You probably do not know who Oscar Lopez Rivera is, so let Google be your friend and Google him.
In brief, Mr. Rivera is a man who has been held in prison since May 29, 1981 for being a Puerto Rican revolutionary who fought for the freedom of his people and his land. He was given a 70 year prison term, with a expected release date of July 27, 2027, simply because he choose to fight for the freedom of his people rather than be complacent and accept United States rule. Hmmm…
Puerto Rico came under military control of the United States in 1898 and, despite having its own distinct land and its own culture and people, it has been subjected to United States rule ever since. In a way, Puerto Rico is being held hostage by America yet its people are treated as second class 'American citizens' (legally and politically they are not treated like 'regular' Americans). Puerto Rico deserves its freedom or at least the opportunity to be a legitimate part of the United States. And Mr. Oscar Lopez Rivera deserves his freedom.
In an attempt to provide opportunity for his people and freedom for his land, Mr. Rivera worked to build schools in Puerto Rico and employment for Latinos on the island of Puerto Rico and abroad. He worked with FALN (Fuerzas Armadas se Liberacion Nacional *Armed Forces of National Liberation*) in their efforts to free Puerto Rico from America's strong hold. The American government termed FALN 'extremist' and felt that the 'revolutionary' tactics of FALN went against the American political process. In other words, America didn't mind FALN working for liberation as long as they did it the American way. However, FALN members knew (as did the American government) that working through the American political process would not work. So FALN continued to do things their way- the revolutionary way.
You can research all of the details about Mr. Rivera and his incarceration on your own—the point of this post is to shed light on a man who many do not know but who is being held as a political prisoner on 'American soil'. Mr. Oscar Lopez Rivera has been in prison for 30 years with 40 years remaining. He is now 68 years old. He has not been convicted of any major crime, he has never been accused of murder or harming any human being. He was convicted of robbery and insurrection/rebellion. He is not a threat to anyone or anything. But he is still in prison.
In 1999, adding insult to injury, the Clinton Administration offered Mr. Rivera national clemency with two clauses; Mr. Rivera would have to remain in prison for an additional 10 years with good behavior and would be on parole once released. Mr. Rivera respectfully declined the offer.
Please research Mr. Rivera and learn as much as you can about his life, work, and incarceration. You will see that 70 years is too long of a prison term for a man that only wanted freedom for his people and his land.
There are many ways to fight for the freedom of Mr. Rivera. For starters, check out this Facebook page. Do something.
Mz.Jonezy
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