Consider this: Citizenship: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they do not have the same rights and responsibilities as citizens of the 50 states.  Doesn’t that sound strange to you? I Googled that to be certain I had it correct and that’s the explanation I got. The reason for that is that Puerto Rico is a commonwealth. They have there own government but are still subject to the federal laws of the United States. So, you could say they are seperaste but equal. You remember that bit of legislation from your history class don’t you? Back in 1896 it was determined that racialy seperate facilities did not violate the 14th amendment. But in 1954 that decision was reversed, turns out equal means equal, not close enough. Strange to me however is that today Puerto Rico is treated in that fashion. In my view, Puerto Rico is having its’ cake and eating it too.

Puerto Ricans do not have the same representation in congress as residents of the states. They are still subject to the laws made by that body though. Seems strange doesn’t it? Well, I suppose I could agree with that given the fact that Puerto Rico receives about 14% of its’ GDP from the United States. The question is, are they Americans? This is where the water get a bit muddy. Puerto Rico has its own flag. So does every stae in the union. So, I can’t see where that is an issue. But, as citizens of the United States they are required to pledge their allegiance to the Unirted States and many openly refuse to do that, instead advocating for their independence. I can understand that. But, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t be independent and dependent at the same time.

We will hear a lot about the rights of citizens but we don’t hear as much about the responsibilites. It seems as though the responsibilty portion of citizenship is rather optional. Puerto Ricans are citizens but are not subject to all the responsibilites of being American citizens, they enjoy some exemptions. One of those is paying federal income tax. Yeah, they are exempt from that in most cases. It is interesting to note if you do a google search on that subject, the responsibilites of citizenship as it pertains to Puerto Ricans you won’t find much. What you will find is what their “rights” are. My thought is: it is far easier to legislate and codify rights than it is responsibilty. Responsibilites are often viewed in the same manner as morality. It all depends on the circumstances at that particular time, they are subject to change to satisfy a want.

Rights and responsibilites. One really does accompany the other. That is what I was taught. It appears to me the focus today is soley on those rights. The responsibilty only counts when I wish to exercise my right, then your responsibilty is to grant them. The differnce being I was taught being responsible for your actions, for the choices you make, will ensure you get to enjoy your rights. A lack of responsibilty made you subject to accountability, your rights may be witheld from you. Your rights do not make you exempt from that.

It just seems strange to me that you can be a citizen and be exempt from the responsibilites of citzenship. Yet, that is just the status of Puerto Ricans. Do they call themselves Americans? I don’t know, I’m not that involved with the Puerto Rican community. I hear them calling themselves Puerto Ricans. Now I’m an American, I live in the state of Maryland. I don’t call myself a Marylander, I’m an American. The only time I claim to be a Marylander is when there is something to gain from that desigination, some exemption or exception. Seems to me Puerto Ricans are doing the same thing. I’m a citizen when it comes to rights but I’m not really, not when it comes to responsibilty. Seperate but equal? I really thought we had that settled, but I guess not.