US Invasion of Puerto Rico. On 109th Anniversary of U.S. Invasion of Puerto Rico, Acclaimed Photojournalist Frank Espada and Poet Martin Espada Reflect on Ongoing Struggle for National Rights. On the 109th anniversary of the U.S. Invasion of Puerto Rico, debate continues over Puerto Rico's political independence and US military and corporate presence on the island. Puerto Ricans have had US citizenship since 1917, but residents of the island cannot vote for President and lack voting representation in the US Congress. We speak with two prominent Puerto Rican voices: photojournalist and activist Frank Espada has worked for decades documenting the Puerto Rican diaspora, as well as the civil rights movement in the United States. MartÃn Espada is Frank's son and an acclaimed poet and professor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
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Oscar Lopez Vows to Continue Fight for Puerto Rico Independence. In his first hours of freedom after 36 years behind bars in U.S. Prison, Puerto Rican independence leader Oscar Lopez Rivera vowed Wednesday to continue to fight for the freedom and independence of Puerto Rico Ref. Source 4s.
Yes, we invaded Puerto Rico because it was a colony of Spain and we took it during the Spanish- American War in 1898. It was not 'free' even then. That said, they are entitled to their freedom if they want it, but they always vote to remain as they are, neither seeking statehood nor independence.
Most Caribbean nations struggle so the Puerto Ricans should be counting their blessings to be part of America and all that comes with it: protection, better education and facilities, etc. These things are not as developed in the other islands.
International Level: Politics 101 / Political Participation: 2 0.2%
Well, it appears Puerto Rico chose statehood but with an abysmally low voter turnout. So, the question is now is the real since less the 25% of the voters voted? Also, it is up to Congress to approve this and I see little likelihood of this happening in the current political climate. Personally, I think Puerto Rico should be a state it her citizens (Which are also US citizens) want it. They have been a virtual part of the US for as long as Hawaii.