Roland Gutierrez: “this amendment seeks to address the grave injustice done to the independence and to the commonwealth versions of Puerto…”

“this amendment seeks to address the grave injustice done to the independence and to the commonwealth versions of Puerto Rican history that are included in these findings. As I have shown previously in the debate on the findings sections, the findings sections to be included in this bill have been chosen to provide a distorted pro-statehood version of Puerto Rican history, beginning with the very denial that Puerto Rico ever existed as a nation and as a people. It is unfair to present such an unbalanced view of the Puerto Rican history if the true objective of this bill were truly self-determination. Rather than attempt a superficial discussion on historical facts on which those of us with a little knowledge of Puerto Rican history find it very hard to agree upon, and upon which, in all truth, the majority of my colleagues unfortunately know little of the details, and of the interpretation of those historical details, we are asked to subscribe to with our vote. This bill is so slanted in favor of statehood, especially in the findings section, that it is really an overkill. The purpose of this very conveniently selected presentation of Puerto Rican history is to provide political ammunition to the Statehood Party during the plebiscite campaign. Adoption of this amendment will make this bill less unfair and less skewed in favor of statehood.”