PR Statehood, Independence, or Commonwealth?

[L_F_Miranda]

After going through the postings on this thread I'm still amazed at the discussions we are still having.

It's 1970 all over again!

Guys and gals, PLEASE, we have entered into a world with NEW PARADIGAMS.

New Para---- what?

New PARADIGAMS? New Examples or models.

Without getting too complicated and keeping it simple, the course of History is affected by historical tsunamis or earthquakes. These change the course of nations. Empires are created, in the case of the U.S. re-juvenated and given an impulse, and in the case of others, the evil,empire, demise.

We can take 1989 as a starting point, we were all very much alive then, therefore it's not ancient history. Precisely in November 1989 the 20th century ended and thus began the new American Empire and the New Century.

And what does this have to do with Puerto Rico? To many Nothing.

To smart, on the ball Ricans like Ruben, and maybe those who guide the New Empire, PLENTY.

New ways of looking at the world began to take hold after 1989. New political interests were born, old interests began to die, or were diverted to new areas.

Rican History in a thum-nail.

American control of Puerto Rico was born in or about 1898, when the Cuban Spanish American war created New Paradigams for the U.S. at that time. The U.S victory hatched the first American world empire. The empire of the Phillippines, Puerto Rico the Cuban protectorite was born. The formal annexation of Hawaii was achieved. These last islands were immediately set on a course towards Statehood because they were granted INCORPORATION! MMMMMMM, Why not Puerto Rico?

Because Gringos are not dumb! Washington was quickly able to populate the Hawaiian islands with mainland Gringos, and later opened up the doors to conservative Asian immigrants who wanted to ASSIMILATE. This assured the political and CULTURAL control of the islands, thus marginalizing the native population to tropical reservations. The Gringos tried assimilation with Puerto Rico but failed. By the 1930's they gave up. We refused cultural/linguistic ASSIMILATION Hawaiian style. In the 20's and 30's we were even flirting with independence.

As the menace of Communism grew after World war II, our strategic importance grew. We became indispensible to American defense in the Caribbean. The Cuban revolution had the effect of tightenting U.S. hold on the island and making sure Independence would never be an option.

As the Cuban revolution stalled and sank into failure by 1990, followed by the collapse of the Evil Empire, it left the U.S as the ONLY EMPIRE ON THE PLANET! The New empire was born SECURE within the hemisphere, thus giving birth to NEW POLITICAL PARADIGAMS for Puerto Rico.

Statehood, once an option of the Navy/Pentagon axis quickly lost favor in Washington. If the abandonment Of Vieques and the closing of the most powerful off shore base in the U.S., Roosevelt Roads , didn't tell us something, then we Puerto Ricans are really STUPID!

THEY ARE GRADUALLY LEAVING US TO FEND FOR OURSELVES! However 107 years of colonialism DIE HARD.

September 11 2001 finally put the nail on the coffin of Statehood. But WAIT, we still had American Citizenship, we still had one extra nail in our hands.

That is why the PNP is in a bind. It knows that Statehood, as an option is quickly dying, and WE MUST let Gringos know that we want to be part of them soon, because TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

To the horror of Statehooders, of the Jibaro Statehood kind, 9-11 saw the revival of American Nationalism. It was a revival of the same hidden nationislism the Liberals had succesfully identified with red necks, the klan and weirdos back in the 50's. Now it was chic to be an American Nationalist, fly the flag and act Hill Billy and be stupid. Fox News, Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly and the Cuban exile community were now respectable.

On the other hand Puerto Rican nationlism also grew, but not a political nationalism, a cultural one. We had J-Lo in concert wrapping herself in the Puerto Rican flag. We were appalled when Madonna wrapped the flag around her privates, we raised Papa Yankee and his ragaetton group to national icons. To the horror of gringos tourists visting the island after 9-11 we didn't fly Old glory or wanted to speak English. WE WERE ONCE AGAIN PROUD OF OUR CULTURAL NATION, even though it was now highly influenced by a Nuyorican flavor. LOL

However, because we are a people who don't read, we refuse acknowledge that the world indeed has changed. We still belive in multiculturalism and the 1970's concept of the U.S as a nation of nations. We stiill believe gringos are fair, good, and have no interests other than democracy and freedom. Most of us still believe that it all amounts to voting for the right alternative and PRESTO! Gringos will let us into the fold, Spanish language, Puerto Rican culture and all.

WAIT , ALL IS NOT LOST!

We've now come in with another shtick, THE HISPANIC RENNAISSANCE, Like if other Hispanics care a hoot about us and won't assimilate linguistically. In fact immigrant Hispanics are quickly becoming the new Neo conservatives. Once they are able to move out of the ghetto, its good-bye to Black-Rican brotherhood and hello Cubanos.

HOWEVER, going back to status options...........and above all STATEHOOD...

We never discuss here "why Gringos will accept us as the 51st State? Is it because We are convinced in Gringo fair play, like if Empires didn't have INTERESTS.

