"The US cares more about the cage than the bird." -Pedro Albizu Campos The years 1860 to 1898 was a period of growth for Puerto Rico. There was a rebellion, the end of slavery, and an attempt at independence from Spain before Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. When the U.S. took over 121 years ago, Puerto Rico had already been a Spanish colony for over 400 years.
Puerto Rico was so close to possible independence, but it was placed into a golden cage under United States rule. To date, it is the oldest colony in the world. So Is Puerto Rico a colony or a commonwealth? In 1952, Puerto Rico became a commonwealth in name only. It was allowed its own constitution only if it remained a U.S. territory and the ability to govern itself was severely limited. It was left without being able to vote for president, without autonomy in currency, without military, without banking, without social security, without courts, without unemployment, without communications, and more. Puerto Rico has no ability to truly govern itself. According to the United Nations, Puerto Rico is still one of the 16 territories considered a colony and the U.S., "...land of the free and home of the brave...", a country that fought for its own independence from Britain 243 years ago, is displaying the very characteristics that Great Britain had before the U.S. declared its independence. United Nations Declaration On Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People’s: The subjection of PEOPLE’s to alien subjugation, domination, and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, and is contrary to the charter or the United Nations and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace. It’s time for slavery to end and for the U.S. to free the bird…. For more info click on link...