Puerto Rican Pistol

Mama's Eulogy

2014-11-08T17:37:00.000-05:00

I want to first thank everyone present, on behalf of our family, for coming to this celebration of the life of our mother Antonia. I know that there are some that were unable to come because of distance or other obligations, but have sent their love and sympathy. We truly appreciate it.

I haven't written anything in almost 3 years. Mostly because writing takes inspiration. Today I decided to share with you some insight into the life of my Guardian Angel, our Queen Bee, my mother, Antonia Rivera Martinez. Not only my life long inspiration but my reason for being.

Some of you know her as the stubborn, willful, determined old lady who laughed and ignored the doctors throughout the years, as her health slowly but surely began to fail. And that is basically true. She was stubborn. She was willful. She was determined. But she was also so much more than that.

Her love of children perhaps was forged by her life experience. Mom was born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, July 16, 1935. By the tender age of 7, she was already an orphan. Losing her mother Tomasa Martinez to a tubal ligation operation. But even before then, she was moved around from family member to family member. Being an out of wedlock child, in the 1930's, brought a lot of negative stigma with it, compound that with being an orphan, and mom felt the sting of a door closed in her face more than once. Her father Pablo Rivera was a bachelor, a coffee bean laborer who it seemed was unable to care for her. God rest his soul. Finally, her father's sister, Hemenegilda, reluctantly took my mother in. Grandma Hemenegilda was strict, very religious and dominating. God rest her soul. Not the greatest atmosphere for the free spirited rebellious girl. Mom couldn't wait to leave home. So at 15 she went out on her own, the way most girls of that time would, who didn't get married or left to college, by getting pregnant.

Mom found strength from being a mother. So she had 11 children. She loved babies. The way they looked. The way they smelled. The way they totally depended on her. I know her quick thinking and uncanny ability to react quickly saved more than one life in this room. I know, I owe my life to her. There were days when she would come home from spending hours in an emergency room with one sick child, to pick up another one of us, usually with asthma, and go right back to the hospital. I thank God everyday for my sister Aida, because I know she was the main reason Mom was able to pull that off. She would often say that her greatest and only possession where her children. Mom also said that she would never leave her "pollitos" even if it meant we would all be under a bridge. But together we would stay. And together we did stay. You could say, that was mama's fight to the end. To keep us all together.

As we all moved out and had families of our own, I remember countless times when she was awaken in the middle of the night with some emergency. And with us, there was always something. She never said no. It was as if she was designed to be ready for when her family needed her, she awaited the calls and was willing and able to run to any hospital, any family member, or any state to be of help in anyway she could. Mama lived for her babies, even when her babies stopped being babies decades ago. She never stopped asking for us. She never stopped praying for us. She never stopped waiting for that call that told her she was needed. Even when she couldn't balance on her own two feet, she thought, when the time came she could still run out that door to rescue us, her babies.

In preparing myself to write this, I started remembering little peculiarities about Mama that are uniquely hers. Like, she redefined the word "something". For the rest of her life and I just could not figure out why, she would pronounce it "somesing". Also, if you had a baby picture you just couldn't figure out who it was, take it to Mom. It didn't matter if the photo was recent or 50 years old, she knew who that baby was. Oh, and if you were worried about a big debt that you just couldn't afford right now, she would come out with her famous "La ultima la paga el diablo!" Or another saying, "Un clavo saca a otro". When we came home with a broken heart. You also had to be careful when you complimented Mom on something she was wearing, like pretty new shoes or a bracelet or a charm, because she had the tendency of trying to give it to you. Ever heard the saying "He would give his shirt off his back". That was mom, in a nut shell. Mom believed in sharing what little she had and in helping others. Whether you were family or not, if you ended up on her front door, suddenly, you had a plate of food and a bed to sleep in. Oh, and the unsolicited, usually spot on advice on how to solve your problems were part of the package. But don't get me wrong, if she needed to pull your ears because you messed up, she had no problems getting the job done. Oh but her cooking was so worth the scolding.

Let's remember that Mom is now with our Lord, Jesus Christ. She is young, she is beautiful, she is healthy. Mom was well known for her beauty and her temper. Just imagine her with her loved ones. With her parents and grandparents, with our adorable niece Orlaida, her beloved daughter Lillian and unforgettable son Nano. I can just see Mom, grabbing random angels and making them sit and listen to her go on and on about her children. Sometimes divulging embarrasing information along the way. Her sense of boundaries were sometimes questionable. But we all know, she meant well.

I am not saying anything most of you don't already know. Perhaps some of you will have better stories of Mom or times you shared together. And that is wonderful. That is what we are here for to celebrate the time the Lord graced us to spend with our Guardian Angel, our Queen Bee. A woman also known as Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, Counselor, Advocate, Good Neighbor-Friend and Father. These are all the titles that she earned throughout her life. And the only titles that really meant "somesing" to her.

Thank you.

65th Infantry Regiment (The Borinqueneers) United States Army

2012-11-17T19:32:00.001-05:00

The 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed "The Borinqueneers" (a combination of Borinquén and Buccaneer), was an all-volunteer Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army. Its motto was Honor et Fidelitas, Latin for Honor and Fidelity. It participated in World War I (actually having the distinction of firing the the first shot of that war) , World War II, the Korean War; and as the combined battalion with the 92nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, PRARNG, in the War against Terrorism and Operations Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. "Puerto Ricans have participated in every major American military conflict, from the American Revolution, when volunteers from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico fought the British in 1779 under the command of General Bernardo de Gálvez (1746 -1786), to the present-day conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan." Wikipedia

The regiment first became the "The Porto (Puerto) Rico Regiment" in 1898 and served in World War I. It also saw active duty in World War II but it was it's involvement in the Korean War which brought about most of it's casualties and even a mass court martial of nearly one hundred of it's soldiers. This disgrace was later cleared up and all those involved were pardoned by the then Secretary of Army Robert Stevens but I am getting ahead of myself; let me tell you of the early formation of this most remarkable battalion first.

When it was first commissioned by the U.S. Congress, through The Army Appropriation Bill on March 2, 1889; it was to consist of native Puerto Rican infantry men and "continental" officers. The term "continental" meant men that were from the continental United States, non-natives and therefore non-spanish speaking officers. On June 30, 1901, the "Porto (Puerto) Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry" was organized and with it the foundation of complications which let to its tragic casualties in Korea and subsequent reassignment to the 92 Infantry Brigade fifty-five years later.

Puerto Ricans of the 65th Infantry were subjected to segregation and discrimination because they were considered of a mixed race by their superiors. An Act of Congress, approved on May 27, 1908, reorganized the regiment as part of the "regular" Army. Since the native Puerto Rican officers where Puerto Rican citizens and not U.S. citizens, they were required to under go a new physical examination to determine their fitness for the commissions in the Regular Army and to take an oath of U.S. citizenship with their new officers oath. This new physical examination was in addition to any regular training taken by any other "continental" officer. And to require a U.S. citizenship oath, at a time when U.S. citizenship was still not granted to us, was literally forcing the recruit to give up his native citizenship.

Confidence in these new recruits; even after being put to use in the Panama Zone during World War I & II and successful campaigns in Naples-Fogis, Central Europe and the Battle of Rhineland, was not very high. So an exercise (OPERATION PORTEX) was conceived whereas Vieques would be defended by the 65th Infantry Regiment against the combined forces of the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force. The liberators (American Forces) consisted of 32,600 combat troops from the 82nd Airborne Division's 504th Airborne Infantry Regiment and Marine Corps, who received support from the Navy and Air Force. Despite the large number of troops deployed, the 65th Infantry (the aggressor) was able to halt the offensive forces on the beaches of the island. Colonel Willliam W Harris, the commanding officer of the 65th, stated:

"Stopping the assault forces at the water's edge proved that the Puerto
Ricans could hold their own against the best-trained soldiers that the
United States Army could put into the field." Wikipedia

The success of Operation PORTEX propelled the Army to deploy the 65th Infantry Regiment to Korea.

The Boriqueneers were lethal in their encounters with the Koreans, and later the Chinese, who entered the war on the side of the Koreans. One of the first documented acts of bravery was when the U.S. Marines withdrew from the Chosin Reservoir and were surrounded by the Chinese close to the Manchurian Border, it was the 65th Infantry that went in to help them get out and kept the rear guarded enabling the Marines to escape to safety. This encounter and others like it at Outpost Kelly and Jackson Heights, gave distinction and honor to many of the 65th Infantry.

As the war pressed on and the inability to communicate with their superiors continued, the 65th Infantry Regiment, suffers a great amount of casualties and a hundred and sixty-two are arrested for refusing to fight. Ninety-Five are court martial and Ninety-One are found guilty. The Army at first kept quiet over the affair but once information got out through soldier's letters to their families, the Army began secret negotiations with the government of Puerto Rico. That is where information on the mistreatments inflicted by the officers which included the denial of special rations of rice and beans, not being allowed to call themselves "Borinqueneers", ordered to shave of their mustaches (an important symbol of maleness), combat exhaustion and other humiliations, came to light and is believed have contributed to some men refusing to fight. Mind you, Puerto Ricans were not the only ones refusing to fight but were the only ones court martiaedl. That is where Secretary of the Army Robert Stevens moved quickly to remit the sentences and granted clemency and pardons to all those involved.

As a consequence of these court martials, the 65th Infantry Regiment was integrated and infused into the 92nd Infantry Brigade.

On February 12, 1951, the great General Douglas MacArthur was quoted in Tokyo saying the following:

"The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry on the
battlefields of Korea... are writing a brilliant record of achievement in battle
and I am proud indeed to have them in this command. I wish that we might
have many more like them." Wikipedia

I sure am proud of finding information on these proud and hardy men who sacrificed their lives for me and mine. I thought it would be neat to show some of these brave men's hard fought for metals. Below are some of the medals earned by the Borinqueneers in Korea:

Individual awards in Korean War

Distinguished Service Cross 10

Silver Star 256

Bronze Star 606

Purple Heart 2,771

Aqui Se Habla Moreno

2012-07-13T07:41:00.000-04:00

My Dad, Benigno Echevarria Rodriguez, also known as Benny, is an funny character. Raised in the old ways, with old fashioned values, he still finds a way to find humor and keep things up to date.

I decided to come visit my Dad in Puerto Rico and have him meet my Fiancé, Israel Lopez. They both hit it off magnificently since they are both jokers. Dad immediately declared that Israel is Morenito. In this sense, he was simply stating that he liked him.

Now the word moreno, is the Spanish word for dark skinned. Israel is not dark skinned, this is not the point. My Dad uses it in a totally different way. He uses it if you are misbehaving, dark skinned, of questionable character or taste, you could be a good person or involved in an illegal or immoral activity. He laughs it off but those that know him know that there is a deep rooted reason for his use of this word. My Dad is racist.