QUESTIONS:

When are we going to DROP these silly discussions about Statehood or any other status option? What we should be discussing is , HOW IS PUERTO RICO IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE NEW PARADIGAMS OF THE NEW CENTURY?

HOW IS STATEHOOD GOOD FOR THEM? If we can't come up with any thing viable, then its time we drop Statehod and adopt a new strategy.

I am torn, because I acknowledge this is true, but deep down I don't want to believe it is and wonder if -- given that everything you said is true and I see it clearly -- there is another way.

I just know independence in this day in time won't be the utopia that nationalists believe it will. Not with the "conquer the world or die tryin'" mentality the empires have nowadays. That would make PR only the more vulnerable to Communism and dictators rising up... which would lead to what? The obligatory US invasion to break it up (ala Vietnam, Iraq, etc..) and then what? It's 1898 all over again.

Best to assimilate where necessary and keep your culture in your hearts! Assimilation doesn't mean giving up one's identity. It means "A MEJORAR LA RAZA" THE RIGHT WAY, not the way these idiots do nowadays - by marrying gringos -- which will lead to VOILA! -- THE VERY THING SO MANY (who are for independence) ARE WORRIED ABOUT -- LOSING THEIR IDENTITY! Because it does happen to those who marry "up" (as if?)

It seems we have the mentality that the grass is greener on the other side, which it only leads to bondage and our losing what we currently take for granted. Independence is not what it is cracked up to be. Look at the majority of Africa, or DR or Haiti, Cuba, most of Central/Northern South America and see if you really believe that. Even countries where Communism and dictatorships were toppled realized that it was best to conform to the US' ways where necessary. Does this foolish pride that many speak about having prevent us from seeing that PR is no different in needing to do so???

[RPR]

Make no mistake about it,we will become the 51st state shortly.

1.Some say the poverty rates scare the republicans-

Yet,Hawaii had very high povery rates and that quickly was changed when it became a state.The same will hold true for our island.

2.Some say that the language issue will scare away republicans-

All I have to say is: Miami! Heavily republican leaning to boot.

Some say our culture will disappear-

Again lets look at Miami or Houston.Our culture will not be erased.In fact,our Hispanic culture has become the en vogue in most circles.Look at the reggaeton explosion.Corporate America was stumbling over each other to sign acts like Daddy Yankee or Tego Calderon.

A guy with a name like Tego Calderon has his own label with distributions throughout North America.White teens are now jamming to songs with lyrics like "Gasolina".

Who would've thunk it!



Politically:

L.A. elected its first Latino mayor due to a coalition of blacks,progressive whites and not just Latinos.New York could be next.

2. Alberto Gonzales could be the next in line for supreme court justice


Sciences:

Nasa employs a vast majority of our Puerto Rican scientists and engineers.A little known fact about our contributions to Man's quest into outer space.

[L_F_Miranda]

Delgado:

I never expected you or anyone to accept my ideas face value. However due to the fact that we haven't come up with something new, what can I say?

That is why I left my previous post open. Can anyone here come up with Statehood as an alternative that will be within the best interests of the United States? If so, please let us know.

Independence, the 19th century version of "Quinque, carreta de bueyes, and danza variety", is also dead. Despite being in the minds of some independentistas, this kind of independence is a dead horse. Just ask Suki. The pictures she sent me in her post only proves that Independentistas have come a long way. LOL

In fact, even Ruben and the independence party have realized that independence has to change and adjust with the times. Nonetheless I believe that we have to go through a period of independence or sovereignty, to put our house together and THEN , not before, begin to join the economic associations that will be forming in this new century. That is what I call learning to swim with the sharks.

About your fear of being taken over by Communists or another evil empire du jour is an exageration with a basis in the Cold War. It's also the product of watching too many Hollywood movies.

In addition, a Cuban style revolution in the Caribbean basin is dead for the time being. You might point to Venezuela as an example that Communism is alive and well. However Hugo Chavez, with all his Latin Macho style government, is NOT initiating A COMMUNIST SOCIAL REVOLUTION. Just ask Eddier.

Venezuela is going through much needed REFORMS. If bringing doctors and education to slum dwellers a crime, then what can I say?

A trip to Caracas will attest that the shopping malls are having a bonanza of late Summer sales and Venezuelan hi-ways are clogged with traffic. Venezuelans are still going to Disneyworld and their Miss Universe ethic is alive and well among the wealthier classes. There is no mass exodus of Venezuelans to Miami, maybe one or two. Caracas TV is churning out "Novelas" like there is no end in sight. Is this a massive Revolution? At least not in my book.

[L_F_Miranda]

[quote=L_F_Miranda]After going through the postings on this thread I'm still amazed at the discussions we are still having.

It's 1970 all over again!

Guys and gals, PLEASE, we have entered into a world with NEW PARADIGAMS.

New Para---- what?

New PARADIGAMS? New Examples or models.

Without getting too complicated and keeping it simple, the course of History is affected by historical tsunamis or earthquakes. These change the course of nations. Empires are created, in the case of the U.S. re-juvenated and given an impulse, and in the case of others, the evil empire, demise.

