In the video below, Puerto Rico Statehood Council Executive Director George Laws Garcia addresses one of the common misunderstandings about Puerto Rico’s political status. While the majority of people on the Island support the U.S. military and Puerto Ricans serve in the armed forces at much higher rates than most states, there are also Puerto Ricans who do not want to see militarization on their Island.
There are also people living in states who do not want military bases in their states. For all of these people, the truth is that military bases are on federal land and the federal government makes decisions for those installations.
But Puerto Rico, as an unincorporated territory of the United States, has future options for political status. Puerto Rico could become a state or an independent nation. Each of these is a sovereign status. As a state, Puerto Rico would be available to the federal government just as the current states are, and the U.S. military bases would stay. As an independent nation, Puerto Rico would have a choice about whether to allow the U.S. to use land for military purposes.
What about sovereign free association?
Some separatists, realizing that independence is an unpopular option for people living in Puerto Rico, have shifted to the third option in the Puerto Rico Status Act, “sovereign free association.” Sometimes they lump it in with independence and call both “sovereignty.” Some commonwealth supporters, too, recognizing that “enhanced commonwealth” is impossible under the U.S. Constitution, have also shifted to sovereign feee association, describing it in the same terms they have always used for “enhanced commonwealth.” In both case, some claim that sovereign free association would prevent U.S. militarization on the Island. (Though separatists and commonwealth supporters may also support the U.S. military.)
Let’s look at the evidence. The United States has three Compacts of Free Association with three sovereign nations. They do not have a special status called “sovereign free association” because free association is always an agreement between two independent nations. And all three compacts of free association include U.S. militarization.
“Under the COFA,” says the State Department, “Palau and the United States agreed that the United States has full authority and responsibility for defense and security matters in and relating to Palau.” Not only does the United States provide defense for Palau, one of the COFA nations, but also builds military infrastructure, has the power of “strategic denial” to prevent adversarial nations like China from accessing Palau’s air and water space, and can enforce “defense vetos” on Palau’s arrangements with other nations. These privileges are part of all three Compacts of Free Association with the United States. U.S. militarization is part of the deal.
Would Puerto Rico be different?
Supporters of free association for Puerto Rico imagine a negotiation between Puerto Rico and the United States that results in a unique relationship between the two. They imagine a scenario in which Puerto Rico gets its desired outcomes without compromise and the U.S. gets nothing in exchange. But the “free” part of free association is that either nation in the Compact can pick up its marbles and go home if the agreement doesn’t work out to their benefit.
Imagine that Puerto Rico voted for free association. If Congress accepted this, Puerto Rico would become an independent, sovereign nation. The current freely associated states negotiated the terms of their Compacts of Free Association before nationhood, and Puerto Rico could probably do the same. If the U.S. insisted on military dominance, as it has in all its other Compacts of Free Association, Puerto Rico could refuse. But both sides would have to agree in order to end up with a COFA.
Could an independent Puerto Rico later renounce an agreement to host a U.S. base? Hypothetically, yes, but practically it might well to be unable to enforce that decision unless the U.S. agreed. Cuba hasn’t been able to. Realistically, sovereign free association would probably come with U.S. military involvement.
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PR51st/George Laws/Martin Rivera/TEAM- does GREAT! Remember, “Free Association” is a PACT not a Non-Territorial Status– which only are: STATEHOOD or INDEPENDENCE, as in any Plebiscite, this must be made clear/well defined in order not to fool or confuse People to what they are really voting for. Also, there are short and long range actions (See 2d Part ending). See below Researched Executive Summary/AI Verified: Use to educate on facts; not political distortion; motivate Civic Action to get the Federal Government to immediate fix the problem as we should also support the revocation or amendment of unjust laws that create unequal US Citizenship/Civil Rights… THUS–
END Puerto Rico’s Federal Undemocratic Territorial Status!
