THE POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. IS THE ISSUE
Eduardo Bhatia
John Weinberg/ Goldman Sachs & Co. Visiting Professor in Public and International Affairs at Princeton University
One of the strongest national symbols in the world was exalted yesterday with the anniversary of the 4th of July, which commemorates the birth of the United States as a nation, 248 years ago. That nation, of which we have been a part, for better or for worse, since 1898, today faces institutional challenges never seen before.
The problem, for many of those who live in Puerto Rico, including some members of the island's Popular Democratic Party, and recently Juan Dalmau and the Citizen Victory Movement joining that chorus, is to crow that the "political status" is not in issue. However, everything that will frame the social, political and economic future of our people in the short and long term is tied precisely to what is happening in the United States.
Let's start with the recent presidential debate, which has left an indelible mark on the public perception of Joe Biden. Despite his vast experience and knowledge, the American president demonstrated before the cameras a lack of energy and clarity that surprised many.
Biden is a good leader and he has been a great president. However, a worrying signal has been raised about his ability to face future challenges and a very important conversation has been sparked. Who is the president of the United States today matters more than ever for Puerto Ricans, even if we just watch from the stands, comment and that is it.
On the other hand, in an equally alarming twist, the US Supreme Court has granted immunity to former President Donald Trump, in a decision that has left the nation perplexed and divided. Such immunity seems to be a mockery of the judicial system and a dangerous concession to impunity.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Trump, who has faced multiple accusations and controversies, now enjoys a protection that many consider unfair and politically motivated. This precedent erodes trust in justice and reinforces the perception that the law is not equal for everyone. Similarly, in Puerto Rico we watched it from the stands, commented and that was it.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, China's military entry into Cuba adds another layer of complexity to the already tense global geopolitics. This strategic move not only represents a direct threat to the security of the Western Hemisphere, but also a challenge to the influence of the United States in the Caribbean region. Again, here we watch it from the stands, comment and that is it.
In the midst of this international whirlwind, Puerto Rico is facing its own existential crises. The need and dependence on federal funds is so deep that the island has become, for some, an economic parasite. This chronic dependence undermines the dignity and autonomy of Puerto Ricans, who, instead of being seen as citizens with full rights, are perceived as a burden on the federal system.
The combination of the aforementioned factors – a weakened national leadership, a questioned judicial system, foreign military threats and a paralyzing economic dependence - makes these issues that are discussed in Washington, DC precisely an urgent priority for everyone in Puerto Rico.
What I express here is an invitation to stop saying the nonsense that the the "political status" is not in issue. It is an exhortation to open our eyes and realize that for Puerto Rico the big issue is precisely the status of its relationship with the United States.
We have to get out of the stands and in one way or another participate in the design of that future. While it is imperative that the island looks for ways to strengthen its economy, reduce its dependence and reclaim its dignity as a vibrant and self-sufficient community, we must also participate in decision-making to strengthen our democracy.
Staying as mere spectators while Troy burns is not an option. The design, the manner and the form of how to do it is, of course, a matter of urgent debate. There is no need to be afraid. The status of the Puerto Rico / U.S. relationship is the issue.
Global Communications at Self
5moIt is not “at issue” and the header writer might have used Spanish: El estatus sí está en cuestión. Or: El estatus, duro hueso de roer. Better: El estatus, asunto aburrido e inútil. I lived in San Juan 2x, did academic work at UPR, had excellent professors. But nothing was more tiresome than discussing “status” with a Puerto Rican. A colonial arrangement? Who cares? It is certainly true that “free association” and “commonwealth” are fictions, Congress has plenary powers over PR, USVI, Guam and all the others. Cf. the Territories Clause of the Constitution. If people in PR don’t like their American citizenship, they can renounce it. Puerto Rico and all the other dependent territories will never be states. They can live w their “colonial” status or declare independence. Puerto Rican independence will sail through Congress. The author is a former PR politician who apparently now works for an investment bank that shills for China, and disgracefully bought bonds from the Maduro regime.
Director/Teacher at Explore Idiomas
6moPuerto Rico has been a COLONY for over 100 years and if it remains up to the USA and the polítical leaders elected in Puerto Rico it will continue to be a COLONY for at least another 500 years.
Senior Sales Executive @ Oracle | Customer Success Services
6moNegotiating any relationship from weakness is a terrible way to negotiate. It doesn’t matter what kind of relationship it is. You are subject to the whims of the partner for better or worse. Puerto Rico needs to put its economic house in order and build a strong economy that enables it to decide and negotiate its future not by begging at any table but bringing value. Status is an issue and a permanent relationship with the United States, even with the political struggle that has emerged with the rise of trumpism, is what most Puerto Ricans, including myself, want. We need to fix the economy and build a foundation for growth. Puerto Rico has so many advantages that we don’t take full advantage. It’s mind boggling to me that it took until recently for Puerto Rico to grow past its peak number of hotel rooms in the 90’s! Let’s build again! Let’s grow and stop just surviving!
CPA Edgardo L Ruiz Melendez at CPA Edgardo L Ruiz Melendez
6moSr Bhatia claro que el estatus en un gran “issue” en PR lo que sucede es que hay que tratarlo con seriedad y respeto al pueblo de PR no traer el asumto por los pelos para atraer vitantes afines a un partido político. Un evento que sera inconsecuente porque no tiene el aval del congreso de USa que a fin de xuentas es quien tiene la última palabra. Hay que ser responsable con el pueblo. Lo que sucede es que uatwd eata herido con el partido que tanto le dio y que ahora lo quiere hundir. Poco seria sus palabras.