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
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MAP posted-by: Beth