–Support: EQUAL CIVIL RIGHTS-DEMOCRACY for all “We the People”!–
Since 1898 (for over 126+ years)–the US Territory of Puerto Rico (PR)-(with more US Citizens-US Veterans than 21 States) is under Federal undemocratic control (with NO “consent of the Governed”)-as the US Constitution is NOT fully applied! Thus, the US Federal Government must act to ensure Equal Rights; revoke unjust/biased Laws; END PR’s unfair Territorial Status!
“The Federal Government should be the Servant of ALL “We the People”; NOT the Master of some!”
Key Facts: millions of US Citizens-Veterans in PR-don’t have full Civil Rights: NO Vote for US President; NO just Representation in US Congress; NO Parity in Federal Laws, Programs, or Funding…that other US Citizens fully get; NO permanent “statutory” US Citizenship (even if moving to a State)…; are under unfair Congressional plenary power! Plus, the Federal Government autocratically controls PR’s: Borders, Currency, Laws, Security, Economy, Trade, etc.
• Per UNFAIR Territorial Clause (of 1787); unjust racist Insular Cases (of 1901-1925+); other biased Laws that discriminate & treat PR differently than other US Citizens/Veterans in the States, which goes against our core US Democratic principles!
The biased Territorial Status (without just Federal representation)–adversely affects everything—Economy/Jobs, Education, Health, Infrastructure, Social Programs…; brings instability; ties PR’s Hands to fairly compete-grow the Economy; limits progress; fuels an Exodus to the States…; is UN-AMERICAN!
“US Citizens/Veterans should come first; not Federal institutional discrimination!”
In our US Republic, the power should reside with all “We the People” (made up by Individuals)–per our Declaration of Independence that calls for “Consent of the Governed”; noble US Constitution that calls for Equal Rights-Fairness, and a Republican form of Government or a Representative Democracy! Fight for Right-END PR’s Federal undemocratic Status!
“NO Federal VOTE or just Representation = NO Democracy or a Tyranny of a Majority!”
Our Federal Government can end this unjust inequity now; amend/revoke unfair Laws that limit progress. But instead, some politically distort; spin; misinform; stereotype; provide meritless EXCUSES that blame the Victim; create double standards not applied to Other US Citizens! This results in confusion & stalemate–that perpetuates Federal subjugation!
You can’t have both ways (either support Equal Rights or Federal Domination)!
Puerto Ricans have loyally sacrificed, defended, & greatly contributed to the development of our noble USA; cherish their US Citizenship; have locally voted to END the unjust Territorial Status in 2012, 2017, 2020, & 2024 as Majority is FOR–
“PR Equality & Progress with STATEHOOD!”
But, the Federal Government continues to provide biased excuses; doesn’t act to end Federal undemocratic control!
“Support EQUAL CIVIL RIGHTS; our REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY!”
FIX: Take Civic action–Petition our Federal Government to ensure Equal Civil Rights/a Democracy for all “WE THE PEOPLE”; END Federal suppression (since 1898) of US Citizens-Veterans in the US Territory of PR; admit PR as a State (majority voted 4 times for STATEHOOD) or do a Plebiscite on defined Non-Territorial Options which only are: “STATEHOOD” vs “INDEPENDENCE” (or “Independence with Free Association Pact”). No retreat; no surrender to injustice!
“We are Stronger with a Union of States!” (“En la UNIÓN está la Fuerza!”)
Our US is a diverse, but UNITED, Union of Sovereign States-with STATE: Identity, Constitution, Flag, & SOV-where each State complements each other; is stronger than by it-self…; brings more Progress for the Good of All!
+Only STATEHOOD guarantees a permanent US Citizenship as “statutory” US Citizens (even if residing in a State)—likely don’t have a permanent US Citizenship as its source-is the unfair “Territorial Clause” that allows the 1917 Jones Act (that can be revoked); racist “Insular Cases”… (+See Key Notes.)
“Puerto Ricans Sacrifice & Contribute to our diverse, but United-USA, since 1513!”
