deep dives with edgard: reflections and call to action on puerto rico's future
the fight for puerto rico's future: what's at stake and how you can help
tl;dr: we've explored puerto rico's complex history, from spanish colonization to the current struggle for self-determination under u.s. rule. now it's time to act. decolonization isn't just a puerto rican issueβit's an american one. learn why it matters and how you can support the fight for justice and equality for 3.2 million u.s. citizens.
hola mi gente,
i still remember the day hurricane marΓa hit very clearly. the winds howled, the trees snapped, lives flooded, and then... silence. weeks of it. no word from my family in the mountains of juncosβ¦ or anywhere else. no power, no water, no way to reach them.
this was a stark reminder of puerto rico's vulnerabilityβnot just to natural disasters, but to a political system that treats us as second-class citizens.
welcome to the final installment of our deep dive into puerto rico's history and future. if you've been with me from the beginning, you've traveled through centuries of struggle, resilience, and hope. if you're just joining us, stick aroundβwe've got a lot to cover.
this journey began with a simple premise: to understand puerto rico's present, we must grapple with its past. now, as we stand at the crossroads of history, it's time to look forward and ask ourselves: what kind of future do we want for puerto rico? and more importantly, what are we willing to do to make it happen?
so grab your cafecito, silence your phone, and let's explore the heart of puerto rico's fight for self-determination. this isn't just about an island in the caribbeanβit's about the very soul of american democracy.
a quick recap
check out the previous deep dive episodes: (6) modern challenges & the path forward for puerto rico | (5) puerto rico's quest for political status | (4) puerto rico's economic exploitation and migration | (3) puerto rico in the 20th century | (2) the colonization of puerto rico | (1) the start of the series!
this timeline captures our journey through puerto rico's complex history, from the taΓno civilization to the present-day struggles. each episode has peeled back another layer of the island's story, revealing a narrative of resilience, resistance, and the ongoing fight for self-determination.
episode 7: reflections and call to action on puerto rico's future
this is now the final chapter of our exploration into puerto rico's history and future. the island's narrative isn't a relic of the past. puerto rico is mired in an ongoing struggle that demands our attention and action. from old san juan's cobblestone streets to the lush mountains of el yunque, puerto ricans live the daily reality of their ambiguous political status every single day.
this political limbo affects every aspect of life on the island. it's present in the frustration of american citizens who can't vote for president, in the economic barriers created by outdated laws like the jones act, and in the dreams of young puerto ricans who yearn for a clear path forward. these aren't abstract concepts β they're the lived experiences of 3.2 million people.
as we shift from reflection to action, we must recognize that puerto rico's fight for self-determination isn't isolated. it's deeply connected to fundamental questions about democracy, justice, and the nature of american citizenship. the decisions made about puerto rico's future will impact not just the island, but the entire concept of what it means to be part of the united states.
why decolonization matters to all americans
you might be thinking, "why should i, a non-puerto rican american, care about this?" here's why:
democracy and equal rights: puerto rico's status as an unincorporated territory undermines american democracy. how can we claim to be a beacon of freedom when 3.2 million u.s. citizens can't vote for president and have no voting representation in congress?
economic impact: puerto rico's economic struggles affect the entire u.s. economy. the island's $70 billion debt crisis, exacerbated by predatory lending and the jones act's shipping restrictions, ripples through municipal bond markets nationwide.
cultural enrichment: puerto rican culture is woven into the fabric of american life. from salsa pioneer tito puente to reggaeton superstar bad bunny, from the streets of new york's spanish harlem to the halls of the supreme court with justice sonia sotomayor, puerto rico's contributions are immeasurable.
moral imperative: supporting puerto rico's right to self-determination is about living up to america's ideals of justice and equality. it's about righting the wrongs of the racist insular cases, which still haunt u.s. territorial policy today.
the stakes: what's on the line
the decisions made in the coming years will determine the very fabric of puerto rican society. puerto rico is going through a structural economic depression, a massive brain drain, and a broken health care system, all while being forgotten by its colonial master. and thereβs so much more wrongβ¦
as we look at what's at stake, we have to understand that these issues are deeply interconnected, each one influencing and amplifying the others. the fight for puerto rico's future isn't a simple matter of politicsβit's a struggle for survival, prosperity, and cultural identity in the face of historical injustices and modern challenges.