It doesn't matter that Grandpa Hipolito, his father, was high yellow black. Dad is jabao himself and has always made comments when darkies are around. Benny has a bad habit of calling most people here on the island moreno; they assure me they don't mind when I scold him, but I still worry that someone will take offense and hurt him. You see, Daddy is 81 years old and frail.

Being in his 80's didn't stop him from opening another Zapateria and re-establishing himself in his old profession. Don't put your nose up, my Dad raised 15 kids (6 Antonia's, 4 Mery's and 5 His) repairing shoes. He never stopped working. He puts me and many others to shame.

Getting back to Benny's "moreno" ways. When Israel informed him that I had stated I would be getting a life insurance policy out on him, since he is so accident prone, Daddy simply looked at him and stated "make sure you also name me as a beneficiary." I almost fell out of my chair laughing! This was on the first day that they met!

I have no idea how my Dad did not disown me when I married my children's father who happened to be both Black and Cuban. That is what you call a double no-no in Benny's world. But I am his only daughter and Daddy is one of those rare men that love daughters.

And finally with that in mind, Dad used his moreno charms and made me an offer I could not refuse and I am now relocating to Puerto Rico. It seems to me that all is falling into place. I have been advocating Statehood for my island for 2 years now, my genealogy work is mostly here and which better place to take care of business than in the heart of the matter? After almost 50 years, I am back in Puerto Rico. I am finally home.

moreno(a) = dark skinned
zapateria - Shoe Repair Shop
darkies = slang for colored.
high yellow black = a black person that has white blood and therefore light skinned black.
jabao = a black person so light skinned that you can't tell they are black.
Antonia = 1st Wife
Mery = 2nd Wife

Si El Norte Fuera El Sur

2012-06-28T03:49:00.001-04:00

There are some songs that are so poetic and profound that they are meant to be discussed in length, as is the song I am now going to post here and translate. I hope you enjoy its lyrics and find it as truthful and poignant as I did. Ricardo Arjona is of Guatemalian descent, a talented singer/song writer who writes about social injustices. A former teacher and basketball player in his homeland. He has been in the music scene since 1985; this song was released in 1996.

Si El Norte Fuera El Sur

(If the North Where the South)

Artist: Ricardo Arjona

Album: Si El Norte Fuera El Sur

El Norte, sus McDonald's, basketball y Rock n' Roll

[The North, with its McDonald's, basketball and Rock n' Roll]

Sus topless, sus Madonas y el abdomen de Stallone

[It's topless (bars), it's Madonnas and the abdomen of Stallone]

Intelectuales del bonceados, eruditos de supermercado

[Intellectuals of tanning, scholars of the supermarket]

Tienen todo pero nada han pagado

[Have everything but have paid for nothing]

Con 18 eres un niño para un trago en algún bar

[At 18, you are a child for a drink at any bar]

Pero ya eres todo un hmbre pa' la guerra y pa' matar

[But, you are already a grown man for war and to kill]

Viva Vietnam y que viva Forest Gump

[Long Live Vietnam and Long Live Forrest Gump]

Viva Wall Street y que viva Donald Trump

[Long Live Wall Street and Long Live Donald Trump]

Viva el Seven Eleven

[Long Live Seven Eleven]

Polvean sus nariz y usan jeringa en sus bolsillos

[Dust their nose and use syringes in their pockets]

Viajan con Marihuana para entender la situación

[They travel with Marijuana to understand the situation]

De este juez del planeta que lanza una invitación

[Of this judge of the planet which sent forth an invitation]

Cortar se lo a tú marido y ganarás reputación

[Cut it off your husband (as in Lorena Bobbit) and you will earn a reputation (become famous)]

Coro:

[Chorus]

Las barras y las estrellas se adueñan de mi bandera

[The stripes and stairs are overpowering my flag]

Y nuestra libertad no es otra cosa que una ramera

[And our liberty is nothing more than a whore]

Y si la deuda externa nos robo la primavera

[And if the external debt robbed us of our spring]

Al diablo la geographia se acabaron las fronteras

[To the Devil with geography, the borders are no more]

Si el Norte fuera el Sur, los Sioux los marginados,
[If the North were the South, the Sioux would be the ones marginalized,]

ser moreno y chaparrito sería el look mas cotizado.
[being brown (mixed) and short would be the look most desired]

Marco sería el Rambo Mexicano y Cindy Crawford la Menchú de mis paisanos,
[(Subcommander) Mark (Leader of the Zapatista Movement) would be the Mexican Rambo and Cindy Crawford the (Rigoberta) Menchú (Activist) of my countrymen]

Reagan sería Somosa.
[(Ronald) Reagan would be (Anastasio) Somosa (Marxist)]

Fidel sería una atleta corriendo bolsas por Wall Street.

[Fidel (Castro) would be an athlete running bags for Wall Street]

Y el Ché hara hamburguesas al estilo Double Meat.

[And Che (Guevarra) (Revolutionary Rebel) would be flipping hamburgers to the order of Double Meat]

Los yankees de mojados a Tijuana.

[The yankees (Americans) wetbacks to Tijuana]

Y las balsas de Miami a la Habana, si el Norte fuera el Sur.

[The floats from Miami to Havana, if the North were the South]

Seríamos igual o tal vez un poco peor

[We would be the same or perhaps a little worst off]

Con las Malvinas por Groenlandia

[The Falkland Islands by Greenland]

Y en Guatemala un Disneylandia

[And in Guatemala a Disneyland]

Y un Simón Bolivar rompiendo su secreto

[And a Simon Bolivar breaking his secret]

Ah les va el 187, fuera a los yankees por decreto

[Oh, there goes the 187, outcast the yankees (Americans) by decree]

Coro: 2 X

[Chorus] 2 X

Si el Norte fuera el Sur, sería la misma porqueria

[If the North were the South, it would be the same rubbish]

Yo cantaria un Rap y esta canción no existiría.

[I would be singing Rap and this song would not exist]

Once again, thank you Wikipedia for information on these comparisons; www.musica.com/letras.asp?letra-93672 for the lyrics; Google Translate for help with the translations; Yours Truly for translating the song to English; and Ricardo Arjona for this inspiring creation.

The Influence of Your Name

2012-06-25T05:42:00.000-04:00

Most people go around their whole lives not knowing that the significance of their name has a great bearing on who they are and who they will become. There are whole libraries dedicated to the etymology (study of origins of words) and onomastics (study of proper names) research of names. I am a true believer that a strong name develops a strong individual. With this in mind, I have researched the names of those in my extended family, since we are numerous enough to nicely fill in a page; I will ask that you patiently go down the list. I hope this is a blessing to my family individually and collectively.

Our matriarch, Antonia, a very strong name indeed. It means Praiseworthy and Priceless. The Queen Bee of the Family. Very appropriate. Very popular in Greece and Italy; of Spanish and English origin.

Next comes our second mother, Aida. She is the eldest of us eleven. The one who took it upon herself to care and watch over us as we multiplied around her. I could never be able to tell her how much I truly love and appreciate her. Aida means Helper, Happy Bearer and Wealthy. It is mostly found in Latin America, of Spanish, French, Italian and English origin.

Lillian is no longer with us. Extremely bright and beautiful. We lost our dear sister in 1994, a victim of her own vices. She is sorely missed. Lillian is a blend of Lilli and Ann. Of English Origin.

Now the third child Marilyn, she is quite a character. Prone to exaggerating every single little thing and lives in constant dramatization of her life and those around her. Marilyn means descendant of Mary and is derived of the name Mary; which means "wished for child." Origin: Israeli, Hebrew and English.

Edwin's name is quite interesting. It means Prosperous Friend, Rich in Friendship or Happy Friend. He certainly has lived his life with gusto. It is of English and German origin.

Vernon. Now his name does fit him quite well. Vernon means, Youthful and Young at Heart, Alder Tree Grove; an Aristocratic name brought fought to England from Normandy. Vernon has always had a smile on his face and laughter has always followed him around. Found largely in Latin America; of French and English origin.

Now, Juan, spanish for John, was truly a wonderful surprise. I had no idea it meant "God is Gracious" and a "Gift from God." I can't wait to tell my brother. He needs to hear this now. Mostly found in Spanish countries; Juan is of Hebrew origin.

Benigno is a derivative of Benign which means Good. Also found it to mean Friendly and Kind. I love my brother Benny, he is truly kind and very intelligent. The first of the Echevarrias. The head of our clan. Origin: Italy.

Elvis means Wise and Sage. Elve wise; belonging to the Elves. My brother Elvis is one of those complicated souls, and I will leave it at that!! Of Scandinavian origin.

Gladys has several meanings and it really depends where you look which meaning you will find. Feminine name from the Welsh name Gwladus or Gwladys which bears the meaning of Royalty or Rulers. Of Welsh origin, it seems to mean Territorial Ruler, as in Royalty and Princess. On the flip side, if associated with Claudia or Claud it would take a whole other meaning as in Lame. That one I never liked and am happy to have continued researching the name and found the one meaning Royalty. That one I like. :)

William means Protector. Funny, I always thought it meant Willful, as in Will I Am, and I was hoping to bring that to my brother's attention. But it was not to be and once again my dear little brother navigated under my radar and was not to be scolded. William is quite the Protector and his name is quite fitting. It is of German and English origin.

And finally our baby brother, Ismael which means the "Lord will Hear" and "God Listens." I had no idea. Ish is truly blessed and we have all cuddled and loved him throughout his life. Of Israeli, Hebrew and Spanish origin.

All these wonderful names. All these beautiful blessings we are not reaping. Everyone should look up and live up to their name. There is power in your name. Harvest it.

Research and Information taken from www.meaning-of-names.com/ and Wikipedia (Gladys(given name)).

How to Best Walmart at their Own Game

2012-05-30T06:52:00.000-04:00

So, here I am at Walmart getting ready to buy some detergent, dryer sheets and get coins to do my laundry ... but wait. Let me not get ahead of myself, let me start at the beginning.

For the last 3 days, Israel and I have been staying at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, on Congress, in Boynton Beach, where their motto is "wandering encouraged" and I felt as if I have arrived at home. Their hospitality is amazing and their service more so. We only intended to spend one night, since we are transitioning, relocating and trying to purchase a home. Oh yes, we are seriously involved. :)

As I am heading out trying to catch a few errands, while allowing Israel to get a few extra minutes of well deserved sleep; I ask the attendant about Laundry Services. At least that is what I thought I was asking. He interpreted my question as "where is the Laundry Room" and instructed me to the "Laundry Room" where you can do your own Laundry!!! I know, I am getting excited about Laundry!!!! :)

Anyway, here is the kicker and the reason for this blog. So, I run, no drive to Walmart on Old Boynton Road, and get a few things along with Detergent, ect., ect. ect. No cashiers. Only the automatic self serving machines. Which is fine, only I needed change for the washing machines.

