half of efforts against Spain and the United States, it may be time to just simply cede to the inevitable, pack up our things and sadly go home. The question is; Where exactly is home now?
Feel differently? Leave a comment and let’s discuss it!
Phil Velez said
Hello LPL:
I was doing some research on Puerto Rican politics and came across your blog posting. Sad, but sadder to say true. The dream of an independent nation is quite appealing, but history and the current political climate here and in Puerto Rico seems to be heading towards statehood. If indeed becomes a state I hope it can keep its proud cultural identity intact.
Thank you for posting.
Phil,
Boricua (no matter what.)
Pedro De Jesus said
For someone like me, born and raised in Puerto Rico and proud of once wearing its colors in athletic competition it is sad to realize that we have finally fall victims of a well conceived historical campaign of intimidation and degradation that threatens the very fabric of our Puertoricanhood. Every time I returned to PR I return home with a broken heart but a renew sense of purpose. I will be puerto rican till the day I die and then will reincarnate as a Taino Indian seeking a new beginning. Being Puerto Rican is not define by our political status, but by the expression of who we are and who can become. We will always be independent minded people and unique group.
Puerto Ricans never die, they just go to heaven to spice up the Universe.
lastpersonleft said
Love the comment!
I have been rethinking this issue and I will blog on it again.
Thanks for the comment!
LPL
lastpersonleft said
Hey Phil,
Thanks for the comment. Sorry for the delayed response.
although my coments about the independence movement is objective, you know that it really hurts.
I have some doubts that a Puerto Rican US state could adapt to being culturally vigorous while being a state. Although you see some elements of this in Hawai’i and Alaska with their indeginous populations, the reality is that the political force diminishes cultural identity. I have been rethinking this issue and plan to revisit it soon.
Thanks for the comment again and let’s dialogue it!
LPL
Rain said
Statehood is the end of our existence as a people. Sad to say but very true. Look at the indigenous groups in any of the territories conquered after 1783, when the U.S. achieved independence from Great Britain. The mentality of eliminating the natives to give the conquerors a chance to become dominant is a feature of the North American mind. It hasn’t gone anywhere and it will not go anywhere any time soon.
The minute statehood is declared the island is open for a full-on real estate assault. It will be a modern land rush that will crush anyone and anything that stands its way. That includes native culture. This is a country where money truly talks and bullshit can take a hike.
David said
What is crazy, I am working on a thesis this is so far what i have written. Feedbacks would be appreciated it.
I would agree that Puerto Ricans that are living in the states has very little sense of the political status of Puerto Rico; even I have tried to educate those individuals with the general knowledge and history of Puerto Rico, and I am greeted with little or no response as if I arrived from another planet, at the same token we cannot fault those Puerto Ricans, we live in society that there “other priorities” more important. Yet when the weekend of the Puerto Rican parade here in New York, in which was this past weekend it seems as everyone wants to be Puerto Rican with out knowing the struggle.
But once again I still believe that reason(s) that many Puerto Ricans continue to vote against independence is “Fear”. Fear was the key ingredient to the success of Nazi Germany; fear was the key component of post 9/11 to evoke “wars” against Iraq and Afghanistan.
Back in 1937 there was a secret plebiscite that took place in Puerto Rico; Senator Millard Tydings who was a senator of the state of Maryland was an advocate for full independence for Puerto Rico. Mr. Tydings actually had a good structure to develop Puerto Rico, into a developing country then any Latin countries at that time. This plebiscite was orchestrated by Puerto Ricans and United States officials to simply get the vote of the Puerto Rican people to self determined Puerto Rico a sovereignty state or full independence. What was the key component for Puerto Rico to vote against independence was Franklin D. Rosevelt ultimatum to Puerto Rico; if they decided Independence then US would have cut all type of government assistance to the island within months of this vote. Think about it, this was year 1937, Puerto Rico was one of the countries that did not fully recover from the great depression, that year almost 90 percent of the island lived in poverty. The fear to dispatch all type of monetary assistance and Food-Aid, These actions would turn any Puerto Rican to turn down independence even if it means they would have to sacrifice their own culture and way of life just so that they can be fed. Phobia is what drives many Puerto Ricans now to continue to vote against Independence, remember fear trickles down from generation to generation, there is no question that our generations are the carriers of this state of mind. It took a little over a hundred years for slaves in United States to revolt against their masters, during that period slaves were under the consumption of fear. It took individuals like Harriet Tubman to no longer be afraid and take actions against oppression.
