Puerto Rico

Speaking of issues that have been swept under the rug by the Gulf War, the people of Puerto Rico may be fast approaching a decision on the future political status of that U.S. commonwealth. On Jan. 23, a bill was introduced in the Senate to “provide for a referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico.” That referendum would be held on Dec. 2. A similar bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives.

It is ironic that the future of the 3.5 million American citizens of Puerto Rico would engender so little interest at a time when thousands of Puerto Ricans, my own brother included, are serving our country in the Saudi desert.

Puerto Ricans have served with distinction in every war this country has fought since 1917. One of the two downed airmen in the attack over Libya in 1986 was a native of Puerto Rico. As we strive toward a “new world order,” is it not time to allow the people of Puerto Rico a meaningful opportunity to decide their own future? It is up to the Senate to do so.

LESTER APONTE-PARSI, National Committee for Puerto Rican Statehood, District of Southern California