I see whom looked like a Floor Manager and asked, "I don't mind using these machines, but I also need change to do laundry. Can you help me with that?"

To which she replied, "we don't give change." I was like, "go figure. It couldn't have been that easy. " And then bang, it hit me like a lighting bolt. I answered, "You know what? There is more than one way to skin a cat!" "I will pay each item individually and get my change like that!!!"

And that is what I did. And that is how I got my change. Without going crazy, losing my temper nor going to jail.

The End.

If Life Were Perfect

2012-05-28T06:49:00.001-04:00

If life were perfect,
I would have married a Preacher Man
Instead I married a Fast Talker
Kind of like the same thing, eh?

If life were perfect,
I would have caught on to your lies quicker
but youth was on my side
and you counted on that, didn't cha?

If life were perfect,
My Treasure Box would have contained one more
I got a Rock
And a King
And a Jack
You would have been my turn to name
Your name would have been something strong and meaningful.

If a boy, named after a Prophet perhaps.
If a girl, maybe Ruth or Ester, or Deborah the Female Warrior.

If life were perfect,
a 31st Anniversary would have been
around the corner

Yet, God is merciful
And instead of 4, he gave me 3
and for that missing child
I have many, yes, many that call me mom.

Yet, God is even more merciful
That everything is brand new
And a New Love is Blossoming around the corner
And the Preacher Man myth
Might still come true.

The doubt,
if life were perfect
has turned into,
I am so happy with my life as it is today
and my happily ever after
might happen just yet.

For David, my son and King.

His Daughter

2012-05-22T00:29:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I forget You are His Daughter.
I look at Dreamy Brown liquid, so soulful, so bright
so mysterious, so kind
the eyes of promise, of future and flight.

Sometimes I forget You are His Daughter.
The Daughter of the One I gave my Heart to
the One I gave my solemn Vow to
The Daughter I nagged God for
And made Promises that I would Die for

Sometimes I truly forget You are His Daughter.
The One who broke my Heart and Soul
For Whose treachery I fought Padded walls
And Lived to see the Sun of Day
You Child, a third, the power
that Helped me get away.

Sometimes I forget You are His Daughter.
You are so unlike Him
You are so like Him
And so Stubborn like Me.
And it's so easy to Forget.
That you are a Soul all of your Own.
A Soul so Old and Wise.
A Soul so conning and elusive.

Sometimes I just forget.

For Neo.

State of Grace

2012-05-21T07:58:00.000-04:00

It's not that I am not grateful;
For the graceful ways that we be today,
When you came our way we were of simpler minds
and even more simpler ways.
We dreamt of coffee fields on mountainous hills,
Of colorful mornings and wondrous sights.
We looked forward to the sounds of nature's abide
welcoming us into La Isla Del Encanto;
yes, paradise.

It's not that I am not grateful;
For the learnt way we be today.
You brought with you fine institutions of wisdom
and established them in our small little island.
And our knowledge grew of the things you knew
For before you came
We knew only of our Mother Spain and of
our African and Taino ways.
Of 500 years, of the Old Lady's pain
and of becoming masters of healing
and music, and dance, while still appearing
humble and compliant.
Of dancing ballads from all three nations
and graceful names throughout creation.
A thousand years of Moor influence
propelled our task masters; and maritime
conquests abounded.
Of Don Quijote and fine composers,
of fine wines, architecture and fine perfumes.

Oh, what? That is not what you heard?

You were told we were a population of illiterate peasants?
That poverty and disease ran rapid?
That we were unsophisticated and uncouth?
Void of any true culture and therefore, in need of total
revamping and Americanization?
It is true what they say,
"Don't believe everything you read".

It's not that I am not grateful;
That our agricultural lands were paved over
and industrial buildings where erected
in place of our sugar cane, coffee and tobacco crops.
And over a century of one way trading
has left Puerto Rico totally dependent on
the United States' unilateral trading practices.
Cultivating trade with other countries is
forbidden. Reminds me of that saying;
"First you make thieves and then you punish
them for stealing?"

It's not that I am not grateful;
For allowing us the opportunity to fight in all
your wars.
Yet be seen as solely a mestizo race
and given our own little special place
called segregation and isolation.
That our beautiful, strong, lovely women
were chosen in medical experimentations
and thanks to them, we now have contraception.
Political prisoners where given radiation
and mental patients cancer cells.
If you believe we were the only ones;
And that that could not happen here?
You need to open your eyes and recognize.
The drug infestation in major cities
like New York, Chicago and California, of the
1930's, were orchestrated by vile men who wanted
to exterminate spics and niggers.

Yes, you and me.

It's not that I am not grateful,
I still believe in our forefathers' vision and still believe in
their promise.
That in this land, over here, things were
going to be different, better, and all inclusive.
That race, language, sexual preference, religious ideology
and theology, mental capacity and/or monetary deficiency
or abundance;
none of it,
none of it would matter.
You could still have a chance at the pursuit of happiness,
only if you are brave enough to chase it.
I believe in this country enough to hand over my only two sons
and say, "Now go fight for our Nation".
I tell them, "No matter where you are; Remember who you are" and
sleep soundly knowing,
that they take those words to heart.

Dedicated to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, "Good looking out Girl!"

An Open Letter to Congress

2012-05-20T16:54:00.000-04:00

It's not that I am not grateful, but when will it be our turn? We have waited over a century for the assimilation process to come full circle, to be called a State of this Great Nation and patiently we continue to wait.

Why are we treated like a Red Headed Step Child? A Red Headed Step Child is that one curious child that doesn't particularly look like his father. You know, the one whose paternity is questioned but never in public? Boricuas, Tainos, Latinos; us the other Americans, Puerto Ricans.

It's not that I am not grateful. Because of the U.S., I speak the language that I speak, got the education that I got and am able to communicate with you, right here and right now. But did it have to come at the expense of an invasion? What was that all about? Your history books say it was in response to the Spanish threat in the Caribbean. I found other books that said it was a strategic military decision in preparation of the Panama Canal project. Was it really a matter of national security? So many unanswered questions.

I am American. Let me make this clear, let me say this again, I am American. I did not submit an Entry Petition Application with INS. My finger prints did not accompany this non-submitted Application nor was a Police Search made of any Criminal activity I may have been a party of due to the same phantom application. I did not stand in front of a judge, pledged allegiance to the United States of America and swore for all eternity to forsake my previous nationality. I was born an American. There is no Puerto Rican citizenship. There is no such thing. All Puerto Ricans are born Americans.

Yet, someone, in some southern state, wondered why I didn't have a green card. Americans don't need green cards.

It's not that I am not grateful, it's just that the process that was commenced 114 years ago is not complete. I really don't want to be evil in my thinking, but why make us Americans so that we can be drafted into American wars and not make our homeland a State? America, you have proclaimed to the whole world that we are as one, yet have refused to close the deal. Make this Red Headed Step Child legitimate. Stop procuring stalling tactics in the form of multiple Status Ballots for the approval of the Puerto Rican population on the island while at the same time demanding a majority of 75% or higher outcome. That is ludicrous and unattainable.

U.S. Congress we are not ignorant. Puerto Ricans are aware of your stalling tactics, we know what you are doing, the time has come to do what is right and just. Stop passing the buck. With the passing of a Majority Congressional Vote, Puerto Rico will become the 51st State. Punto y Aparte. (translated, Finished and Put Aside; meaning. let's put an end to this already)

The Language of the Fan

2012-05-19T07:29:00.000-04:00

As a female I love fans, don't you? I love going into a place, no matter where, inside or outside and while I am waiting, I fan myself. Whether it's a cold 60 degrees or a smoldering 105 degrees Fahrenheit; I fan myself. With a pretty pink fan my sister Marilyn gave me for Christmas, I fan myself.

Sometimes it's not about the need to cool down. Most times it's the feel of the wind on my face that I crave. I even sleep with a fan directed to my face, whether the A/C is on or not. Yes, I am the first one to admit, I am special. :)

Most people look at me and I can just imagine what they think; "Oh, she must be Menopausal." Well, I am not. Carrying and using a fan is one of those time honored traditions that has been replaced by the fast technology of the "I don't have enough time to wait" and the "If it is not powered by electricity, then it is not for me."

Most people don't realize that 19th century ladies created a whole language involving the use of their fans in an attempt to secretly communicate with young men while at social events. Restrictive social norms and stern chaperons created the need for such behavior. I myself, would have revolted at such draconian treatment of my civil liberties, but then again, maybe not.

Many years ago I remember reading about the definitions of some of these hand/fan gestures and thought it appropriate to include some of the more whimsical ones I found. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, as I list them below:

Fan slowly across chest: "I am free and available, I don't have a boyfriend."
Fan in fast, short movements over her chest: "I have a partner or boyfriend, so keep going."
Opened or closed fan and touched her cheek: "I like you!"
Fan on her temple and looked up: "I think of you day and night!"
Saw her boyfriend talking to another girl or suspected he was being unfaithful; she would touch fan to her nose, meaning: "Something doesn't smell good here."
Walked side by side hitting the palm of her hand with fan: "Be careful, honey, the chaperon is coming."
Opened and closed fan and then pointed with it towards the garden: "Wait for me there, sweetheart. Soon, I will be there with you."

And finally, if she covered her mouth with the fan and looked at him very suggestively, she was sending him a kiss, and obviously, the gentleman knew he was the chosen one!

This post was born from the experience of encountering a fellow fan enthusiast at the nail salon. She proudly showed me her cute chinese, round black and white fan and protested at how her husband and most people, didn't comprehend her need for her fan. I sympathized and quite possibly made a friend. Let's see. Janice, if you are out there, I am still waiting for that Facebook friend request. :)

I borrowed the title and definitions from an internet web page by the same name: The Language of the Fan, www.ladanza.com/language.htm

A Blessed Mother's Day Post

2012-05-13T14:47:00.002-04:00

This Mother's Day is a little different than most Mother's Days of the past in that this holiday is no longer marked by little ones making breakfast for me, or jumping in my bed startling me with homemade presents and giggling with expectant delights that were awaiting us throughout the day. My little ones are now grown men and a woman who fill me with joy and happiness at the thought of the privilege to have spent my youth with them. For in a way, I literally grew up with my children and am content to be a young hip grandma because of it.

I look forward to seeing what my children will accomplish and are yet to become. I am at a place in my life where I feel fearless and ready to face whatever life has in store for me and mine. I am not trying to tempt faith or anything like that, it is just, I remember being so afraid when I was a young mother. I was afraid for my children health. I was afraid for their welfare. I was afraid for their future. But in all this fear, I was not afraid in one aspect, I was sure in my faith in God and that I had dedicated my children to Him and for Him. Meaning, I saw my children as a temporary gift God had bestowed upon me, so that I might instill in them the will to become anyone they wished to become. I saw them as people that I was raising not for myself but for society. And that, unlike some mothers, my own to be more specific, I would not hinder their paths by being so selfish as to try and keep them for myself; and in doing so, limit their potential.

