"Does Puerto Rico Owe America?"
In response to the current recession and crisis in Puerto Rico, here is a list of factors in reference to the American - Puerto Rican relationship, throughout the years to its current state. Written especially for those Americans or Latin Americans (who do not know our History with America) and those who ignorantly criticize and comment without being well informed. Therefore; I have decided to write the following. While many Americans are harshly criticizing P.R for their 70 Billion Dollar Debt, some tend to forget to look at their own almost, 20 Trillion Dollar Debt. We The People of America have a financial crisis and an outstanding debt.
"The Greatest Nation of The World. The land of the Free. The home of the Brave" Well, We The People of Puerto Rico not only stand for our own, we also Stand with America, but the Truth is that there is more than meets the eye between our position, our past and our future.
- The economy of Puerto Rico has been classified as a high-income economy by the World Bank and as the most competitive economy in Latin America by the World Economic Forum. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Puerto Rico was worth 105.03 billion US dollars in 2016! The island has been called the Jewel of the Caribbean, the Island of Enchantment, and we have had the highest per capita income in Latin America. We also have a modern-day Infrastructure. What has driven our economy is manufacturing plants, pharmaceuticals, textiles, petrochemicals, and electronics; as well as the service industry, notably finance markets, insurance, real estate, and tourism. But In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the law that would phase out Section 936 over 10 years., then rises in high oil prices and interest rates, threw us over and led us to a recession.
- Many corporations and manufacturing companies left P.R, and thousands of jobs were lost since it accounted for 40% of our economy. In 2012, our Governor created Act 20-22, a Tax Exemption for new companies that move to the Island. This has led 500 new multi-millionaires and billionaires to move to the Island. The worldwide phenomenon of Microsoft has one of its major corporations in P.R saving them a U.S. corporate tax rate of 35 percent. Over three years, Microsoft saved $4.5 billion in taxes on goods sold in the U.S. alone. The company saved $4 million per day by routing domestic operations through Puerto Rico. It is known that they have a great interest in contributions and would not want P.R to become a State, where they will lose their tax exemption status, as other Corporations of interest.
Governmental Structure
The Constitution of the Commonwealth provides for the separation of powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The Governor is elected every four years. The Legislative Assembly consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives, the members of which are elected for four-year terms. The highest court within the local jurisdiction is the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico constitutes a District in the Federal Judiciary and has its own United States District Court. Decisions of this court may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and from there to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Governmental responsibilities assumed by the central government of the Commonwealth are similar in nature to those of the various state governments. In addition, the central government assumes responsibility for local police and fire protection, education, public health and welfare programs, and economic development.
- In 2016 P.R paid $3.6 billion into the United States Treasury. In 2009, Puerto Rico paid $3.742 billion in taxes to the federal government. In 2010, Puerto Rico paid $3.6 billion. In 2011, Puerto Ricans contributed $3.3 billion to the United States Treasury. Puerto Rico also has mineral, plant, and animal resources. Agriculture is already beginning to make a comeback. Puerto Rico has an educated, bilingual population, which may be the most important resource the Island can offer.
At the University of Puerto Rico, a professor by the name of Rosario Rivera Negrón with a Ph.D. in Economic Development and President of the Association of Puerto Rican Economists, states facts and figures on a detailed chart and demostrated that in a typical year (2008), the island received a total of $4.6 million in federal dollars, while contributing $58.1 million dollars back to the US economy. In other words, in 2008, Puerto Rico contributed $44.6 million dollars more to the US than the US to Puerto Rico!
- So let’s continue on a not-so-favorable note, for 60 years the American Military took over one of our Islands, forcing the sale of their houses for approximately a mere $100-300 dollars. This was done against the will of the people of Vieques. The reason was for the Navy to have a place to drop their bombs and perform air strikes, and practice war tactics. This action caused high cancer rates due to toxins and has caused other health issues. It interfered with the peace and well-being of our children in their schools and in their homes as buildings trembled with loud blasts and contaminated air.
- This occurred on a constant, almost daily basis, destroying the crops and marine water life in that area, until finally, through many protests and the help of many of our politicians, they left in May of 2003. Furthermore, they have not cleaned up the mess and debris they left behind! However, we also recognize that keeping our Nation protected and safe is a priority and yes in certain aspects, it is an honor to have played an important role alongside our Military, and yes, we are grateful for their service, but the fact is that these activities caused harm. Consequently, P.R has lost all of the income that the soldiers in these bases provided throughout the communities, but not everything revolves around money. Groups are advocating for the return of the military to some of the bases of P.R, for we still have several bases in P.R, some are no longer commanded in Vieques.
