(Click here for Spanish translation) Lately I have been corresponding with some friends who study the history of Puerto Rico from a Christian point of view. This led me to meditate on the Christian perspective (not religious, but spiritual) of historical events and their meaning, in a way that could apply to any nation or historical period.
“La Isla del Encanto” went from being a Spanish possession in 1898, over to the hands of the United States while still in its "colonial" state, that is, still politically dependent on another nation. This transfer of status took place by force and by treaty and without consulting of the popular will.
The legal status of Puerto Rico changed when it became (or was turned into) an “associated free state.” But beyond the legal status, it is important to consider the moral status, which actually serves as the basis for the legal one. From this perspective, it seems that over the years, due to inertia, or lack of leadership and/or the absence of better alternatives, Puerto Rico has voluntarily progressed into dependency. Today it is a sort of "protectorate," an arrangement (with not easily modifiable terms) that is probably consistent with the will of the majority.
Some day it will be useful to define the stages of this process, the internal and external forces that led it from one stage to another, the historical events that marked that path and, above all, its protagonists (their lives, faith, works, relationships and ideas, and the consistency between them). This would be revealing about the character of both peoples and of their leaders who played leading roles in the affair.
Another point of reflection would be to contrast the ideas of freedom and independence and their effect on this nation: it is possible to have freedom while being dependent and conversely, to be a slave while independent. Have Puerto Ricans in the 20th century not enjoyed more "freedom" (free enterprise for economic progress and better opportunities for their children) while being dependent on another nation (the USA) where freedom and prosperity abounded? How much freedom and prosperity would have Puerto Rico achieved if the Americans had simply "left" after defeating Spain? One could compare and contrast the freedom and prosperity enjoyed by its sister countries, the independent nations of the Hispanic Caribbean.
Before speculating on the status of Puerto Rico in the future, it seems important to me to ask, what could God’s purpose be in awarding Puerto Ricans personal freedom and its freedom of enterprise? And what would be the best civic status to fulfill that "national destiny?” Which of the three historically proposed routes: independence, statehood or the perpetuation of the "status quo," would be better suited to fulfill God’s purposes for Puerto Rico?
Someday, hopefully soon, the Puerto Rican people and their leaders will settle their status. It will be a consensual decision, not unanimous, but universally respected, because of the principle that decisions made under rules agreed upon by all, are adhered to by all, whether or not they meet their private preference. The capacity to be "one" comes, like freedom itself, at a cost.
Valuing the consensus of the majority over one’s personal preference is an essential foundation of democracy. And instilling such values is not the job of any political party, or of government. Inculcating civic values is a task for the family, the church and for those who shape the national identity - civic leaders who love their motherland more than their own interests. Such patriotism is ideally suited for Christian citizens.
When the time for that is come, the question of Puerto Rico's status will be resolved passionately but peacefully, following a national dialogue that respects the wishes, interests and fears of others, and above all, the will of the God of nations, who originates, raises up and deposes them as He determines.
I invite you to share your comments with me at blog@joselgonzalez.com and to read many more of my articles on our Hispanic culture at www.semilla.org. We’ll talk more next week…
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