How The U.S Invaded Puerto Rico

[@GeliCarlosJ]

This is why people view Americans as hypocrites. They preach about giving people their voice & being the beacon of democracy yet have throughout their history have done & are still doing some of the most undemocratic things. Either give them independence and recognize them as independent Puerto Ricans who don't have to follow your lead like a good dog or give them American statehood and a bigger voice in US government policy

[@F.U.B.A.H.O.R]

Agree with statehood. But want to add that Puerto Rico is not the only US territory going through this. Lets voice them too.

[@frankboyer1490]

Statehood will just lead to an even higher cost of living and mass gentrification of the island among other problems.

[@notforthefaintofheart5359]

The worlds oldest colony is Cabo Verde Islands.

[@LouisSubearth]

Washington won't give us either. To grant statehood the native Puerto Rican population has to become a minority and/or assimilate to the population in the mainland, much like it happened to Hawaii on its path to statehood, and to grant it independence they need to create a right wing, US friendly independence movement, as opposed to the current left wing independence movement, that keeps ties to Cuban and Venezuelan officials. Otherwise, violent revolution is needed to obtain independence, as seen elsewhere.

[@mr12aT]

If Puerto Rican Independence Day to happen I would hope the world would hold the US to to account regarding reparations.

[@2pagan]

Ironically, Puerto Rico helped the United States and George Washington get their independence from England. Soldiers from Puerto Rico, under the command of Bernardo de Galvez governor of Louisiana, fought for the American Revolution for the independence of the 13 American colonies, and they also fought at Bunker Hill.

[@mrhand3350]

mayote people from france too

[@user-xt6pb1mq7s]

@@mrhand3350 Per US Dept of State, Office of the Historian web. "The single most important diplomatic success of the colonists during the War for Independence was the critical link they forged with France... Between 1778 and 1782 the French provided supplies, arms and ammunition, uniforms, and, most importantly, troops and naval support to the beleaguered Continental Army. The French navy transported reinforcements, fought off a British fleet, and protected Washington’s forces in Virginia. French assistance was crucial in securing the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. "

[@mrhand3350]

@@user-xt6pb1mq7s i say mayotte france dan comoros

[@gjfkhvjzjsxbq]

Spain also helped USA and were also betrayed

[@reucat24]

@@Warm-qq2wo Puerto Rico was Spain

[@tellofiriometto5810]

I read the book “ War against all Puertoricans” by Nelson Denis and is eye opening. I grew up with lots of Puertoricans back in the 50’s in NYC and I was treated like family every time I went to my friends home by their relatives. I have great memories and every time I run into one of them , I treat them like family, is surprising how we are not aware of the atrocities towards Puerto Rico for decades. Even surveillance from the FBI towards any independence sympathizer

[@chuperez9355]

Great and Educational book

[@DavidPacJr]

That book radicalizes people

[@vayabroder729]

The book is opinion and highly biased.

[@rickjusino3774]

@@vayabroder729 , why, because a white american didn't write it, telling about the BS MADE UP STORY of how the US ''SAVED'' Puerto Rico, is that why?

[@pumfeethermodynamics3286]

i hav that book

[@Punk_On_Demand]

Some of the largest enlistment numbers in the U.S. Military comes from Puerto Rico as well as many of our other territories such as Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa who all have high enlistment numbers also. Any place.. and I repeat any place that their people goes and fights and dies for our country and our freedoms is pretty damn American to me. Thats why I get so mad when people from any of our territories are treated like garbage. If they fight for you, they are Americans plan and simple!!

[@josemelendez9241]

I agreed 100% the discrimination comes by the territory even if you move here you can't vote for the president either .. We both move there and we can vote for the presidency

[@user-of5wh8xf9k]

If you're not familiar with the Borinqueneers I invite you to read about them. They were/are heroes....65th infrantry regiment.

[@janicepena6710]

Not sure about American Samoa but Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Island people are U.S. citizens.

[@Halcon_Sierreno]

America at its core is a white nation. Those colonials are going to fight the white man's war and to kill his enemies.

[@jayjasperjp]

Puerto Ricans are not Americans. We are US citizens, but not Americans in a nationalistic sense. Puerto Rico is our nation

[@krishandschuh5773]

High respect to Puerto Rico

[@TheNorberto67]

Thenks

[@1996mdv]

Thank you very much ❤

[@R_A_3000]

​@@chriskurisu4537 Well you're still Puerto Rican. It doesn't matter that you're born in the states since Puerto Ricans are naturalized citizens. You can still say you're Puerto Rican. It's not like you're a Dominican born in the states. That's where you would refer to yourself as a Dominican-American.

[@Kito018]

Puerto Rico is an invaded Latin country. We have our own history, language, idosyncrasy, culture… We have the right to sovereignty. Viva Puerto Rico libre

[@reucat24]

It is an invaded autonomous province of Spain

[@ClementePR21]

​@@reucat24 De donde eres?

[@sabin97]

@@reucat24 somos nuestra propia nacion. aunque estuvieramos invadidos por espan~a y luego por los yanquis.

[@j.s9144]

PR estado 51❤

[@sabin97]

@@j.s9144 viste lo que le paso a los hawaiianos?

[@lizbethartemis4886]

In PR, the folks that were in power in 1898 - are still in power.

[@latinoheateddieguerrero7644]

Wtf are you insinuating? Or are you just stating the obvious? By that logic. In the US the folks that were in power in 1776 are still in power. In the UK the folks that were in power in 1215 are still in power.

[@lizbethartemis4886]

@@latinoheateddieguerrero7644 have u ever done a brief review of the families - surnames - of European immigrants to the island, the families in power in 1898 and the modern ones? Ancestors -

[@Dangic23]

@@lizbethartemis4886 Like the folks from Corsica in the Southern part of Puerto Rico

[@lizbethartemis4886]

@@Dangic23 trace back the surnames … read bios …

[@thelred-ph3lq]

This is so true. Old landowning families (hacendados) are still in control of the island. The same families that were in positions of power when Puerto Rico was still part of/ owned by Spain.

[@ElCaciqueWillo]

Last election 48% voted not to be a colony and self determination,while 3rd party candidates had 50% of the votes combined and the current Governor won by the lowest margin in history

[@TheNorberto67]

You are a joke 52% vote for statehood you are not telling the truth. 5 parties run in 2020 and what party won? The pro stadehood won. And have won 5 of the last 8 elections. How many electrions have won the pro independence party?... 0

[@arkblazer1]

More like 52% voted for statehood and the other 48% voted for none of the above.