US Puerto Ricans (PR) are about 9+Million strong–are the 2d largest US Hispanic Ethnic Group (over 6 M-live in the States)—as they are integrated; loyally contribute (in all fields of endeavor) to our diverse, but, UNITED USA! Hispanic-PR Ancestors (1st Governor of PR) came from PR to Florida (in 1513)-107 years before the Pilgrims; brought Christianity, and other good things; help pioneer & develop our now USA; Others, bravely supported/fought in the US War of Independence…
+ PR, since 1898- patriotically sacrifice; shed sweat, blood, & tears for our US Flag (WWI; WW-II; Cold War, Korea; Vietnam; Global War on Terrorism…until today); serves as a Strategic Defense Outpost-protecting the South-East approach to our USA–counter-acting, in the Caribbean and Worldwide, threats to our National Security…
+ Today- PR has restructured its debt as its economy grows; has a balanced Budget; serves as a Commercial, Security, & Diplomatic Bridge to Hispanic/Latin America; pays more Federal Taxes than 6 States; has a better GDP than 14 States; is a US captive Market that creates about a million US Jobs; has the best Income per Capita than 32 Latin American Nations. PR helps grow our economy & protect our noble “UNION”—the best in the annuals of History!
“Silence to Federal suppression; supports injustice!”
PR-US Citizens-Veterans are being treated unjustly by their Federal Government! In our US Republic-the power should reside with-“a Government of the People, by the People, and for the People” (Lincoln)! Take Civic Action/ contact our Federal Government- to ensure Equal Rights for All “We the People”; END-PR’s Federal undemocratic Territorial Status, now!
+KEY FACTS on US Territory of PR+
(Summary Research per: US Constitution; US Supreme Court; US Justice Dept.; AI; Experts; History; Reason/Logic)
+ Status of PR is US Territory–per US Constitution’s unfair/trite Territorial Clause (1787)-“US Congress shall have the Power to dispose of & make all needful rules and regulations respecting the Territory or other Property that belongs to the US…” (Undemocratic)
*US Constitution only mentions 4 Status/forms of Government–one for: States, Territories, Indian Tribes, & District of Columbia.
*“Commonwealth”/“ELA-Free Associated State” isn’t a Status in the US Constitution; has NO legal meaning; is a political distorted name to cover-up/fool People as to the true Territorial Status. Besides, the US Congress is not above the US Constitution to create a new Status or give up its Territorial Clause powers, as it allowed PR to have a Territorial Government (per 1950 Federal Relations Act); gave a statutory (2d Class) US Citizenship (source: Territorial Clause-1917 Jones Act) that can likely be revoked by US Congress.
+ USSC Insular Cases (1901-1925+) based on racism-unjustly states-*“Puerto Rico is an “unincorporated US Territory; more foreign than domestic, belongs to, but, is not part of the US (soil)…” (not in US Constitution)- “Separate and Un-Equal Status” with limited US Constitution application/ 2d Class US Citizenship which goes against US core Values/Principles of a Representative Democracy.
*These nonsensical “double standards” were NOT applied to other US Territories before PR; are based on Racism by same Court of “Plessy vs Ferguson”(Black discrimination); condemned by Justice Marshall, Gorsuch, Sotomayor, & Others, who rightly support revoking them…Also, Justice Gorsuch and Thomas question the “Territorial plenary powers” of US Congress (Veneno Case)…
+ US Citizenship (Types/Basis/Sources): (See 8th USC Code-NATIONALITY & NATURALIZATION)
1. Individual Birthright Citizenship (permanent)-Code §1401- “jus soli” (right of soil) per 14th Amendment-States: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States…are citizens of the US and of the State wherein they reside.” US Territories or Unincorporated Insular Possessions–are NOT mentioned nor have full Constitutional Rights/ Equal protection… (See “Insular Cases”/Other decisions.)
