[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 26 (Thursday, February 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN DEFENSE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PEDRO R. PIERLUISI

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the chamber this 
morning with disappointment, sadness, and a deep resolve to set the 
record straight. I am compelled to respond to remarks delivered 
yesterday on this floor by my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois, 
in which he harshly criticized the duly-elected government of Puerto 
Rico, the officers who serve honorably in its police force, and the 
chief judge of the U.S. district court for the District of Puerto Rico. 
The speech was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Puerto 
Rico. I hope such action will not be repeated. But if it is, make no 
mistake: I will return to this floor again to defend my constituents--
and the government they chose in free and fair elections--from all 
unwarranted attacks. I will rise then in the same capacity that I rise 
now: as Puerto Rico's only elected representative in Congress and the 
only member of this chamber who can make any claim to speak on behalf 
of the Island's nearly four million American citizens. I will fight for 
my people because it is my privilege, my honor, and my duty to do so.
  To compare Puerto Rico to an authoritarian country is beyond the 
pale. It demeans not merely my constituents, but also the millions of 
men and women around the world who suffer under real dictatorships, who 
are truly oppressed, and who lack the dignity that comes only with 
genuine freedom. Puerto Rico is a rich and vibrant democracy, with 
strong institutions, governed by the rule of law. Fundamental rights 
protected by the U.S. Constitution--including the right to free speech, 
free assembly and due process of law--apply fully in Puerto Rico. So 
does federal civil rights law. This is not to suggest that violations 
of individual liberties never take place in Puerto Rico. On occasion 
they may, just as they do in every jurisdiction. And I would be the 
first person to condemn such conduct if it occurs. But, in Puerto Rico, 
unlike in a dictatorship, there are legal remedies available to 
citizens who claim to have been deprived of their rights. Those who 
fail to grasp this basic distinction do not understand Puerto Rico or 
appreciate its strengths.
  Moreover, I believe it is wrong for a member of this body to insult a 
federal judge simply because that judge ruled in a way the member finds 
objectionable. To use an enlarged photo of that judge as a prop is, in 
my view, particularly unfortunate. Such theatrics undermine, rather 
than strengthen, the argument being made. Judge Fuste, a man who has 
devoted over 25 years of his life to public service, does not deserve 
such treatment.
  Yesterday, a great disservice was done to the good name and 
reputation of the people of Puerto Rico. I regret that it occurred. I 
hope--and expect--that it will not happen again.

                          ____________________