- The Merchant Marine Act / Jones Act has kept approximately $78.5 billion from being given to the Puerto Rican economy, an amount greater than our current debt! Each year we lose half a Billion Dollars of Revenue. Such an act states that all the Goods & Trade done through our borders by American law have to be on American Ships by American workers and mostly for American gain!. Since P.R also buys products out of our own shores, we must pay at Merchant Marine prices in all imported products, where they must be transferred into American Ships before reaching the Island. If this were not so, it would drop the cost 40% and it would save Puerto Ricans approximately $150 million a year in product imports. It should be known that the United States has control of Puerto Rico’s – Cabatoge / Jones Act laws, our Commerce, our Trade Laws, Shipping Industry, Currency, Tariffs, Judiciary, Communications, Foreign Relations, Television, Immigration, Military Service, Maritime Laws, Social Security, and Banks! Starting to get the picture? On a note: The Virgin Islands, U.S Territor,y is exempt from the Jones act and do not lose out on its income, and we believe so should we, but Congress has yet to change this active law since 1920!
- Regarding the current crisis regarding Bonds, which have always been attractive investments in P.R, Investors continue to buy up Puerto Rican debt, even as the island’s finances begin to look unsustainable! Many bought them for 30 cents of a dollar and want a dollar payment, with interest! These Bonds were first sold with Triple Tax Exceptions, where they can’t be taxed by Federal, State, or Local Governments. However, they have no protection because P.R is not incorporated into the "U.S. Protection Fiscal Laws". - Furthermore, we can't file for bankruptcy under Chapter 9 since we are not eligible, so we must fend for ourselves or have the laws changed. Congress knew the eventual outcome of the Bonds and Hedge funds, if a financial crisis were to come, but just like the financial crash of 2008, in the real estate market in America, it was not addressed until the meltdown! Puerto Rico has been trying to persuade Congress to pass a debt restructuring bill, but has had no success, as of yet.
- Regarding Taxes!! Contrary to the ignorant opinions of some, Puerto Ricans are required to pay * most U.S. Federal Taxes, with the exception being that most residents do not have to pay the federal personal income tax. In 2011, Puerto Rico contributed 3.3 Billion into the United States Treasury! Residents of Puerto Rico pay into Social Security. The federal taxes paid by Puerto Rico residents include import/export taxes for our own Island.!. Federal commodity taxes, unemployment taxes and we also pay Federal payroll taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes. P.R receives 40% less Medicaid and Medicare, despite the same taxation payments! They are also excluded from the Earned Income Tax Credit and only qualify for the Child Tax Credit, after 3 children!. Currently, Sales Tax in P.R, are the highest of the U.S at 11.5 % to try to cover our debt. Several Hospitals, health services, and other Important Services have been closed due to the recession.
- The recent North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) also has implications for Puerto Rico because of competition for jobs and investment. On many comments on social media, we hear of Americans saying that P.R should resolve their own issues, that America should not get involved, that we should take care of our own?!! Excuse me, the audacity of those who would so ignorantly speak with such expressions. So we can go fight for your wars and die, yet we can't qualify according to their standards for our equal Citizen rights? We must fight for America by law, yet we are not qualified for fiscal protection laws? The legal established foundation of Puerto Rico’s status with the United States can be best described in Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the "United States Constitution", commonly known as the “Territorial Clause” - “The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States.”
- Constitution of the United States of America, Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2,
- Puerto Rico is by definition an unincorporated territory of the United States with commonwealth status who govern themselves (The Last Colony of the World). For legal and detailed information, as well as comments by The Executive Branch, please go to: www.puertoricoreport.com/puerto-rico-is-a-territory-of-the-united-states/
Since 1917, there have been approximately 200,000 Puerto Ricans who have served in our Nation’s armed forces. An estimation of approximately 700,000 throughout our overall history before the U.S. Puerto Ricans served in the First and Second World Wars of the United States, against Countries such as Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In P.R, our Veterans have fewer benefits and less than equal pay, healthcare, and services. Even worse, no voting rights for their commander in chief, the President. While P.R in the Island vote on the Primaries, they can’t vote in the General Elections, yet in the Primaries, you will find many candidates fundraising in P.R. for their campaigns. Yes, we have our own Governor, Capitol Building, and Representatives in P.R, but we must still comply to all laws passed by the U.S Congress. * Throughout history, Puerto Ricans have gained notability as members of the military. They have served and have (fought for) many countries, such as Canada, Cuba, England, Mexico, and Venezuela!. In the Spanish-American War of Independence and the Mexican Wars of Independence. They also fought against the "Tagalos" during the Philippine Revolution.! Protected the Panama Canal and also Santo Domingo, R.D by forming a blockade with Great Britain against French Forces. I think we have earned our stripes!