One of my favorite sayings to my children was that "I was raising self sufficient children" (along with "God punishes disobedient children" which by the way worked wonders!!!). I taught each one to cook, clean, iron, type, budget their money and drive a car. All the skills that I possessed, I in turn, made it a point of passing it along to them. I smile when from time to time, one of them mention that they do something a certain way because it was something I taught them to do. I had to be strict and unconventional in a lot of ways and must admit they didn't always love me because of it. But I accepted very early on that as long as they respected me and followed my advice, I could wait for their love later in life. I have not been disappointed and feel very blessed.

To all the young mothers struggling with their own small children, please know this, our children are worth every sacrifice, delayed dream, strength and effort. Don't despair. Don't give up. Seek those that have been there and can relate and can advise. Doesn't matter if you have a wonderful husband, companion or baby daddy at your side. If you do, more power to you. If you don't, you can still do it. Plenty of us have. Find the strength, that wonderful unique strength that God has given women, and carry on with your battle. Once your children have become adults, then you can breathe and smile and enjoy the many little blessings that come your way.

Dedicated to all the wonderful strong women in my family and in my life.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Parents: Be vigilant.

2012-05-01T03:12:00.000-04:00

Being a parent is not easy. It never has been and I suspect it never will be. Recently I heard the disturbing news that the minor children of a dear friend have been engaging in sexual activities with each other. Most people might approach this as a scandalous, unsavory kind of subject which should not be talked about much less discussed in such a public forum as this blog. Well, I promised my readers to broach all subjects without fear and if I was to think as most people, I would be the type of person, I really don't care too much about.

As a survivor of sexual child abuse myself, I can give a unique first hand perspective as to why children would venture into childhood sexual behavior, and perhaps shed some light into what type of emotions and impulses are driving such behavior and finally how you can best help your child if you are ever found in the nightmarish scenario my sweet kind friend finds herself in right now.

My heart broke when I heard my friend lost control upon discovering her children in sexual play and beat all three of them. Violence is not the way to solve this problem. Parents need to remain in control if they are to get a positive result to any situation regarding their children. Children involved in such activities need to be secluded, interviewed and protected. They will need counseling and parents need to prepare themselves because the road back to normalcy will be long and hard. Children involved in sexual activities are children that have been exposed to sex in an unhealthy and damaging way. They either have seen it or have experienced it through a sexual predator.

Most children do not understand that they have the right to refuse something that does not feel right to them. Sexual predators will use guilt, manipulation, fear, or any other means available to them to reach the child and break down their natural defenses. That is the main reason I advocate speaking freely to your children about all subjects and keeping that communication flowing freely so that parents realize what is going on in their children's lives. Don't assume that your well adjusted intelligent child will not fall victim to a vile adult, make sure they don't, speak to them.

Sexually abused children have to deal with their own feelings of guilt and culpability. They often wonder what they have done to have provoked such actions from the sexual predator. They are easily confused with feelings of pleasure and the forbidden. Once ensnared into participating, the cycle of abuse becomes more elaborate since the sexual predator will use those same feelings of guilt and culpability against the child to secure their future cooperation.

My advice to my friend is that she seek counseling for her children. Comfort your children and let them know that you over reacted and that their inappropriate behavior does not diminish your love for them. Let them know that the nightmare is over. That you are there to protect them. I will let my friend know that she is not alone and she has friends and family who will help her through this. I will advocate patience, love and understanding. Let us who love you help you and your children.

Farewell Sembach

2012-04-05T19:51:00.000-04:00

In a few days, I head on back to the United States from my 4 month vacation with my son Pedro and grandson Julian in Germany. And although I am excited to go back home, and reunite with other family members, the feeling is bittersweet. I have meet some wonderful people here both military and civilians. They welcomed me with open arms and I became like a second mother to most. I thrive on such an environment and the experience will last me a lifetime.

Besides the precious time spent with my two boys, in between shoe lace tying, reading and math lessons, I was able to take in the gorgeous countryside view the village of Sembach has to offer. I also enjoyed the contrasts in architecture and found it charming that a small family farm with horses could be next to a car dealership.

This voyage has allowed me to experience a different world, one which I only knew existed by the reading of books, but one which is not fully appreciated until actually lived. Life is simpler here. People actually make it a priority to spend time with each other. So often, I looked out a window and saw families walking by speaking to each other for no other reason that to do so. Little things we take for granted with our busy lives back home.

While here I visited London, England; Paris, France; Frankfurt, Germany and the many smaller towns that are sprinkled throughout this land of Germania. I have learned some Deutsch words like ausfahrt, eingang, bitte, danke, zahnarzt, jüdisch; and the use of euros as currency. After four months, I actually assimilated some signs and knew basically where I was at all times. My uncanny ability to figure out some words on my own actually drove my son insane but what can I say, I am a natural born decipher. I had fun.

To my first born, I could never fully express the love I feel for this child of mine. The fact that we can disagree yet end the day with no hard feelings is priceless. It was that way while he was young and nothing has changed. I hope it never does. Just as the day he gifted himself into my life, he has once again made another of my dreams come true. Thank you love.

To his friends, who now have become part of my family, I say, thank you. Thank you for the fun times and the attentions that you all graced me with. To Jessica & Tristan Nunn, Yivi & Jose Mejias, Bianca Beckham, Castro, Chiquita Whiting and even the incorrigible Hamilton; I say, you made my time here interesting and pleasant. To Ms. Shaw who I met tonight, it was a blast having dinner and making you laugh with my philosophy on life and men.

Of course, I could not write this post without mentioning Aliona Dubravina. My knowledgeable tour guide, translator, hair dresser, gourmet cook and dear friend. She always made sure to make me feel special when she was around. I hope life will be kind to me and let me keep you as a friend. Thank you for being so sweet.

And on that note I say, farewell Sembach, Germany, with all your too delicious pastries, chilly weather and pleasant tschüss. I hope to travel more often to this part of the world, but only God knows what is in store for the future. I can only hope and pray; plan and persevere.

Germania - ancient name for Germany.
Deutsch - German language.
ausfahrt - exit (highway exit)
eingang - entrance
bitte - please
danke - thank you
zahnarzt - dentist
jüdisch - Jewish
tschüss - (good)bye [everywhere from grocery stores to restaurants you hear this word which sounds so much like cheers]

President's Day in Puerto Rico

2012-02-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

On February 20, 2012, Puerto Rico decided to celebrate President's Day by unveiling life-sized bronze statues of President Barack Obama and former President Lyndon B. Johnson to its "Avenue of Heroes" just outside San Juan's neoclassical Capitol Building. These two new additions become part of an exhibit which aligns the avenue with bronze statues of previous U.S. Presidents who have visited Puerto Rico dating back to Theodore Roosevelt. President Obama becomes the ninth U.S. President to grace our island with a visit.

The Associated Press covered the story of the ceremony (which was picked up by many other prestigious news outlets) and was presided over by Pedro Pierluisi, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico (a non-voting and Puerto Rico's only member of Congress), Kenneth McClintock, Secretary of State for Puerto Rico and various other Puerto Rican officials. Ceremony speeches gave mention to Puerto Rico's political status and lack of voting power in electing the very Presidents that were being honored that day, despite being Americans. This caused quite a backlash of negative comments on the website the article appeared in and the main reason I am writing about this topic today.

Actually the ignorance, racism, intolerance and just plain ugliness of the comments displayed by my fellow Americans caused me pause and I decided to wait a while before commenting on the whole issue. There was no way I could have written this post before today without becoming as calculating and callous as most of the commentators who spread their hate that week. I decided a long time ago, I would never stoop down so low as to any bigot's level; I pride myself on accepting people by their character and not much else.

The article itself was a tribute to President's Day. Originally celebrated in the month of February as Washington's and Lincoln's Birthdays but combined, appropriately in my opinion, to commemorate all U.S. Presidents.

That the simple act of honoring President Obama with a statue can evoke such fierce personal racists attacks shows a lack of respect, commonality and unity. Disrespecting not only our President but also the people that honored him. The fact that both of these Presidents happen to be Democrats gave some the excuse to label Puerto Ricans "leftist liberals" among other choice words I will not stain my blog with. I understand that we are in an economic crises. I understand that we are war weary. I understand that we feel "used and abused" by our elected officials; but must we regress to pre-Civil Rights mentality in the process? We, all of us, are better than that.

For those that erroneously believed that we have only honored "weak Democrats", below is the list of Presidents that are enshrined in our beloved city of San Juan with a bronze statue, political affiliation and date of visit:

1. Theodore Roosevelt, Republican, November 21, 1906.
2. Herbert Hoover, Republican, March 24, 1931.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democrat, July 7, 1934.
4. Harry S. Truman, Democrat, February 21-22, 1948.
5. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Republican, March 4-7, 1960.
6. John F. Kennedy, Democrat, December 15-16, 1961.
7. Lyndon B. Johnson, Democrat, March 2-4, 1968.
8. Gerard R. Ford, Republican, June 27-28, 1976. (For the G6 Summit).
9. Barack H. Obama, Democrat, June 14, 2011.

I am proud that my little island celebrated President's Day in such a grand way and I personally apologize to Lyndon Johnson for the delay but money is tight right now. :)

For me, it is hard to accept that we are still "red headed step children", my humorous way of saying, not yet allowed to sit at the Master's table, with the big boys, yet Puerto Ricans can still make a marvelous meal out of almost anything. We will wait patiently and work diligently, for the time will come when our contribution will be acknowledged and appreciated. After all, after over a century of weaving together the great fabric that is America, it is going to be difficult to determine which thread is yours and which is mine.

A Peek into My Trip Overseas

2012-02-18T21:34:00.000-05:00

I landed in Frankfurt, Germany, on December 31, 2011; as the guest of my eldest son Pedro. I always dreamed of visiting Europe, I believe anyone who is not European does at some point in their lives. It happened in a blink of an eye, as a last minute decision and yet, aren't those sometimes the best adventures? The ones that are not overly planned and fussed over?

That first night, the sky was made daylight with fireworks. It seemed all of the inhabitants of this little village of Sembach, left the warmth of their homes at the stroke of midnight to celebrate the New Year. The bombardment was spectacular. It took my breath away. I imagined being in another time, a time of war and what I heard and felt was not a celebration, but an invasion. I must admit, it was thrilling. My only concern was my grandson, Julian, sound asleep in his room. He slept through the many hours of marvelous lunacy that I witnessed.