[@arias6720]

And that is how Senator Bernie Sanders lost to Biden, cheaters.

[@echepr]

So? Ganó pq obtuvo la mayoría de los votos. Aprende a perder.

[@gothicgolem2947]

Elections aren’t really a good guide as people vote on other issues

[@1ixist]

The Jones Act and Act 22 suppress any economical development for the people of the island. It’s the worst form of economic warfare and needs to be removed in order for progress to occur. La Junta is real

[@ET-bg8ru]

Vote for independence then and get the hell out!!!

[@Avedis_Van_Dodelijk]

Now, knowing all of this, imagine if China would come up with a Puerto Rico relations act, and start recognizing Puerto Rico as an independent country. Imagine what Washington’s reaction would be. If you think that this hypothetical scenario resembles a real life scenario you may have read about it’s pure coincidence

[@nurgio317]

I don’t know if that would happen, but in the case that it would I don’t think many Puertoricans would side with China. We would still like to keep a close relationship with the U.S. while also being independent. After writing this, I wonder if Taiwanese feel the same way

[@LouisSubearth]

There's a strong anti-socialist sentiment in Puerto Rico, mostly from McCarthyist era rhetoric, and Cuba and Venezuela are used as bogeymen, even if our economy is doing poorly, adding China to the mix would create chaos.

[@charlesrivers2647]

Wait until china offers to pay the debt and then we’ll have another conversation..😂

[@nurgio317]

@@charlesrivers2647 lmaooo I really do have to wonder, if would people support China if they do that or stay friendly with the U.S. even after

[@mr12aT]

I hope China will. Force the US to give Puerto Rican’s independence and reparations.

[@amphidiot]

I’m half Puerto Rican and half Palestinian, I just want a country man 😂

[@Empowerbemotivate]

I'm Half Puerto Rican and Half Moroccan my father from Morocco North Africa but i was born as a United States Citizen in Puerto Rico i grewup in Puerto Rico and my family and me still living in PR 🇵🇷 i go to Morocco every 2 years visit my Half family there 😁

[@Autonomia_para_Puerto_Rico]

​@@Empowerbemotivatesiempre me ha llamado la atención Casa Blanca, la relación más que milenaria con España de donde vienen nuestros ancestros. Pero me preocupa la seguridad allá como occidental. ¿Algún consejo por si algún día tengo la valentía de visitar Marruecos?

[@irenec6558]

Proclaim USA as your country because is your country 😉

[@jose_4196]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqC8c6Fuj9qsqLcsi=Cs8Eok1eDqei0Nzu

[@user-xl3st3sg2r]

So you’re a Plastirico, you just stick with whoever claims you!!! Free Palestine 🇵🇸, free Porto Rico ( no boricua flag). The irony is that portorican cops 👮‍♂️are the one who are suppressing the pro Palestinian rioters.

[@Jagueyes1]

At the time of the US invasion PR was no longer a Colony but a full fledged autonomous Province of Spain with full rights and representation in the Spanish Courts. Although for a very brief period, it had literally become as much a part of Spain as any other Province. That's something that is not taught in school!

[@familyandfriends3519]

PUERTO Rican aren't Spanish and Hispanic and Latino until given back to Spain and getting independence only from Spain your Americans

[@jesusdavis2941]

Puerto Rico Was Spain Ironically, at the time it had more autonomy and full representation in the Spanish Cortes, who knows how that would have evolved into

[@reucat24]

Correct, Puerto Rico was a province of Spain since 1809, a Puerto Rican (Ramon Power y Giralt) congressman became the Vice President of the first Spanish Parliament in 1812 and signed Spain's first Constitution as well, we can say a Puerto Rican was one of the founding fathers of modern Spain. In 1897 Puerto Rico becomes Spain's first Autonomy, now Spain has 17 which include two Archipelagos, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

[@Jagueyes1]

@@reucat24 None of which was taught to us in school. My parents where born in 1910 and 1914 respectively. THEY weren't taught any of this. They were taught in English. The American anglo-indoctrination began right away. Their perception of the times under Spain wasn't very positive lest accurate.

[@reucat24]

@@Jagueyes1 The first thing the US did was the firing of all school teachers, they imported the teachers from the US to teach our children their own version of history ''the world according to US '' which was in other words anti-Spanish anti-Catholic propaganda

[@josemercado2050]

My Puerto Rico I love you❤🇵🇷❤

[@C0rNG0d674]

It would be excellent to have this video in Spanish as well. There's many in the islands that don't know what's going on. 10/10

[@2okaycola]

💡

[@philipgomez349]

Acabo de activar los subtítulos en español.

[@rickjusino3774]

They are also being brainwashed with BS propaganda, just like they are doing to the mag inbreds!

[@xefnu]

They make is seems like that usa was our savior n that we have had good relations

[@Merry19ss]

​@@xefnu nunca las tuvimos USA nos invadió y secuestro , Puerto Rico era comunidad provincia Española

[@yasminer3288]

As Puertorican my self I say FREE FREE PUERTO RICO INDEPENDENCE NOW!!!!! QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE 🇵🇷

[@kennethz6991]

Libre y con mas corrupción? Estás loco???? Se convertirá en una copia de Cuba

[@colinsh16]

If Puerto Rico joins the US as a state the culture will surely fade away and they will surely be gentrified out by the colonizers. Getting independence will help restrengthen its identity and help give the island the help it really needs. The US is great but its not everything they are literally putting a strain on the island and slowing progression.

[@joselassalle4958]

That is very unlikely. Québec was a French colony for about 150 before it was taken by the British and to this day French culture in Québec is very strong. Puerto Rican culture is about 500 years old, much older than French culture in Québec, and it has been under US cultural influence for only about 125 years.

[@andrew.kusuma]

​@@joselassalle4958 many Puerto Ricans don't keep their culture anymore in the states. I've talked to many who are uninterested about being Puerto Rican. In fact, their Intermarriage rate is among the highest with less than 50% keeping the PR family.

[@mainstreet3023]

Parallels with Ireland on first look. Haiti comes to mind with an awful history by French colonialists.

[@mainstreet3023]

Normally don’t watch AJ because of its Israel bias.