here's what hangs in the balance:
economic stability: puerto rico desperately needs an economic overhaul. the current system, built on tax havens and often exploitative labor practices, has left the island vulnerable to financial crises and dependent on outside interests. true stability will require significant investments in education, infrastructure, and local industries. it also demands a hard look at policies like the jones act, which artificially inflates costs for an island economy.
political empowerment: the core of puerto rico's struggle is self-determination. whether the ultimate decision is statehood, independence, or a new form of free association, puerto ricans must have the power to shape their own destiny. this includes gaining full voting rights and genuine representation in the political bodies that govern their lives.
cultural preservation: any path forward for puerto rico must fiercely protect its unique cultural identity. this goes beyond symbolism. it's about ensuring the continued vitality of puerto rican language, arts, and traditions. safeguarding and supporting puerto rican cultural institutions isn't just about heritage; it's about maintaining the island's soul.
climate resilience: hurricane marΓa laid bare puerto rico's vulnerability to climate change. as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, building resilient infrastructure isn't just a matter of convenienceβit's a question of survival. this means modernizing the power grid, investing heavily in renewable energy, and reimagining urban planning with climate adaptation in mind.
diaspora connections: with over 5 million puerto ricans living on the mainland, strengthening ties between island and diaspora communities is crucial. these connections can provide political leverage, economic opportunities, and cultural exchange. a unified puerto rican voiceβboth on the island and across the united statesβwill be essential in advocating for puerto rico's interests.
actionable steps: how you can support puerto rico
i still remember the day i truly grasped puerto rico's colonial status. i was young, visiting my grandfather for the first time in years. it wasn't from a textbook or a news article. it was through my grandfather's eyes.
my abuelo, my dad's father, is a vietnam war veteran. he left puerto rico to fight in vietnam, wearing the uniform of an american soldier. the war left him scarredβmentally and physicallyβfor life. a purple heart that came with a bitter irony.
despite serving his country with honor, my abuelo has never been able to vote for the commander-in-chief who sent him to war. he still can't. all because he calls puerto rico home.
this isn't just my grandfather's story. it's the reality for thousands of puerto rican veterans. weβre american enough to bleed for the country, but not american enough to have a full say in its democracy.
understanding this injustice lit a fire in me that burns to this day. it's why i'm passionate about educating others on puerto rico's status. it's personal. it's political. it's a fight for basic democratic rights.
now that we've explored why puerto rico's struggle matters, let's focus on concrete actions. here's how you can make a real difference:
educate yourself and others
read books by puerto rican authors, my initial recommendations are:
watch documentaries like "landfall" or "the last colony"
share articles and resources on social media about puerto rico's status and challenges from reputable and credible sources
political engagement
contact your representatives in congress to support bills addressing puerto rico's status
vote for candidates for federal office who prioritize puerto rican issues and understand the complexities of the status debate
if you're puerto rican (or anyone, really!), register to vote and make your voice heard in both local and national elections
economic support
invest in puerto rican businesses and startups, particularly those focused on sustainable development
support puerto rican artists, musicians, and cultural institutions
choose puerto rico as a travel destination (responsibly, of course) and engage with local communities
activism and advocacy
join or follow on social media organizations like boricuas unidos en la diΓ‘spora or the puerto rican agenda, do your own research in finding more organizations locally
participate in protests and awareness campaigns about issues like the jones act or promesa's austerity measures
use your platform (social media, workplace, community groups) to raise awareness about puerto rico's colonial status
legal and policy support
if you're a lawyer, consider pro bono work on puerto rican issues, such as challenging the insular cases
support legal challenges to discriminatory policies affecting puerto rico
advocate for policies that promote puerto rico's economic development and self-determination
the road ahead: challenges and opportunities
the path to decolonization won't be easy. the path to self-determination and prosperity isn't a straight line:
congressional gridlock: the u.s. congress holds the keys to puerto rico's political future, yet it's mired in inaction. despite multiple status referendums on the island, lawmakers in washington have repeatedly failed to act decisively. this paralysis stems from a mix of partisan politics, lack of understanding, and competing interests. breaking through this logjam will require sustained pressure from both puerto ricans and stateside allies.
