Yesterday, as I was working on one of my daily blogs I started to look for a photograph of the Governor of Puerto Rico, former Resident Commissioner in Washington, DC, the Honorable Luis Fortuño. I was truly surprised when I found the following caption accompanying the photo, “Luis Fortuño. is a Republican Governor of Puerto Rico. Make changes to this page . Summary · Issues · Affiliations · Comparisons · Videos · Photos · Money …” (Author’s Note: This is a direct cut and paste so the grammatical errors are not my responsibility.)
At this point, all the formalities that are usually bestowed to a Head of State, or Head of a Nation, will end. First because the party that the governor represents, the New Progressive Party, does not recognize Puerto Rico as nation in their daily political discourse. The other, because the Governor of Puerto Rico calls himself “the Republican Governor, Luis Fortuño”, a designation that is not forthcoming out of his election by the Puerto Rican voters, or the position that he has occupied, quite dishonorably, I might add, since November of 2008.
In less than a year, the Governor has managed to fire thousands of public employees, something that has never been seen in the country’s history, and a move that obviously will not help to improve the quality of services for the people of Puerto Rico.
However, why does Mr. Fortuño calls himself a Republican Governor?
Let’s begin by asserting that by cultural preferences and tradition, people of Puerto Rican extraction, and to the larger extent, most Latinos, have been traditionally categorized as Democrats. In the case of our current lackey of political opportunity, the governor couldn’t find a forum receptive to his ideas within the Democratic Party, and the only choice left for him was the Republican Party.
I understand that, but, what I don’t understand is why all the people that voted for him, that surely don’t care a bit about the connotation of being Republican, or even Democrat, for that matter, within the political structure of the United States of North America, have to abide by his self designation as Republican Governor.
The governor of the Island is elected by the people of Puerto Rico, not by his affiliation to a major party in the United States of North America. His responsibility is to understand and satisfy the needs of the people of Puerto Rico.
I don’t see how that is accomplished by his recognizing his position by any other connotation than that of Governor of Puerto Rico.
The politics of “petty-yankism”
The term “petty-Yankee” has been used within the elements of Puerto Rican politics as far back as 1898, to describe those native-born that wanted to be Americans to such an extent, that they would act like Americans and therefore would be looked upon as little Americans, that is spite of being Puerto Rican nationals.
In time, as the struggle between pro Independent, Statehooders, and those backing the current status-quo began in earnest, the “petty-Yankee” became a daily part of the political discourse and the term entered in disuse, although its meaning was not lost, as now it refers to the exaggerated but innocuous, “Statehood over reason” arguments, that pervade in the political process on the Island.
It eventually finds forms in situations as the one we expose in here, where a governor identifies himself as a Republican, a term of no value in the Puerto Rican politician reality. This is an effort that can only be legitimized by those who, erroneously, I might add, think that such a connotation will keep the governor current, within the norms of the political discourse in the United States of America, where the identification of a politician by party affiliation, is part of the daily bread and butter of politics.
Moreso, his Republicanism further proves that the governor missed the boat when he jumped in the McCain boat, hook, line and sinker, and, finally, sank with it into the depths of oblivion, as now he is identified as a Republican in the spectrum of a Democratic lead Congress. Talk about the epitome of foolishness, talk about his lack of vision, talk about not being surfing the wave of change that swept trough America. How do people in Puerto Rico pay the consequences for the foolishness and lack of vision of this poor excuse for a governor?
The governor’s posture as simplistic as it might seem, is another slap to the sovereignty of Puerto Rican people, as it adds a connotation to the prime office in the nation, that is not given by the voters, nor by the Constitution of the country,
For all of time, the Governor of Puerto Rico has been known as that, meaning the Governor of all in Puerto Rico, elected in a democratic process we recognize as the electoral process. The post has never, nor should ever be recognized as the Republican, or Democrat, for that matter, of Puerto Rico. That designation, in fact, takes away from the general connotation of governor of all, and semantically places it as governor of the few, as the politics in the Island do not generally recognize the affiliation of a major party in the United States of North America as a precondition of the elected posts on the Island.
