Despite problems, Puerto Ricans deserve vote

Itwas in the early 1970s. Puerto Ricans on the islandwere living in the best of times. They had three options. They could remain as a commonwealth and be a part of theUnited States. They could choose to become an independent country. Or they could vote to become the 51st state of theUnion.

If they chose to become a part of the United States as a state, therewas one more step to take. The issuewould have to be submitted to a vote in theUnited States Congress. The island voterswere divided in three groups. The two largest split the vote. One groupwanted Puerto Rico to remain a commonwealth, where theywould participate in the Olympics as an independent nation and still have privileges as part of theUnited States.

The second majority groupwanted Puerto Ricans to become an American state. Theywanted the full benefits of statehood. Theywanted to vote in American presidential elections. And theywanted the full rights of American citizens.

The third group— theminority party— led by Ruben Berrios, wanted full independence for Puerto Ricans. They wanted to be a truly independent nation.

Back then, two things had to happen before Puerto Ricans could determine their future. The Puerto Ricans had to vote decisively for one option, and then if they voted to become a state, Congress had to vote to approve their decision.

Nothing ever came out of it. Puerto Ricanswere too evenly split. One year they voted for statehood. A year later they voted to remain as part of the commonwealth.

And nobody took the Berrios group seriously. They seldom got more than five percent of the vote.

Decades have passed and things have changed. Puerto Ricans, faced with an enormous deficit, voted decisively recently to become an American state, although voter turnoutwas low. This statuswould allow Puerto Ricans on the island aswell as those living on the mainland to vote for Congress, and for president. In effect, theywould become full American citizens.

But, this time theUnited States Congresswanted no part of it. Puerto Rico’s deficit is enormous and the American Congress is not willing to accept additional spending.

So, for the time being, things are not likely to change. When Congresswould have considered granting statehood to Puerto Rico, the citizens of the islandwere not interested.

Nowthat Puerto Ricanswant and need a hand fromthe United States, Congress is not in a mood to help.

Hopefully the day will soon come when Puerto Ricans and Congress will look at things through the same prism. Puerto Ricans are American citizens, and they deserve to be given a vote inUnited States elections.

Guillermo I. Martinez lives in South Florida. Email him Guimar123@gmail.com