POPULAR "DEMOCRATIC" PARTY: Are they truly Democratic?

By: Phillip Arroyo

For those of us living on the island of Puerto Rico and actively involved in our nation's political process whether it be with the Republican or Democratic Party, it is sometimes disappointing and unfortunate to see a local political party consistently contradict itself in so many ways. For years the pro-"commonwealth" party in Puerto Rico, also known as the PDP Popular "Democratic" Party has expressed its unwavering support of the people's involvement in all political decisions of the island. They expressed it when the party was created in 1937-38, they expressed it in 1952, during the birth of the "commonwealth" the exact date in which for the first time the Puerto Rican flag stood equally right next to the stars and stripes of our great nation and they continue to preach the same in Congress today as their key argument against any type of self determination legislation presented that would in any way threaten the island's current colonial political status.

The Popular "Democratic" Party and its current President and Governor of Puerto Rico, Anibal Acevedo Vila have in numerous occasions stated that the future of Puerto Rico lies in the sole hands of the Puerto Rican people and that in no way and matter should the Federal government intervene in this process. What is truly contradicting and ridiculous is how the so called Popular "Democratic" Party has teamed up for years with members of the Republican Party in Washington, DC to put a stop to any type of legislation that would facilitate the people of Puerto Rico with a federally sponsored and consensus providing instrument or mechanism to solve the island's political status once and for all. They propose that Puerto Rico's political future be decided by a select group of politicians and civic leaders that would in turn decide the island's fate behind closed doors through a constitutional convention and NOT by the people. They team up with members of the Republican elite, members of congress, lobbyists , donators, etc. to counter the Democratic Party's known and genuine willingness to participate actively in helping the Puerto Rican people's desire for change. Let's face it, a vast majority of hispanics on the mainland United States vote Democratic, therefore it makes sense for the local commonwealth party to team up with members of the Republican elite, because it would ultimately avoid the GOP a huge headache with a possible hispanic 51st state of the union. This would also cause the current status quo political status of Puerto Rico to remain intact. So therefore , both sides are happy, right? Well in the eyes of many this is in no way acceptable.

The future and well being of the people of Puerto Rico should not be decided by political party interests , both with the only intention of putting a stop to change, all at the expense of 4 million american citizens on the island of Puerto Rico who are stripped of rights as fundamental as the ability to vote for our commander of chief, the President of the United States. It's not right, it's undemocratic and it is also unamerican.

Today, we see a Popular " Democratic" Party lead by Governor Acevedo Vila that has shifted so far to the left that during their past Party assembly he announced that he supports a sovereign commonwealth status for the island. One that is incompatible with the United States constitution and with international law for that matter. He and his party propose that Puerto Rico remain as a commonwealth, yet at the same time wish to have complete "autonomy" and the ability to negotitate independently with other countries such as Venezuela and China. Even more absurd is the proposal made by PDP Party Platform Chairman Willy Miranda Marin of requesting the Federal Government over 120 billon dollars up front for the island in order to "put a stop to federal dependency".

This type of contradicting and political flip flopping only indicates one thing. The Popular "Democratic" Party is NOT democratic, ít is a hypocritical political organization that only seeks to destroy our relationship with the United States by separating us as an independent nation. As Democrats we should censure and condemn these "so called Democrats" who love to have photo ops with members of our Democratic Party leadership and also campaigned for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, yet they do not believe nor do they promote that Puerto Ricans participate in the November 2008 Presidential elections. Hypocritical or not.......you be the judge.

PIERLUISI OBTAINS CANDIDACY!!!

By: Phillip Arroyo

San Juan, PR- On March 9th, 2008 Democratic candidate for the local Puerto Rico Statehood Party, Pedro Pierluisi, obtained his party’s candidacy for Puerto Rico’s sole congressional seat as Resident Commissioner in Washington, DC. Pierluisi reached a landslide victory as he received 364,939 votes (60%) as opposed to 202, 537 votes (33%) received by runner up Charlie Rodriguez and Dr. Miriam Ramirez closed out with 41,668 (7%) of the vote.