This posture is a total return to the days of the “petty-Yankee”, and it proves shameful when the terminology is applied, no less, to the top elected position in the country. When a “petty Yankee” wants to be bigger than either George Washington or George Jefferson, there is something definitely wrong with his perspective.
If the proponents of statehood think that Puerto Rico will become the 51st state in the American nation by presenting a petty version of America on the Island to Congress, they are only fooling themselves.
The petty-bickering that politicians on the Island are known for, the disrespect that they show on the floor of the Senate and the Assembly in Puerto Rico are enough to turn off their staunchest supporter on the mainland.
When you add the behavior of traditional politics on the Island to the fact that Puerto Ricans will have more representation than 13 states in the Nation, Congress will have to be in ecstasy to welcome the very native style of Puerto Rican politics, moreso, and the Machiavellian style that has characterized the pro Statehood practitioners.
Food for the future
It is time for the people of Puerto Rico to truly revise their alternatives, and to be able to do that outside of the arena of traditional politics, if that is possible at all.
It is time for the people to recognize that the current alternatives present themselves in a manner before election, that never materializes after.
It is time to recognize when one is being lied to.
Recently residents of Puerto Rico have been stating a sad but funny statement that basically summarizes Fortuño stint as governor. They say, “…the governor is like a condom it stands for inflation, and stops production while it fucks you.” This, an obvious statement by the people, sadly defines the current affairs in Puerto Rico. What do you think?
Story by Juan A. Moreno-Velázquez
About Being Latino Contributors
Just to expand a little to those how aren’t familiar with the PR political environment. Currently, it’s composed of 2 mayor and 2 minor political parties. Their mayor identifying factor is how they approach the PR political status.
* PNP: Pro-statehood. Mayor.
* PPD: Pro-status quo. Mayor.
* PIP: Pro-independence. Minor.
* PPR: No predefined approach. Minor.
It’s rare for politicians to also identify themselves using USA denominations, but it’s not unprecedented. It has happened in both mayor political parties.
What I believe to be unprecedented is the misrepresentation that the Governor was elected in USA-type political party.
I am APPALLED at what this person has written in this article. I have a question for you Mr. Moreno-Velazquez, do you live here in Puerto Rico? And if you do, I would bet $100 you are a supporter of the Popular Democratic Party. . And I will address every ridiculous point you made in this blog.
First of all, Gov. Fortuño does not call himself the “republican governor”. I have never seen the phrase being used in any moment of his campaign for election or in any official website. So whatever bogus website you got that information from is wrong. Next time you do your research here are the OFFICIAL websites of Puerto Rico’s governor’s office::
http://www.gobierno.pr
http://www.fortaleza.gobierno.pr
Second, all Puerto Rican political leaders identify themselves with either the Democratic or Republican political parties. Hence, why these parties celebrate primaries here in Puerto Rico. Governor Fortuño has not been the first nor will he be the last to do so. Former Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila is a Democratic Party Delegate, as well is current Resident Commissioner in Washington DC Pedro Pierluisi. Former Governor Pedro Rossello and Governor Luis A Ferre also identified themselves with the Republican party.
Third, just because “most people” think that “most latinos” are Democrats, doesn’t mean that is actually true. I know a large amount of Puerto Ricans here in the island who identify themselves with the Republican Party. Let me educate you a little about the parties here in PR. Most people who belong to the New Progressive Party (Pro-statehood) identify themselves as being Republican while those who belong to the Popular Democratic Party (Pro-Commonwealth) identify themselves with the Democratic Party. Of course there are a few exceptions as always. I think your overgeneralizing latinos as democrats and criticizing Gov. Fortuño for being a republican is ridiculous. To each his own opinion and rights.
