The recent decision by the Clinton administration to resume bombing practice in Vieques underscores the fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. colony. Although the overwhelming majority of Puerto Ricans want the Navy out of their eastern island, all the vital decisions affecting their lives are made in Washington, not in San Juan.

Vieques, like all of Puerto Rico, has historically served as a springboard for U.S. aggression abroad — most recently for the U.S.-led bombing assault on the people of Yugoslavia. Pentagon officials complain that they need Vieques to train U.S. troops for future military deployments. But if they can't find an alternate site, that's their problem. Forcing the U.S. Navy out of Vieques will deal a blow to Washington's war machine. This illustrates how a successful fight for Puerto Rico's sovereignty and independence from U.S. control is in the interests of working people in the United States and all the world.

The White House suggestion that the Navy will relocate within five years if it finds a suitable alternative to Vieques is a response to the upsurge of protests in Puerto Rico and among Puerto Ricans in the United States. It's also a delaying tactic. Washington will never voluntarily comply with the will of the majority. It will take a huge fight to force out the U.S. warmakers.

The big-business media talks about a "consensus" in Puerto Rico against the U.S. Navy in Vieques. In reality, there is a class-divided response. Workers and fishermen have been at the forefront of the growing anticolonial upsurge on the island. The colonial government and its two parties, which represent the wealthy classes, have jumped on the Vieques bandwagon only to avoid being discredited. But they are terrified at the prospect of cutting the umbilical cord to their masters in Washington. That's why they are maneuvering to undercut any independent mass mobilizations against the U.S. government.

Today, under the impact of these deep-going developments, there is a rising ferment of political activity among Puerto Rican youth in the United States. They are organizing campus forums, debates, and protest actions — from New York to Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. Meanwhile, fishermen, student organizations and others on the island are reaching out for support in the United States.

There have never been better conditions for working people and youth in the United States to forge ties with fellow fighters in Puerto Rico and join in struggle against our common enemy — the U.S. government and the billionaire families it represents. Politically active youth, drawn to the power of the working class, will welcome the opportunity to meet working-class fighters such as the Teamsters who are on strike to organize a union at Overnite Transport and the coal miners battling to defend lifetime health benefits. Likewise, fighting unionists should be urged to join the new round of "U.S. Navy out of Vieques" protests that will be launched in many cities starting November 19.  
 
 
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