economic quagmire: puerto rico's economy is caught in a vicious cycle of debt, austerity, and stagnation. the island's debt burden hangs like a millstone around its neck, while the fiscal control board (promesa) imposes harsh austerity measures. these economic woes complicate any potential transition to statehood or independence, as questions of debt responsibility and federal funding loom large.
cultural tightrope: any change in political status raises valid concerns about preserving puerto rico's unique cultural identity. fears of "americanization" under statehood clash with worries about isolation and extreme poverty under independence. striking a balance between political evolution and cultural preservation will require delicate negotiation and strong safeguards.
climate crisis bullseye: puerto rico's caribbean location puts it squarely in the path of increasingly powerful hurricanes. the devastation wrought by hurricane marΓa in 2017 exposed the island's vulnerability to climate change. building true resilience will demand massive investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and adaptive planning.
yet, within these challenges lie seeds of opportunity:
grassroots power unleashed: the 2019 protests that forced governor ricardo rossellΓ³'s resignation demonstrated the raw power of puerto rican civil society. this renewed activism, especially among young people, could be the catalyst for real political change. it shows that when puerto ricans unite, they can move mountainsβor topple governments.
diaspora awakening: the over 5 million puerto ricans living stateside are increasingly engaged with island issues. this growing political bloc could sway elections in key states like florida and new york, forcing mainland politicians to take puerto rico seriously. the diaspora also represents a potential source of investment, expertise, and cultural connection.
innovation incubator: puerto rico's challenges could position it as a laboratory for solutions to global problems. its need for resilient infrastructure and clean energy could attract investment and expertise in cutting-edge technologies. imagine abandoned sugar plantations transformed into solar farms, or san juan becoming a hub for climate adaptation research. puerto rico could export not just its culture, but its innovations to the world.
these opportunities aren't guaranteed - they'll require vision, hard work, and unity to realize. but they offer a glimpse of a puerto rico that doesn't just survive its challenges, but thrives because of them.
the fight continues
as we close this series, remember: puerto rico's fight for self-determination isn't just island business. puerto rico is a litmus test for american democracy. it asks whether the u.s. can truly embody its ideals of equality, justice, and government by the people's consent.
for too long, puerto rico has been america's footnote, a colonial afterthought. but puerto ricans have never stopped demanding their rights, their dignity, their future.
now it's our turnβall of us, puerto rican or notβto amplify this fight. puerto rico's future is america's future. justice is long overdue.
so, mi gente, i challenge you: turn this knowledge into action. educate, advocate, raise hell. be loud, be proud, and hammer home that 3.2 million american citizens are still waiting for their full rights.
the road is long, but as we say in puerto rico: "pa'lante, siempre pa'lante." forward, always forward.
until next time,
edgard π΅π·βπ½
p.s. this might cap our puerto rico deep dive, but it's just the opening salvo in a larger conversation. stay tuned for more series tackling issues that shape our communities. remember: knowledge is power, but action is change. let's make waves.
p.p.s. paid subscribers, get ready: i'm crafting this entire deep dive series into a downloadable pdf, packed with extra resources and exclusive insights. it's coming soon, along with bonus content. your support fuels this workβgracias!
what did i miss?
we've covered miles of ground, but there's always more terrain to explore. here are some areas ripe for further investigation:
the evolution of puerto rican political parties: from the partido popular democrΓ‘tico to the newest victoria ciudadana party.
section 936 and its economic aftermath: how tax policies shaped puerto rico's boom and bust
environmental battlegrounds: from waste management crises to the war on coal ash contamination
and moreβ¦ thereβs so much more to cover that i was never able to get to!
i'm hungry for your thoughts. what deserves a deeper look? drop a comment or shoot me a message with your ideas!
full puerto rico deep dive series lineup:
starting off! (may 28, 2024)
the colonization of puerto rico (jun 4, 2024)
puerto rico in the 20th century (jul 16, 2024)
economic exploitation and migration (jul 30, 2024)
the quest for political status (aug 26, 2024)
modern challenges & the path forward (sep 16, 2024)