Fourth, yes Gov. Fortuño did fire a certain amount of people. But do you know the reason why?? I bet you didn’t do your research. I bet you didn’t read how former Gov Anibal Acevedo Vila inflated the government by overhiring people, making it basically impossible to pay them. I bet you didn’t read about how Gov. Fortuño offered these people other reasonable options if they decided to quit, before having to fire them. I bet you also didn’t read about the illegal contracts that former Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila made. I bet you didn’t read about the deficit Governors Anibal Acevedo Vila and Sila Maria Calderon left Puerto Rico after their administrations. I also bet you didn’t read about how AAV or Calderon fired people too when they came into office, oh, but since they did it quietly and hidden from the general eye its ok to do it.
Fifth, all you do through your article is CRITICIZE the Pro-Statehood leaders. Do you have a biased against them? HA! Its obvious you do. Next time you do an article about Puerto Rican Political Leaders CRITICIZE THEM ALL. Do not just focus on the CONS of one political party.
And also, Puerto Rico may be considered a nation, but if you look up the definition of what a colony is, then you will see that word fits it better. We are a colony of the United States. Pro-Statehood and Pro-Independence followers SEE it for what it really is. Only those who support the Commonwealth Status have the ignorance to call us a “nation”.
Dear Ms. Martínez-Miller:
Although your reaction is not surprising or unexpected from a Statehood advocator or PNP follower, I will try to aswer all points stated to the satisfaction of all, including the many that saw your posting and are now reading my response.
No discussion of this sort should be dismissed, as the purpose of the blog is to open doors of communication and, if we dismiss them simply because we are in dissagrement then things will never change. These discussions should open the door to a clean and clear discourse and a free flow of ideas that, in turn, make the prospects of the improvement of societal conditions a possibility.
Ms. Martínez-Miller, in order to confirm the statement that fuels my article, all you have to do is a simple Google search for “Fortuño photos” on the Internet and the photo with the caption, which by the way, is quoted in the last sentence of the first paragraph will appear. It is the first link that appears, so you wont have much trouble finding it.
I understand why you are appalled, I was shocked, and that was the reason for the blog.
As far as the assumptions you make, I invite you to do a little more research, and to be a little more respectful and thoughtful, as well.
First, I am a well known journalist and author and travel frequently, at least 6 times or more a year to Puerto Rico, I’m Juan A. Moreno-Velázquez, “not this person,” as you so blantantly state. I graduated honors at CCNY and hold graduate degrees from Fordham University and CUNY. I also was a professor of Communications and Marketing at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, and will be teaching again upon my return. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and to this date, I keep an official residence there. By the way, I invite you to Google search my name for more information. I can respectfully agree to disagree, but respectfully, mind you.
The blog is based on the quote of the governor as a Republican and that is an undisputable fact, he can have it corrected and it will all end there.
The firing of not a few, as you state, but several thousands of family heads in Puerto Rico–expected to be around 30,000–is also an undisputed fact, and if you believe the former governor, Acevedo Vilá, was at fault in that, you really believe in Mickey Mouse and the 101 Dalmatians will bring solutions to the problems of Puerto Rico during the current administration.
You are, otherwise in denial, and must get the your facts straight, not, by the way, from your party statements, but the true and undisputable facts. It is easy to fault the other party, it is hard to swallow hard and do what is right.
On that beacon, if you assume that I am a PPD advocator, boy did you missed the boat. I am a Puerto Rican, certainly not a Statehood advocator, and certainly not a PPD advocator, and, by no means, am I a PIP follower. As a point of reference, the word assume must be used with caution as when u assume you ussually make an ASS of U and ME, although, in this case, just by reference.
All that is left is a journalist that calls it at he sees it, and who has won many awards in doing so, and an author with two best selling books and a third coming out. Did I say, I also wrote a screenplay and documentaries on Tito Puente, Machito and Celia Cruz? Enough with the credentials.
I must ask you to take responsibility on your statements as you wagered Lance Ríos $100 that I was a PPD advocator; you should be clear by now that you lost that bet. I would appreciate it if you can donate your loses to “El Hospital del Niño en Guaynabo,” the town I claim now as a place of residence on the Island, if you stand behind your words we can all win from this exchange, most importantly the children, who, undoubtely, are the future of “our nation.”