2. Individual Naturalization US Citizenship (permanent) (8 USC Code-Naturalization)-per 14th Amendment–process through which individual immigrants from other Countries can become US Citizens… (PR isn’t under this part/Code.)
3. Acquired Citizenship- “jus sanguinis”-right of blood by descent (8 U.S. Code § 1401/ § 1409/ § 1431/ § 1433) those individuals born in other Countries that acquired US Citizenship from their US Citizen Parents…
4. Statutory US Citizenship (non-permanent) per US Territorial Clause & racist Insular Cases (1901-1925+)-led to PR-Jones Act (1917)/ Code §1402-that grants “statutory US Citizenship” (can be amended or revoked) as US jurisdiction ENDs upon Independence…
+ The US Supreme Court has wrongly established that the US Constitution doesn’t fully apply to Puerto Rico, except for some broad rights that have not been defined (Downs vs Bidwell-1901; Balzac vs PR-1922; Harris v Rosario-1980; Other biased Cases).
+ PR lacks Parity in US Laws; Programs & Funding-Since 1898-has lost about $300 Billion in Federal funds (for Veterans, Social Security, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, Infrastructure, Education, SSI, etc.) that other US Citizens fully get!
+ Jones (Merchant Marine) Act (1920)-is outdated; stifles competition, etc.; plus, unfairly imposes higher costs on Puerto Ricans who pay about 40% of total; badly hurts the Economy/Progress; as a majority of States, don’t pay this unfair hidden US shipping tax.
+ Federal Plebiscite to END PR Territorial Status (suggested general definitions–per facts; not political distortion)-
• STATEHOOD-MEANS: Admission to our diverse “UNION of STATES”—united under our US Constitution, Laws, & Representative Democracy; EQUAL & permanent US Citizenship with– full Rights, Benefits, and Responsibilities;
PR-STATE Identity, Constitution, Flag, Sovereignty, etc.–as other States & US Citizens have under our noble US Flag…
• INDEPENDENCE- MEANS: Puerto Rico National Sovereignty under PR Constitution/ Laws, PR Citizenship…; with loss of US Jurisdiction-Constitution & Statutory US Citizenship Rights, and Benefits…
o INDEPENDENCE with Free Association PACT-MEANS: Puerto Rico National Sovereignty under PR Constitution/ Laws, PR Citizenship…; with loss of US Jurisdiction-Constitution & Statutory US Citizenship Rights, and Benefits… But, with a negotiated PACT between Independent Nations on Terms (like trade, defense, etc.) that can be terminated by either side…
*Free Association is a Pact between Independent Nations (with own Citizenship), like: Marshal Islands, Palau, & Micronesia.
*US Congress must protect statutory US Citizens in the States or let them Vote because the outcome affects them…
Some say: “All People are Equal” but, mean: “Some People are more equal than others”! (See “Animal Farm”)
“Even if one US Citizen can’t Vote; is one too many!”
Today, we must take Civic Action to respectfully educate/inform/Petition for Individual Equal Civil Rights that is the foundation of our Representative Democracy, as our Federal Government must ensure— “consent of the governed” for all “We the People”; and take ACTION to END Federal undemocratic control of the US Territory of Puerto Rico. PLUS–
(1) Revoke or amend unjust-biased/ undemocratic Laws that treat US Citizens-Veterans wrong (like-Insular Cases, 1920 Jones Act, etc.)
(2) Amend the Territorial Clause (provide a time limit; more representation; vote for US President, etc.)
(3) Amend US Constitution (make it better)–adopt: “US Citizens’ Equal Rights-Protection Clause” that treats all good US Citizens equally-no matter the residency, under our noble US Flag…
“UNITED, with Facts, Truth and Reason, for the Good of ALL!”
“God Bless our diverse, but UNITED noble USA!”
+CONTACT: US Congress House.gov & Senate.gov US President: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ & MEDIA (Search AI)
POC: DENNIS O. FREYTES (MPA/MHR/BBA)-US Army Retired/Florida Veterans Hall of Fame