[@marcuzcruz248]

Puerto Ricans are indigenous people they always been in this continent for thousands and thousands of years Ireland and Haiti which is actually French people you're not from here you're from a different continent you came here as opportunities and also the French came here to attack and stealing

[@bestiaman]

Our albizu campos helped ireland with rheir independence. He was radiation poisoned by usa

[@Ralph_Malph]

The colonization of Puerto Rico is immoral and must end. It's time for Congress to grant two senators as well as 6 members in the House of Representatives. Either statehood or new form of government. Good should prevail over evil.... always.

[@sabin97]

just set us free. being under your boot in the current system is as bad as being under your boot with "statehood". having 0% of the decisional power is, in essence, the same as having less than 2% of the decisional power(which is what we would get if you make us an usakistani state). just look at hawaii. it's awsome for the anglos......it's terrible for the hawaiians.

[@boricuadetorontocanada]

Que viva un Puerto Rico libre!!!!! 🇵🇷💯🔥

[@jamesjohnson4900]

And I agree with Jagueyes1, people keep conveniently leaving out of their reports that Puerto Rico had just gained equal autonomous community representation in Spanish politics, akin to Spain's modern day autonomous, governmental regions, when the U.S. decided to make up an excuse to go to war for Spain's possessions.

[@jaredbernhartbaez6619]

Thank you! The carta autonómica was enacted just two months before the invasion of the United States during Cubas war for independence

[@alexrosado5097]

Lets not forget how this autonomy had ulterior motives the same way giving PR american citizenship had ulterior motives. Spain was willing to do anything to keep Cuba and PR considering they’d lost everything else by then

[@Merry19ss]

​@Juan-Hernandez-Wein así es y vivirían bien como los de las Islas Baleares y las Islas Canarias.

[@acegikm]

You'd think elites with so much money and power could afford some good therapy to understand why they have such a sick need for power and get the mental help they need.

[@manuelsanchezdeinigo3959]

¡Qué Viva Puerto Rico 🇵🇷! ¡Qué Viva Gran Hispanidad! ¡Saludos desde Nuevo México! ⚔️🇪🇸🇲🇽🇵🇷🇺🇲⚔️

[@fernandgutez2383]

Puerto Rico was a province of Spain, and had 2 Senators and 16 representatives, when the U.S. illegally occupied the Island (1898). People of Puerto Rico were citizens of Spain and shared the same language, culture and DNA. We do not want to be Angloamericans; we were force into U.S. citizenship without democratic consultations, only the elite and oligarchs accepted this fascist path. That’s why less than 55% of the eligible voters vote on Election Day; I and my family are an example of those who do not participate.

[@darinbauer8122]

As an activist I sort of wondered why an American petition hadn't succeeded, given their population demographic. Repairation is valid and currently one of the only known peaceful solutions. ❤

[@iamtorrego]

PR government is very corrupt, and US do not want PR having a bigger cut from their budget nor political power, even when the island gives more than what receives from them and lean toward any political party in power and not specifically to one.

[@amo4_cuatro]

VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE! 🇵🇷✊

[@TheLiamster]

I think Puerto Rico should become an independent country

[@lizbethartemis4886]

i wish, but the leftists/ communes are in place ready to make it another Venezuela.

[@elg6197]

Viva puerto rico libre 🇵🇷

[@professorpick]

They're voting to join the US

[@elg6197]

@professorpick No, we are not. There wasn't any official plebiscite, and the statehood party can only win thru plurality(32%)

[@tidbit1877]

If you become an independent country then expect to be like Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and all those other "fantastic and fabulously run" Caribbean islands. LOL. Or become a US State which is a much better idea.

[@ignaciopazgarcia5370]

This channel is so underrated😢 The content is so goooood

[@freeplax17]

Why is this not surprising.

[@Prisoner-jf8vi]

The Puerto Rican people could all vote 100 percent for statehood tomorrow and it means nothing. The United States government is the one who says yes on statehood or not and I think the US is happy with the current status of the island. The US has historically used the island as its needed and used so much that if given independence it would be really hard to get back on its feet at this point

[@siewkonsum7291]

The natives of Puerto Rico are the original owners of the islands, and must demand all the outsider occupiers to leave their lands immediately to enable themselves to self rule and determine their own future destiny! 😊

[@francismarion6400]

Koalas are Native. Humans are not .

[@familyandfriends3519]

We never considered Puerto Rico a Hispanic Island anyways Puerto Ricans aren't Spanish and Hispanic and Latino until given back to Spain and getting independence only from Spain your Americans

[@TheNorberto67]

You really know nothing about PR

[@reucat24]

Reunification of Puerto Rico and Spain is the only solution. Puerto Rico was a province of Spain.

[@sabin97]

@@francismarion6400 there are no koalas in puerto rico. they arent native.

[@dangercat9188]

As an American of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, can y'all please, please protest and gain independence porfavor? Y'all are the only Hispanics that aren't independent. That's not cute. Trust me, the US isn't very fond of us. Please re-think this mi gente.

[@ace55]

Bueno es cierto que somos el único territorio hispano que no es independiente, pero somos también la única juridicción hispana que no entra de forma ilegal por la frontera sur ni en yola a los Estados Unidos. Que tenemos los derechos y oporunidades que otros muchos aspiran tener al punto de muchos perder sus vidas en el intento. Mucho resentido aquí.

[@dangercat9188]

@@ace55 si estoy de acuerdo con eso, pero la unica razón porque no entran ilegal es por eso mismo. Si ustedes algun dia se hacen independiente, las cosas cambiaran. En el momento, los que estan entrando ilegalmente son Los Centro Americanos y los Venezolanos. Antes eran los mexicanos y algunas vezes los cubanos con los botes para Florida. Los dominicanos casí siempre entran legal. Yo ladamas no quisiera ver Puerto Rico perder su cultura a los Anglos. Mira lo que le paso a Hawaii. Espero que mi gramatica este bien jaja ✌

[@andrew.kusuma]

​​@@ace55cuantos Asiaticos hablan Bien de Puerto Rico. Van a la Isla y hablan Bien de su Gente y su isla y sempre dicen, "no cambien" mientras US los trata como mierda. Muchos Boricuas en EU no son ya Boris, ciudadania vino con El costo de perder su indentidad y geneologia

[@lizbethartemis4886]

The PPD made a call for boycotting elections.

[@GregGarciaHouse]

Spain had no colonies. They were provinces, viceroyalties or “capitanias”

[@parunox1702]

Guess that explain why the FBI was super hated years ago and is still hated due to vicious biases overall this is sad as I’m a Puerto Rican myself.