WWII - 65,000
Korean - 61,000
Vietnam - 48,000
Gulf - 10,000
Enduring & Iraqi Freedom - 25,000
National Guard in 2014 - 8,400
Veterans in Puerto Rico - $150,000
- There are approximately 90 Pharmaceutical companies and plants in P.R, more than all the world, making a 35 billion dollar revenue. Unfortunately, while many P.R have been employed through such means, they have been used on our people many times as the first experiments for new drugs, in the first abortions performed, and even in some scientific experiments. It is known that this has been part of an addictive culture, pharmaceutical drugs were given out like candy, and as a solution for just about everything. - Back in 1952, Sterilizations started and controlled most of the population for many years, basically forcing and deceiving 35% of women to be operated. Video footage is available. Sterilizations were performed on thousands of women after giving birth, without their consent or knowledge. Imagine the reduction done to our population and the generations lost. - Because P.R is an island, there are virtually “limitless” points of entry for traffickers of Illegal Drugs. Since P.R is part of the U.S, and also has passports, several drug cartels have used Puerto Rico as a transfer point while trafficking cocaine to the mainland United States, mostly by Countries like Colombia and the Dominican Republic. In addition to the Puerto Rican criminal organizations.
- When first invaded in 1898, they sold much of our land to those abroad, and internationalized the sale of our crops with mere pennies given to us as profits, if at all. Our sugar crops were increased, but at the same time, they were taken from us, and what was developed was sold internationally, to what today is known as Domino's sugar. Our men were paid 45 Cents for a 12-hour payday! Much less than Spain's minimum wage. Around 1900, the PR Currency we owned was forced to be traded for the American Dollar, and for every $100 we had, we were given $60; for everything we owned in land or small business, it lost the same value in dollars!
- Law 53 of 1948 lasted 9 years, known as the Gag Law: it was enacted to suppress the Independence movement in Puerto Rico. It made it a crime to own or display a Puerto Rican flag, to sing patriotic songs, to speak or write of independence, or meet with anyone to hold any assembly; such violations would cause a 10-year imprisonment. In 1950 - 3,000 PR were arrested for the gag laws. This Law 53 kept us from our First Amendment rights! We felt oppressed, stripped of our identity. Thousands upon thousands were jailed for being Nationalists and seeking Independence for P.R. The famous PR Nationalist Party Leader, Pedro Albízu Campos, a graduate of Harvard University, was jailed for years and even tortured in response to his passion and movement for Independence. Any movement of such has always led to persecution, and there is not enough room possible in this blog to describe the horrible experiences and history of the struggle for Independence. In 1899, the U.S military government changed the name of Puerto Rico to Porto Rico! On May 17, 1932, the U.S. Congress changed the name back to "Puerto Rico." Many tried to silence us and attempted to make us feel shameful, confused, at times we were divided even among each other, between our land and now our new land, between our culture and theirs. Many felt guilty to embrace the new, without holding on to our own. There has always been a biased sentiment and a complete overhaul and power control to keep us tied to America; many are so ignorant of this fact, but a quick pass through historical documents will enlighten those willing to accept truth over manipulated accounts.
- The Ponce massacre was an event that took place on Palm Sunday, of 1937, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, when a peaceful civilian march turned into a police shooting in which 19 civilians and two policemen were killed, and more than 200 others were wounded. All efforts, protests, fights, marches, and even deaths of our people, as well as Americans, yet America did not allow us to develop our Independence. In 1954, a group of Puerto Ricans tried to assassinate the President of the U.S. Harry Truman, but they were shot in return. In 1954, PR Nationalists shot 30 rounds of semi-automatic pistols at the 240 Representatives of the 83rd Congress of the U.S. Five Representatives were wounded, one seriously, but all recovered. I will never condone murder and violence is not the solution. Why the struggle? Why the invasion? The main reason is due to our strategic position for the U.S war strategies, which is why they invaded us in 1898. We also were the connection to Latin American business and trade, as well as the land where they could refuel their ships as they kept navigating the world and trying to conquer more lands. At first, we had to fight for years with the Spanish Empire, which we were a part of for 400 years, fighting for rights and Independence, then we also had to fight in their wars against other Nations. We also fought against the British, the Pirates, the French and the Dutch, who all invaded PR, and we won! President Hoover was known for following Nationalists all over the island, jailing hundreds of them, and spying on over 100,000 Puerto Ricans through a secret FBI surveillance program! In Puerto Rico's struggle for Independence, there have been thousands who have been arrested and jailed. I invite you to read the book: "A War Against All Puerto Ricans" by Nelson Denis. It is an excellent read and most informative on the topic and history of the American Puerto Rican experience. http://waragainstallpuertoricans.com
- Presently, the development in diversity of our production and prosperity consist of Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Manufacturing Plants, Electronics, Service Industry, Banks, Insurance, Real Estate, Petrochemicals, and the most recent Industrial Honeywell Aerospace along P.R, made an agreement and established a new $35 million electromagnetic compatibility and environmental test laboratory in Puerto Rico. In 2013, the University of Puerto Rico graduated more Engineers and Chemical Engineers than the United States, and is the 2nd in the most women graduates for the same! Among other Universities P.R, P.R. has advanced in the education of Psychology, Arts, and Technology, among others, and in 2013 had 250,011 University students.
