RE: Regarding Vieques Declaration (of War)

[Morales Miguel L PMCD <mlmorale@apgea.army.mil>]

I find it fascinating that the Governors in the United States can attack the
Federal government and demand impact fees for clean-up actions and chemical
weapons incinerators and it's OK. It is seen as a states rights vs. federal
rights issue. If the Governor of Puerto Rico stands up for the health and
welfare of people in his commenwealth it is seen as an attack on the U.S.
Talk about a dual standard.

For your information, most of us Puerto Ricans are proud to be American
citizens. My grandfather and father fought for this (our) country. Many
Puerto Ricans have served and continue to serve our Armed Forces. We do so
proudly despite the fact that we have no vote in Congress and can not vote
in Presidential elections.

I served in the Army and work as a civilian employee for the U.S. Chemical
Weapons Disposal Program. I am very familiar with environmental issues and
the demands (yes, demands) by Governors and county commissioners for federal
funds. Does anyone talk about the state of Utah seceeding from the Union
because we agreed to pay them for every pound of chemical agent destroyed?
Do we talk about those in the state of Oregon who are "on relief" and should
be sent "in a tailspin" because they are threatening to hold up the permit
of a chemical weapons incinerator so that they can get impact fees from the
Army.  I don't think so.

As for our views towards the military, perhaps you missed it but the U.S.
Army South has relocated from Miami to Fort Buchanan, P.R. They were
welcomed by the Governor and people of Puerto Rico with open arms. Puerto
Rico has served as a strategic ally in defense of American interests in the
western hemisphere. 

Please remember that we are all Americans. The Constitution does not
differentiate between first and second class citizens. We are all equal. 

And please get your facts straight. It was the US that "conquered" PR from
Spain in 1898.  We did not come running to the US asking to be taken care
of. And we are a commonwealth and not a territory. 

Miguel Morales
U.S. Army