[@dejavu2531]

That's the biggest point I heard.. the FBI has & still is corrupt?!🤔

[@thefpvlife7785]

In the same way Hawaii was made a state immediately because of its geographical location and its military purpose. Puerto Rico would also become a state had Russia settled in Cuba and now if China settles in Cuba.

[@alejandrobendana8712]

Puerto Rico unfortunately has a very well instilled sense of fear because of U.S. propaganda. Yet, many Puerto Ricans don’t understand that under the U.S., we have actually become a stagnated country. Our neighbour, Dominican Republic, is much more developed than we are today in 2023. A mix of local corruption and American oppression has caused PR to stay behind.

[@jessieperez1477]

Agreed!

[@varo9491]

In what way is the DR more developed? I’ve been to both countries and DR definitely looks more 3rd world. Puerto Rico has a higher GDP even though it has half the population of DR and has 4x higher per capita income than DR. Puerto Ricans also have US passports and have freedom of movement in the US where they can find better employment opportunities which Dominicans don’t have

[@adancruzgames]

@@varo9491 DR is a developing country fyi

[@jessieperez1477]

@@varo9491 when was the last time you were there? There are multiple projects in development. Expansion on the current ones. Beltway, expanding roads, monorails, metro trains, public works, aerial tramways, World Trade Center Santo Domingo. We may not be part of the US but that's fine with us. We got a corrupt government and President and local currency.

[@alejandrobendana8712]

@@varo9491 Puerto Rico’s GDP is simply because we have the dollar as our currency which means we charge the same services offered in the DR in American dollars. Of course that’ll make it seem like we have a higher GDP. Yet, our tourism sector is much behind that of the DR, or Costa Rica or Mexico and these are all sovereign nations. Perhaps you haven’t been to the rural parts of the island, but there’s no difference between a mountain town here and that of the DR. Just because people drive more cars here than there doesn’t mean we’re a developed nation. Developed nation would mean we have a great education system (which we don’t), a great healthcare system (which we don’t), great infrastructure in transportation (which we don’t), we would have a robust economy with a variety of goods and services we could offer (which we don’t). And that American passport has been detrimental for Puerto Rico. Who cares that I have access to the U.S.? The U.S. isn’t the only country that offers opportunities. Plus, the U.S. is in downfall-who would want to go to a country where shootings are a common occurrence? Boy bye.

[@JoseLopez-ys2oz]

The United States (US) claims to be the champion of democracy, but at the same time has forcibly maintained Puerto Rico as her colony for the past 125 years. Not only is the US not a democracy, she is willfully committing a crime against humanity. The US has ignored 41 United Nations (UN) resolutions asking her to immediately return Puerto Rico’s sovereignty to the Puerto Ricans. This month, the UN will once again hold its annual Puerto Rico decolonization hearing, and issue yet another similar resolution asking for exactly the same thing. It is important to mention that the UN is not asking for plebiscites to determine what Puerto Ricans want. The UN knows that the US illegally has Puerto Rico’s sovereignty, and asks that the US return it back to the Puerto Ricans. That is the simplest way, because then the Puerto Ricans ourselves can decide our own future. The US, however, prefers to encourage plebiscites, as a way to maintain Puerto Rico colonized forever. But in the meantime, two thirds of Puerto Ricans today live away from our national territory, and, half of the Puerto Ricans who have refused to abandon our homeland live in poverty. Moreover, 38 million Americans today live in poverty too, while 8 of the 10 richest men in the world are US citizens. Are you aware that the world considers the US as the biggest threat to peace? The US is, therefore, the champion of plutocracy. The US is not a democracy either!

[@vmedhe2]

Puerto Rico has voted time and again for the status quo. You cant make claims for the people and then ignore the vote because you don't like the outcome.

[@francismarion6400]

The US is persecuting any opposition to the Biden administration.

[@miguelraevenswood1664]

Great response with very little historical context. Oh look at the vote and nothing else like the colonial relationship that made Puerto Rico’s economy entirely dependent on the US or the death squads intimidating independence activists or the tax laws written in congress with no say by the Puerto Ricans but have major effects on it ability to stay sovereign. Or how about the colonial fiscal board that was imposed on Puerto Rico because of debts incurred in part because of these tax laws and the Jones act. This cause a ton of schools and social services to be shut down and has further impoverished Puerto Ricans forcing them to choose financial well being or their homeland. Also let’s not forget the US colonizers buying up land kicking tenants out and driving up rents. But no look at these votes. They want this. You do know that these votes were taken with absolutely no guarantee by congress. They will ignore them and such voting simply acts to fool people like yourself into thinking that everything is fine. Like when you want to maintain your national identity but no that full independence will be extremely difficult because of what the US has done you wonder why you can’t simply say he they want the abuse.

[@tytania3545]

​@@vmedhe2 Clearly you do not live here, There is a very precise reason to keep voting for status quo because it tranches statehood. In its imperialist colonearest education and propaganda in the island the United States creaided many fear tactics text to exploit many ignorant peoplevil to fear not being with the United States. In the fifties the independence party with strong, But with all the intimidation tactics and arrest and murders of nationalist leaders the movement went in decay just as planned by the united states. Making the independence movement now extremely small, so to counteract not being a state to Be able to maintain the hope of a future independence we have to keep voting status quo until we have more people sure with independence.

[@Halcon_Sierreno]

The U.S isn't a Democracy, it's a "Constitutional Republic". 😂

[@Coracora-he9pz]

Pal carajo la junta colonial

[@trajanwhite]

amazing video! one thing that is false in this video is that Puerto Rico isn’t the only colony left in the modern times, Britain still has about 8 oversea colonies 😢

[@jayjasperjp]

Puerto Rico is not the only colony, but it is the most populous colony still left in the world

[@cthulhux6361]

Is not the last is the oldest though

[@trajanwhite]

@@cthulhux6361 no, it is the Island of Bermuda was since 1609 by Britain, America wasn’t even a country

[@kongming66]

​@@trajanwhiteBut Puerto Rico was a colony of Spain already long before the 17th century

[@johnpaciencia1684]

97 percent of puerto Ricans are ok over relationship with the United states

[@DeanHuertas]

I hope to live to see a Free and prosperous Puerto Rico 🙏🏽❤️🇵🇷

[@elizabethtejada2251]

Never never gone happens

[@madeinhawaii]

End the Jones Act.

