Thanks to runners and volunteers, the parties knew the outcome much sooner, and by 11 p.m., victory and concession speeches were carried live on television. No machines, dimpled chads or exit polls to consider. Virtually all Puerto Ricans came together to demand that the U.S. Navy halt training exercises on Vieques, clean up after itself and leave. With a change in government, we see a new openness, a new day. Of course, people on the losing side of this political equation may not be so generous.
People seem to be increasingly discerning about their leaders.
Civic groups are becoming more organized, more media savvy, and are raising their voices in the courts and in public debate. They are seeing that not just the government, but they, can do things. They have the power.