A STATEHOOD MANIFESTO
" Statement of Belief for the Statehood Believer"
"In a time when compromise seems to be the norm and values or commitment too often are set aside, we declare solemnly our belief and commitment to Statehood for Puerto Rico. That is the only outcome that is consistent with full human dignity and U.S. citizenship, and it is the only means for Puerto Rico's social, economic, and political potential to be fully realized."
We believe that there should not be any room for compromise with our belief in Statehood, which redeems the promise of equal National citizenship, a cause which we hold sacred. We believe that we must stand firm on our fundamental principles, those same principles established by our Statehood forebears. They did not believe in compromise, nor did they ever think the message of equality and liberty was irrelevant just because of the delay and confusion in the local political process. They believed that the ideals of Statehood were very much important and would stand the test of time.
As Puerto Rican Statehood believers, coming from a path of commonwealth and independence, we proclaim our belief and commitment to an Authentic Statehood message; we are committed to the economic and spiritual growth of "La Patria (our motherland)." With our Statement of Belief, we will sound a call to all Statehood believers to stand, to re-evaluate their core beliefs, and to remember that "When we are all one in the unity of our belief and commitment," we can then realize our goals for Statehood for "Nuestra Patria (our motherland)." "Let us then stand firm" to achieve that unity among all within our movement and hold true to that message.
As Statehood believers, we must prepare ourselves to forward the torch to the next generation. To move forward, we must pledge and commit to these core beliefs:
I. We Believe in the Renewal of Body, Mind and Spirit: a vow to our core, ideological foundations. In Body, for we are all one; In Mind, for ours is a common idea; and In Spirit, for we must stay determined and true to our convictions and commitments.
II. We believe in the Affirmation of our message: since the founding of the Statehood for Puerto Rico movement on July 4th, 1899 by Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa means maintaining a genuine and authentic message, straightforward and clear. We must continue to proclaim it and forge the path begun by those who went before.
III. We Believe in Fidelity to the Statehood message: unchanging and uncompromising in principle, enlightened and compassionate in our endeavors; a message that is faithful to the ideals and standards our movement seeks and commands in attaining its goal; Statehood for Puerto Rico.
IV. We Believe in Action and Community Engagement: in its commitment to ensure that Puerto Rico becomes the 51st State of the Union. We should not only be listeners and consumers of information but, also be doers and providers of information to fulfill this dutiful commitment, to strive and reach out to others to share our message.
V. We Believe in Empowerment and Self-Development: for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico to support and share in the promise of America guaranteed to all by the United States Constitution. To make available and provide Puerto Rico the opportunities to share in the prosperity enjoyed by the other 50 States; inclusive of economic growth, political stability, individual and collective development and individual and collective security in the brotherhood of the States. In that Statehood will benefit Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans it naturally follows that our nation will benefit.
VI. We Believe in Loyalty and Pioneering Leadership: which breaks political ground, a crucial element to our cause, to provide authentic leadership, which requires sound stewardship and loyalty to the message of "Progress, Security, and Statehood" which gave our movement renewed life and purpose. A leadership that is sacrificial and genuine, not self-serving and flattering, but one that pioneers, serves, and remains committed to the ideals of Statehood without compromise.
As we continue to move ahead in our mission, we need to continuously reach-out to individuals and families with a clear message of Statehood. The essential elements for Puerto Rico Statehood must be directed toward ensuring an enhanced Quality of Life, which must include: Cultural Maintenance, Education, Health Care, Political Representation, Economic Growth/Development, Entrepreneurship, Land Security, as well as full Constitutional Citizenship.
There should be no compromise in this struggle for Statehood, as Puerto Rican Americans or as Americans of Puerto Rican descent, we must always stand firm and defend those rights. Let us then hold firm to these beliefs as Statehood believers and reach-out with a clear message which we will not waver in our ideals. Let us communicate the "good news" and grant Puerto Rico hope and a new beginning, a better future for a new generation of Puerto Ricans.
Let us continue to bestow allegiance to the nation that has embraced nuestra patria, our motherland; and to lobby and encourage the other 50 State members of this great United States of America to support and bestow when called upon, the Rights of Statehood to Puerto Rico. Let us bring to life, for all Puerto Ricans, these most sacred Federalist ideals…. "That all me are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
For the foundation of Statehood for Puerto Rico is not one of rhetoric or propaganda, it is a living certification for an identity and purpose, a passage, warranted by the dreams and aspirations of a people, too long restrained and occupied within a free associated limbo known as a commonwealth, a indeterminate state. Puerto Rico must state her freedom and independence from the deception of commonwealth, and work cooperatively on the road to making Puerto Rico the 51st State of this great American Union.
Statehood is the destiny of the Puerto Rican people; it is a natural process and expectation, as reflected by the history and relationship between the Island and the mainland, and as dictated by the transformation-taking place in the world community, no longer a safe haven for an n independent Puerto Rico to isolate herself from her proven family members.
Let it be said, let if be documented, and let it be done..."Que Viva la Estadidad para Puerto Rico..."
