Puerto Rico & U.S.A

Puerto Rico’s status has been an issue since the U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States and that’s why gives its people the right to receive benefit but they cannot vote for the U.S.A President. Puerto Rico is under direct authority of the Congress. Puerto Ricans are U.S.A citizens since 1917. Intellectuals of Puerto Rico strongly support Commonwealth as a way of government for Puerto Rico.

Common wealth and Independency are good and bad effects on Puerto Ricans. Commonwealth allows them a great autonomy. Puerto Ricans are very cultural and have a great pride in their heritage. They believe that Independency has the power to take away their language and national identity. But I believe that Independency is a permanent change and Puerto Ricans would have to live with it forever. If something changes and Puerto Ricans dislike what has happened to their country as a result of statehood, there is no going back. If the Commonwealth continues, Puerto Ricans could protect their identity, language, and culture and still receive financial support and protection from U.S. government.

The U.S. has a great interest in keeping population under the control and long-standing. I believe separating and becoming Independent, Puerto Rico will go to poverty. Business companies are owned of foreign corporations and Puerto Rico is not very rich in natural resources. Tourism from U.S. and other western countries is a big contribution to local income. Puerto Rico remained colonized and still is until this day. I don’t believe its people want to have it any other way. Educated Puerto Ricans realize that they need U.S. support. I supports an opinion of Independency U.S.A holds an authority to include a territory, such as Puerto Rico, into the Union.

Should Puerto Ricans vote in favor of independency? In theory the Congress would be legally obligated to grant it. However, Congress still holds an ultimate judgment of entry into the Union.  I believe Independency will explore new opportunities as well as disadvantages. Pro-independency voters are convinced that by joining the Union, the Federal benefit will increase drastically. The unemployment will fall. Citizens would vote for President as well as local representatives. Puerto Ricans would be eligible for U.S. government benefit programs, such as food stamps and Medicaid. Tax benefits and other economic advantages will arise if Independency is chosen.

Furthermore, cultural and national pride seems as it is at risk. Independency is a permanent decision. To be in the same position as other States, Puerto Rico would have to learn English as a First and Primary language. It would be extremely difficult, since only half of the islands population speaks English. However I liked studying Puerto Rico that is mainly concentrated on issues of independency. In a way it’s even bias relating to the struggle for justice and equality for Puerto Rican people. It gives us an option to search through archives on Commonwealth and Independents.

I think that both the United States and Puerto Rico benefit from their dependents on each other. Puerto Rico needs the financial and military support of the U.S.  Puerto Ricans have an economy which is not developed enough to survive on its own. United States, through Federal Grants, basically carries Puerto Rico on its back. On the other hand, U.S. needs Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico strategic location is an entryway to Caribbean, and eventually America.

However in my understanding the goal is to achieve a common good for all the citizens of the U.S.A and Puerto Rico. Commonwealth is working, but people still cannot vote for the main government officials.  More Federal Aid could be helpful for poor communities of Puerto Rico, but the same statement could be made regarding any black communities in America. Puerto Ricans don't live in a cold country. Warm weather throughout the year does not alter. After studying Puerto Rico I came to the conclusion that even very poor citizens are happy with what they got. By preserving Commonwealth status and creating more programs in education and medicine, U.S. could continue to be a part of Puerto Rico.

          

                                                                                                       Ardiana Xhafa

                                                                                                           U.S.A - 2012