You also mention that Puerto Ricans from US do not do anything to help those in the Island, as I stated above I agree with you on that, but that is not a statement you can use for all. I personally with out giving much information about my identity work for one of the labor unions that were part of the march against the lay-offs of 30,000 federal workers in Puerto Rico so in a way with out giving much info about me, I have a hands on approach on certain issues in PR. You have to realize that in the US, Puerto Ricans living in the states are as equal as those in the Island and vice versa, US does not categorize those separately. The similar approach that US agencies are the same in both sides, when the population of Puerto Rican in NYC increased; Government agencies built low income buildings aka Projects, same plan that the USDA(United States Department of Agriculture) had for Puerto Rico in the late 1970’s in which we call them “Los Caserios”,.
History repeats itself.
For those who support statehood take at a few quick notes or patterns, I know that many who do not support statehood main concern is the declined of our Latin culture in Puerto Rico and let’s take a look at the last recent example. in 1893 John L. Stevens lead a committee to overthrow the Hawaiian government, in that time 90% percent of the population were indigenous Hawaiian, in 1898 the percentage fell too 80%. In 1959, when Hawaii was allowed into the union by then the population of indigenous Hawaiians fell to an outstanding 50% Side note: Hawaiians are not allowed to play Hawaii national anthem, nor raised its national flag any where. The congress usually ensure that any territory joining the union is 2/3 “American”. In 1993, by then new president elect Bill Clinton had a letter read to the congress apologizing to the native Hawaiians of an illegal takeover by US. Check link. (http://www.hawaii-nation.org/congrec-house.html) what is very intriguing number is that by 1993, Hawaii had only 30% indigenous Hawaiians, and 35% white Americans. If that is not a warning of what can happen in Puerto Rico just ask Native Hawaiians about their history in last 100 years. Or better yet for those who still argue that the decline of our culture won’t happen if become statehood, research Native Americans in modern United States. Those numbers would indicate that a decline in our culture is inevitable.
Let’s examine common wealth the impact that can have on Puerto Rico on the long run, and what impact it had thru out history, the other status most Puerto Ricans support. Puerto Rico continues to support commonwealth, however let’s look at certain examples how United States has used for its benefits. More or less united States are able to control most government policy that Puerto Rico has. It can be foreign policies, etc. but as you can see history has showed what United States main purpose has been with Puerto Rico, its definitely not one of progression, but one of experimental and deceive. As some you might know or not, 1931: Dr. Cornelius Rhoads, a pathologist, conducted a cancer experiment in Puerto Rico under the auspices of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Investigations. Dr. Rhoads has been accused of purposely infecting his Puerto Rican subjects with cancer cells. Thirteen of the subjects died. A Puerto Rican physician uncovered the experiment an investigation covered-up the facts. Despite Rhoads’ hand written statements that the Puerto Rican population should be eradicated, Rhoads went on to establish U.S. Army Biological Warfare facilities in Maryland, Utah, and Panama, and was later named to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Rhoads was also responsible for the radiation experiments on prisoners, hospital patients, and soldiers. The American Association for Cancer Research honored him by naming its exemplary scientist award the Cornelius Rhoads Award, if you think is conspiracy I am holding a copy of 1949 TIME magazine with DR.Rhoads on the cover when he conducted an interview in which he was quoted “The Porto Ricans (sic) are the dirtiest, laziest, most degenerate and thievish race of men ever to inhabit this sphere… I have done my best to further the process of extermination by killing off eight and transplanting cancer into several more… All physicians take delight in the abuse and torture of the unfortunate subjects”.Who is not to say that this cannot happen again, in fact I can point out that history has showed the United States continues to support such behaviors on the island using Puerto Ricans as subjects, let’s take another example. With out giving much explanation, as many should know that Puerto Rican women were subjects of sterilization thru out the 1950’s and 1970’s, in fact such grotest actions were documented by pbs.org the name of the documentary “The Pill”.. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/pill/peopleevents/e_puertorico.html.. y el otro documentario es .. http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC29folder/AnaMariaGarciaInt.html..