What was a surprise for many was the very high young voter turnout in the island’s primary elections. Pierluisi managed to mount an effective and concise campaign geared towards the younger demographic of the island and he indeed received the majority vote from the younger generation of the island.

After almost a year of intense grassroots and media campaigning, Pedro Pierluisi has prevailed decisively and has now become the congressional candidate of the local Statehood Party also know as New Progressive Party. Pierluisi will now put his candidacy to the test as he squares up against Alfredo Salazar this coming November in where Puerto Rico voters will decide who will represent them in Washington , DC. The island’s New Progressive Party advocates for Puerto Rico to be admitted as the 51st state of the union. Salazar, also a Democrat will represent the island’s Popular Democratic Party which advocates to maintain the island’s current territorial and colonial political status with the United States.

Pierluisi has taken a short vacation to savor victory, but it is rumored that he will be right back on the campaign trail by next week! Puerto Rico Democrat Corner will continue to bring you updated information straight from the campaign! Stay Tuned!

FINAL RESULTS:


Pierluisi
364,939 Votes (60%)


Rodríguez
202,537 Votes (33%)


Ramírez
41,668 Votes (7%)

A Profile in Courage

By: Phillip Arroyo

Over the last 7 years we have all been bombarded by local, national and international press in regards to the war in Iraq, with objective as well as partialized viewpoints in terms of our armed forces’ necessity to continue fighting in a war which in the eyes of many has no ending on the horizon. The conflict in Iraq has undoubtedly divided a nation that was an example of Democracy throughout the world, bringing flashbacks to many Americans of the war in Vietnam during the 1960’s, a war that caused severe divisiveness which resembles many of the events we see today.

Yet, among all the ruckus, media frenzy, arguments and debates, rarely do we have the opportunity to learn of the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our nation abroad, regardless of the relevancy of past and current military conflicts. These are citizens of a nation that do not hesitate to put their lives on the line for all of us in the name of freedom and democracy.




Today we will shed some light on a modern day hero from Puerto Rico named “Al” or “Junior” as he is known among friends, family and loved ones. Al enlisted in the Army at the young age of 17 as soon as he concluded his high school studies, claiming a patriotic vocation to serve his country and the opportunity to see the world as his premier reasons to join. Despite being rejected equal voting and representation rights as an American Citizen of Puerto Rico, due to the island’s current political status with the United States,(citizens of Puerto Rico are disenfranchised from our nation’s electoral process) he proudly served over 26 years in the United States Army Special Operations Command, an elite military division created under President Kennedy's administration. Among the many places of the world in which this highly decorated US soldier was stationed is North Carolina, Seattle, Washington, Georgia, South Carolina, Germany, most of Europe and Vietnam during the war.



We recently had the opportunity to speak with “Al” (now retired) at his Florida home, in order to have an up close and personal interview of his thoughts and views. At the moment of this interview we were helping “Al” put up an American flag pole in front of his Florida home.


1.) As a Puerto Rican, how do you feel after so many years of having served our nation? I feel very proud of the years I dedicated to the US armed forces. Throughout those years, I have made many friends, many of whom fought next to me at Vietnam, many of whom also died bravely in defense of freedom and democracy. As a Puerto Rican and also as an American I am proud to say that I retired knowing that I always gave 110% during my military career and in defense of our great nation.

2.) Did you ever encounter racial hardships during your 26 years in the military? Actually , yes I did. But to be honest throughout my 26 year career, I only faced 2 cases of racial hardships by some of my superiors. Nonetheless, those situations were both immediately solved resulting in them being dishonorably discharged from the Army. To be specific, those situations were triggered by racial slurs against Hispanics. (Laugh) Little did they know that I was an American Citizen just like them even though I was from Puerto Rico. So I never let their ignorance take control of my actions.