As of the writing of this post, a month and a half into my three month stay, I have visited a few small towns; Saarbrucken, Otterberg, Landstuhl and Melingen, among others. Each with quaint little houses, local churchs, boutiques, mom and pop stores and friendly people. I would take advantage of photographing whatever caught my eye to the chagrin of my son. Post signs (Ausfahrt being my favorite), factories, lamp posts, churches, hills, restaurant menus, billboards, building decor and sometimes even soup labels. He just doesn't understand there is a photographer hidden in me and I see beauty and humor in everything. Besides, I may never set foot in Europe again; so I am recording my future memories now, so as to have something precious to look at when the Alzheimer's kicks in. (A history of Alzheimer's runs in the family; I frequently make reference to it in a humorous fashion).

As far as, major tourist attractions I have visited a Dinosaur Museum in Neunkirchen, Saarland. World of Fun, indoor family entertainment facility, in Zweibrucken. And Burg Nanstein Castle in Landstuhl, Kaiserslautern; built in 1162 A.D., that makes it a 150 years shy of a millennium! All of these places mentioned are in Germany. I have been promised more sightseeing in the weeks to come.

I have sampled my first tastes of German cuisine and realized that Germans really, I mean really, like Mexican food. Who knew? I have found that things taste different here. A pastry is not as sweet. Not everything is buried in sugar and salt. And because of that, what you eat is more true to its natural flavor. Which is a good thing, in my opinion. On the other hand, local canned products do not have the same quality as back home and on that account, I stick to American brands.

But what I am truly impressed with, so far, are the windows in this part of the world. They are not the common ones we use in the States that simply open up or down. These windows are a masterpiece in and of themselves. They have pulleys and open in several stages. One can half pull the lever and they open at an angle, if you wish to open them completely, then just continue pulling the lever and the window is separated from its main setting. I smile at how ingenious our German cousins are. I have never seen anything like that back home.

As a side note, I did deliberately state German cousins in the previous paragraph, in that, I received the DNA results I ordered to help establish the paternal side of my genealogical gene pool; and the Echevarrias in our family happen to have a strong connection to Germany, more so than any other European country, including Spain. That I happened to be in Germany when I received those results just tickled me pink!! I know, I am a nerd. :)

Getting back on subject, another thing I must comment on is don't believe those Visa commercials back home. It is not accepted worldwide. I am not sure if its the present world economic crisis, or that the commerce is not as standardize here as in the United States, or just the local common practice, but in Germany, currency rules. Make sure you get some euros from the ATM before you attempt to go and pay for something with credit. I have had a couple of embarrassing incidents.

I did not want to wait until the end of my trip to actually write something about my experiences overseas, therefore, here is a glimpse of what I have been up to so far. I am sure once I visit Paris, and a couple of other places I have in mind, I will mesmerize you with some brilliant insightful writing, but for the moment, this post will calm my guilty conscience and hopefully give you, my loyal readers, something to smile about.

*Ausfahrt = Exit in German. Exit signs at the Autoban (Highway).
*The American joke here is to ask "Did you Ausfahrt?" As in, "Did you(r) As(s) Fart?" They have T-Shirts. I plan to get one!!!

Rafael Hernandez: El Corazón Jibaro De Boriké.

2011-10-20T16:07:00.004-04:00

Remembering the iconic songs written by Puerto Rican Maestro Rafael Hernandez Marín (October 24, 1892 - December 11, 1965) is comparable to getting a blood transfusion from one of your relatives. It has all the ingredients you need to built you from within. It makes you proud. It makes you strong. It takes you back. To the beginning. To your childhood. To where you first felt a part of a much bigger family. Boriké. The Land of the Valiant Lord.

And no, Boriké, is not misspelled. It is the Taino name and spelling of Puerto Rico. Borinquen is the Spanish version. The translation and transformation of what the spaniards thought they heard and how the rest of the world endearingly calls the island.

Rafael was a mulatto, a descendant of African and Spaniard ancestry, who had a unique way of poetically bringing to light the plight and economic condition of the jibaro; the peasant farmer, on the island nation of Puerto Rico, during his lifetime. There are no words that I can come up with to describe the genius behind this man's essence and vision. The best I can do is translate one of his works for you and let his magic infiltrate your soul.

Deciding which of his many works to translate was not an easy task. Rafael wrote and composed so many beautiful Ballads, Danzas, Alguinardos, Zarzuelas, Guarachas, Lullabies, Boleros, Waltzes, more than 3,000 in all, that are still very resonate and viable to modern music aficionados. His masterpieces "Preciosa" (Precious), and "Lamento Borincano" (The Lament of the Puerto Rican) are as much part of Puerto Rican culture as are its flag and national anthem. I decided to translate his song "Lamento Borincano" because it captures the sentiment and struggles of his people at a time when Puerto Rico was in a major transition economically and socially.

This particular blog is meant to introduce you to Rafael Hernandez, an exceptional musician, a great patriot and a divinely gifted artist. It is by no means an autobiography of the man. It is my greatest hope that you look up his music, listen to it and in doing so "resurrect" a great legend for future generations.

"LAMENTO BORINCANO"

Sale, loco de contento, con su calgamento para la ciudad, hay! Para la ciudad.

(He goes, ecstatically happy, with his (vegetable) load towards the city, ah! Towards the city.)

Lleva, en su pensamiento, todo un mundo lleno de felicidad, hay! De felicidad.

(Has, in his thoughts (mind), a world filled with happiness, ah! With happiness.)

Piensa remediar la situación, del hogar que es toda su ilusión, si!

(Wants to remedy the situation, of the home that is all his hope, yes!)

Y alegré (And happily)

El jibarito va, candando así, deciendo así, cantando así, por el camino.

(The peasant goes, singing so, saying so, singing so, on the road.)

Si yo vendo la carga, mi Dios querido, un traje a mi viejita voy a comprar.

(If I sale my (vegetable) load, my dear God, a dress for my (wife or elderly mother) I will buy.)

Y alegré (And happily)

Tambien su yegua va, al presentir aquel cantar, es todo un himno de alegría.

(Also the mare goes, feeling that the singing heard is a happy hymn for sure.)

Y en eso le sorprende la luz del día, y llegan al mercado de la ciudad.

(And in that atmosphere the light of day surprises them and they arrive at the market in the city.)

Pasa, la mañana entera, sin que nadie quiera, su carga comprar, hay! Su carga comprar.

(Passes, the whole morning, without anyone wishing to buy his (vegetable) load, ah! His load unsold.)

Todo, todo esta desierto, y el pueblo esta lleno de necesidad, hay! De necesidad.

(Everything, everything is deserted and the town is in great need, ah! In great need.)

Se oye este lamento por doquier (donde quiera), de mi desdichada Borinquen, sí!

(This lament is heard throughout, of my calamitous Borinquen (Puerto Rico), yes!)

Y triste (And unhappily)

El jibarito va, llorando así, pensando así, diciendo así, llorando así, por el camino.

(The peasant goes, crying so, thinking so, saying so, crying so, on the road.)

"Que será de Borinquen, mi Dios querido, que será de mis hijos y de mi hogar?"

(What will become of Borinquen, my dear God, what will become of my children and my home?)

Oh Borinquen! La tierra del Edén, la que al cantar, el gran Gautier, llamo la perla de los mares.

(Oh Borinquen! The land of Eden, the one sang by, the great Gautier (famous Puerto Rican Poet), (who) proclaimed (it) the pearl of the seas.)

Ahora que tu te mueres con tus pesares dejame que te cante yo también.

(Now that you are dying with your sorrows, allow me also to sing to you.)

Borinquen de mi amor!

(Borinquen (of) my love!)

Yo soy hijo de Borinquen. (I am a son of Borinquen.)

Y eso nadie lo va a cambiar. (And that, no one will change.)

Y el dia que yo me muera, en ti quiero descansar. (And the day that I die, in you I wish to rest.)

Yo te adoro Puerto Rico! (I adore you Puerto Rico!)

Y eso nadie me lo va a quitar. (And that no one will take from me.)

*Researched Lyrics at MusicstarX.net, Lamento Borincano, sang by Marc Anthony.

Researched Bio at Wikipedia; Rafael Hernandez.

Translator, Yours Truly :)

Soccer: Game of the Gods

2011-07-16T14:54:00.002-04:00

With the FIFA Women's World Cup Finals being currently contested and the American Women's team doing so well, I got to thinking about the sport of soccer. About its possible beginnings and the historical journey it must have gone through to spring forth the mass and emotional appeal it embodies today.

Soccer has been around for approximately 3,500 years in the form of the Mesoamerican Ball Game. Archeologist have found massive ball courts in central Mexico that have been carbon dated to 1,500 BCE. Previous to this finding, a Chinese military drill manual of the 2nd & 3rd centuries BC, which described drill exercises much like soccer, was believed to be the earliest form of soccer played. Meaning the Game of the Gods has been around much longer than anyone had previously imagined.

In fact, all team sports that have a rubber ball in play owe that sports' existence to Central American Indians; specifically the Mayas and the Aztecs. "The games, which combined elements of modern basketball, football and soccer, were great public spectacles in which art played a central role"... also ..."We learn that the marvelous qualities of rubber, extracted from native American plants, led to the development of the games; that Olmec and Maya rulers played the ball game as part of their ceremonial duties; that the ball courts were dynamic public spaces where great pageants were enacted; and elaborate rituals of human sacrifice often concluded a great game." The Sport of Life & Death: The MesoAmerican Ballgame; Thames & Hudson, publisher; E. Michael Whittington, author.

The sport of balancing and mastering a rubber ball first originated, for fun; but it soon became something much more ominous than the neighborhood kids trying to out maneuver each other with their athletic skills. Political and religious implications soon enveloped the reason the games were played and, henceforth, land disputes, debts and even human enslavements were decided upon the outcome of a game.

As an acceptable human sacrifice to their many Gods, only the best player, the Captain of the winning team, was given that particular honor. In the Mayan and Aztec cultures, it was indeed a great honor to be sacrificed to the Gods, in the case of the Mesoamerican games, it was believed that this great hero would return as a God. Great prestige was granted to his family upon his death and needless to say, the victim's family became the beneficiaries of the whole community once they were proclaimed "relatives of a God."

In present day Central America, the Mesoamerican Ball Game has survived in a game called ulama. It is from this game that we imagine what the ancient Mesoamerican games must have been like. Ulama players do not use their hands when handling the ball. Only their heads, hips, knees, thighs and feet can be used. The ball is approximately 9 lbs. Same as in the Mesoamerican game. Some protective gear is used, as in extra padding added to the extremities allowed, but not much other than that. Death as been known to occur playing this game if the player is hit with the ball in his mouth or in the stomach.

Although, stone vertical rings are now a common fixture associated with the ancient ball courts, these were actually added latter by the Mayas and are not part of the first ball courts constructed, nor monumental to the first games played. In fact, it is so hard to score by shooting the ball threw the stone ring, that doing so, would automatically win the game. It is believed that markers on the ball court and showing skills, such as, keeping the ball from touching the ground the longest, were ways of winning points and, therefore, a more common way of winning the game.