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- The Astronaut Joseph Acabá is our Puerto Rican pride, having reached the mission of landing on the moon and planting our Flag! He also sang our traditional song, The Borriqueña!. We are also honored to have our very own Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor. A true example of brilliance and dedication to have acquired the studies and degrees necessary for such privilege. The first woman in History to serve as Surgeon General in the United States was our very own Antonia Coello Novello, M.D. As of 2003, of the 115 Hispanics working at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, 70 were Puerto Ricans or of Puerto Rican descent.
- The list of accomplishments that our people have made in American History is endless and impressive. Least should we mention the array of stars that align Hollywood and the musical giants that have impacted our World! I invite you to look at the list of accomplished Puerto Ricans and research our people. Thousands have names that you would never have imagined, who are Puerto Ricans, or should I say, Americans. By the grace of God, we have broken many world records and have reached every profession and capacity possible in the world. All from a small Island, but like the Word of God says, in 1Corinthians 1:27 "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" Yes, there are many P.R, who have been left in the outskirts of life and many who have been less fortunate and perhaps lack, self-esteem or education or even honor, however; I believe we can find others in every area of the world as well. It will take time to replace those things that have been broken and the spirit of those who have fallen in the gaps, but we believe those in particular will have their awakening moment and strive to be productive citizens of a truly free world and people.
- After various referendums in more recent years, PR has been divided in our choice of Independence, Statehood, or Commonwealth Status. Could you blame our indecisiveness? Being that things have been changing and we are now in the era of technology and other social and civic advancements, the people of P.R have become more informed and considered statehood, since they recognized that the current status is basically impossible to remain a Colony, the last Colony of the World. In 2012, 62% of PR, voted for statehood, but it was only 45% of the island's voters; however, nothing happened or changed, as of yet. In Washington, we have no Representatives with voting power! We must be clear that whatever the future holds, we must always be proud of who we are as a People and even though we may never become a Nation, we are Puerto Rican Proud, we have been able to keep our Identity and Dignity, above all. We could not fail to mention the racism that we and others have had to endure by many people in America (the land of the free), those who have always had the idea of being better, superior, yet have been critical and intolerant, bigoted, and biased from the start. Racism will steal anyone's self-esteem, and it takes generations to surpass the effects that any people have endured such racism. We might have crossed certain barriers, but even in 2016, we can see it alive in our Nation.
- We are now being offered a fiscal board to control our finances by a new legislation known as H.R 5278 PROMESA BILL. This is being presented as if America has no fault or responsibility of PR's debt, as if it is already not indirectly and directly ruled by American laws and its Representatives at Congress. We were offered by some particular congressman to have P.R receive a $4.25 minimum wage in 2016 for new workers up to 25 years of age, as if this age group had anything to do with the recession! Fortunately, our new Governor Ricardo Rosello will not implement this minimum wage. That is an outrage and an insult in modern times. How can they pretend we live on that income when in P.R, prices are mostly American prices? Meanwhile, in America, there is a movement and certain states have already adopted a 15.00 minimum wage.
- How will this serve of interest to our younger generations to remain in the island? The small shops in the towns have basically been abandoned, and everyone is led to the Malls and chain stores such as Marshalls, Walmart, Kmart and other well-known American Businesses. Many want to see us fly, but with what tools? Our wings have been cut off and we can't fly on feathers!! Many laws must change first. Justice must prevail, and we must all rise to the occasion to promote a true and fair chance at our autonomy. In a span of 8 years by the year 2015, there have been 27,321 homes foreclosed by banks! How can a people survive when we are subjected to unjust laws that favor the interests of others and not those of our people? We should also put emphasis on the thousands of people who will lose out on their hard-earned pensions due to this recession and those who will not receive the amounts that they believed they had worked for in their retirement years!
- Many factors have, from the beginning, created a Dependency environment, not always by our own will. We were suppressed and were indirectly drilled at first to receive the notion that Government handouts were almost a must-have and while they gave us leftovers, many stripped our Island in many ways, for it is not by mistake we were named a Rich Port! All of the Government assistance that the U.S has given to us is recognized and appreciated, but you can be sure it has been received back to them with INTEREST. We as Puerto Ricans are taking accountability for our actions, shortcomings, personal decisions and the bad negotiations by some in our Government. We presently are a shadow of the American Government. Our hands are tied and unfortunately have to comply with the choices and laws of the interest of lobbyists and Congress. We must not fail to mention those who are corrupt politicians from Congress and from the Government in P.R. Those who rule and lead, not solely by good examples.