You also mention that America has changed their ways due to having a black president, and now a Puerto Rican judge, however funny thing that happened when Sonia Sotomayor was appointed, weeks following her nominee. National geographic had a show called “Gangland:Puerto Rico” basically showing how dangerous Puerto Rico has turned out to be, then the USDA released numbers from 2003 Nutrition Assistance, showing that Puerto Ricans are the 2nd beneficiaries of welfare at a staggering 6%. After an independista condemned those numbers, USDA (United States Dept. of Agriculture) pull the numbers down from their website, however the number remained on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrition_Assistance_for_Puerto_Rico……. Then the travel channel website had an advisory warning on 06/12/2009 when it came to traveling to Puerto Rico, that PR homicide rate is doubled that of NYC rate is, it was the first time in 3 years travel channel do such thing. Is that coincidence or what? Also the history channel is working on a documentary based on the book..Pay to the Order of Puerto Rico: The Cost of Dependence… if you do not know about this book here is what the summary is…”Current policy toward Puerto Rico is costing each American taxpayer $400 a year-a total of $22 billion. This book gives the scandalous history behind one of America’s biggest and most expensive tax shelters, the “commonwealth” of Puerto Rico. The authors share the shocking truth about how the American taxpayer is footing a bill for antiquated policy toward this island. Puerto Rican businessman Alexander Odishelidze shares a revealing story of how bad policy is wasting taxpayer dollars and destabilizing the people and region of Puerto Rico, while renowned conservative economist Arthur Laffer bolsters the claims with his undeniable facts and figures. Together they build a convincing case that Puerto Rico must dispense with the chimera of commonwealth and become an independent nation or the 51st state of the United States of America”.
United States is a very diverse society at the same token is a culture who is less receptive to changes; you can find more forums online in the headlines “sotomayor is a racist” the one of “Puerto Rican Progression”. I can go on and on and on and on, at the end I only want Puerto Rico to be given the legal right of self determination, but same token awareness of such information must be distributed for one self understanding of the on goings of Puerto Rico.
Like one of the points I stated one of the biggest labor unions in the United States is oppose Gov Luis Fortuños’ plan to get Puerto Rico out of debt, and many newspapers in America covered the march that occurred few weeks ago. And the chair-woman of Change to win organization condemning that Mr. Fortuño government is only for the rich and wealthy, not the poor working families in Puerto Rico.
For those who support statehood, as I stated before there is no question that Puerto Rico becoming a state would bring another level of racial tension amongst Puerto Ricans and “White-Americans”, who is not to say that some white supremacist boards a plane to Puerto Rico for “vacation”, and dispenses shots in a child care center just because they think Puerto Ricans are taken their jobs. Or some radical terrorist who is an “American citizen” decides to make Puerto Rico a target.
David said
I almost forgot about this one….by the way, NY times has an article regarding corruption and it list the states by 1 been the most corrupted and so forth, and Puerto Rico was listed 11th out of 52 entries including 50 states, Pr, and DC. Do some research on that, like i said when the media throws those number now u can understand why america does not embrace the idea of PR been 51st state. This is why we should as Puerto Ricans learn more about our history and work out a plan that event that congress continues to reject puerto ricos self determination.
Rain said
The Palestinians understand that there is no people without an independent soil under its feet.
Over the weekend, while discussing this issue with friends, we agreed that the best scenario for Puerto Rico existed in the few years just before the American invasion. At that time, Puerto Rico had achieved representation in the Spanish Cortes and had the right to manage its internal and foreign affairs. That hasn’t existed since.
We speculated if maybe, just maybe, a devolution of island back to the King of Spain might work.
Think about it. That’s where the main roots of culture came from. That is the nationality that our great-grandparents were born under. It is not a foreign culture but our mother culture. And it has the added financial benefits of giving Puerto Rico instant inclusion in the European Union which is now the world’s largest economy (yes, it’s true, they surpassed the United States last year).
lastpersonleft said
Rain and David,
Great points on both your parts.
The reincorporation to the Spanish Crown is an interesting notion. PR as a member of the European Union? Pretty much out there I must admit. It would be nice seeing Puerto Rico a la Iceland… not a true member but free trade partner. The notion of reverting back to the Spanish Crown was attempted by the Donminican Republic in 1861 but it did not last long.
Here is a question I like posing to those who like pondering the status of Puerto Rico.
Where would Puerto Rico be as a nation (Which nation would it most resemble)had it become a republic like Cuba in 1902? What if the island became independent in 1946?(like the Philippines)I appreciate your contributions to the thread!!!