3.) How did you feel back in 1969 when you were in the Vietnam War as a US soldier from Puerto Rico? I remember being a little nervous on the flight to Vietnam but as soon as we touched down, I was ok. I knew I had a job to do and I was going to do it no matter what. I was no longer nervous or scared. I felt very good about myself while I was in Vietnam knowing that although there was controversy over the war as now with the war in Iraq, I knew that I was participating in a noble and necessary cause. On many nights alone in the jungle I would think about my family and friends back in Puerto Rico, I would think of my beautiful island of Puerto Rico and home cooking! (Laugh) I did get to see a lot of Vietnam ,a very poor country back then. One of my favorite moments was when I had the chance to attend sick or wounded children for they had no part in the war and yet many times were the most that suffered.

4.) What are your thoughts on the fact that despite having served so many years in the US forces, you still cannot vote for the commander chief, nor have equal political representation if you choose to return to Puerto Rico? I have always thought it was unfair. It hurt to know that I was risking my life for America and yet America would not and still does not return the favor by at least permitting all Puerto Ricans and me the opportunity to participate in the whole Democratic process as well as having equal representation in Congress. That is why I ask from the bottom of my heart to all members of Congress to support HR 900 the Puerto Rico Democracy Act. The time of equality has arrived. It’s time for our great nation to practice what it has preached for years.

5.) What was the Vietnam war like during your tour?

Bloody. Simple as that. The Vietnam war was one of the bloodiest wars in history. Many of my friends arrived at Vietnam with me, and never returned. Among those were many fellow Puerto Ricans . I think that was one of the hardest moments to endure during my tour in Vietnam, having a friend die in front of you and keep going. When I returned from the war I would suffer from bad dreams and would wake up sweating in my bed . As a matter of fact I still have those dreams , although not as often as before.




6.) How did your parents feel when you chose to become a US soldier? My mother was against it and my father did not mind. My father was a Police Officer in Puerto Rico and my mother sewed at a factory. They were obviously sad upon hearing of my decision, but immediately supported me. My father particularly supported me due to his political activism in Puerto Rico, he was a member of the Republican Statehood Party in Puerto Rico (now the New Progressive Party) and he believed that I was doing the right thing in defending our nation.

7.) How did Puerto Rican soldiers perform in the military during your 26 years of service? To be honest and impartial, I must tell you that at least during my years of service, Puerto Rican soldiers were among the sharpest, well dressed, clean cut and effective soldiers. As soon as I applied to the Special Ops I gave 100 percent and was immediately inserted after passing the vigorous training into confidential military missions and operatives.

8.) What were your goals during your career in the military? I always dreamed of reaching the rank of Command Sergeant Major, unfortunately I severely fractured my spinal cord during a routine training and was forced to retire after 26 years of service. Nonetheless, God works in mysterious ways, I had the opportunity to spend more time with my family, especially my sons during their high school years. I never missed a sporting event in which they participated. (laugh) I don’t think I would have been able to do that if I remained active in the Army.

9.) If you had the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States to discuss Puerto Rico’s political status dilemma, what would you say to him? I would say, “Look Mr. President, look at me, I may not look like it much now, but I was a Special Ops soldier that dedicated and risked his life for you , me, and our entire nation. There is a bit of unfinished business of Democracy in Puerto Rico that must be solved for the good of our nation’s image worldwide. The moment has come for a brave President to step up to the plate and dare to do the right thing and that’s to openly urge Congress to facilitate Puerto Rico with equality”


10.) If you had the opportunity to do it all over again, would you choose to be a US soldier? (While looking at the raised American flag in front of his home) In a heartbeat………. And if I would have been more informed politically regarding the travesty of political inequality in Puerto Rico, I STILL would have served our nation proudly.

- First Sergeant Al Arroyo Ramos was a brave US Army Special Operations Command soldier who fought in Vietnam as well as many classified military Operations. He is also my father…………..



Dad this one is for you…..

LA LUCHA POR LA IGUALDAD CONTINUARA………….

THE PROCESS TOWARDS STATEHOOD

By: FRANCISCO J. DOMENECH
DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES PUERTO RICO LEGISLATURE AND DELEGATE TO THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Many of the myths in terms of the process for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state of the union is the attempt to inject fear as a counter to social progress due to the complexity of the process. Nonetheless, this process is a lot simpler than it seems.