Of course, if you research soccer, no mention of the Mesoamerican Ball Game will come up. What will come up is Association Football. Translation? The european definition of soccer. The modern rules of football (soccer) are based on the mid-19th century efforts to standardise the widely varying forms of football (soccer) played at the public schools of England. The history of football (soccer) in England dates back to at least the eighth century. Wikipedia With the standardizing of "football" came The Cambridge Rules (1848), J.C. Thring Rules (1862), Sheffield Football Association (1867) and FIFA-Federation Internationale de Football Association (1904); all very instrumental and influential in today's soccer.

At the turn of the 21st Century, the game was played by 250 million players in over 200 countries making it the world's most popular sport. Wikipedia.

Soccer has been accredited with starting a war; Central American nations of El Salvador and Honduras, in 1969; also known as the 100 Hours' War; with delaying a war; both sides of the Biafran War, also known as the Nigerian Civil War, declared a two day truce in September, 1967, so that they could watch Pele and his touring Santos team play in two exhibition matches; and with countless riots after a game resulting in casualties and injuries. Could Mayan and Aztec deities still be extracting their blood demands from modern tragedies?

Perhaps in getting a better perspective of where the game originated from, it is not so far fetched in concluding that this game somehow brings to the surface a primal, hard to control urge in its participants. Perhaps it does have something to do with the Divine; with the Sacred; and need be approached with great respect and reverence. Good Luck U.S. Women's Soccer Team!

Human Experimentation in Puerto Rico

2011-06-06T15:21:00.004-04:00

It was in my research of my fellow Puerto Rican, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, that I came upon information regarding medical experimentation illegally performed on Puerto Ricans. I had heard before of the Puerto Rican Pill Trials (a human trial study of contraception pills done on Puerto Rican women); but forced sterilizations, injecting live cancer cells in unwitting patients and exposing prisoners to radiation, exceeded my previous knowledge of the situation.

My previous post, dated June 2, 2011, covered and exposed the use of radiation poisoning to inmates, one of its victim being Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos. So, other than this mention, nothing else will be added regarding that atrocity in this post.

In 1932, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos wrote a manuscript in which he accused Dr. Cornelius P. Rhoads of killing Puerto Rican patients as part of the medical experiments conducted in San Juan's Presbyterian Hospital for the Rockefeller Institute. His proof was a third party letter in which Dr. Rhoads admits to injecting live cancer cells in patients. The letter also included inflammatory racists comments denigrating Puerto Ricans for their alleged bad character. Investigations at the time did not publicly reveal evidence of malicious activity to support the claim and Dr. Rhoads was vindicated while Albizu Campos was discredited. Wikipedia

Years later, in 2003, after an independent investigation led by the eminent bio ethicist Dr. Jay Katz, of Yale University, the American Association for Cancer Research removed Dr. Rhoad's name from their annual award intended for an "individual on the basis of meritorious achievement in cancer research." Although, no formal apology was exercised, none was truly required. I personally applaud the AACR.

This was by no means the only human study that was to be conducted in Puerto Rico.

In the 1950s, an oral contraceptive was being developed in Boston, MA. The preliminary Boston Trials had given the team of John Rock and Gregory Pincus the confidence they needed to pursue a more lucrative endeavor in the marketing of such a product. But without large scale human trials, Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval would never be given and marketability would be nil.

Just so happens that in the summer of 1955, Pincus visited Puerto Rico and found the perfect location.

Puerto Rico was a U.S. Territory, densely populated, officials supported birth control as a form of population control, no anti-birth control laws and Pincus was impressed with the vast networks of birth control clinics already in place.

Another aspect that he found appealing was that if Pincus could show that the poor, uneducated women of Puerto Rico could follow the Pill regimen, then women anywhere in the world could too. Pincus hoped to quiet critics' concerns that "oral" contraceptives would be too "complicated" for women in developing nations and American inner cities to use.

The barrio of Rio Piedras saw the first trials in April, 1956. At the time, most women relied on sterilization or abortion to limit their family size, the Pill was a welcomed alternative.

The pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle provided the pills for the trial. Rock selected a high dose of Enovid, the company's brand name for their synthetic oral progesterone to ensure no pregnancies would occur while test subjects were on the drug. Later, after discovering Enovid worked better with small amounts of synthetic estrogen, that active ingredient was added to the Pill as well. (As a side note, the dosage first used by the Rock Pinus team has been reduced drastically to conform to medically accepted dosage for these drugs. To administer that amount today would be deemed criminal.)

Rock and Pincus dismissed reports of serious side affects. Three women died during the trials, but no autopsy or investigations were preformed to exclude the Pill as the cause of these young women's deaths. In later years, the Pincus team would be accused of deceit, colonialism and the exploitation of poor women of color.

The women had only been told that they were taking a drug that prevented pregnancy, not that it was a clinical trial, that the Pill was experimental or that there was a chance of potentially dangerous side effects.

In the 1950s, research involving human subjects was much less regulated than it is today. Pincus and Rock believed that they were following the appropriate ethical standards of the time.

Another disturbing procedure Puerto Ricans were compelled to endure was that of forced sterilization. Below is a paragraph from STERILIZATION OF PUERTO RICAN WOMEN: By Florita Z. Louis de Malave, May 1999; which, in my view, encompasses and brings to light, the plight of human experimentation on the island.

[The colonial legacy of controlling women's sexuality and reproduction continues to prevail with such policies as the testing of the I.U.D., birth control pills and the sterilization of women. In the case of sterilization, the subject of this bibliography, between the 1930s and the 1970s approximately one-third of Puerto Rico's female population of childbearing age had undergone the operation, the highest rate in the world. So common was the practice that the words "sterilization" and "la operacion" (the operation) were used interchangeably. The massive sterilization of Puerto Rican females warrants that their experience be brought to the forefront, and there's the hope that this bibliography will stimulates interest and further research in the subject.]

This subject is of personal significance to me, in that, I was robbed of knowing my maternal grandmother, Tomasa Martinez Rodriguez, due to complications after a sterilization operation. She died in 1942, when my mother, Antonia Rivera Martinez, was only 7 years old.

I urge you to look up the subject of forced sterilization in Puerto Rico; on the internet.

I firmly believe that political, racial, social economic and colonial views are much to blame for the abuses of human experimentation implemented in Puerto Rico. I doubt very much that such lack of concern for humanity would have been perpetuated on Americans of a lighter complexion; Americans that live in one of the established fifty states; or Americans that can vote unscrupulous politicians bought by pharmaceutical companies and unethical medical institutions, out of office.

*Another source for this post was: PBS Online Home Programs, The Pill, 1999.

Pedro Albizu Campos: Father of Puerto Rican Nationalism

2011-06-02T20:43:00.001-04:00

There is no one word that can do justice to the human phenom, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos (June 29, 1893 or September 12, 1891-April 21, 1965). That he happened to have been born Puerto Rican, well, that is just one more reason I have to take pride in my cultural roots.

Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos is popularly known as the Father of Puerto Rican Nationalism; he fought for Puerto Rican Independence, peasant and workers' rights, brought to light injustices perpetrated by medical institutions, organized many uprisings and is credited for implementing national Puerto Rican holidays and emblems in existence today, such as, the Puerto Rican Flag.

In Latin American cultures, both parents' last names are used, first the paternal and then the maternal. This, in a sense, announces which two families you are bred from; a very powerful and sometimes, damning aspect of our culture. You either had to live up to the family name or distance yourself from it as much as possible.

Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos was to have been very proud of both family names. He was nephew of danza composer Juan Morel Campos and cousin of Puerto Rican educator Dr. Carlos Albizu Miranda. Both of these men are illustrious figures in Puerto Rican history. In keeping with family expectations, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos excelled in academics at an early age. In 1912, Dr. Albizu Campos was awarded a scholarship to study Engineering, specializing in Chemistry at the University of Vermont. In 1913, he continued his studies at Harvard University.

When War World I broke out, in the summer of 1914, Dr. Albizu Campos volunteered in the United States Infantry. Once his basic training was completed he was assigned to the 375 Infantry Regiment, an all black unit, according to the U.S. military segregation policies of the time. First Lieutenant Pedro Albizu Campos was honorably discharged from the Army in 1919. The racism he experienced during his military service influenced the way Dr. Albizu Campos viewed the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. It cemented firmly his belief that Independence was the only path for Puerto Rico.

After the War, he returned to Harvard University and graduated with a Law Degree, in June 1922, while studying Literature, Philosophy, Chemical Engineering and Military Science. He was fluent in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Italian, Latin and Greek. Dr. Albizu Campos met, and I am sure, was influenced by the likes of Subhas Chandra Bose (Indian Nationalist Leader with Mahatma Gandhi); the Hindu poet Rabindranath Tagore; and Éamon de Valera, Irish Nationalist and future President of Ireland. Dr. Albizu Campos later became a consultant in the drafting of the constitution of the Irish Free State.

Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, was elected president of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, advocating Puerto Rican Independence, on May 11, 1930. Due to his involvements in the many riots that were occurring throughout the island, Dr. Albizu Campos was tried in 1937 for "seditious conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. Government in Puerto Rico." He was acquitted with a jury of 7 Puerto Ricans and 5 Americans. The presiding judge in the case, Judge Cooper, ordered a new jury, which consisted of 10 Americans and 2 Puerto Ricans; resulting in the desired guilty verdict. The Boston Court of Appeals, which has appellate jurisdiction over federal matters in Puerto Rico, upheld the verdict.

In his 1939 speech, Five Years of Tyranny, U.S. Congressman Vito Marcantonio, called the trial a "frame-up" and "one of the blackest pages in the history of American jurisprudence." Providing evidence that the Albizu Campos' jury was a prejudiced one, which had been hand-picked by the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Cecil Snyder, to include "jurors who had expressed publicly bias and hatred for the defendants" and a prosecuting attorney [Snyder] who had been assured via a dispatch from Washington that "the Department of Justice would back him until he did get a conviction", Marcantonio added, "The continuance of this [Albizu Campos] incarceration is repugnant to our democratic form of government; it is repugnant to our Bill of Rights and out of harmony with our good neighbor policy. There is no place in America for political prisoners. As long as Puerto Rico remains part of the United States, Puerto Rico must have the same freedom, the same civil liberties, and the same justice which our forefathers laid down for us. Only a complete and immediate unconditional pardon will, in a very small measure, right this historical wrong." Congressman Marcantonio then concluded, "When we ask ourselves, "Can it happen here?" the Puerto Rican people can answer, "It has happened in Puerto Rico." Wikipedia

Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos' first incarceration lasted more than 10 years, in 1947, he returned to Puerto Rico, just in time to organize and begin the struggle against the proposed plans to change Puerto Rico's political status into a commonwealth of the United States.

