In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
As the presidential campaign intensifies, the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, has chosen a powerful slogan: “Freedom.” Accompanied by Beyoncé’s stirring anthem, “Freedom,” this message aims to resonate deeply with voters across the nation. But as we consider the implications of freedom, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: freedom in America cannot be selective. True freedom must extend to every American, including those residing in U.S. territories who are still unjustly denied the right to vote.
The Insular Cases, a series of racist and outdated Supreme Court decisions, continue to strip millions of Americans living in territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands of their fundamental democratic rights. These cases, steeped in the prejudices of a bygone era, perpetuate a second-class status for these citizens. As we celebrate the ideals of freedom and democracy, we cannot ignore the plight of those who remain disenfranchised by these archaic rulings.
Kamala Harris’ campaign brings the concept of freedom to the forefront of the national dialogue. However, to truly embody the spirit of this slogan, we must advocate for the extension of voting rights to all U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live. The denial of this basic right undermines the very principles upon which our nation was founded. It is time to challenge the legacy of the Insular Cases and demand justice for our fellow Americans.
As someone who lives in the Virgin Islands, I see firsthand the impact of these injustices. In this fight for equality, the local Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands must use the Democratic National Committee as a platform to network and lobby other states to understand this issue. Building alliances and raising awareness at the national level is crucial to advancing the cause of voting rights for those in the territories.
As we stand at this critical juncture in our nation’s history, we must ask ourselves: what does freedom mean if it is not universal? Can we truly claim to be a free nation while millions of our fellow citizens remain voiceless? The fight for voting rights in the territories is not just a legal battle; it is a moral imperative that calls upon us to live up to our highest ideals.
In closing, let us embrace the full meaning of freedom and ensure it rings true for every American. Let freedom ring for the disenfranchised citizens of the territories. Let freedom ring for those silenced by the Insular Cases. Let freedom ring until every voice is heard and every vote is counted. Only then can we say with conviction that freedom, indeed, is on the ballot.