- Many are speaking about the crisis, but few are presenting viable solutions and action plans by giving face to the urgency of this situation. We can be sure that there are many with hidden agendas and some who have sold out their own people, starting from some of the leaders of organizations, politicians, entrepreneurs, government officials, business leaders, lobbyists, hedge funds and many others. Shame on them! This is a call to action for everyone who wants to lay claim to being a true Puerto Rican at heart, be it that we may live in the Island or pertaining to any other part of the World. We applaud those who are in this fight for the win and truly possess self-determination above the odds, who will speak out and speak the truth without compromising their principles! Those who understand that our future generations count on our transparency and commitment, and who care beyond borders, who have sole interest is not their own, but who will sacrifice something to gain everything.
- WE THE PEOPLE - of Puerto Rico - Boricuas, are our own people with our own history, flag, identity and culture, with our dreams and struggles we strive through the hardships of life and all that has been aimed against us. I speak to my People, we must become our own activist for our own cause and people, standing united, for a house divided against itself will fall. We should not hold on to a "Colonial Mentality", we are in a new era and time of information and technology and we must use every means possible to strive for our best interest. Your voice and your actions are important and we will not depend on someone else to write our future but ourselves! There is power in unity! Write or call your Legislators, join a movement, sign a petition, support current legislation for P.R causes, spread the word, share this blog, motivate your friends, be informed and speak up! speak loud! speak out! http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ http://naturalresources.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=118691
- THERE IS BEAUTY IN EVERY NATION. HERE ARE SOME OF OURS!
- https://www.facebook.com/LasMujeresdePuertoRicoOficial
- WE, will not be bought, we will not be sold, we will not sell out on our history our land and our rights, given to us by our God Almighty!! Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." We must rise against sinfulness and hardships, get up in righteousness and faith and leave behind those things that keep us from moving forward, build each other up, educate our children, make the changes we need to better ourselves as a people. While we cast our cares and burdens upon The Lord and sanctify ourselves by His Word, that we may be a Blessed Land!
- We hope that Congress, our President, the Supreme Court, and our Puerto Rican Government will make the right decision in this fiscal crisis before it leads to a humanitarian crisis. We, The People of Puerto Rico, everywhere we are must stand for our rights, our future, and our destiny now more than ever. And I stress this, we do not need handouts! we need Justice and laws that are equal to all American Citizens. We need many to stop judging us unjustly, without knowing the entire story. We also must see that what is being reaped is only out of what was and has been sown, from the very beginning, till now! As for those Americans who have not done right by us, there is a lot more that could be done to show your leadership, sovereignty and intelligence, it starts with Justice, Equality, Respect, Truth and Love, not only for your own, but for all those who pertain to America. For no one becomes Great on their own and America must recognize that is has been a Collage, a Melting Pot, a Mixture of Nations, who have BUILT AMERICA TILL THIS DAY. Lastly, we are extremely grateful for those Americans who have stood with us and those who fight for our cause. Those who have considered our interests and needs. We are proud to have been part of America, but a new relationship must evolve and surface promptly.
Today in 2017, we hope for a better tomorrow together, but change is needed not just from us. America should take accountability as well, for its part and not look at us as the only guilty party of this economic crisis or relationship. Let us build together, better and bigger than ever. Yes, we are all different, but we are all humans created by the same God and will rest as we leave this earth in the same ground, for we are all Dust and to Dust we shall all return. The Glory is, has always been, and will always belong to God, our Creator and Father.
We are also grateful that from that small Island, great things have been accomplished, as the preaching of the true Gospel of Christ. We have sent the most Evangelists and Missionaries to reach all other Latin Countries. There is a great majority of Evangelical Christians and many Conservative-minded citizens. There are also liberals who, despite our differences, share the common bond of patriotism and humanity, which is the greatest position of all.
After Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico - World Trade will be felt in more than 150 countries with which our Island has trade relationships. Here is the report from the Government of P.R in IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADE IN THE YEAR 2017.
