There is no doubt that the commonwealth created by Luis Munoz and principal ideology of the Popular Democratic Party was created as a transition stage toward Puerto Rico’s ultimate decision of becoming independent or State, however : it has been the status of the island for far long more time of what it was design to last . Today, the Commonwealth of PR is another name for the colony. It has

William Vélez

retain almost all the characteristic of a colony even when the UN do not believe it. This status diminish PR competiveness and economical future. As it is known, investors look at many situations happening in a country on which an investment would be made. One of them is political status. The Commonwealth status or status quo do not bring the security to that investor that the political situation of PR will be stable . This climate of instability diminishes prospective investments for PR.

Another inconclusive aspect that prove the temporary character of the commonwealth is the right to vote for the President and congress delegation. This present status neglect the American citizens of PR their fundamental right to elect their maximum leader and their representatives in congress. This demonstrate the undemocratic aspect of this status and its temporary aspect. This status at the same time neglect PR international representation in the UN as it is considered Part of the US. This two fundamental characteristic only can be summarized in one word colony .Puerto Rico still be a colony in the 21st century.

The main point of the popular democratic party is that if PR become state its Olympic representation, culture and believe or not, Miss universe representation will be denied. First of all the culture of people is not diminished by their political status. This is demonstrated by looking at the case of many Jewish Muslims and Hispanics living in the states; no one of this groups have loss a piece of their cultural status. I lived in the state of Hawaii for a year and the Hawaiian cultural particularity can be feel since the moment one step out of the airplane. The people’s culture is not political; it does not depend on status. The people’s culture is carried in their hearts. It lies in their actions and in their determination to pass it on into the new generations..

The issue of Olympic representation or pageant representation can be solve with this attitude; If our
contestant are good to compete world wide why they cannot compete inside the union and represent PR thru the US team. It has been proved several years ago when PR has two contestants to Miss Universe one from NY representing US and one from PR. I do not believe that representation in this kind of contest is more important that the fight for equality, full democratic rights and representation as an American citizen.

In conclusion the ideals of the Popular Democratic Party served the need of a different PR; the Puerto Rico of the 1950’s. Today’s PR is far more different and complex. It requires rights, democracy and equality as citizens of the beacon of democracy and freedom around the world, the United States. It is Up to PR to find their future path by respecting the contribution of the past and strive for a better, more stable and brighter future for all.