If I missed the boat on most Latinos being Democrats, I just missed with most in the political spectrum of America during the past few generations. Once again, if you feel differently, a brief search of the US Census statistics will show where our affiliation lies.
To be quite honest with you, I was an original founding member of the first ever Latino Republican organization, in New York, from the core. The reasoning behind its formation was that Democrats took us for granted and Republicans didn’t care. That was in 1984, a long, long time ago.
Also, it appalls me, using your own expression, although in reality nothing does, that after more than 500 years of cultural heritage, not counting thousands of the Taíno legacies, you state, “Puerto Rico may be considered a nation.”
Just to answer that statement gives it credence, and, as I mentioned in the original article, I will not address that point as it is shameful for a Puerto Rican to even question his or her national identity. Of course, we don’t do that when the National basketball, boxing, baseball or track and field teams are in action, then we are more Puerto Rican than rice and beans.
As far as your critique is concerned, I accept it as your personal opinion and you are more than entitled to it, as I am to mine, we are participating in a Democratic process.
In other countries, I would be jailed, or shot, for simply stating what I do most of the time. Here I just get a nasty letter, once in a while, not a bad exchange.
I urge you, Ms. Martínez-Miller, to do your research and make sure that the assumptions that you take to heart about my writings are not simply ill taken because we obviously think differently.
It is hard being a journalist. It is harder being a critical journalist, my motto calls to speak, like Robin Hood, je, je, je, for the quiet voices in our community. Hey not everything could be on a dead serious mood all the time.
The day I spend my precious time defending the postures of your average politician, or your average clergyman, for that matter, that would be the day where I would die of boredom, and people would, undoubtely, stop reading my columns. That is not fun.
In my note I criticize the governor’s use of the motif “Republican” not any other pro Statehood politician, and believe me when I state that governor Fortuño is about the best that your party has to offer. I don’t personally dislike him, although I am in serious opposition of most of his intellectual and political presentations.
Lighten up, Ms.Martínez-Miller, which by the way, as you notice I don’t refer to you with the disdain you express of me by stating “this person.” A little respect for others and their ideas goes a long way in the communication process.
As Earthlings and Puerto Ricans we might have more in common that we might be lead to believe.
Speaking the truth is a liberating force, and we should use it often, trust me if feels good.
Many years ago, the great late Don Luis A. Ferré, founder of the party that you advocate for, and I, met at a NALEO Conference in Washington DC. In case you don’t know that was the National Asscociation of Latino Elected Officials.
We happened to share the same table, and we were watching a musical based on the life of Roberto Clemente. It obviously had many people of color there and Mr. Ferre expressed that the presentation was “a bad example of Puerto Rico.”
His comments and my way of thinking were different, as in those days I was an impulsive youngster with solid pro-independence ideals, during the rest of the evening I found the former governor Ferré to be a cultured human being, quite engaging and a great Puerto Rican. I must add that, althoughI am not longer an impulsive youngster, most of my ideals remain.
Although our ideas regarding the Island were very different, we learned to respect one another in that unforgettable exchange. It is a shame that most of the current politicial crop in the PNP is missing that touch of class and culture, there was only one Don Luis A. Ferré, but those affiliated with the political party he founded should never forget his grace, class and style.
Once again, I will add the statement I posted on my note, one that is not of my doing, but as our very traditional Bomba, and our daily expressions of the Plena, are the true feelings of our people. Recently residents of Puerto Rico have been stating a sad but funny statement that basically summarizes Fortuño stint as governor. They say, “the governor is like a comdon; it stands to inflation, and stops production, while it fucks you”.
Now you can try to understand my posture as not one of a member of your opposing party, but that of a concerned Puerto Rican. You can also choose to organize a linching party or meet at the OK Corral, regardless of your posture, I am satisfied stating my counterpoint.
Although I always would prefer a meeting of the minds, I am ready to stand up for my words and my right to express them, which is the way of America, the one in the North.