[@heylson]

Yet there’s a bunch of Puerto Ricans supporting statehood 😩 viva Puerto Rico libre 🇵🇷

[@ceasarjrtorres1433]

Only for welfare’s federal help in Spanish we said mantengo because those people are fat and lazy don’t want work hard!!

[@heylson]

@@ChispinRodz yes lick them off... estupido

[@Socialist1919]

Free Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@familyandfriends3519]

Puerto Ricans aren't Spanish and Hispanic and Latino until given back to Spain and getting independence only from Spain your Americans

[@Palbizu]

🫡

[@thepipedreamer89]

Free PR

[@JohnCena-zm2mt]

Much love for PR from Cuba 🇨🇺❤️🇵🇷

[@thuggeegaming659]

All movement for statehood will be opposed by Repubs because then there's 1 more blue state which means 2 more dem senators, and more dem representation in the House of Representatives. It also means more blue electoral college votes. And all movement for independence will be opposed by Repubs because they want to keep PR as a colony for their own benefit. See who is causing all the problems for PR?

[@X2LR8]

One solution for statehood would be to carve up Illinois or California into multiple states. For example, you could have the Chicago area and then two new states in Central and Southern Illinois. For California, you could have SoCal and then a new state for Northern CA and inland. That would give the GOP additional seats and representation.

[@2okaycola]

Independent pr is the solution

[@dasuritorres7552]

​@@2okaycolanot really. Everyone says that but do you see Puerto Ricans planting anymore? Not to mention we want to support the local things yet they are more expensive than the ones from other countries, with the low income we get you think anyone is going to buy it? It's surreal & ridiculous, not to mention & most importantly, in order for us to have independence we need our own currency, do you think that's gonna get value in 2 hrs ? Do you know how many currencies at this point are devaluating? How many are getting eliminated, & how many new prototypes of other ones that are high in value there is? The currency thing will probably be like 40 years in poverty. Yall just too biases in political color & not realistic in anything. We can do so much but the country is tired. PR at this point is like when Caligula named his horse as Governor of Rome, that it went down quick that's how we are rn. What we need to do is to clean the house at the capitol & militarize this country but ofc people don't want that cause they're afraid. We barely have any security left hence why I say militarize it for less crimes but at this point we just don't know how is anything going to turn anymore. We could work in planting our own stuff, we could also get benefits from the US at the end we had served there more than any other country, so at least as a compensation for that to get benefits, if we become statehood not to remove our history, cultures, root nor historical structures. There's so much we can get & do, reality is no government wants to, the main reason why goverent exist is to make a place ungovernable.

[@j.s9144]

Democrats dont want PR as a State, but republicans do

[@optimusprime4443]

​@@2okaycolaindependence is suicide for the island. Read the book America's Last Fortress, Puerto Rico can't survive independent unfortunately as a Puerto Rican myself I knew that before I even read the book, but the details are far better explained there. The unfortunate part is that the people of PR are so proud that they refuse to see the big picture of why independence is such a bad choice for the island because it is indeed.

[@wiseone6105]

Free Puerto Rico !

[@allanflippin2453]

I'm from the US, and I'm certainly not proud of what was done to Puerto Rico. Even if this video is biased, the US conduct is still atrocious. One thing I wonder, what did the US get out of this? Why was it worth so much illegality secrecy and brutality to the people? It doesn't make sense to me.

[@mrhand3350]

don't be like france same like mayotte is comorros

[@Mahc32]

For drug experiments, first big island in the Atlantic (security), military drills used to be done there, sugar cane plantations back in the 1920-50, drug and textile manufacturing before China and Asia

[@Mullkaw]

Not sure what you're implying, but being unbiased isnt exactly a virtue 😁

[@allanflippin2453]

@@Mullkaw Sorry I confused you. My point is I agree the USA's treatment seems truly horrible. My question is what would be the advantage to the USA to do it? To go through all the violence, coverups and secrecy and for what?

[@ChoMarciano]

​@@allanflippin2453 Look up "War Against All Puerto Ricans" and you'll find plenty reasons.

[@Trikipum]

puerto rico was not a colony.. it was a province with representation in the spanish parliament.. 125 years ago... and now it is a colony of the USA...

[@reucat24]

Puerto Rico was an autonomous province of Spain (the first autonomy of the Spanish nation, now they have 17) with 16 congressmen and 2 senators representing the Island in Spain's national parliament. US invaded, occupied and forced Spain to sign the Treaty of Paris. The US separated Puerto Rico from its motherland.

[@j.echevarria8630]

Puerto Rico did not have autonomy but Spain announced they would grant it and then almost magically the war started soon after. Puerto Ricans are not the same as they were back then however so we dont hav as much in common with Spaniards or Canarians as we used to. Only a minority of around 25% of people are full European descent. The culture in PR has been Americanized and without meaning to be offensive ghettofied.

[@reucat24]

@@j.echevarria8630 It did have it, Luis Muñoz Rivera was elected as head of the automous provincial government. Also you are wrong about the %, check the Genetic studies of Puerto Rico, it is 70% Spanish/Euro dna (similar to Cuba, the other island that was also a Caribbean Spanish province)

[@j.echevarria8630]

​@@reucat24 Puerto Rico only had partial autonomy and I was referring to only 25% of Puerto Ricans are genetically 95%+ European. Most individuals in Puerto Rico are about 70% European. This mixed group makes up the majority however it was true for a while that about 70% of Puerto Ricans claimed White on the census based on their appearance. Because the US did not recognize them as white by their standards this created a movement for Puerto Ricans to reject their whiteness.

[@ClementePR21]

Porqué quieres q seamos parte de España?.

[@miguelchavez8347]

​@@ClementePR21 por que no? Soy salvadoreno, pero espana es parte de nosotros.

[@tecnolatino5552]

The total exclusion of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) in this work is a shame, apart from that very good work.

