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Show Hinckley Journal of Politics Spring 2000 parity with the mainland is an essential instrument for the economic development of Puerto Rico. Opponents have but two claims: Income taxes will be imposed, and damage to the island's unique cultural heritage will occur (U.S. CBO 1990, 5). Pedro Rossello, President of the NPP, agreed with H.R. 856 and had but few additional desired changes. He suggested that combining the transition and implementation stages (the time in which the permanent decision under and implementation of the bill would be actuated) can consolidate the bill's three stages. He preferred a maximum time limit of four to five years rather than ten, as provided by the bill. One common concern directed toward NPP advocates is whether the United States should fully incorporate a territory so ambivalent about statehood, that getting half the people to support the idea is a mammoth undertaking. Fernando Garcia thinks so. He is a Cuban-born resident and citizen of Puerto Rico who works for a natural herbal company located in Utah (Nutraceutical). In my interview of him, here is what he had to say about the situation: 1. To what political party do you belong? •Answer: None of them. I don't vote, but I am pro-statehood. 2. Why do you support statehood? •Answer: First of all, Puerto Rico is in a transitory state. The commonwealth is the best of both worlds; it is not independent, and it is not a state. This gives us a lot of leeway. I know that the way we are is not going to be forever. So, we have to decide between becoming a state or being independent Statehood is the way to go...by a large margin. If we become an independent nation, I am out of here. I can surf in Miami or Hawaii. 3. What do you think the final outcome will be? •Answer: I hope it will become a state, and I believe it will...but not in the near future. The people of Puerto Rico are very laid back. Even though the majority of Puerto Ricans are pro-statehood, many of us don't vote because we know that it won't happen for a long time. Therefore, we don't care. Those people that belong to the independent party are hard core. Even though they are at most 3% of the population, they all vote. I know that we will lose our Olympic representation if we become a state, but I figure that if you are good enough to play in the Olympics, then you might as well play for the United States. 4. How do you think your life would change if Puerto Rico became a state? •Answer: There won't be much of a difference. Evenif we become a state, I believe that the primary language (here in Puerto Rico) would still be Spanish. The vast majority of us speak Spanish. Maybe the schools will begin to turn more towards the English language, and so forth. No matter what happens, it is going to be a big change. It can't just happen one day; it will have to occur over a long period of time. I don't think that there will be a huge change if we become a state tomorrow (Garcia Fernando, through his answers, illustrates the view of most statehood supporters. They are usually of the younger generation and figure that their vote does not count for much. They also believe that Puerto Rico would be nothing without the United States. The view that Puerto Rico is in a transitory situation has merit. If commonwealth (which in the writer's opinion is clearly the best option) will not always be available, statehood is the next best option. But, until commonwealth status is gone, pro-statehood citizens will sit back and relax-a major characteristic of the culture. Conclusions Puerto Rico is one of the world's most beautiful islands; it has become the Hawaii of the East Coast. Christopher Columbus loved it simply because of its metallic worth. Now, if the political status of Puerto Rico were based solely on beauty and economic benefits, statehood should be granted. I believe that there is much more that must be considered before statehood is assumed. First, will Puerto Rico be able to preserve the island's Hispanic heritage? What modifications must be made to the island so that it is an acceptable state? And finally, will the current citizens of the United States accept Hispanics as mainstream Americans? Foremost among any discussion of cultural heritage is the language question. Currently, after numerous changes, both Spanish and English are the official languages of the island. If Congress considers the admission of Puerto Rico as a state, it may well address the issue of language. Congress has the power to prescribe (as a condition for admission into the Union) that Puerto Rico adopt only English as the official language. Once Puerto Rico becomes a state, however, "it is not bound by any such congressional provision, unless Congress under its legislative powers could have independently imposed the requirement on the state already within the Union" (Laney 1998b, 7). This poses a major problem. While traveling through the tourist district of San Juan, I noticed that most of the locals speak both languages with few problems. Upon leaving this section of the city, and throughout the entire rest of the island, English was a rarity. English is a required course of study within the school system, but close to 25% of Puerto Rican children do not attend school. Will the loss of language also destroy the Puerto Rican culture? The older generation of Puerto Ricans is greatly concerned with heritage conservation, while the majority of youthful Puerto Ricans have already become Americanized. Their clothing resembles what they have seen on TV or is gifts brought back from the United States by relatives. American rock-and-roll is present everywhere. Even the cultural tie to the sport of futbol (soccer) has diminished due to a newly found love for baseball, basketball, and football. The simple truth is that before statehood should occur, a solution must be found that will conserve both the Hispanic language and the broader culture. 3.1 |