With respect, I remain,
Juan A. Moreno-Velázquez
Mi respuesta a la opinión de Martínez-Miller al artículo del periodista J. A. Moreno-Velázquez
Voy a describir las reacciones mostradas al artículo del periodista J. A. Moreno Velázquez When our leaders don’t know in which way is north…or south? , hechas por Martínez-Miller.
Esto sucede cuando ella experimenta una emoción que le descompone de quien está en actitud de enfrentamiento cuando dice que Fortuño no dice que es republicano. Esto no es cierto todo el mundo en PR sabe que Fortuño es republicano tan es así que durante las elecciones sus opositores lo criticaban por su postura de querer implantar medidas republicanas que no tuvieron existo en USA, como dejar al sector privado correr el país, pasarle las instituciones gubernamentales al sector privado y su creencia de mientras menos gobierno mejor. Todas estas posturas son republicanas conservadoras y se discutieron en su campaña para Gobernador.
En un segundo de ahogo iracundo como un latiguillo colérico es cuando se contradice y dice que Fortuño no se define como republicano y a pie seguido dice que todos los políticos del PNP y del PPD se definen como demócratas y republicanos.
Da la impresión de estar a punto de un clímax, está demudada por la impaciencia y la cólera en una expresión hostil y cortante que literalmente se ahoga en su arrebato de autoridad, por la afirmación del periodista, de que Fortuño ha despedido miles de puertorriqueños y espera despedir miles más tratando de buscar culpa en otros gobiernos. Puerto Rico a paleado el desempleo con empleos en el gobierno por décadas tanto los PNP como los del PPD han usado esta táctica para lograr cierta estabilidad económica en el país. Ningún gobierno anterior tanto de uno u otro partido ha tomado medidas tan insensibles para bajar el costo del gobierno.
Martínez-Miller está arrebatada por la cólera y sin atender al tema del artículo del periodista J. A. Moreno Velázquez y tratando de quitarle autoridad al asumir que J. A. Moreno Velázquez no vive en Puerto Rico. Si ese fuera el caso el cual no es pues el periodista reside parte del año en Puerto Rico y nació y se crió en Puerto Rico. Aquí hay una descalificación por cuanto asume que el periodista es de otro país. Esta actitud de que los Boricuas de EEUU no tienen por qué opinar acerca de lo que pasa en Puerto Rico es típica del PNP que nunca ha querido que los Boricuas nacidos en EEUU tengan ninguna participación en el destino de nuestra Nación.
Y lo descalifica al ordenarle de manera furibunda “¡estudie!”. Utiliza el imperativo. El otro sentido de esta frase es que el periodista es ignorante de la historia de su propio país y de la del personaje Fortuño.
Martínez-Miller, se ve a sí misma como vocera de una historia nacional que representa cabalmente. Ella es la historia. Ella es el país. Ella es la democracia. Ella es el intérprete cabal de su opinión, cuando el artículo hecho por el periodista fue recibido como una agresión. Martínez-Miller no admite que alguien distinto de su “opinión pública” formule preguntas o comentario.
Una probable conclusión es que al concebirse a sí misma como vocera, se vea a sí misma como la intérprete sin sesgos de lo que piensa el pueblo. El pueblo es su opinión. Ella piensa esta opinión cabe en mi cabeza. Entonces yo soy el pueblo. Yo soy la opinión.
By the way early this afternoon, the quote in question on Governor Fortuño’s photograph was removed from the site. That is a positive move and shows a change in attitude towards the feelings of people.
Whoever made the move deserves my applause.
I have kept a copy, as any good journalist would do of the original search engine, for future reference.
This copy is at the disposal of anyone that might want to corroborate my initial statement, and I will send it by email, at your request.
I also appreciate the opportunity that Being Latino is providing for all those that could be a voice into the many problems that we all face in the Latino community.
It shows that there is hope in the added power of the people to take control in resolving the issues that affect their destiny.
We no longer work around a the lack information that characterized the past era. We are undergoing an information revolution, and by continuing to share information between our people we can be more informed that at any junction in our history.