CLICK LINK: (GO TO PAGE #15 FOR A COMPLETE LIST)
http://jp.pr.gov/Portals/0/Economia/Comercio%20Exterior/External%20Trade%20Statistics/External%20Trade%202017.pdf
- EXPORTATIONS - IMPORTATIONS - BALANCE
E.E U.U 55,257,144,590 / 24,588,955,654 /30,668,188,936
BRITAIN 384,149,744 / 382,032,162 / 2,117,582
EGYPT 19,297,765 / 1,063,888 / 18,233,877
GERMANY 576,663,202 / 488,377,279 / 88,285,923
BRAZIL 145,199,736 / 1,576,891,791 / 1,431,692,055
DOM. REP. 614,458,327 / 453,368,787 / 161,089,540
ISRAEL 3,394,235 / 10,398,931 / 7,004,696
MEXICO 266,653,127 / 532,029,661 / 265,376,534
ARGENTINA 86,270,928 / 78,472,217 / 7,798,711
SPAIN 904,915,564 / 143,725,472 / 761,190,092
ECUADOR 6,829,550 / 27,446,861 / 20,617,311
COLOMBIA 19,878,861 / 390,096,525 / 370,217,664
IRELAND 216,116,002 / 5,645,254,443 / 5,429,138,441
ITALY 1,968,593,575 / 479,577,264 / 1,489,016,311
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Puerto_Rican_scientists_and_inventors
https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/latin-america-and-caribbean/caribbean-political-geography/puerto-rico
Note: Thank you! for reading. We would love to hear from you. Your comments, thoughts, and ideas in assisting and solving the current status of Puerto Rico will be greatly appreciated. Together, WE WILL RISE to the occasion and make our voices heard and our actions felt! Share this Blog & Spread the Message! For WE ARE ALL PUERTO RICO! http://puertoricorising.blogspot.com
~ Article By Diane Rivera López
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He
rose again and was seated at the right hand of the Father! He is felt and seen in
the works, healings and salvation for the millions of lives who serve Him,
wholeheartedly! His Holy Spirit is wonderful and powerful and the best friend,
counselor and Father, one could ever have! Please never allow the action of
those to move you from His love, He is the way, the truth and the life, in the
midst of all the paths claiming to be the truth, He will show Himself to be
real in a powerful and life-changing way!
Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with
him, and he with Me.
I also invite you to read the
following blogs that, by the grace of the Father, I have written and written. I
hope they will be a great blessing and edification to you!
https://articlesoncurrentnewstopics.blogspot.com
https://corruptionandlawlessnessinamerica.blogspot.com
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https://revelationsdreamsandvisions.blogspot.com
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https://mensajesprofeticosparaelcorazon.blogspot.com
https://amazingdomesticviolencetestimony.blogspot.com
https://apocalypticwarningsandnewworldorder.
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https://sieterevelacionesdelreino.blogspot.com
https://americasjudeochristianfoundation.blogspot.com
https://prsismoscausasycontroversias.blogspot.com
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https://thelukewarmliberalleftapostatechurch.
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https://theamericanandafricanamericanspectrum.
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https://americasisraelandmiddleeastconflict.blogspot.com/
https://islamisraelyelcristianismo.blogspot.com/
https://islamisraelandchristianity.blogspot.com/
https://despojandoalosprinicpadosypotestades.blogspot.com
https://corruptionandlawlessnessinamerica.blogspot.com
By His
gracious, mighty, and mighty hand!
Diane Rivera López was born and raised in the heart of
Midtown Manhattan. Her parents were born in the beautiful Island of Puerto
Rico, her extended family members are unique since they have a mixture of
Countries such as Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Philippines, Italy,
African American, Vietnamese and the latest addition of the countries of
Ukraine and Israel.
She has worked tirelessly as a minister, speaker, writer,
journalist, evangelist, and event coordinator, among other jobs. She has served
freely in various Ministries and in his own, at no stipulated cost, for the
last 28 years of service, for the glory of their Lord and Savior.
For the first time in 2025, she has been inspired to openly
provide the monetary means of contact for anyone who wants to sow in her
ministry!
His bio is shared on his blogs, documenting his work at
various community events, churches, ministries, outreach services, and
nonprofits. She has also worked as an announcer on radio, television and
her own evangelistic program. He has also coordinated parades,
evangelistic festivals, political events, and more.
As for her love of writing, she focuses on freelance
writing, commentary, journalism, and content creation. He has edited and
written books, magazines, articles, treatises and has worked on his personal
blogs, which number 14 as of 2025.
If you feel inspired to support my ministry efforts, please
feel free to sow in this work. It would be greatly appreciated, and I would
love to hear from you!
MINISTERIAL
PROFILE:
Diane
has continued to strive and excel to become a great example of perseverance and
the leader that she is, overcoming life's greatest challenges with the greatest
and simplest acts of love, courage, and forgiveness. She then poured her
experiences and began working as an activist and speaker at conferences on
domestic violence, among other topics. Her ministry and community outreach
service began in 1996 at her local church in Spanish Harlem, serving as a
children's Sunday school Bible teacher, and an organizer and leader in her
church's youth club. She then became a church secretary and deacon for the next
5 years. In her love of writing, she joined a ministry as a Director and
Writer, in a Trumpet Ministry for 7 years, where she printed thousands of
tracts and along with the founder, sent them across the tri-state area, to
several other states, as well as to several international countries. She has
coordinated and assisted in many community events and street evangelism, and
for 3 years, she organized a large festival celebrating the diverse cultures in
the community, across 116th Street in Spanish Harlem. During that time, she
became the assistant coordinator of the New York Christian Children's Parade
through 3rd Avenue in Manhattan for 10 consecutive years.