[@JohnDoe-dr9ug]

Im mexican and I once had a puerto rican yell at me "papi we are american citizens" and you mexicans are immigrants!! I told this man that their are 40 million mexican americans and only 5 million puerto rican americans, and that our citizenship doesn't matter all latinos are looked at as second class citizens in fact most white people think all hispanics are mexican anyway and this puerto rican dude went ballistic on me, "MIRA!!! MIRA!!! TIPO PUELTO RICO WE AMERICANS PAPI!!!! JEWWW ARE IMMIGRANTS!!!. at that point I stopped debating this man, I later heard him tell a african american guy that puerto ricans were spanish white, and this puerto rican man looked as black as wesley snipes.. puerto ricans suffer from delusion and insecurity about their situation, these people are traumatized by U.S colonialism

[@nuyorican91st]

My poor fellow Isla boricua Stay strong mi gente

[@user-zz6vo3de1i]

😂😂😂 Look at all the Puerto Rican ultra nationalists in the comments😂😂😂

[@Mario87189]

One of the best breakdowns of the history of colonialism and current issues in my 🇵🇷, enhorabuena muy bien hecho ,ojalá que pasen la legislación. Great reporting

[@edyann]

Soy mexicana y aquí en mi país hay mucha gente puertorriqueña que vive aquí pero trabaja en los Estados Unidos y es un placer hablar con ellos y discutir este tema. Muchos a favor- y muchos en contra. Qué interesante..

[@ralpheyboyboxing]

Lolita Lebron was no joke

[@IRONFOX6-fy5se]

1. I commend AJ for doing their homework and putting this great video together. 2. We need this video to be translated into Spanish and many other languages. 3. It is so important for all of us to know and understand our TRUE history. That is why we must destroy all politicians and all institutions that keep us from securing a better understanding of our history and our culture. 4. I urge every citizen of planet earth to get the best education that they can and to question what their governments and upper class say is true. World peace can only be achieved by an educated society that is willing to learn about and understand their neighbors. Without justice there will be no peace and prosperity. 5. Finally, we must all make the time to train our minds and our bodies to fight and fully destroy authoritarian ideologies, leaders, institutions, and nations. Everyone should consider arming themselves with the best available military training and firearms so they can fight evil and win. May God bless our planet. Thank AJ.

[@veneno6388]

We need to be free from American colonialism and modern slavery .

[@maxchen7229]

How about Hawaii?

[@endroholic7161]

Guam, Samoa, Virgin islands, California and texas too!

[@francismarion6400]

Texas would love to succeed along with about every other Southern State right now.

[@endroholic7161]

@@Warm-qq2wo nah free texas

[@endroholic7161]

@@Warm-qq2wo mf US.

[@Palbizu]

@Warm Hawaii deserves independence anyway

[@alexagostini3442]

I do not understand this title, how the US invaded Puerto Rico? The war was started because Cuba wanted independence from Spain. Spain lost the war and territories in the pacific and Caribbean were turned over to the United States. As for the treatment of Puerto Ricans My mother used to tell me stories. Many of these Spaniards and other Europeans who stayed, were not to kind to the poor people of the island. In my opinion, Puerto Rico could become greater than Miami Florida (a hub for banking and deals in South America) if they just wake up. It is good to have pride, but we have to stop feeling victimized, and figure out if we want independence or statehood status.

[@nycemt1600]

im not puerto rican but this is a great documentary!

[@jt03jr71]

If Puerto Rico Becomes its own Country & Stick to Good Habits, they will be more than Just Fine! May Yahweh Bless this Life, through Jesus Christ, Eternally!

[@freespeech6670]

Time to return the land to the people of Puerto Rico

[@reucat24]

time to Reunify Puerto Rico with Spain

[@guzylad5]

@@reucat24 jajajajaj

[@thepipedreamer89]

Why not. The revolution must start now , right here. Support from 🇿🇼

[@oz311]

​@reucat24 how about leave PR alone neither U.S or Spain

[@dasuritorres7552]

​@@reucat24dude you're everywhere, do you think that's what Puerto Rico wants? At least have some respect from all the harmful things yall have done to us even when we were still under your colonial status not too long ago. Not one single one of us wants to return to you, why can't you respect that? Why do we need so bad to ve yours ? This is our land not yours, yall stole it from us.

[@blueoak116]

Well done. Broadens my understanding. Thanks

[@wlg2367]

We in the continental United States now know how the Puerto Ricans feel towards the FBI. I hope soon Puerto Ricans can have the right of self determination. For the People of Puerto Rico I am sorry you have been so terribly treated. How the United States can have a colony that has no representation is repugnant to true patriots in the United States as we had the same struggle. The FBI must be disbanded and a new bureau with pure motives must be formed. The FBI has caused chaos with their corruption swaying elections by withholding information and instigating problems.

[@felixa.aliceamartinez7890]

It's a long story my friend, but, many Puerto Rican in modern days prefer state hood. When we do referendum, many people don't voted due to the lack of trust of local parties, because politicians are a deterrent of such referendum, and thirdly many Puerto Ricans are don't like to vote.

[@foggy561]

@@felixa.aliceamartinez7890 Also lets get down to the brass taxes "Literally" Most do not want the tax burden every other working American has to bare. Its well known that Puerto Rico is a tax haven since the only people who pay taxes down there are members of our armed service and governmental workers. Statehood would force every worker to pay taxes... just like the rest of us

[@rickjusino3774]

@@felixa.aliceamartinez7890 THAT IS INCORRECT!. The truth is the vast majority of Puertoricans in the ISLA boycotted the the damn plebiscite, so the only ones who showed up were the PNP's. That is not a victory, that is a false, BS propaganda sold by the pnp's!

[@rickjusino3774]

@@foggy561 that's another LIE, the taxes are already included multiple times in the merchandise that is imported to the island, that's why EVERYTHING cost more in PR than in the states. They are charging us for the shipments coming from China or whatever other country the get it from , then force us to pay AGAIN to have that same merchandise shipped to PR from FL or NY, etc. on US boats. That includes all the taxes multiplied several times. We need to do our research people, not drink the koolaid and repeat misinformation!

[@jaquino451]

​@@felixa.aliceamartinez7890 It votes pro statehood because there are only two options. Independence or statehood.

[@emmanuel1163]

As spain was losing territories to revolutions and Puerto rico became one of their last territories in the americas, they gave puerto rico an independence charter that let them self govern- but still be a voting part of Spain. Spain ironically gave puerto rico more rights back then then we get today and if you consider an alternate history where puerto rico was still part of spain that would mean they get dual benefit of being EU members.

[@Merry19ss]

Yes

[@holyeboi7084]

Bro this is so true. I wish that Puerto Rico wasn't pushed to this state of being where there's so much corruption and misinformation and misleading that it has led to Puerto Rico's semi-independent/colonial status to even be put at risk. I feel like if it was given the chance and right tools/leading, Puerto Rico can become something and actually strive towards independence. That's my nationalistic Puerto Rican dream, for Puerto Rico to 1 day stand as a nation of its own.

