re: Summit Opening: History Front and Center, Obama Ad Libs

Dr. James — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:22:00 GMT

It is good that America is warming our relations with Cuba. Perhaps we can start some economic programs that can create more jobs everyone. The Americas can profit from more communication beyond drug trade.. Education is our number one resource. We need more exchanges and business opportunities for nations. The U.S. can take the lead.

re: Summit Opening: History Front and Center, Obama Ad Libs

Neutron — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:30:27 GMT

Carter gave back the panama canal. what will obama give back, texas and california?

re: Summit Opening: History Front and Center, Obama Ad Libs

wildechild66 — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:34:56 GMT

Frankly, I wouldn't be too disappointed if we gave Texas back. After all, weren't they the ones threatening to pull a Jefferson Davis not too long ago? But seriously, I think Obama is handling this whole situation rather well. The US has apologized for its mistakes, but not everything is our fault, and it is important that Latin America realizes this. Now is the time for us to truly start being good neighbors to one another--on BOTH sides of the fence.

re: Summit Opening: History Front and Center, Obama Ad Libs

melomanace1 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:40:28 GMT

The Puerto Rican Independence Party bases its struggle in favor of the independence of Puerto Rico on the conviction that we continue to be a colony of the United States, thus being denied the right to our freedom and sovereignty. From the moment the American invasion forces, directed by General Nelson A. Miles, disembarked in Puerto Rico in 1898, the foundations of our relationship with the United States were laid. The famous speech that the General gave when he arrived finishes with statements that hold true even till this day:

"...and to bestow upon you the immunities and blessings of the liberal institutions of our government.. to give to all within the naval control of its military and forces the advantages and blessings of the enlightened civilization."[ 1 ]

Everything would be under the control of the military and naval forces of the United States. Since then, our relations with the American metropolis have had some cosmetic changes that only have to do with the administration of the colony and the organization of the internal government, but never has it granted Puerto Ricans the total control of their lives and destiny. Sovereign powers have never been transferred to us in order to be able to decide in all those areas that affect the collective life of our nation.

It has recently been demonstrated that the Puerto Ricans do not have any authority to decide on vital areas, for example, the use of Vieques by the naval and military forces of the United States as a bombing and practice range. We have had to fight against all odds, even going to jail, to call the attention of the civil government of the United States, its president, and its congressmen, so that they can exert their authority and solve a situation that is fundamentally unjust. We have had to battle and struggle to place on the balance of power our interests as a nation against the interests of the metropolis, represented just as in 1898 by the Navy and military of the United States. To the date of this writing there has not been the most minimum show of will on the part of the United States government to satisfy the demands of the Puerto Rican people. (On May 1, 2003 the US Navy ceased operations in Vieques. The land used as a target range was transferred to US Department of the Interior under the Fish and Wildlife agency. As of this update, environmental clean up activities are slowly being performed by the Navy. The Navy also ceased operations on the nearby Roosevelt Roads Naval Base at Ceiba. Environmental remediation is also on its way there. US Navy has announced its intention of selling the land to private investors instead of returning it to the Puerto Rican Government.)