In a recent discussion with Fareed Zakaria concerning his latest book, The Message, notable author Ta-Nehisi Coates remarked that he is “probably someone who would contend that America itself lacked a true democracy until the 1960s,” suggesting that the U.S. has reached a certain level of completion in its democratic journey today.
But is that truly the case? Does the U.S. embody democracy at present? Indeed, there are those who argue otherwise, like the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, which has consistently approved an annual resolution urging the U.S. to recognize “the inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico” to self-determination. In 2024, Cuba spearheaded this initiative emphasizing Puerto Rican independence, with backing from Iran, Syria, Venezuela, and various other nations.
The concept of democracy
During his conversation with Zakaria, Coates expressed that when individuals “lack genuine influence in their ultimate governance,” he finds it hard to comprehend how a nation can “claim [itself] a democracy, you know, under such circumstances.”
Over three million U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico have no authentic influence over their governance. They are unable to cast votes in presidential elections. Neither Puerto Rican veterans nor those currently serving in the military can cast their ballots for their Commander in Chief.
Puerto Rico has no U.S. Senators and is represented by one non-voting Resident Commissioner. The territory is subject to U.S. laws that it has no involvement in creating.
A financial control board, designated by Congress in 2016, governs Puerto Rico’s economy. The locally elected representatives must yield to the Financial Oversight and Management Board regarding financial matters.
In a plebiscite in 2012, Puerto Rican voters explicitly dismissed their current territorial status, highlighting that Puerto Rico is now governed without the consent of those being governed.
Does this represent a democratic scenario?
Concrete outcomes
This is not merely a theoretical debate. There are real effects for Puerto Rico, including:
- Puerto Rico is excluded from federal programs like nutrition assistance. The aftermath of Hurricane Maria demonstrated the tragic implications.
- The lack of federal support undermines healthcare access in Puerto Rico and the relevant healthcare framework. The island faces a shortage of doctors.
- Limited resources hinder Puerto Rican localities and civic organizations in applying for grants and resources, as the Resident Commissioner serves millions instead of thousands of U.S. citizens.
- Puerto Ricans are opting for statehood by relocating to the mainland for improved healthcare and job opportunities, adversely impacting the Puerto Rican economy.
Beyond these financial challenges, the most significant loss from Puerto Rico’s existing colonial status may be the sense of dignity for Puerto Rico and integrity for the states. The U.S. also faces reputational repercussions. In the words of former President Ronald Reagan, “we cannot expect our foreign policies to be enjoying prestige around the world – attracting support instead of collapsing – when we are having serious problems with our closest neighbors.”
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What steps can be taken?
Coates, in his writings and interviews, discusses the conflict-ridden Middle East, particularly in Israel and the West Bank. He approaches the region through the perspective of the U.S. civil rights movement, which may be a legitimate starting point for an American but is not without detractors. As one British-Palestinian writer asserted, “America’s history of racism simply does not align perfectly with the Middle East.”
Conversely, Puerto Rico’s present colonial situation is clear-cut. In 1898, following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory — or a colony — of the United States.
Ta-Nehisi Coates has shown affection for the Puerto Rican community on the mainland, referring to them as his “long-lost cousins,” yet he has not utilized his platform to highlight U.S. responsibility for ongoing colonialism. He is not alone in this regard.
How does the largest colony of the United States remain overlooked – and unaccountable? Why is there a lack of advocacy for, or even awareness about, Puerto Rico within academic institutions? Can the United States rectify its own democratic deficiencies?
Aside from questioning whether America has its own affairs in order, there is also the concern of effectiveness. Although Americans do not influence foreign governmental decisions, the U.S. democratic framework, as flawed as it may be, is designed to heed the voices of U.S. citizens residing in the states. This is facilitated through their Congressional Representatives.
According to the U.S. Constitution, it is Congress’s duty to address the issue of Puerto Rico’s undemocratic status.
Congress can do this in one of two ways: (1) granting Puerto Rican independence (with or without a free association military agreement), which would mean the loss of U.S. citizenship for Puerto Ricans, or (2) admitting Puerto Rico as a state, which would allow Puerto Ricans to retain their citizenship. Although Cuba and other countries at the U.N. may advocate for independence, Puerto Ricans “highly value their U.S. citizenship,” as indicated in a 2011 Obama Administration document, and any alteration in Puerto Rico’s status “that could possibly lead to the loss of U.S. citizenship” would “be met with resistance by the vast majority of Puerto Ricans.”
Congress, as part of the — still incomplete — democracy of the United States, holds the authority to decolonize Puerto Rico. Only Congress has the power to address the current oversight in U.S. democracy. The initial step is for constituents to voice their concerns. To advocate. To utilize their platforms. Ultimately, the journey to achieving democracy begins at home.
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