Article IV, Section 3, of the Federal Constitution grants Congress the power to admit new states to the union. The Constitution does not define, nor specify, the conditions in which statehood is ceded to a territory. Thus, Congress has the liberty to determine the conditions for admission.

Historically, the process to follow for the granting of statehood is as follows: a majority of the population of the territory votes in favor of annexation; the territory petitions Congress to become a state; the territory constitutes its government in Republican form; then, the Federal House and Senate approve a joint resolution designating the territorial area as a state.



Finally, the President signs the joint resolution approving admission. To petition for statehood, a simple majority is needed, and not an absolute or super majority. In addition, Puerto Rico already has a republican system of government and a local constitution completely compatible with the federal constitution.

Those who oppose Puerto Rico statehood have argued that the amount of time that has passed since we were ceded through the Paris Treaty makes statehood impossible. Nonetheless, history has shown that a mere passing of time should not be an obstacle for statehood. There are a number of states that have delayed considerably in achieving statehood since having been designated territories, including during the expansionist process, like, for example, Alaska(92 years) and Oklahoma (104 years).

Therefore, the passing of time as a colony will not be an obstacle for the granting of statehood. Never in the history of the United States has a territory been denied its petition to become a state.

Puerto Rico becoming a state is simply a question of will.


EL PROCESO HACIA LA ESTADIDAD

Muchos de los mitos en cuanto al proceso para que Puerto Rico se convierta en un estado de los Estados Unidos tratan de impulsar el miedo a la complejidad del proceso como respuesta al porvenir. Sin embargo, ese proceso es más sencillo de lo que se pinta.

El Artículo IV, Sección 3, de la Constitución federal da al Congreso el poder de admitir nuevos estados a la Unión. La Constitución no define, ni especifica, las condiciones para otorgarle la estadidad a un territorio. Por tal razón, el Congreso tiene la libertad de determinar las condiciones para la admisión.

Históricamente, el proceso a seguir para la otorgación de la estadidad es el siguiente: la mayoría de la población del territorio vota a favor de la anexión; el territorio peticiona al Congreso convertirse en estado; el territorio constituye su gobierno según la forma republicana; luego, la Cámara y el Senado federal aprueban una resolución conjunta designando el área territorial como estado.

Y finalmente, el Presidente firma la resolución conjunta aprobando la admisión. Para peticionar la estadidad, sólo se requiere una mayoría de la población y no una mayoría absoluta o supermayoría. Además, ya Puerto Rico cuenta con un sistema republicano de gobierno y una constitución completamente compatible con la federal.

Algunos detractores de la estadidad para Puerto Rico han señalado que el lapso de tiempo que ha transcurrido desde que fuimos cedidos mediante el Tratado de París imposibilita la estadidad. Sin embargo, la historia nos dice que el mero transcurso del tiempo no debe ser obstáculo para la estadidad. Hay un sinnúmero de estados que se demoraron considerablemente en lograr la estadidad desde que los designaron territorios, incluso en pleno proceso expansionista, como, por ejemplo, Alaska (92 años) y Oklahoma (104 años).

Por tanto, el transcurso del tiempo como colonia no será obstáculo para la consecución de la estadidad. Nunca en la historia de los Estados Unidos se le ha denegado a un territorio su petición de convertirse en un estado.

El que Puerto Rico se convierta en estado es una cuestión de voluntad.

PR Young Dems participate in Remembrance of Labor Leader

By: Phillip Arroyo




On September 3rd, 2007 Puerto Rico Young Dems participated in a remembrance event for Puerto Rican Labor leader and father of the labor movement on the island, Santiago Iglesias Pantin. This event was organized by the Puerto Rico Senate and its President, the Honorable Kenneth McClintock Hernandez. Flower arrangements were presented and perched onto Santiago Iglesias's memorial statue just steps away from the Puerto Rico state capitol building. Santiago Iglesias Pantín (February 22, 1872 – December 5, 1939) was a Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, a "delegate" or nonvoting member to the United States House of Representatives.
Iglesias was born in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, where he attended the common schools, and was apprenticed as a cabinet maker. He moved to Cuba and was secretary of the Workingmen Trades Circle in Havana from 1889 to 1896.
Iglesias then moved to Puerto Rico, and was the founder and editor of three labor papers:
Porvenir Social (from 1898 to 1900)
Union Obrera (from 1903 to 1906)
Justicia (from 1914 to 1925)