It was during these decades of turmoil that in 1950 Dr. Albizu Campos was again incarcerated and sentenced to 80 years. He was accused of inciting the Harry S. Truman assassination attempt, and later, while in custody, masterminding the 1954 Nationalist Shooting in the House of Representatives. Although, pardoned twice by Luis Muñoz Marín, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos spent the rest of his life in prison. His pleads that he was being blasted with radiation rays, were mostly ignored as the rantings of a lunatic. On April 21, 1965, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos died of his various mysterious illnesses. In 1994, under the Clinton Administration, the United States Department of Energy disclosed that human radiation "experiments" had in fact been conducted without consent on prisoners in the 1960s and 1970s. It has been alleged that Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos was among the subjects of such experimentation.

*A second more precise blog on human experimentation in Puerto Rico is forthcoming.

A Sad State of Affairs

2011-05-30T21:57:00.001-04:00

In my examination of the Puerto Rican state of affairs regarding it's relationship to the United States, I purposely left out my assessment of the situation. The reason I did this was to first immerse my readers into the history and culture of Puerto Rico. Further explaining the complicated relationship that exists between our tiny island and our great nation.

I must first start by explaining that I am an island born Puerto Rican, of Puerto Rican parents, raised and living in the Continental United States. Most people would not understand my need in stating this. Let me explain.

First of all, not all people who claim to be Puerto Ricans are truly Puerto Rican. Being Puerto Rican to some of these lovingly adopted people means having been born off the island but having Puerto Rican parents or at least one Puerto Rican parent. To others, they migrated to Puerto Rico at an early age, and were raised in Puerto Rico all their lives. Yet others, are of a totally different nationality, in another country, but were raised by a Puerto Rican. They all have been influenced by our culture, beliefs, customs, food, music and the love and pride we feel in being Puerto Rican. And we, Puerto Ricans, lovingly embrace them into the family.

Now, what how does my current status as a "Continental" Puerto Rican have anything to do with anything? Indulge me.

Having been raised in New York City since the age of 5, mostly in Spanish Harlem, I never lost my Puerto Rican roots. Why? Because there are more Puerto Ricans in New York than there could ever fit in Puerto Rico! And because of that, I was exposed to all the influences of my culture. I was also lucky enough to travel most Christmas' back to the island with my parents. Being the only daughter of my father guaranteed that I would not be left behind.

Traveling back to the island and experiencing first hand the sounds, landscapes and family left behind, gave me a perspective that my compatriots might not have. I never lost touch. I never forgot. I never moved on. I always hoped to make a difference for my homeland. I feel the time has come.

It's a funny thing being a Puerto Rican who does not reside in Puerto Rico. Here, in the U.S., other than in South Florida, or the many vastly spread Hispanic communities, the rest of the country is mostly ignorant of the fact that Puerto Rico is an American held Colony. That Puerto Ricans are American Citizens. Or that, if I was to resident in Puerto Rico, in spite of being an American Citizen, I would not be able to vote for President.

To Puerto Ricans living on the island, I am not seen as a native. I am seen with suspicion and distrust. "What does this American want?", is what I see in their eyes and mannerisms. This is what I encountered when requesting information on my family history from my own family members.

And the question of Statehood or Independence? You best be careful where and when you bring up the subject. First thing that is thrown in your face is, "You don't live here." But guess what. I am very much vested in what status my beloved island happens to be. I want the option of perhaps one day living on the island and not losing my voting rights. Or becoming a second class citizen, because the U.S. Constitution does not fully protect me as an island resident. Or to have my future Social Security Retirement check diminished by 85% simply because I changed my zip code to one in Puerto Rico. Or of losing my American Citizenship, because my fellow islanders decide to become Independent.

For all of the above reasons and many more, I advocate that Puerto Ricans everywhere, and believe me, we are everywhere, have the right to decide what happens in Puerto Rico. I happen to believe that it is in Puerto Rico's best interest to become an American State. Our 51st State.

Most islanders have been convinced that the status of "Commonwealth", which is Puerto Rico's current status, is the lesser of two evils. That with this status, they are exempt from paying taxes and having English imposed as the only language spoken; while still benefiting from the federal programs, manufactured goods and monetary funds that emanate from the Mainland.

In actuality, island resident Puerto Ricans pay more taxes than they are willing to admit. Yes, its true, they do not pay "property taxes", but they do overpay taxes on everything they consume. Everything is imported to the island. Nothing there is produced locally. Therefore, every single item is taxed twice. One of these taxes is the tariff paid to ship the item from the Mainland to Puerto Rico. The other, is the sales tax placed on the item once it is sold to the consumer.

In Puerto Rico, English is taught, alongside Spanish, from elementary school until high school. But if anyone aspires to have a higher education, then you best pay attention to your English lessons. All educational institutions of higher learning, i.e., Universities, Medical Schools, are taught in English only.

Most Puerto Ricans don't realize that 4 billion dollars more would be allocated to the island as a State of the Union than it is today as a commonwealth.

The only thing this "Commonwealth" status has accomplished is to deny us the right to govern ourselves. Puerto Rico, as a commonwealth, does not have any representation in Congress, the Senate or the House of Representatives. This Puerto Rican commonwealth is governed by laws, that they themselves are not allowed to participate in creating. As a commonwealth, it is not allowed to vote for President.

Since, 1917, Puerto Ricans are subject to a mandatory draft. Think of the irony of being sent to war by a President that you did not elect.

This post is meant as an attachment to my three previous writings on Puerto Rico. It is my sentiment and reflection on the sad state of affairs that has come out the politicking and lack of value placed on one of the last Colonies which exists in modern times. I invite an open discussion on this subject. Let's close this border once and for all. We are tired of being treated like the "red headed step child." Make me proud to be an American no matter where I am.

*For a great blog on Puerto Rico's Best Athletes visit Scott Morganroth's Sports Blog: www.motorcitymadmouthinsights.blogspot.com or www.scottsports33@aol.com.

God Has a Wicked Sense of Humor!!!

2011-05-27T15:50:00.000-04:00

Don't get me wrong, I love God, I respect God, I fear God!! But come to think of it, I have come to the conclusion that He has a wicked sense of humor!!!

Women are gifted with many good attributes. Physically pleasing. Soft spoken (except Caribbean women). Extremely intelligent. Outrageously resourceful. But what does God decide to do, just to keep the playing field interesting? He decides to give the male the penis!!! Think about it ladies. What would men be without the penis? Nothing!!! That's what. But then, poor dears, if we also had that, what a one sided world this would be?

Oh, wait, that's not the half of it. Not only are we forced to keep them around, for obvious reasons, but to add salt to the wound, women blossom into their sexual peak in their mid forties. Men? Men go down hill after their twenties. Unfair, isn't it? Just when we figure out what to do with ourselves, men start looking at the younger, unattained specimens.

If you ever wonder why men are so driven to make their fortunes and make their marks in life, I just gave you the answer. They need that money and charisma to attract that young female. Sad but true. Because if they really thought with their brain, they would come to the conclusion that finding a mate closer to their age, intelligence and similar tastes would, in the long run, be more beneficial to a long lasting mutually satisfying relationship.

In all this, I blame God. (Don't worry, me and God are cool, I won't be struck by lightning, right, God, hello, you there?!) :) He, in His infinite wisdom, wanted to see how females would overcome such a dilemma. Such a conundrum.

One temporary solution, is the Cougar mentality. Women who are willing to pass their wisdom and patience to younger, more virile men. Men who are willing to experience the sensual, intellectual, spiritual side of lovemaking. And in finding these men, these older, wiser women find a more physically compatible partner. This Cougar relationship flourishes until the younger man reaches a plateau of comprehension, of self awareness, which he then wishes to bestow on a subject of his own. The thorn in every older woman's side, the younger, unattained specimen.

If you have gotten this far on my blog, you are probably waiting for my solution to this problem, right? Well, if this has been going on since the beginning of time, what on earth makes you think I can come up with a solution? I can't. I can only advocate self love.

Ladies, love and respect yourselves first. It's amazing the admiration one can acquire when people see those qualities in you. This is pertinent, regardless of what stage of life you happen to be in or your economic status. Don't ever let these two facts of life define who you are. We have to live and strive with the cards that we are dealt. And the ultimate poker player is the Big Guy above. And boy, can He be a wicked character sometimes!

The Pursuit of Happiness

2011-05-15T23:28:00.004-04:00

The United States Declaration of Independence has one of the most famous and influential phrases in the English language which is: "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

I must remind my readers what our founding fathers where attempting to accomplish in the creation of the democratic government that was to exist in our future country, the United States of America.

For nearly 300 years the colonies had been under the domination of England and the many Kings that ascended the English throne from the 1600's, Virginia, Jamestown Colony, until the late 18th century. The contemporary King during Revolutionary times was George III (The Mad King).

Many great men risked their lives by signing the Declaration of Independence, if the American Revolution had failed, their own signature would have condemned them to death. Mind you, I can not list all these great men, my deciphering skills have failed me. Yet, among the signatures I was able to read were; John Hancock, Jim Hooper, Joseph Herves, John Penn, John Adams, Sam Adams, Robert Paine, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Jefferson, was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The text of the second section of the Declaration of Independence reads:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these are Life, Liberty

and the pursuit of Happiness."

I have often wondered why Jefferson would include the very specific, yet very broadly interpreted phrase "pursuit of Happiness" in his draft of the Declaration of Independence. Happiness is such a personal subject matter. Can it ever be generalize, interjected and applied to the masses? Perhaps not. Maybe that was the point, after all. Perhaps, we are all suppose to figure out for ourselves what our own individualized happiness is suppose to be. Perhaps, the enlighten men of that era considered this country's future citizenry and envisioned us spending our lives pursuing and achieving that happiness without government interference. And in that pursuit, become a self-reliant, self-defining creature; the self-made individual. A person not dependent on an authoritative figure head nor body of government to establish who they are, but a person that is fully capable of thinking and acting on his own beliefs and merits.

We may never know, Jefferson did not leave any clear evidence of why he used such a phrase. We have some evidence that other writers at the time were expressing thoughts in that general direction, such as, some great thinkers like; John Locke, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, William Wollaston, Jean Jacques Burlamaqui and George Mason. But with all their brilliant writings, nothing specific was written to declare the "pursuit of Happiness" as an "unalienable", "sovereign", or "natural" right of man.

I tend to believe that Jefferson's reasoning might come from his public struggles in a society where he had to live as a slave holding plantation owner; while living a private life as a common-law husband to his slave woman Sally Hemings, with whom he had six children. Jefferson's pursuit of happiness forced him to live two very different, separate lives. And there is ample evidence of his attempts to emancipate the slave population within the constrains of his society. This might have been the life source which drove him to insert such a life altering, influential phrase into perhaps the most popularly recognized document in early revolutionary period Americana.