[@alfonso87ful]

When USA took PR it was not.a colony.. It was part of Spain and an autonomouse region with representation in Spains parlament..

[@felixa.aliceamartinez7890]

Technically, you have to change the topic in the video. After the US adquire Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines from Spain. Spaniard government, legal pass the ownership of the territories on Puerto Rico. We address the occupation as an invasion because when US Navy ships came in 1898, they started to bombard the citizens of the territory, local soldiers didn't knew nothing about the government transition because the Spaniard government never told us what occurred in the treaty of Paris. So, local soldiers decided to fight back. Also, want to add, that in the 1950's the US ordered the bombardment in Utuado in order to suppress the independence movement, Wich at the time it was a prominent movement, because the US dropped the value of the local currency, creating a local crisis, and also many US government officials where saying very nasty comments and conducting horrible actions.

[@rickjusino3774]

It was an invasion, period! You are basing your statements in the US history books and they are based on lies and BS propaganda, not facts!

[@cjrtattoo4you]

I'm puertorican and this is so true, but theres also the problem of local massive corruption...

[@elmiticopr3919]

Yeah, And mostly who are the corrupts here in Puerto Rico? the same ones that the US supports

[@rickjusino3774]

That's an understatement!

[@rjorangecat]

Independence to become a communist island like Cuba, who are you kidding?

[@woljay9362]

Aha because daily mass shootings and skyrocketing inflation and prices is paradise on Earth. Get a grip

[@MariAmmaSar]

Sorry AJ, you got it wrong, the world's oldest colony is Wales, annexed into the UK for roughly 1300years. And the Irish people nearly went insane with the English occupation of Ireland for 800years.

[@jaredrios9575]

She said "it's one of the oldest" not the oldest. And I'm pretty sure Wales and Ireland have it a lot better then Puerto Rico.

[@JosephOccenoBFH]

It's a rather gray area. If you follow this logic, then Catalonia, The Basque Country, and Galicia in Spain should all be independent countries and the territory of Spain would be minimized.

[@Halcon_Sierreno]

Aren't the Welsh "Latinos"?

[@lanapapas]

It said “ one of the oldest” plus no comment about the horrible position PR is in?

[@FVeee]

Puerto Rico needs to become independent!!!

[@Matitos3D]

Gracias por hablar de esto 🇵🇷

[@wm7312]

The United States has for decades played the same game. The game of having elections to have the puertoricans "decide" their political faith. And never follow through with the results. Puerto Rico was invaded by the US in 1898 and colonized and taken for the strategic location of the island in regards to its position as the first "big" island on the Atlantic Ocean. The US built military bases to protect the mainland. They, the US had military drills in the island which ultimately destroyed many places. The US will not relinquish the control they have

[@THENOTENATION]

IF THERE WAS ANY OTHER TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TIME WE HAVE TO GET TOGETHER AND GET OUR LAND BACK TO OUR CONTROL

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

Boríken is the Caribbean Palestine. 🖤

[@ernestolynch1926]

Strikingly, the USA behavior is not that different from the Israeli one.

[@atsvisuals]

unfortunately! both countries are facing colonization by American settlers right upon our eyes. Yet, Palestinian’s are brutally are being beaten, and killed for their freedom. May Palestinian’s and their country Palestine be free, as well as our little island Puerto Rico one day can be its own independent country. 🇵🇸🇵🇷❤️💙💚🤍

[@Thomas-Bradley]

@@atsvisuals And then ya'll would just be waiting at the US-Mexico border like the rest of your neighbors XD

[@MikeJones-ko2or]

😂 wow

[@atsvisuals]

@@Thomas-Bradley thankfully we are island that’s buried in rich soil, we have our own corps in which we transport to the u.s. TRUST we will be good. It will be you who will be wanting to into trying to eat off of our plates, remember the soil in U.S. is as dry as your brain, old and dry.

[@josepabon6531]

Why green go are talking about Borikuas future!! Green Gos!! Please leave the island alone

[@octaneswagg]

Show this When ppl that don’t know what they are talking about call Puerto Rico a territory 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ bruhhh Pr is a colony not a territory

[@geovanniali6060]

Oppression breeds Resistance 🍉 Stand with Palestine ☘️🕊️BDS

[@magdalisalmodovar9113]

My mom lived through it, she's from Jayuya and she had to hide because of the nationalist she thank God she survived . This is the history of Puerto Rico, sad.

[@MiguelLopez-yc2rh]

I think the video fails to explain how really were the last years of Puerto Rico under spanish rule. Although spanish authorities still had a heavy grip over the politics and economy of the island, Spain was more willing to grant autonomy to puertoricans than americans. This can be reflected in the Autonomy Charter of Puerto Rico, the first Statute of Autonomy granted in Spain to a spanish province, in particular to the overseas province of Puerto Rico. This document authorized the formation of an autonomous government in the island under the surveillance of a spanish governor general and granted puertoricans political representation in the Spanish Courts of Madrid. Its promulgation was accompanied by the establishment of universal male suffrage in all overseas provinces (including Cuba and Philippines). The war against the US stopped its implementation and the first years of american rule really damaged PR stable economy.

[@chrismaxny4066]

As one of the 6 million first generation Puerto Ricans living in the US mainland I find this documentary very one sided. Yes, any time election results don't agree with what certain groups want they are not valid ie Trump! Why isn't there an independent Puerto Rico quite simply because the majority consistently votes to maintain current status. The perks of this relationship with the US outweigh the cons in the view of most of the island's residents. They are American Citizens and are free to come and go as they please unlike any other Caribbean Nation! People like Congressperson Cortez ignore just how valued the freedom to travel to the US mainland is by the island's residents! Watching boatloads of Hattians or thousands of people from Central and South America attempting to get into the US isn't lost on Puerto Rico's residents. In fact many other Caribbean Nation's residents go to Puerto Rico as a way to get to the US. Another is not paying Federal Income tax on income earned in Puerto Rico unless one is employed by the US government. The cons include not being able to vote for the US president and no representation in Congress. This is a simplistic summary but it is that freedom to travel to the US that is the most unspoken influence on any election involving the island's status! Those that are for Independence consistently underestimate this one freedom so have lost every election and I predict will lose every election in the future. If the election only included Independence or Statehood the later would win!

