Did you know that the U.S. Navy is bombing the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico?
Because they can. In 1898 the U.S. invaded and colonized Puerto Rico and still maintains control today. In 1938, when the military decided it needed a facility to test their bombs, it took over the island of Vieques. Contrary to the wishes of the Viequenses, the U.S. military expropriated the land and displaced thousands of Puerto Ricans. The Navy paid landowners as little as $50 for 6 1/2 acres of land. Presently, the Navy controls 26,000 of the islands 33,000 acres. It occupies the islands most productive farming and fishing areas leaving the islands population squeezed between the ammunition depot and the training facility. Just imagine how you would feel if Vieques were your home!