1989 can be taken as a starting point, we were all very much alive, therefore it's not ancient history. Precisely in November 1989 the 20th century ended and thus began the new American Empire and the New Century.

And what does this have to do with Puerto Rico? To many Nothing!

To smart, on the ball Ricans like Ruben, and maybe those who guide the New Empire, PLENTY.

What Changed? New ways of looking at the world began to take hold after 1989. New political interests were born, old interests began to die, or were diverted to new areas.

Rican History in a thum-nail.

American control of Puerto Rico was born in or about 1898, when the Cuban Spanish American war created New Paradigams for the U.S. at that time. The U.S victory hatched the first American world empire. The empire of the Phillippines, Puerto Rico the Cuban protectorite was born. The formal annexation of Hawaii was achieved. These last islands were immediately set on a course towards Statehood because they were granted INCORPORATION! MMMMMMM, Why not Puerto Rico?

Because Gringos are not dumb Washington was quickly able to populate the Hawaiian islands with mainland Gringos, and later opened up the doors to conservative Asian immigrants who wanted to ASSIMILATE. This assured the political and CULTURAL control of the islands, thus marginalizing the native population to tropical reservations. The Gringos tried assimilation with Puerto Rico but failed. By the 1930's they gave up. We refused cultural/linguistic ASSIMILATION Hawaiian style. In the 20's and 30's we were even flirting with independence.

As the menace of Communism grew after World war II, our strategic importance grew. We became indispensible to American defense in the Caribbean. The Cuban revolution had the effect of tightenting U.S. hold on the island and making sure Independence would never be an option.

As the Cuban revolution stalled and sank into failure by 1990, followed by the collapse of the Evil Empire, it left the U.S as the ONLY EMPIRE ON THE PLANET! The New empire was born SECURE within the hemisphere, thus giving birth to NEW POLITICAL PARADIGAMS for Puerto Rico. Most Puerto Ricans slept through all of this.

Statehood, once an option of the Navy/Pentagon axis quickly lost favor in Washington. If the abandonment Of Vieques and the closing of the most powerful off shore base in the U.S., Roosevelt Roads , didn't tell us something, then we Puerto Ricans are really STUPID!

What did the handing over of Vieques and Roosevelt Roads tell us?

THEY ARE GRADUALLY PACKING UP AND LEAVING US TO FEND FOR OURSELVES! However 107 years of colonialism DIE HARD AMONG US.

September 11 2001 finally put the nail on the coffin of Statehood. But WAIT!, we still had American Citizenship, we still had one extra nail in our hands.

That is why the PNP has become DESPERATE. It knows that Statehood as an option is quickly dying and WE MUST let Gringos know that we want to be part of them soon, because TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

However, To the horror of Statehooders, of the Jibaro Statehood kind, 9-11 revived of American Nationalism. It was a revival of the nationislism the Liberals had succesfully identified with red necks, the klan and weirdos back in the 50's. Now it was chic to be an American Nationalist, fly the flag and act Hill Billy and be stupid. Fox News, Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly and the Cuban exile community were now respectable.

On the other hand Puerto Rican nationlism also grew, but not a political nationalism, a cultural one. We had J-Lo in concert wrapping herself in the Puerto Rican flag while the crowd roared. We were appalled when Madonna wrapped the flag around her privates, we raised Papa Yankee and his ragaetton group to national icons. On the other hand, to the horror of gringos tourists visting the island after 9-11, we didn't fly Old glory or wanted to speak English.

WE WERE ONCE AGAIN PROUD OF OUR CULTURAL NATION, even though it was now highly influenced by a Nuyorican flavor.

However, because we are a people prefer to watch TV and don't read, we refused to acknowledge that the world had changed. We still belived in multiculturalism and the 1970's concept of the U.S as a nation of nations. We stiill believed gringos were fair, good, and had no interests other than democracy and freedom. Most of us still believe that it all amounts to voting for the right alternative and PRESTO! Gringos will let us into the fold, Spanish language, Puerto Rican culture and all.

WAIT , ALL IS NOT LOST!

We've now come in with another shtick, THE HISPANIC RENNAISSANCE. Puerto ricans swear that the risng tide of Hispanics will catapult Puerto rico into statehood. What we can't seem to figure out is that Hispanics are quickly becoming the new Neo conservatives. Once they are able to move out of the ghetto, its good-bye to Black-Rican brotherhood and hello Cubanos, English First and screw up everyone on welfare.

HOWEVER, going back to status options...........and above all STATEHOOD...

We never seem to discuss here "why Gringos will accept us as the 51st State? Is it because We are convinced in Gringo fair play? Do Puerto Ricans think Empires have NATIONAL INTERESTS? if so where do we fit in?

QUESTIONS:

When are we going to DROP these silly discussions about Statehood or any other status option? What we should be discussing is , HOW IS PUERTO RICO IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE NEW PARADIGAMS OF THE NEW CENTURY?

HOW IS STATEHOOD GOOD FOR THEM? If we can't come up with any thing viable, then its time we drop Statehod and adopt a new strategy.