[@HoogaBoogha]

#FreePueetoRico

[@multicopiadodeCD-yg4zv]

There is a lot of truth in this video, but is bias and have a mix of historic facts and do not follows the cronological history and jump back and foward, also this video is missing the most important fact that is, the puertoricans in the island who never follows or believe the Partido Nacionalista and the question is why?... and that got nothing to do with intimidation or fear. Remember threre were and there are a lot of independentas (NO) Nacionalistas who were and they are looking for the Independence of the the island whith out the use of force. I think that any one who try to expalind the history of Puerto Rico sould investigate a litle bit more in order to present all the facts all the factions who are part of the independentista movement and to be fair the estadistas and estadolibristas but most important try not to be BIAS.

[@uli6536]

VIVA P.R FUTURO ESTADO 51🇺🇸..NO HAY MAS NA 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@wootska]

LIBERTAD DEL DOMINIO COLONIAL AMERICANO

[@travisbeohm3378]

Shame… deep, deep shame…. If you don’t feel it, look within

[@pedropagan3465]

If you’re going to talk about Puerto Rico’s colonial status and the nationalist movement, you have to talk about Don Pedro Albizu Campos

[@THENOTENATION]

ALL US PUERTO RICANS HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AT HAWAII AND HOW MUCH STATEHOOD HAS HELPED THE NATIVE PEOPLE AND REALIZE THAT PUERTO RICO SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT ALTOGETHER OR REMAIN WITH THE CURRENT STATUS BUT WITH CHANGES THAT WOULD BE MORE FAIR TO THE NATIVE PEOPLE

[@heinwlod3895]

In order to be able to settle to Puerto Rico, families had to swear allegiance to the Spanish state and crown. Their descendants should stop collaborating with the US regime and start working towards a future inside Spain and the European Union, just as all of their ancestors would have liked it.

[@Palbizu]

No one wants to be part of Spain in the island except a few clowns

[@sabledg7380]

Noooo

[@joedt1214]

Despierta Borinqueno!!!!!

[@neftalicolon5571]

that's a lie. I lived in Massachusetts for over 10 years. and my life was hell. And since I moved to Puerto Rico in 2006, things have been much better for me than living in the United States. That dream of America is not for us Puerto Ricans. Well, I have currently lived in Puerto Rico for more than 10 years and it has been better for me than living in the United States.

[@Tatteddaddydc]

I love visiting Puerto Rico. But hurricanes scare me.

[@dreamlife2351]

Excellent information

[@lochinvar50]

Did the US senate debated on the question of Puerto Rico? They did on the question of retaining or giving the Philippines independence. It was very close but the side of giving the Philippines independence prevailed.

[@jayjasperjp]

Philippine independence was denied for almost 50 years. The US fought a brutal war (Philippine-American War) to keep the Philippines as a colony

[@Merry19ss]

Los Estados Unidos hicieron a Filipinas el burdel de asia 😢 ,claro como si el mundo no lo supiera 👀🤌

[@sicilianknicca_mickygreeneyes]

Don't forget about Sicily the true oldest colony

[@firstnamelastname6717]

La Palma 🌴🇵🇷

[@MiguelAdrian]

And watching this from Pennsylvania, where I moved 5 years ago from Puerto Rico, looking for a better quality of life because of the lack of jobs in Puerto Rico. So, I know how it is. Sad reality, great video by the way.

[@noneyabusinesshomie]

Where'd you move to? Allentown? Bethlehem? Reading? I'm in Scranton

[@MH-kc1eu]

This documentary has a truckload of misinformation

[@jlg0077]

It’s easy for many people to cry out against the U.S. and call for Puerto Rico’s independence but…The USA funds billions annually to Puerto Rico while its citizens do not pay federal income tax, PR is unable to become an independent nation without falling into a third world country status. It does not have the economic strength let alone the resources to take care of itself, the population, infrastructure people etc. PR only produces 15% of it own food and It’s too dependent on imports and aide to survive just like Guam. While it has the highest GDP in Latin America / Caribbean it’s still poorer than the poorest state, Mississippi. The U.S. accounts for 70% of its trade, mostly pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. It may sound insensitive but it’s better for PR to be a state or USA territory versus their own independent nation.

[@lowki07]

That's only because the US forces Puerto Rico to import most if its goods with the Jones Act. The US force PR to be dependent on it. Educate yourself before you talk about things you know nothing about.

[@Ramon51650]

In addition to having an effect on vision, myopia can also affect a world view by compression world view into a narrow beam, fed by one source and discarding all others. Have your checked by an acredited professional.

[@amarylisesquilin1433]

As a Puerto Rican living in the state I suggest you do some more research on Pto. Rico before making any statements like this, because under the Jones law the U.S.A. gets a hell lot more yearly from Pto. Rico than what Pto. Rico gets from the U.S.A., you would think that what the U.S.A, gets yearly would help bring down Pto. Rico's debt to the U.S.A. and we are talking of millions of dollars yearly not a few thousand. About paying Federal tax why should we pay when we are NOT a State nor have any representation nor voice in Congress.

[@lauren6509]

0:45 NGL thats a hard pic right there ✨

[@ElZar1]

Soy puertorriqueño pero me averguenzo de mi propio pais. Por un lado se hacen los mas culturales con ese patriotismo falso criticando a USA y por el otro lado adoptan sus costumbres y modos de vida.

[@ceasarjrtorres1433]

Eso se llama la mente del colonizados! USA no tiene idiosincrasia ni cultura solo es apariencia y materialismos la cultura europea es superior en cultura nivel de educación

[@laylaali5977]

Excellent documentary

[@MrRhomas913]

This is not true: "...supplies imported and exported from Puerto Rico have to be put on ships that are US-built and crewed by US citizens." This is only true for goods shipped between Puerto Rico and the continental US. Goods going direct to or from Puerto Rico to a foreign country can be on non-US ships with non-US crews.

[@georgeyang9165]

To be fair, there are still territories in the Americas that are still controlled by European countries. That being said, if Puerto Rico ever became a state, it would be majority a Hispanic state and would therefore be left wing and friendly to Latin America, and could hold influence in US politics. Puerto Rico as a state, would be like Hawaii who I don’t think should be independent, because the US government needs left wing votes.

[@robotwithnoname7677]

If it ever be free, the island would just become like Cuba