Singer Ricky Martin: 'Vieques, I am with you'
By
Teresa Gutierrez
On Dec. 8, singer Ricky Martin received the 1999 Billboard
Music Award for "Male Artist of the Year." As he stepped up to
the mike, Martin gave an unforgettable acceptance speech.
He said: "Thank you. I accept this award on behalf of the
children of the world, especially the children victimized by
military exams [tests], especially those children in Puerto
Rico. Vieques, estoy contigo! [Vieques, I am with you!]"
Martin's words are yet another splendid example of the
growing mass sentiment among Puerto Ricans against the U.S.
Navy occupation of Vieques. The statement took courage. It can
only increase his popularity--while giving ulcers to the
entertainment-industry executives, the parasites who are making
millions of dollars off Martin's success.
The U.S. military occupation of Vieques is an indefensible
position. U.S. imperialism can only expect more such opposition
until it leaves Vieques and all of Puerto Rico once and for
all.
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