I grew up in Puerto Rico, and became a supporter of statehood because Clinton showed me a new America, more respectful of international opinion, acknowledging past mistakes and intent in learning from them. These last 4 years have been tough. I have been disappointed over how many Americans still don't reject Bush's terrible policies. It has made me believe sometimes that maybe there was no place for us in the Union, and separation might be the best course.
Last night, when I heard Kerry's speech, I was so moved. I felt hope, and I felt pride in having that man represent me, even if I cannot vote for him. I've heard some Canadians here say similar things, that they were moved, and wished they could vote for him. Maybe it's the proximity, and how closely the policies of the United States affect any country in this continent of ours, America, in the wider definition.
It stirred old questions in my head. Am I Puerto Rican? Am I an American? Do these definitions exclude one another? Most of my friends that support independence refuse to acknowledge the validity of a statehood option. "You're either a Puerto Rican or a Yankee, and you have to choose." We are a culturally distinct nation, they say, and this implies that we MUST establish ourselves as an independent, sovereign State. I don't buy that. It's not like it's ingrained into our DNA. I think we can choose whether to be independent, or whether to complete and perfect our union with the United States. Both seem as valid options to me.
Half of those who claim Puerto Rican heritage live and work in the United States. Is there any other People with such close ties to another country? We have belonged to the United States for more than a 100 years. ("Belong, but are not a part of" is the definition for unincorporated territories.) Every person born in Puerto Rico has received American citizenship since 1917. I think such a close relationship has left a mark on both Puerto Rico and the United States, and over our differences, we are culturally integrated in many levels.
I was thinking of Theresa Heinz Was she a citizen of Mozambique? What does she feel towards that country? To imagine that she can now be the First Lady of the United States is quite amazing. Arnold Scwarzennegger was born in Austria, and he is now the Governor of California!! I don't think any other country in the world allows for such fast and complete integration. How can we define the moment these people become Americans? Is it simply a decision? And if there's anyone out there inclined towards nationalism... does that decision spell negatively in relation to their own country? You have to understand where I'm coming from. What I ask myself is, when I feel like an American, am I being disloyal to my Puerto Rican culture and heritage? Am I selling out? Am I just an example of a colonized mentality like some of my friends say?
I don't think so. I love Puerto Rico, and I think the best course of action for it would be to become the 51st state. (Or 52nd, we can let DC go first.) During this week, I hollered and shouted Amen to every word that Obama said; I fretted in anticipation and hoped for Kerry to do well. After three years in the United States, I feet like this is a country I can call my own again. I really wish I could convince the rest of Puerto Rico to join me in asking for a seat at the table. I wish I could convince them that making that decision, to be an American, does not reflect negatively in the love for our Island. Mainly, I wish I could vote for John Kerry this next November.