Carta al Congreso de los Estados Unidos Por Jose M. Arroyo

February 22, 2006


Jose M. Arroyo
107 Shaddock Drive
Auburndale, FL 33823

Dear Congressman:

First of all, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude and respect to you, for protecting our freedom as well as our constitution of the United States of America.

As a young 100% total and permanent disabled veteran from the U.S. Army I am troubled by an issue that has been under consideration for many years now. An issue that touches family, friends and fellow citizens of mine. That is the political status of Puerto Rico.

As you know, there are nearly 4,000,000 United States citizens living in the islands of Puerto Rico, who have been under United States sovereignty and within the United States customs territory for over 100 years making Puerto Rico the oldest, largest, and most populous United States island territory at the southeastern-most boundary of our nation, located astride the strategic shipping lanes of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Under the territorial clause of the constitution, Congress has the authority and responsibility to determine federal policy and clarify status issues in order to resolve the issue of Puerto Rico’s final status.

During numerous times the government of Puerto Rico has conducted plebiscites initiated under local law of Puerto Rico’s political status. In those votes none of the three status propositions received a majority of the votes cast. It is my strong believe that what the people of Puerto Rico needs is not a local plebiscite sponsored by the local government, but one enacted by the United States Congress.

The report by the President’s task force on Puerto Rico’s status dated December 2005 clearly recognizes that the authority under the U.S Constitution to establish a permanent non-territorial status for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico rests with Congress. That same report also has some recommendations which are the following:

1. The Task Force recommends that Congress within a year provide for a Federally sanctioned plebiscite in which the people of Puerto Rico will be asked to state whether they wish to remain a U.S. territory subject to the will of Congress or to pursue a Constitutionally viable path toward a permanent non-territorial status with the United States. Congress should provide for this plebiscite to occur on a date certain.

2. The Task Force recommends that if the people of Puerto Rico elect to pursue a permanent non-territorial status, Congress should provide for an additional plebiscite allowing the people of Puerto Rico to choose between one of the two permanent non-territorial options. Once the people have selected one of the two options, Congress is encouraged to begin a process of transition toward that option.

3. If the people elect to remain as a territory, the Task Force recommends, consistent with the 1992 memorandum of President Bush, that a plebiscite occur periodically, as long as that status continues, to keep Congress informed of the people’s wishes.

For some unknown reason, the issue of the political status of Puerto Rico goes untouched year after year by Congress. I hear statements, received letters on that issue and hear the positions of some members of the federal government, but no actions are ever taken. The Report by the President’s task force on Puerto Rico’s status is a great tool for Congress to start a sincere process that will ultimately provide the people of Puerto Rico their right to self determination. The former Governor of Puerto Rico and former Commissioner Resident Carlos Romero Barceló said once that, “to ignore the situation of Puerto Rico is to betray the spirit of our democracy, values and traditions.”

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a rich tradition and history. As United States citizens, the people of Puerto Rico have enhanced American society and culture. Among their many contributions, Puerto Ricans have been recognized for their service and sacrifice in the United States Armed Forces. Don’t you think is time to honor them with the right of self determination?

I invite you to take a close look at the Report by the President’s task force on Puerto Rico’s status and to sponsor legislation regarding this so important and historic issue.

I hope to hear from you and your position towards the Puerto Rico’s political status.

May God continue to bless America.

Sincerely,


Jose M. Arroyo