He was appointed general organizer of the American Federation of Labor for the districts of Puerto Rico and Cuba in 1901, and he was a member of the Puerto Rican Senate from 1917 to 1933. In 1936, he was wounded during an assassination attempt by Puerto Rican Nationalist Party partisans.
Iglesias was elected as a Coalitionist Resident Commissioner on November 8, 1932, and was reelected in 1936 for the term ending January 3, 1941. He served in the 73rd, 74th, 75th, and 76th Congresses, from March 4, 1933 until his death.
He had three sons and eight daughters, including labor activist America Iglesias Thatcher.
Iglesias died in Washington, D.C., and was buried at the San Juan Cemetery, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Among the hundreds of people that assisted the event were representatives from all labor movements on the island including the Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, and Central Union of Puerto Rico Workers among others.

YDAPR Chapter Congressional District Representative Sammy Rodriguez, YDAPR Chapter Secretary Carlos Catala and YDAPR Press Secretary Carlos Ramos were on hand at this historic event in representation of all young Dems on the island and our nation. Sammy Rodriguez and Carlos Ramos are both members of the National YDA Labor Caucus.

PR Democrat Corner will continue to provide coverage on all of the pending and held Young Democrats of America Puerto Rico Chapter events.

Maggie Martinez announces US Senate Bid!

By: Phillip Arroyo


Magdalena "Maggie" Martinez will attempt to make history as the first Puerto Rican to be elected to the United States Senate. Martinez, an ex member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from 1996 to 2000, now sets her sights on becoming a Senator for the great state of Georgia, after having lived there for the past 7 years. Maggie announced her run for the Senate earlier this month in Georgia, yet she made a second announcement in Puerto Rico today at the New Progressive Party headquarters in San Juan.



Among the ex state representative's plans if elected are the following, as expressed by herself:

Honest Government & Open Government
We will end the Republican culture of corruption and restore a government
as good as the people it serves, starting with real ethics reform.
I am committed to real ethics reform and meaningful campaign finance reform that
protect our rights and ensure that elected officials act ethically -- not just within the
law, but within the spirit of the law. I will make sure that an aggressive reform
package enters in effect to reverse Republican excesses and restore the public trust.
I am committed to immediate change to lead our country in a new direction, to put an
end to Republican business as usual, and to make certain that our nation's leaders
serve the people's interests, not special interests. For me, this commitment spans
our lifetime, as I am elected to represent the people in the U.S. Senate, not the
powerful.
My goal is to restore accountability, honesty and openness at all levels of
government. To do so, I will create and enforce rules that demand the highest ethics
from every public servant, cut unethical ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, and
establish clear standards that prevent the trading of official business for gifts.

Energy Independence
I will present bills and resolutions to study the possibilities for a cleaner,
greener and stronger America, by reducing our dependence on foreign oil,
eliminating billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies and use the savings
to provide consumer relief and develop energy alternatives, and investing in
energy independent technology.
Energy independence puts America in the driver's seat to pursue affordable and
efficient energy solutions that will benefit all Americans, improve America's security,
reduce the burden on American families, and help clean our environment.
American families should not have to pay the price for a “failed national energy
policy”. They deserve an energy policy that creates a cleaner and stronger America
that reduces our dependence on foreign oil and also creates new jobs for American
workers. By clearing the pathways to innovation, investing in our workers and
infrastructure, and providing American consumers with broader, more responsible
choices, my ideas to study the problems the Americans confront will provide the tools
to help move America forward, toward real energy security for the 21st century.



