Pubdate: Tue, 26 Jul 2005 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2005 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Christian Martir-Cordova Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1166/a11.html ROOTED IN COLONIALISM Regarding the Sentinel's special report on Puerto Rico: The social ills that plague Puerto Rico are completely rooted in its colonial status. The drug-related crimes that haunt the residents of Puerto Rico are birthed from an economic system that does not benefit its citizens. Puerto Rico's inability as a colony to design an economic system that can, and would, stimulate growth and prosperity for its citizens leaves it in the pitiful and disgraceful state it is in now. Only as a sovereign nation can we design an economic system whose sole beneficiaries are the Puerto Rican people and not foreign companies who for decades have raped Puerto Rico for its wealth and resources. For too long we have allowed an unjustified fear to cripple our aspirations for independence. Independence is not something that should be feared. On the contrary, what should be feared is the continual slow death of our people by the rusted sword of colonialism. Christian Martir-Cordova - --- MAP posted-by: Beth