Will Puerto Ricans say, “No More!” in 2012?

The United States (US) Government’s interest after the creation of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (PR) in 1952 was to make it appear that it was the model to be followed in the Caribbean and South America.  That’s why there were rapid improvements in PR in the years that followed.

A big part of the reason for this about face was the October 30, 1950 Puerto Rican Nationalist Uprising and the criticism the US got for still having PR (54 years at that time) as a colony.

After the 60^th anniversary of the Common Wealth of Puerto Rico, Professor Julio Muriente Pérez gives readers in the attached article an accurate picture of the current situation on the “Island of Enchantment”.  The name fits perfectly from the US government’s perspective.  But for the nearly 4 million Puerto Ricans living on the island, we call it “La Isla del Espanto” (The Frightful Island)! Read Muriente's article on the Spanish version of this blog directly before this one.

·         200,000 people are unemployed

·         20% of the richest have 55% of the island’s income (average income $79,000)

·         20% of the poorest residents have an average income of $2,455

·         A million Puerto Ricans have left the island in the past 20 years (there are more Puerto Ricans living outside the island, than on)

The politicians are, of course, in the top 20%.  Do you think they will do anything to change the status quo for the 80% who suffer?  They have not done so in 60 years, so why should they begin now?

In desperation, people are eager to believe anyone who promises them a way out of their misery.  That’s how these politicians continue to win elections over and over again.  When will Puerto Ricans realize that they are being lied to!  Colonies are for exploitation, and that is what we will get as long as we continue being a colony.

What’s the answer?

Don’t vote in the Puerto Rico election if the government will work to only benefit the top 20% of the Puerto Ricans!  Furthermore, why vote in a colony if your vote doesn’t mean better conditions for the 80% majority of the Puerto Rican.  Why vote and give the impression to the world that we live in a democracy when we don’t.  Why don’t we rather call attention to our situation by boycotting the PR elections in 2012!

We could then begin a decolonization process with the United Nations.  After all, that’s one of the reasons why it exists!

We hope to see you all there at the UN this June!