Economic Prosperity and Educational Excellence
We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity for all Americans, starting with raising the
minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition tax deductible. We also believe in budget
discipline that reduces our deficit.
I believe that the most effective way to increase opportunity for our families is with a high-quality, good paying job. I
support fair trade agreements that raise standards for all workers here and abroad, while making American
businesses more competitive. We don’t believe in tax giveaways that reward companies for outsourcing, moving
American jobs overseas.
I believe in balancing budgets and paying down our national debt. Republicans continue to put huge burdens on
future generations by borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars from foreign nations; we want to restore the budget
discipline of the 1990s that helped eliminate deficits and spur record economic growth.
As a education advocate, I know that the key to expanding opportunity is to provide every child with a strong
foundation of education. We will also help expand educational opportunities for college by making college tuition tax
deductible, expanding Pell Grants, and cutting student loan interest rates. I will present a resolution to investigate the
reasons school tuition is so expensive, and I will look for other avenues to make education affordable and accessible
to everyone. It is unacceptable to see that approximatly only 25% of the nation's students graduate from college.
(Graduation 2007 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University).
I also want to make a commitment to review the Act "No Child Left Behind" and study the effects of this act in
education and its effectiveness.

Real Security
I will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, our citizens and our
allies. We believe in a strong national defense that is both tough and smart, recognizing that homeland
security begins with hometown security.
As a Democrat I am committed to help establish a plan that is comprehensive, from repairing our military and winning
the war on terror, to protecting our homeland security and ensuring success in Iraq. We will finally prepare America
for the security needs of the 21st Century. We honor the sacrifices of our troops, their families and veterans by
taking good care of them when they come home. Democrats are unwavering in our commitment to keep our nation
safe. For me, homeland security begins with hometown security. That is why we led the fight to create the Department
of Homeland Security and continue to fight to ensure that our ports, nuclear and chemical plants, and other sensitive
facilities are secure. We support the increase in funding for our first responders and programs like COPS in order to
keep our communities safe. We want to close the remaining gaps in our security by enacting the 9/11 Commission
recommendations.

A Health care System that Works for Everyone
I will make sure we join the 36 other industrialized nations in making sure everyone has access to affordable
health care, starting by fixing the prescription drug program and investing in stem cell and other medical
research.
United States is one of the wealthiest, most powerful nations in the world, yet it lacks the ability to provide proper
health care for its own citizens. Health care is not affordable for families with low incomes. No one should have to
choose between taking her child to a doctor and paying the rent. Democrats are committed to making sure every
single American has access to an affordable and effective health care plan.
I want to help to fix the disastrous Medicare Part D and ensured that our seniors could afford their prescription drugs.
I also believe in investing in life saving stem cell and other medical research that offers real hope and treatment for
millions of Americans.

Secure Retirement
I will ensure and secure that a retirement with dignity is the right and expectation of every single American,
starting with pension reform, expanding saving incentives and preventing the privatization of social security.
I believe that after a life of hard work, Americans earn a secure retirement. My commitment to protecting the promise
of Social Security is absolute. I recognize that Americans rely on more than just Social Security for a secure and
dignified retirement. As a Democrat I will continue to fight for genuine pension reform that protects employees’
financial security from future Enron-style abuse. We also want to work on new ways to help hard-working Americans
create retirement savings.

Environment
I believe it is our responsibility to protect America's natural resources. The health of our families and the strength of
our economy depend on our stewardship of the environment. I reject the false choice between a healthy economy
and a healthy environment. Farming, fishing, tourism, and other industries require a healthy environment. New
technologies that protect the environment will create new high-paying jobs. A cleaner environment means a stronger
economy. Far too many Americans live in unhealthy environmental conditions. Not to mention the water and
resources crisis we are currently suffering. I will fight to strengthen the laws that ensure we have clean air to breathe
and clean water to drink. Also, by resolution I will ask the Natural Resources Committee to study the water crisis and
possibilities to prevent future problems, and to be vigilant that laws are enforced.
I know that a sensible energy policy is a key to a strong economy, our national security, and a clean environment. I
am committed to the next generation of affordable and renewable energy for the 21st century and to conservation
measures that will immediately reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Civil Rights & Justice
Democrats are unwavering in our support of equal opportunity for all Americans. That's why we’ve worked to pass
every one of our nation’s Civil Rights laws, and every law that protects workers. Most recently, Democrats stood
together to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act. Also, I will be vigilant with the bill that creates the new immigration law
and make sure immigrants are not discriminated in the process.
On every civil rights issue, Democrats have led the fight. We support vigorous enforcement of existing laws, and
remain committed to protecting fundamental civil rights in America.