LPL
Rain said
I don’t think it’s out there, the notion of P.R. as another of Spain’s autonomous regions. It is precisely what we enjoyed for the three years prior to the American landing at Guánica. Full-fledged participation within the E.U. this time around almost guarantees economic stability.
Martinique and Gaudelope, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, the Netherlands Antilles, and the British Caribbean Islands are already there. They are all beneficiaries of the E.U.’s phenomenal economic might without the devastating risk of losing their cultures and languages. Why? Because they are bound to the E.U. by their colonial mother countries.
True that the Netherlands Antilles was slated to be disbanded last year. But it wasn’t. And that too poses an interesting scenario. If Puerto Rico becomes a state, it will remain so forever. The Civil War settled the question of secession. The E.U. could conceivably allow Puerto Rico’s exit from a putative Spanish union (with or without retention of E.U. membership).
But again this was speculation over dinner before going out on a Saturday night. Regardless, this scenario was infinitely more attractive to everyone at that table than being swallowed whole by the U.S.
As for what would Puerto Rico be today had independence been achieved years ago, this is the stunning reality:
Had that happened, we wouldn’t be contemplating a people divided in half on two cultural continents. One group with little chance of achieving the dignity of taking its place among the brotherhood of nations and the other with little hope of taking its place among the brotherhood of man.
Rain said
I need to be totally clear, before I continue to contribute to this forum.
I was raised an independentista since before I could speak. The white-crossed Lares flag hung in my father’s house. I was taught that to even contemplate statehood was treason and an insult to all my ancestors. Despite all this, I was also taught to respect and honor the U.S., not as my country but fellow American neighbor, the way I respect and honor the Cuban people while having reservations on its political system.
Still, statehood to someone like me remains the equivalent of genocide. I know the history of my people. And I know the acts of the invaders. I was taught about the massacre in Ponce, the devastation of our land, and the constant covert war against those who wished to see our people free.
None of these things are lost on me.
El exilio económico obligado de la mitad de mi gente todavía pesa en mi conciencia y mi corazón. Por eso, y por mucho más, nunca podré aceptar una dominación americana perpetua y no endiendo por qué mi gente está dispuesta a ello.
Si sucediera, un niño nacido en Puerto Rico cien años en el futuro hablará de nosotros como nosotros hablamos de los Taínos, pero en inglés.
lastpersonleft said
Rain,
Again, your comments are thought provoking indeed. I enjoyed the background information you provided and found it to be not too disimilar to my own upbringing. I have always considered myself a nationalist.
Your assessment of the other Caribbean nations and their relationship to the old continent is accurate. I feel somewhat reserved on the European link in that… wouldn’t reverting to the Spanish crown just be substituting one colonial power for another?
I envision Puerto Rico as an independent nation more like the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere. Geography alone would be the biggest advantage. Being virtually equidistant from both North and South America, Puerto Rico would be a prime location for foreign manufacturers. At times, I just wonder what if?
Thanks for the input… I look forward for more of your astute commentary.
LPL
David said
Good background Rain,
To give a brief look at my background and how I came about supporting the independence, I was born In Bayamon(El Pueblo de los chicharrones),PR. Even at the age of 6 I was a supporter of the independence, while my family was PPD, mostly my mother. My mother was the reason why we came to the US. My mother was a successful sales/distributor for the company Bayamon candy, and Alloite.We were as they would consider back then “Middle Class Working Family”. Back in the mid to late 80′s, my mother wrote letters to government officials to inquire if there was some type of program for children with disability. My older brother had learning disability, he was not physically impaired or anything just simply had trouble reading and writing.At that time PR did not have such programs, they just simply would put him in a class with other children of physical disability, in which my mother disapprove because it would digress his progression. So my mother decided enough is enough, her distaste for corrupted politicians prompted her to leave the Island.
Coming to the US was a rude awaking for me, even at young age I notice that something just didn’t seem right. From the outset we were labeled “Poor Minorities”, something in which bugled my mind, I thought that moving to the US would have been a progressive move. From been surrounded by palm trees, fresh air, and a sense of deep rooted culture it descended to broke down buildings, drug infested communities, and people who had no sense of reality because people in the US simple accepted what was given to them.
