That, distinguished members of this committee, might be 1 way to describe our attitude. Interestingly enough, though, those words are not mine. Nor are they the words of any other Puerto Rican. Instead, the words I just read you are direct quotes from the Albuquerque Morning Journal. Those words were published, in January 1911, during the climatic final months of a 62-year crusade for New Mexico statehood.
Perspective is priceless.
It works wonders in helping a person cope with bouts of indignation and outrage. By definition, and by conviction, every citizen of the United States is an American and he who does not feel this way has the right to renounce his citizenship. And when we are making that attempt, it always helps to be able to recall a comment that was made at just about the same time that Puerto Rico was coming under United States sovereignty. Fascinating, isn't it. Puerto Rico has public buildings that bear the names of fierce advocates of independence from the United States.