His
community service extended as a chaplain, where he ministered and lectured in
various prisons in the Dominican Republic and provided counseling and Bible
classes in two drug rehabilitation programs in New York for men and one for
women. Her love of speaking was best heard as a speaker and fundraiser on
Christian Radio Vision International at 1330 a.m., for seven years. He also
produced his own weekly television show on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network
for 3 years, as well as starring in a play that ran several times over 3 years
at the city's college auditorium. Her speaking engagements range from social
issues to various conferences to hosting several events, as well as being a
guest on many television programs, such as Cristiana en Univision. In her love
for writing, she is currently a writer and part of the Christian Magazine
"Subete al Arca", as well as the previous Director of "La
Revista Gala" of the Redemption Awards, where she was a
publicist. His passion for writing lies best in his religious, social, and
political articles, in which he has earned the respect of his readers for his
perspective and understanding of today's most sensitive issues. Currently, she
is an account executive at Alerta T.V Network, which airs 24/7 on Verizon Cable
and other states. She is currently working on her first book, which will have a
variety of current topics as well as her personal life story and she believes
it will be of great inspiration.
In 2013,
she became deputy campaign manager for a mayoral candidate in upstate New
York. In his boldness and quest to fit in with his conservative
values, he left the Democratic Party, where he had been a member of the County
Committee. Honored with 2 Certificates of Merit from the New York State Senate
and the New York State Assembly. She studied Communications at BMCC for a few
semesters and is a few credits away from a Bachelor of Arts in Theological
Studies. She has currently been the Advertising Director of
Redemption Awards, an international awards ceremony, and the Director of its
magazine, La Gala. In his most recent accomplishments, he is a columnist for Al
Rojo News, a local secular newspaper distributed in the New York area. However,
she has said that her greatest achievement is said to be her experiences and
revelations that were given to her by grace, from the book of Revelation, the
Rapture and the Kingdom of God, as well as the miracles she received throughout
her life, being eternally grateful and to whom she gives all the glory and
honor.
She has
been part of the Republican Hispanic National Assembly, as a columnist since
2019 and now Secretary of State and Press, she is grateful to be able to share
her passion for Conservative Principles.
By God's
continued grace, she is the Co-Chair of Communications for The Mordecai
Mission, an organization that defends Religious Liberties and Constitutional
Rights. She has grown to stand up boldly, recognizing that in her
way, we stand for God's truth, being courageous, while believing that in Jesus
Christ, we can do all things, through the One who strengthens us.
To whom
she is eternally grateful and gives all the glorious praise and honors.
Testimony:
In the midst of a world with so much Domestic Violence, it
is necessary to testify part of my experiences with Domestic Violence and
witness a Glorious, Living, and Powerful God ~ who chose me
"For Such a Time as This" I speak my very personal story in
"Gratitude" to God's grace and love, over my life. One of the areas
of my Ministerial Walk has been speaking about Domestic Violence. One of
my goals in life is to continue to reach, help prevent, and minister to those
affected...In 1993, as I was leaving a complicated
relationship....unexpectedly... I was GUNSHOT (4 X)... By the grace of God, I
survived.... My right leg was hit twice, breaking my bone in two places, one
other bullet went into my left hip, my waist was also hit, and the bullet came
out my back, 3 inches from my spine. The gun was then placed on my head, but
the last 2 bullets did not come out!! Two of the bullets passed through the
wall and passed over my daughter’s head by a few inches yet they did not touch
her. He then fled, and I was left in my crisis, It was about 20 min. after the
police arrived. I threw myself on the floor and managed to open the door.
The hardest thing to confront was the pain after waking up from my surgery
which lasted 12 hours. I now had a large metal bar with three
large nails that joined my bones in my right leg. I was left with a bullet in
my left hip, which they were not able to remove. There was unbearable pain that
lasted for a long period of time, apart from the terror I felt and thinking
that he would try to kill me again and the thought of will I live, and will I
ever be normal again. I cried faithfully for the first 6 months every day. But,
God sustained me. He would minister to me in my loneliness and tell me that
with Him, all things were possible. It was some time when God began telling me 2
things that shook my world, one was that “He" was going to be the one to
give me physical therapy, and that he would heal me and restore me, after much
thought, I submitted in obedience. I never once went to physical therapy.
