Appreciate this article for many reasons: information, your evocative images (esp the cover, #4 & #8), reminder to *fact-check* just to name a few.

On 6 Jan 2021, I was in wondrous Tanzania. The hostel I was staying at in Arusha, had the news on. I remember my first reaction was to turn away because the last thing I wanted to be reminded of was the racist psychopath in the WH.

There's so much to unpack in your article, and though I thought to comment on "white people shame" part (which I very much agree with), I chose your opening sentence.

My take is a different one. And it's a piece I've had tossing, turning in my mind for the past several months. I disagree with your statement about insurrectionists.

Hear me out.

On 23 Sept 1868 (when Borikén aka Puerto Rico was under Spanish control), my people rebelled. It's known as El Grito de Lares and it is the day many of us still celebrate today. Fast forward almost a century later, 30 Oct 1950, again the people of Borikén joined in their insurrections.

The short of it is that we remain a U.S. territory - that term is sugar-coated to make it more palatable. We're a colony. Period - the end!!

So for me, Boricuas who have joined rebellions and insurrections to oust the Spaniards, then the U.S. are persons whose memories I honor.

Your piece has given me more incentive to stop "sleeping" on the article I need to write. There's another word my story centers (it's the T-word).

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.