To fast forward, and sorry I don’t mean to tell a life story.From the young age to my teen years, I personally felt something just didn’t seem right, however I was becoming Americanized, but all that changed. My first sense of movement and support towards Independence came at the most unusual way, when I was a teenager back in high school sometime in the mid 90′s, an American white teacher mentioned to me Ernesto “El Che” Guevara. Mind you this was way before his image was used for fashion fad and pop culture, I did some homework on El Che. Once I graduated, I embarked on a mission to learn more about El Che, and crazy how things is just by him it linked me to Puerto Rican Independence movement.
Once I had a sense of the movement, I put all pieces together one person lead to another and I was able to linked and trace back the movement to people like Simon Bolivar, Francisco Morazan, and then it linked to two of the individuals I admire the most Juan Pablo Duarte, and of course the individual who I admired the most when it comes to the Puerto Rican independence movement is non other then Ramon Emeterio Bentances.
I can go on and break it down, but I wont do that at this time, I just want to share where my origins come from.
David said
I also want to touch on what rain said in regards to go back to the “crown”, it is interesting to say the least, but I cannot see Puerto Ricans doing such move. You have to understand is that Spain is going through, what US is going through with PR. There is the Basque region of Spain is populated by millions of Basquonians who are also fighting to obtain self determination from Spain. I don’t think at this point Spain would be receptive to such idea even though to entertain the idea a bit. I think strategically to Spain would have benefited more with PR becoming a colony once again, and vice versa, then US would benefit from PR and vice versa.
I think Spain would have wet their pants on just on that notion, because Spain would have been more willing to turn PR into that missing bridge to latin american and its roots. I believe that Puerto Rico would have been what Hong Kong is to china.
But the truth of the matter is that once again, most of our neighbors in Latin America would not be to fond of that. It would be a slap to Simon Bolivar and Ramon Bentances Graves.
Rain said
One of the things that we should not overlook is the sea-change between Spain and its former empire.
But before I even get into that discussion we have to understand one thing:
Puerto Rico’s (and Cuba’s) petition to the Cortes in the 19th century for full representation was a radical move for autonomy. This was something that Spain eventually granted to all the regions within peninsular Spain after Francisco Franco’s death in the 1970s, but it ONLY granted to Puerto Rico nearly a hundred years earlier.
Our second point last Saturday was this:
Under the present situation, P.R. has no representation in the U.S. Congress and it would never get it without losing its soul. Moreover, even if it did become a state, it wouldn’t have the right to oversee its own foreign policy. This is crucial in regards to our other sister republics in Latin America. The U.S. has a legacy interference and outright control over the affairs of Latin American countries. Do we really want a future Puerto Rico directly involved in the political and economic subjugation of our brothers and sisters in the region?
Now, the relationship between Spain and it’s former colonies is not one of political and economic bullying, but one of trying to understand the past and strengthening bonds for the present and the future.
A devolution back to the Crown would not only mean a full and equal status for Puerto Rico within the Spanish system, but Puerto Rican control over our taxes, our economic policy, our foreign policy, and all internal matters with the bonus of representation not only in the Cortes in Madrid, but in the EU Parliament as well.
As for our neighbors not being fond of Puerto Rico’s regaining Spanish citizenship (effectively once again giving meaning to its national “escudo”), I would think that NAFTA and Ecuador’s adoption of the dollar as its currency (not to mention Guantanamo and Roosevelt Roads) would be of greater concern.
If anything, P.R.’s role would be enhanced as a bridge to Europe and the E.U. as well as a three-way exchange point between Latin America, the E.U. and the U.S.
These were the speculations. But keep in mind that it was only speculation borne out of the frustration over the lack of movement and progress in the pro-independence arena.
Rain said
Oh, David, two quick points…
You admire Juan Pablo Duarte and Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances. One is the father of Dominican independence, the other, was half Dominican (on his father’s side). I admire Eugenio María de Hostos and Betances. Hostos was the founder of the Dominican educational system and his remains still rest in the Dominican Republic, despite Puerto Rico’s petitions that they be returned to his native homeland. The Dominican Republic has refused citing Hostos’ wish that his remains should only be moved when Puerto Rico is finally free.
My second point:
We did discuss the Hong Kong situation and the paralells with Puerto Rico returning to Spain. We speculated that Puerto Rico achieving a Hong Kong-like status could be achieved via a reunion with Spain, but never within an American framework.
David said
Rain,
Yea I have heard about those stories, and the reason I admire and use those individuals such as Duarte, Bentances, and even Hostos. They understood the autonomy of human beings, and understood even at that time the importance of having freedom, and your own determination.