Secondly, that "He" was going to do justice, not to look at the
police as my only source of justice or protection. After 6 months, having to
tell my family that I was going to make these 2 decisions was hard and a
struggle, even though I struggled with it. One of my cousins was a sergeant in the NYPD and although my family did not understand, I had to do what God had placed
in my heart. I had not yet experienced what being Born-Again entailed, so
having such faith was a challenge but was my best hope. I battled against
a thousand things.. Fear, hate, panic attacks, abandonment by many, except for
my family, who helped me in everything, not being able to be independent, not
being able to work.. and above everything, being able to look at the eyes of my
daughter and feel that I had value before her and before a world that would now
change and judge my person. Struggling against everything and believing in a
God, that I had never seen, believing that I would walk again and be whole was
a challenge. My faith was all I had, and I began giving myself therapy in the
name of JESUS! I would massage my legs and repeat his name out loud at times.
It was more than a year later when I started to stand and was able to walk
again, block by block and step by step, it was a great feeling. As you can
imagine, It has not been an easy process throughout the years, but I have
overcome the challenges and have pressed forward with an attitude of optimism
and positivity, without bitterness and vengeance, and with the ability to love
again ~ even to this day there are scars in my body and soul that will never be
erased but my soul is free.
It was in 1996 when I had my personal experience with the Holy Spirit, who
revealed Jesus and God to me. I literally felt the manifested presence of
Jesus Christ, feeling His very own legs walking in my own legs!!.. He reminded
me of the experiences I had and the revelations he had given me as a child,
which I had forgotten, and the sins I had committed erased from my childhood
memories. How he had called me his chosen by his grace and how my generation
would see the last days. Since I served him, I have had many visions, dreams,
and revelations regarding His Kingdom, His Face, The Rapture, The Millennium, and Apocalyptic End
Times.
After about 2 years after the incident, I tried to find an escape
from my dilemma and I found myself before the wall and the sword for
several reasons that I can't explain now, I decided to confront that
individual as my only solution to my fear and uncertainty. Not that I recommend
this to anyone! As you can imagine, it was overwhelming, but I felt liberated
from my burden! I was then able to feel free from my fear of him and I was
later able to obtain peace and freedom in my heart. Yet, I did not
feel complete, because God showed me that to be totally free, I had to
forgive him! I was now ready to overcome and forgive when I did. It was
liberating and I felt power over evil, one that has always led me to overcome
in life. Forgiving is not being weak, but it actually does make us stronger and
braver. We do not hold on to what only takes a toll and becomes a burden to our
souls.
After years of walking normally, even without limping! There was a time in
2007 that I was not able to walk for about 6 months. I was submitted to a
second surgery in 2008, feeling as if I was living that experience
that I had so forgotten and now being in ministry, it was very hard. They had
to take out the bullet that had been in my hip all those years because they had
found that I had a very high level of Lead Poisoning of 64. Even against the
Doctor's own opinions, I was able to keep my own hip and till this day I can
walk normally without a cane or a limp. Throughout the years, I have received
VARIOUS MIRACLES in my body. By the hands of an Evangelist, the Lord, stretched
my left leg to even out with my right leg! One night in my home in prayer in a
process of about 4 hours, because of severe scoliosis that had developed in my
back, the Holy Spirit moved my ligaments from my spinal cord until I was able
to stand straight. Yes! He is that real..
In 2011, they gave me the news that the life of that individual was taken
from him in his natal country of the Dominican Republic. Did you know
that Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic have the three highest
percentages of Domestic Violence in Latin America? This must change, and we can
all become involved in one way or the other to shed the light of Christ in the
homes, prevent child abuse, and edify the nucleus of the family. He lost his
life, in the same way that he had tried to take mine. One shot to the head. I
remember that the day he passed away, God had put me to do something I rarely
ever did, to pray and intercede for him. He did not die right away, and the
Lord confirmed to me that he was thinking of me and what he had done, as he was
dying. I remembered that in 2005, God permitted us to bump into each other
again when I had a very small car accident, and without ever imagining God was
instructing me to talk to him about the plan of salvation and the great
experiences I had with the Lord.. At first, I did not want to but finally, I
submitted. I later understood, that in God, there is forgiveness for those who
earnestly seek it and repent from their evil acts, for the gospel is for
everyone, even him ~ He actually shared with me that his whole family had
converted to Christ in D.R, I could not believe what he said and it even hurt
me some in a way, since my family has not yet converted. But that is how God's
love can be and we must accept what he permits and does, over all things.
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THIS WAS SO AWESOME BUT ITS A SHAME THAT LITTLE WILL BE DONE FOR US PUERTO RICANS TO ACHIEVE TRUE EQUALITY.. THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteFight this War against Puertoricans with our minds our hearts and our intelligence with and all powerful GOD leading The way towards victory .
ReplyDelete