Unidos Alcanzaremos Un Vieques Libre: Discourse As a Reflection Of
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UNIDOS ALCANZAREMOS UN VIEQUES LIBRE: DISCOURSE AS A REFLECTION OF SOCIAL AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION by REBECCAH ANNE SANDERS (Under the Direction of Elois Ann Berlin) ABSTRACT The sixty-year history of United States Naval activity on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico has been plagued with protests by island residents who have varyingly applied environmental and social justice discourse in their movement to evict the Navy. The most current inception of demonstrations spans a wide geographic range, centering on the island itself and radiating to cities throughout the continental United States. As the island prepares for a referendum determining the fate of the Navy’s presence, the social and political influence of these campaigns has risen dramatically. The movement has gained political and popular support with its dedication to civil disobedience and its rhetoric of health, the environment, human rights, and, more controversially, political determination. This thesis considers how the discourse of the movement reflects the location of its supporters. INDEX WORDS: Social movements, community, location, discourse, environment, health, human rights, ethnicity, Puerto Rico, Vieques, U.S. Navy UNIDOS ALCANZAREMOS UN VIEQUES LIBRE: DISCOURSE AS A REFLECTION OF SOCIAL AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION by REBECCAH ANNE SANDERS B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1998 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF ARTS ATHENS, GEORGIA 2005 © 2005 Rebeccah Anne Sanders All Rights Reserved UNIDOS ALCANZAREMOS UN VIEQUES LIBRE: DISCOURSE AS A REFLECTION OF SOCIAL AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION by REBECCAH ANNE SANDERS Major Professor: Elois Ann Berlin Committee: Brent Berlin Amy Ross Electronic Version Approved: Maureen Grasso Dean of the Graduate School The University of Georgia May 2005 DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my friend, Angel “Tato” Guadalupe. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The people of Vieques and their supporters around the country have been the heart of this research project. From the beginning of my project nearly five years ago through the present, they have continued to support me with their knowledge, wisdom, and dedication. I am especially grateful that they opened their minds and homes (and occasionally their kitchens) to me to openly discuss such a contentious issue even after I disclosed my connection to the Navy through my spouse. They trusted that the impossible could be made possible through dedication and bravery. Thank you for enriching this project, which would have been impossible without you, as well as enriching my life. The Navy may have departed finally from your small island, but your passion for justice continues in all those that you touched in your campaign. I must also acknowledge the support, guidance, and assistance that I have received from the faculty at the University of Georgia, especially Brent Berlin, Elois Ann Berlin, Ben Blount, Pete Brosius, Lori Fowler, and Amy Ross. Amy, thank you for your insight, your honesty, and your work. I am especially grateful to the Berlins who have assisted me in the completion of this project. It truly would have been impossible without you Elois Ann! I would also like to thank R.E.M. for their contribution to this project through a research grant. Although your music is known throughout the world, most people do not know your commitment to social justice. I appreciate you for both! During my time in Athens, Georgia I was blessed to be surrounded by a rich community of friends. To Gregory, thank you for your music and your thoughtful messages that reached me when I needed them the most. To Vero, I smile every time that I think of your fearless opinions and insights. To Jennifer, a day was not complete without at least two or three consultations with v vi you on the phone or email; whether these were about love, life, or academics, they were always comforting and fun. To Beth, your quest for learning was coupled only by your ability to throw a good party and to be a good friend; even now, a few years later, you continue to support me! To Carlos, the hospitality shown to me by you and your family could not be matched anywhere. Your guidance in anything Puerto Rican eased any concerns I had about my research and your love for life helped me to see the beauty in every day. To Tom, you have taught me so many valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship. Though I could not say so at the time, thank you for this. To Mollie, I cannot think of anyone else with whom I would have enjoyed undertaking this adventure as much as I did with you. You are the type of friend who is intellectually challenging, emotionally supportive, and just fun to be around. To all, thank you for your friendship during one of the most challenging times in my life. To Harlow, the very best friend of all, I am honored to be trusted with your honesty, loyalty, and quirkiness. We have traveled the world together, and no matter how many times I interrupt your cozy little life (or your cozy little naps), you bear me no grudges and remain steadfastly at my side. Jimmy, not many people that I know would support their spouse in an endeavor that directly conflicted with his profession. This number diminishes even more when I consider the Navy. Thank you for being more than supportive. Your encouragement and insistence that I pursue what I believe reminds me each day why we are together. Our paths have led us in such different directions, yet they always brought us back together. I know our walk together will be far richer than it ever could have been apart. And lastly, to my little bean: you have certainly made this process more challenging, but also forced me to finally conclude this chapter of my life. Your exuberance at meeting every day vii reminds me of the importance of living fully and living greatly. I want to be the best person that I can be just for you. Each day with you is better than the one before. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................................ v LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................x CHAPTER 1 Vieques Sí, Marina No! .............................................................................................1 La Isla Neña: The Little Girl Island .......................................................................3 Chapter Summaries ...............................................................................................7 2 Puerto Rico: Tied To A Colonial History .................................................................12 A Colonial History ..............................................................................................14 The United States and Puerto Rico: A Legislative Review...................................16 Politics As Usual .................................................................................................19 A Resurgence of Puerto Rican Pride....................................................................22 3 Vieques: “Una Llamada a Todos Los Puertoriquenos”.............................................27 Militarization of an Island....................................................................................28 A History of Conflict...........................................................................................34 Six Decades of Resistance ...................................................................................35 Mobilization of a Movement................................................................................40 Civil Disobedience ..............................................................................................42 4 Vieques Libre: A Movement in the Contemporary World ........................................62 Research Design and Methods .............................................................................62 Environment........................................................................................................65 viii ix Health..................................................................................................................68 Human Rights......................................................................................................72 Political Determination........................................................................................76 Examining the Issues...........................................................................................78 Campaigning in the Modern World......................................................................80 5 Unidos Para Vieques: A Multi-Dimensional Movement.........................................106 Discourse As Social Reality...............................................................................107 Unity.................................................................................................................113 Identity in the Modern World ............................................................................116 A Battle Over Discourse....................................................................................120 EPILOGUE.............................................................................................................................127 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................130 APPENDIX A.........................................................................................................................143