I am Puerto Rican, but I take such admiration for Juan Pablo Duarte because he was able to achieve that independence from an overseas country, even though in New Hispaniola still continued resistance against Haiti years after Duarte declared independence. Just the fact what he stood for made it a reality.
bring some good points with this Spain idea, Spain has a MAJOR influence in our culture even till this day. US influence in our culture is very minimal.
Is just for me wanting self determination then going to becoming part of another country, just for me it defeat the purpose of “Liberation”, but definitely interesting. This is first time that I come across this forum unsure what were other topics discuss, but if you search Puerto Rico Independence, there are countless forums touching the issue.
What is very alarming to me, and I am going to say with all my honesty. Most of the Puerto Ricans pro-statehood don’t seem to have that urgency or pride in been Puerto Rican. Is crazy that when you mention Hostos, in my workplace we had a discussion how many of men and women that supported independence are honored through out the island via Holidays, street names, school, etc. Yet the fabric of their ideas are not followed.
I want to ask a question to someone who is residing in Puerto Rico.
Rain said
Well, David, you have to put this in the context that it was being debated that night.
First of all, we all agreed that the idea of full independence is a terrifying prospect for our people. We whittled down the reasons to 1. economics, 2. fear (economic based fear), 3. years of propaganda by the U.S. (a relic of the Cold War), 4. no experience with actually ruling ourselves.
That last part is important. Puerto Rico has never been free. It is debatable that it was free even before the advent of the Spaniards, as many of the cacicazgos in Borikén have been reported to have been vassals of the larger and more influential ones in Kiskeya (Hispaniola).
As for Hostos, few Puerto Ricans really know what the man stood for. They have an idea that he was somehow important but don’t know why.
Hostos established the Dominican educational system after years of turmoil and political instability had decimated what had been the very first educational institution in the New World. He created the school to train new teachers (La Normal). He wrote an excellent piece on education and statehood in the Dominican Republic (El Propósito de la Normal). I have heard Dominicans speak eloquently of the ¨sueño Hostosiano¨ but few Puerto Ricans and fewer Cubans know or care (despite the fact that it influenced José Martí´s political views).
Simply put, Hostos envisioned a federation of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as a federated republic. It was a dream that the United States was not about to let anyone fulfill.
The idea of devolution to the Spanish Crown came about as a way to placate those fears I mentioned above and give assurance that our culture would be safeguarded, not by the empty promises of a hostile country, but by the re-enforcement of our country by way of the Madre Patria. Let’s face it, we were looking for a counter-force to the U.S. We all know that the ideal would be independence.
Rain said
Oh and let’s not forget, most Puerto Ricans will not hesitate to give you the laundry list of ancestors who came from Spain.
Even my dad, as pro-independence as he was, was very proud of his ancestors from Extremadura and Andalucia and my mom of her ancestors from Galicia (even though in her case, it is really comical because she is considerably darker than my father but she never mentions any African heritage at all).
We’ve all heard the stories:
“Mi bísabuelo era Español y tenía el pelo rubio y los ojos azules”…blah, blah, blah.
We are still inordinately proud of our Spanish blood.
lastpersonleft said
Rain & David,
The historical context that both of you have placed “our current situation” in is extremely informative. You are both true scholars and I appreciate the exciting responses to the thread. I am actually considering starting a whole new blog just for this issue alone. Would you like to be contributors. Through an “Independence blog” we can expand the debate. What do you think?
Secondly, here is a question I pose to both of you. How do you think an independent Puerto Rico would have fared in the age of globalization and regional free trade agreements?
again, your input is great!
David said
Of course I will want to be a contributor, I was going to reply to Rains’ last posting but notify me when the other blog is open. Even though I am not a big fan of the blogging, but just researching more and more about what people thing for the independence I just feel the sense that i need to spread what I know.
thank you.
lastpersonleft said
David and Rain.
The blog has been created.
Check it out at http://puertoricolibredebate.wordpress.com.
Nothing has been posted. Check out the “Become one of our contributing writers” section on the right side of the blog.
Let me know what you think… Suggestions for improvement are very much encouraged.
Want to be the first to post? Go for it!
Hernan
Rain said
Very interesting. This could have the potential to generate more debate even outside of the blogosphere.
I do have one very crucial suggestion:
Posts should have a certain amount of Spanish translation or synopsis. After all, if we are that passionate about saving our culture the very first place to start is by using our language.
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