Election Reform
A fundamental tenet of our democracy is the right to vote and have that vote counted. I will be vigilant in protecting
this right and ensuring that our voting system is fair for every American.
I am determined to reform the voting system in this country so that it includes verification, accountability, and
accuracy. It is imperative that we modernize election equipment, and guarantee access to polls with common sense
reforms such as Election Day registration, shorter lines, and early voting. I am committed to election reform and will
fight for federal standards that restore confidence in our voting process.

PR Democrat Corner will update and cover each and every event of Maggie Martinez's run for the Senate in detailed fashion. www.maggieforcongress.com Stay Tuned!

Healthcare as a Constitutional Right Approved by the PR Senate!

By: Phillip Arroyo



On November 8th, 2007, Concurrent Senate Resolution 81, which would facilitate a state endorsed referendum to the people of Puerto Rico in order to elevate healthcare as a constitutional right in Puerto Rico, therefore amending the state constitution, was approved unanimously by the Puerto Rico Senate. This could be a very important step in finally making universal healthcare a reality on the island, especially when a considerate number of Puerto Rican families are unable to afford healthcare insurance due to the economic hardship the island is currently facing, as well as unequal treatment in federal programs such as Medicaid due to the island’s current political status.

At a moment when universal healthcare is a central topic of debate among our nation’s Presidential candidates, the fact that the Puerto Rico legislature has step up to the plate and moved this issue forward, has without a doubt brought hope to thousands of families in Puerto Rico that are desperately in need of quality healthcare. This piece of legislation sponsored by a group of New Progressive Party Senators and headed by Democratic ex governor Pedro Rossello, has secured the people of Puerto Rico with the opportunity to amend the island’s local constitution on May 4th, 2008 and finally establish healthcare as a right, NOT A PRIVILEGE.

This historic event will undoubtedly mark and define the well being of the island’s healthcare system for future generations in Puerto Rico. PR Democrat Corner will offer exclusive coverage on the day of such a historical referendum!

Meet John Edwards

By: Phillip Arroyo


Young, Charismatic, Good looking and from the south! Sounds like a southern Kennedy huh? Well, John Edwards may just be the Democratic Party's "South Factor" candidate who can very well pick up various red states in the south in route to bringing our party back to victory in 2008. Let us remember the fact that since John F. Kennedy's presidency, all elected Democrat Presidents were from the south. Lyndon B Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton were all from the south.



Many may argue that Edwards did not do so good in the south in his race for Vice President , by even losing his own state of North Carolina. Yet, let us remember that Senator Edwards' campaign may well have been shadowed by his Presidential running mate, Senator John Kerry. Now, in his campaign for President, his biggest obstacle seems to be in the fundraising area as he trails significantly behind both Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton. Yet, equipped with the all American image, a good campaign team, and a consistently appealing " roll up your sleeves and let's do it ourselves" message , only time will tell if John will be able to come out on top in the primary. If he does, there are few who doubt that he will most certainly be our next President, for his biggest obstacle seems to be the Democratic Party Primary.

2008 Democratic Primaries

By : Phillip Arroyo


As the 2008 Democratic Party primaries near, the entire country is in a buzz as to which of the top three Democratic Primary candidates will come out on top as the party's offical candidate for the presidential election next year! So far, the front runner of the race, Senator Hillary Clinton enjoys a comfortable lead in the vast majority of polls taken around our nation. Senator Barak Obama follows up in second and John Edwards in a consistent third. The Democratic Party's primary is undisputedly the more highly anticipated political showdown due to America's marked desire for change in 2008. Not only that, but the top three candidates' "rockstar" image statuses have many projecting a very high primary voter turnout, with young people who have consistenly voted Democratic in the past two elections leading the charge! Ex first lady, Senator, and possibly our first female President Hillary Clinton; Senator Barak Obama , potentially our first African American President and Senator John Edwards who may very well be our "South Factor" Horse. I mean, it's a little hard to NOT be excited when our party enjoys such a diverse lineup in Edwards, Obama and Clinton!