Puerto Rico - An American State 113 Years In The Making; Part III

2011-03-31T20:49:00.006-04:00

When I started this undertaking, of clarifying Puerto Rico's and its peoples' political status, I had no idea that it would be such an extensive project. I did not jump into this project on a whim. I have been pondering this subject for years. I am proud and humbled by the new found information I have uncovered; and a little disappointed at myself for not digging deeper into my Puerto Rican heritage sooner. As a Genealogist, specializing in Puerto Rican Genealogy for the past 13 years, that should have been my first endeavour.

Well, so far, I've written a summarized version of pre- and post-Columbian history of Puerto Rico. I gave you a glimpse into Puerto Rico's attempts to free itself from Spain's domination and gain independence. And a taste of what Puerto Rico has contributed militarily in the early stages and thereafter, of a newly created Nation called the United States of America; keep in mind, we haven't yet discussed in depth Puerto Rico's role in the Cuban Independence Movement. And now we will get down to the nitty gritty of some major impact Puerto Rican-US policies, terrorist plots and Puerto Rico's commingled history with Cuba.

The Foraker Act of 1900, an act passed by the U.S. Senate, gave Puerto Rico a civilian popular government including a popularly elected House of Representatives. It also allowed a judicial system following the American legal system that includes both State and Federal courts; establishing within that system a Puerto Rico Supreme Court, a United States District Court and a non-voting member of Congress, by the title of "Resident Commissioner". In addition, this Act extended all U.S. laws "not locally inapplicable" to Puerto Rico, specifying specific exemption from U.S. Internal Revenue laws.

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt recommended that Puerto Ricans become U.S. citizens. In 1917, "Puerto Ricans were collectively made U.S. citizens" via the Jones-Shafroth Act, signed by President Woodrow Wilson. The same Act also provided for a popularly elected Senate to complete a bicameral Legislative Assembly, a bill of rights and authorized the election of the Resident Commissioner to a four-year term.

Translation? A mini-U.S. government was unilaterally formed on the island of Puerto Rico.

More than a century later, this does not seem like such a negative occurrence, after all, from the American point of view, Puerto Rico at this time in history was only beginning to see itself as a Nation, as a separate entity from the World's Super Powers; and although wanting very much to become self reliant, economically, did not have the resources to accomplish that goal. But to a contemporary Puerto Rico, who had only less than a decade earlier gained its independence from Spain, this American government, imposed upon it, without it's consent or participation, was devastating to the morale of it's people. Most of the population accepted their fate in accordance with the humility that is still very much a common characteristic among modern Puerto Ricans; most but not all.

Natural disasters and the Great Depression impoverished the island during the first few decades under U.S. rule. Tensions ran high for both sides for the next 50 years. On March 21, 1937, a march was organized in the southern city of Ponce by the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, lead by Pedro Albizu Campos. The march turned tragic when the Insular Police (comparable to the National Guard) opened fire on the unarmed civilians. Nineteen were killed and over 200 badly wounded. Most shot in the back while trying to run away from the police. This incident came to be known as the Ponce Massacre. Thirteen and a half years later, on October 30, 1950, Pedro Albizu Campos and other nationalists lead a 3 day revolt against the United States. The most notable were in the towns of Jayuya and Utuado. These became known as the Jayuya Uprising and the Utuado Massacre. These were by no means the only Uprisings or Massacres occurring on the island; but were the most prominent and most publicized.

Meanwhile, during these turmoil filled years, Puerto Rican politicians like Luis Munoz Marin, member of the Popular Democratic Party, championed a compromise with President Truman to appoint, in 1946, the first Puerto Rican born Governor Jesus T. Pinero. A year later, in 1947, the Puerto Rican people, won the right to democratically elect their own Governor. Luis Munoz Marin, ran a successful campaign, and became Puerto Rico's first democratically elected Governor, on January 2, 1949; he was immensely popular for previous public works, including securing the inclusion of Puerto Rico in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program, thus, maintaining his Governorship for the next 16 years.

The Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, whom interpreted the U.S. actions as the, once again, colonization of Puerto Rico; decided to gain publicity to their cause by committing several terrorist acts, ordered by Pedro Albizu Campos while incarcerated in prison, upon the Continental United States. One of which was the attempted assassination of President Harry S. Truman, in his home, by Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo, on November, 01, 1950. Another well documented case was that of Dolores "Lolita" Lebron Sotomayor, who proceeded to attack the United States House of Representatives on March, 01, 1954; by opening fire with a semi-automatic rifle while the House was in full session.

Here lies the reason why I have said time and time again, since our involvement in Afghanistan, send an Elite Force of Puerto Ricans and our Bin Laden problems will be over!!!

Now, to our Cuban Connection!

Many Puerto Ricans sympathized with Cuba's plight in that it was so fundamentally tied to their own. I could only speculate that our brave Puerto Rican men believed that helping Cuba free itself from Spain would cause a domino effect and facilitate Puerto Rico's independence. A very well known saying among our Hispanic community is "Cuba y Puerto Rico, de un pajaro, las dos alas"; translated, "Cuba and Puerto Rico, from a bird, it's wings". Meaning, at some point in time, Cuba and Puerto Rico were so closely related by idealogy, customs, heritage and struggle that we were blood brothers.

Among the illustrious group of Puerto Rican men that were involved in Cuba's Independence from Spain were:

Juan Riuz Rivera, Commander in Chief, Cuban Liberation Army, he fought in the "Grito de Lares" revolt, under the command of Mathias Brugman. He also fought in Cuba's Ten Year War (1868-1878).

Jose Semidei Rodriguez, Brigadier General, Cuban Liberation Army. He was involved in Cuba's Ten Year War (1868-1878), after Cuba gained its independence he continued to serve in that country as a diplomat.

Francisco Gonzalo Marin, Lieutenant, Cuban Liberation Army, he was so inspired by the Cuban cause that he adapted the Cuban Flag by introverting its colors and is credited with designing the Puerto Rican flag; he was a poet and journalist who fought alongside Jose Marti.

It is rumored that people of the northeastern province of Oriente, Cuba, have a peculiar dialect, idiosyncrasies and other mannerisms that are not common in any other part of the island. I like to think that our ancestral Puerto Rican warrior brothers, after accomplishing their mission, decided to take a well deserved vacation and rested in Oriente for a while.

Puerto Rico - An American State 113 Years In The Making; Part II

2011-03-29T18:51:00.002-04:00

I will start this second segment with some very interesting and previously unknown, at least to me, historical facts concerning Puerto Rico's involvement in world affairs, political events and other tidbits . And just for fun, I will format it as a "Did you know" gossip column.

Did you know that?

In 1607, Puerto Rico served as a port for provisions for the English ships, the Godspeed, Susan Constant and the Discovery who were on their way to establish the Jamestown Settlement, the first English settlement in the New World.

In 1779, citizens of the still-Spanish colony of Puerto Rico fought in the American Revolutionary War under the command of Bernardo de Galvez, named Field Marshal of the Spanish colonial army in North America. Puerto Ricans participated in the capture of Pensacola, the capital of the British colony of West Florida, and the cities of Baton Rouge, St. Louis and Mobile. The Puerto Rican troops, under the leadership of Brigadier General Ramon de Castro, helped defeat the British and Indian army of 2,500 soldiers and British warships in Pensacola.

Augusto Rodriguez, Lieutenant, United States Union Army, was Puerto Rican, a member of the 15th Connecticut Regiment (a.k.a Lyon Regiment) and served in the defenses of Washington, D.C. He lead his men in the battles of Fredericksburg and Wyseford in the American Civil War.

Since being granted U.S. Citizenship, in 1917, Puerto Ricans have been included in the compulsory draft whenever it has been in effect and more than 400,000 Puerto Ricans have served in the United States Armed Forces. Puerto Ricans have participated in all U.S. wars since 1898, most notably World War I, World II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as the current Middle Eastern conflicts. During the first two wars, Puerto Ricans served as segregated units, subject to racial discrimination and lead by "continentals", non-hispanic, English speaking commanding officers. The majority of the troops spoke only Spanish.

Several Puerto Ricans became notable commanders, five have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, and several Puerto Ricans have attained the rank of General or Admiral, which requires a Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation, as is the case of judges and ambassadors. In World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, Puerto Ricans were the most decorated Hispanic soldiers and in some cases were the first to die in combat.

The U.S. Congress can withdraw the U.S. citizenship of Puerto Rican residents of Puerto Rico at any time, for a legitimate Federal purpose. The Constitution does not enfranchise Puerto Rican residents living on the island. Meaning, I have more rights and am fully protected by the Constitution being a resident of the State of Florida, than I would be, if I was to relocate and decided to live in my beloved island of Puerto Rico.

El Yunque National Forest, is the United States' only rainforest and it is located in the northeast area of the island. Among the many protected species are the Puerto Rican Amazon, a critically endangered bird; and a symbol of our Puerto Rican pride the Coqui, a small frog easily identified by the sound of its call, and from which it gets its name.

Puerto Rico has several tropical, illuminating, Phosphorescent Bays. This phenomenon occurs sporadically in warm seas around the world, but Puerto Rico is one of the only places on the planet where you can depend on it every evening. The three most spectacular bays are La Parguera, Mosquito Bay and in Farjado.

According to the 2000 Census, most Puerto Ricans self-identified themselves as being White and few declared to be Black or of some other race; this in spite, of a recent study which suggests that around 52.6% of the population possess Amerindian mtDNA. Meaning, the majority of Puerto Ricans had a Taina ancestor in their distant past.

The first Roman Catholic dioceses in the Americas, including the first in Puerto Rico, were authorized by Pope Julius II in 1511. The first Protestant church, Holy Trinity Church in Ponce, was established by the Anglican diocese of Antigua in 1872. Also in 1872, German settlers in Ponce founded the Iglesia Santisima Trinidad, an Anglican Church, the first non-Roman Catholic Church in the Spanish colonies.

In 1952, a handful of American Jews established the island's first synagogue in the former residence of William Korber, a wealthy Puerto Rican of German descent, which was designed and built by Czech architect Antonin Nechodoma. The synagogue, called Sha'are Zedeck, hired its first rabbi in 1954. Puerto Rico is also home to the largest and richest Jewish community in the Caribbean with 3,000 Jewish inhabitants. Puerto Rico is the only Caribbean island in which the Conservative, Reform and Orthodox Jewish movements are represented.

In 2007, Islam had over 5,000 Muslims in Puerto Rico, representing about 0.10% of the population. There were eight Islamic mosques spread throughout the island, with most Muslims living in Rio Piedras.

The Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, whose followers practice Tibetan Buddhism, has a branch in Puerto Rico. (Thank you Wikipedia for providing us with all these wonderful facts about Puerto Rico, this blog would definitely not be the same without you!!)

Now, in light of all these facts that I have thrown at you, I must again, divide my blog, thus, this becomes Part II. And yes, you guessed it, I'm not done, therefore stay turned to hopefully the last segment, but mind you, I'm not promising anything, Part III.