We can now share our opinions openly, and, most important, we are being heard.
Yo lo que dije es que en ningun momento yo he visto al Sr. Gobernador decirse “the republican governor”. Por eso fue que le inclui en mi comentario las paginas oficiales del gobierno para que vieran lo que es en si la palabra oficial. Y por eso le pedi al Sr. Moreno Velazquez que pusiera el link de la pagina de donde vio la frase a ver si era un reliable source. Sr. Moreno Velazquez, usted me perdona, pero con toda su experiencia en el periodismo usted deberia saber verificar que informaciones son creibles y cuales no. Si, el gobernador se identifica con el partido Republicano, so what? everyone knows that. Pero NUNCA he visto en documento oficial “Luis G. Fortuño, Republican Governor of Puerto Rico”
Para el Sr. Moreno Velazquez le dije “this person” en referencia a usted, porque acaso usted no es persona?? Hubiese preferido otro nombre?? No fue de manera insultante que lo utilize.
Y una recomendación, la proxima vez escoge entonces mejor titulo de articulo. Dice “When our leaders don’t know which way is north or south” … Leaders as in many, not just one particular person. Why don’t you criticize all leaders of the PNP, PPD and PIP??? That is why I say your article is biased and I will continue to say it. ESO es lo que mas me causo disgusto de su articulo. El fijarse en tan solo un poltico, que lleva apenas 9 meses en poder. Y no estoy de acuerdo con todas las decisiones administrativas de Fortuño, pero si COMPRENDO que tan solo llevo un poco de tiempo como gobernador. Hay que darle el “benefit of the doubt”
And if AAV isn´t responsible for those 30,000 people that were fired then who was?? Did Mickey Mouse as you say, come down here and give those people those contracts during the period of time when the Electoral Law of Puerto Rico clearly states that it is ILLEGAL to do so? Or was it Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother? You let me know Sr. Moreno Velazquez.
Y para contestarle al Sr. Gonzalez, que dice que yo soy anti- puertorriqueño nacido en EEUU. Pues estas muy equivocado. Ya que yo soy nacida y criada en New York. Vivo en Puerto Rico desde los 13 años. Yo no tengo problema con que cualquier puertorriqueño haga expresiones sobre situaciones en Puerto Rico, despues que sean opiniones informadas.
Mi estimada amiga, la responsabilidad de mantener información fidedigna en cualquier sitial que tenga información, especialmente este, que presenta información sobre las contribuciones recibidas por el comité de campaña recae sobre el candidato y su cadre de ayudantes. Yo solamente reporto, y no es mi responsabilidad el definir si la información presentada públicamente por el gobernador es o no correcta.
Antes expresó usted que eran unos cuantos despidos, ahora que está en acuerdo de que 30,000 padres y madres de familia han sido cesanteados entonces usted dice que fueron los contratos que aprobó en gobierno anterior. Eso es algo descabellado para aceptar, especialmente para el conocedor de la realidad boricua, en particular para alguien que labora en la prensa.
Eso se le puede presentar a cualquier Juan del Pueblo, pero no menosprecie mi conocimiento sobre las realidades de mi país.
En lo que a los comentarios de González refiere, le simplifico para facilitar el entendimiento. Cuando una persona se cree las mentiras y las hace parte de si, esta se convierte en una realidad. Creo que para el buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastan.
A fin de cuentas, nuestra discusión logró que la referencia al gobernador como republicano fuera eliminada del sitial en la tarde de hoy. Ya que usted como yo, estamos en acuerdo que esa mención no era una justa y correcta presentación para el cargo del gobernador de nuestra nación, debemos de aceptar un logro.
Hay cosas más importantes que reportar que este inocuo relato sobre el gobernador, por tanto le deseo un buen día. Gracias por sus opiniones, sin sus comentarios esta nota hubiese quedado como una sencilla opinión.
…it’s real simple. what’s in a name? Fortuño: ese pollo sin huesos quiere su fortuna($), no sirve para andar, ni mandar.