On the "other side", candidates Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson lead most polls as the top Republican primary candidates for the GOP nomination. Nonetheless, many political observers see Rudy Guiliani as the GOP's only hope against ANY of the Democratic Party candidates, this due in part of the former mayor's recognition factor after the 9/11 aftermath and his appeal to many registered Democratic voters in New York who have in the past voted for him.

So, among Senators Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama and John Edwards; which of these three have a better shot at leading our party to victory over the GOP in 2008?

HR 900 NOW IN PELOSI'S HANDS!!!

By: Phillip Arroyo

As expected, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act was approved unanimously with an amendment by the House Committee on Natural Resources on October 23rd, 2007. The amendment inserted into the piece of legislation states that in the event of the Puerto Rican people deciding to finish with its current territorial status, a second vote will be held in Puerto Rico to decipher whether a referendum is held in where the people would vote directly among non territorial options or if a Constitutional Assembly on Status would be formed to delegate Puerto Rico’s political destiny into the hands of the island’s local politicians, instead of through a direct vote from each and every registered voter on the island. Said amendment has seemed to satisfy the local Popular Democratic Party which supports the continuation of the Status Quo, which leaves many to believe that the amendment definitely represents the political “consensus” that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has demanded.

Nonetheless, the future luck of the Puerto Rico Political Status Bill, HR 900, adopted by the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives seems to now depend on Speaker of the House , Nancy Pelosi.
In the middle of last week, Pelosi met with democratic leaders of Congress –including the three Puerto Rican members of Congress - to notify them that if a Bill of “consensus” was not materialized she would not facilitate a vote on HR 900 to be taken on the floor of the House, according to various legislative resources. The Speaker’s office has avoided, for the moment, to precise if the amendments made to HR 900 on Tuesday within the Committee of Natural Resources has managed to forge that consensus. Pelosi’s only statement regarding this issue was through her spokesperson , made on Monday, October 22nd, 2007, on the eve of the Committee markup.

Pelosi expressed through her spokesperson , Drew Hammill, that a Bill of “consensus” would have to be made in order to proceed with the legislative process regarding said measure.

But, congresswoman Nydia Velázquez –considered one of Pelosi’s main allies– as well as Luis Gutiérrez have ruled out in the last hours that the amendment inserted into the legislation regarding the Constitutional Assembly of Status as an additional mechanism, represents the “consensus” Pelosi requested. “ Last week’s meeting "was very intense", one of the participants said, indicating as an example the anger of Velázquez with the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Nick Rahall (Virginia Western).

After the meeting, Rahall and Puerto Rican congressman José Serrano -main author of the original HR 900- agreed to seek the integration of the Constitutional Assembly to the Substitutive Measure that was discussed on October 23rd, 2007.

The fact of the matter is that after watching how the local Popular Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were celebrating the inclusion of their amendment to HR 900 that includes their Status resolving mechanism, there should be no reason for them to now not support HR 900 and urge Speaker Pelosi to permit the Puerto Rico Democracy Act to be brought to the House floor for a final vote. It is important to note that a vast majority of House Democrats and a significant number of House Republicans who in the past were against any type of self determination process for Puerto Rico now support the Puerto Rico Democracy Act.

Therefore, bringing HR 900 to the House floor for a vote is the only logical and right course to take. It is important for all of us to immediately contact our Representatives and urge them to support HR 900 and to let Pelosi know that the time has come to let the Puerto Rican people decide once and for all their political fate. For years, Congress has utilized the evasive slogan, “Let the Puerto Rican people decide” when questioned of Congress’s responsibility to solve Puerto Rico’s century old political dilemma . Well, the time has come for Congress to LET the people of Puerto Rico decide. Let’s solve this issue once and for all, the good old fashioned democratic way. BRING HR 900 DOWN FOR A VOTE!!!!