Nelson Antonio Denis is a writer, film director, and former New York State Assemblyman. His award-winning films premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and screened throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
His editorials for the New York Daily News and El Diario (over 300 of them) won awards from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
He is the writer of eight feature-length screenplays, writer/director of the feature film Vote For Me!, and author of the book War Against All Puerto Ricans.
He represented El Barrio/East Harlem in the New York State Assembly (1996-2000) and developed a leadership initiative with the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation.
Denis recently completed the novel ISLAND OF LOST SPIRITS, and has a lifelong interest in the history, culture and folklore of Puerto Rico.
Nelson Antonio Denis 
Ted R Gottfried
/ October 27, 2021Excellent book. Where can one see Viguié’s film archives, especially his documentary work including the massacre? Thanks.
Mark Poley
/ August 18, 2021Mr Denis, I have just finished your book War Against all Puerto Rican’s. I am shocked that are own government could be this murderous. Your book should be required reading in our schools so children learn how bad things can be so it does not happen again. The Cherokees were treated just as bad. Thank you for taking the time to write this book.
Sheryl Pilla-Rivera
/ March 21, 2021I Am in Amazement!!! I am A Catholic LINY born 1970 Italian American 2nd gen. Married 24 years to my Rico Suave Boricua! Padre of our 3 Bella ninos. I know of the Italian struggle upon entering Ellis Island, However, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PLENTIFUL & PURPOSEFUL FOCUS ON PUERTO RICO! I plan on going with my kids to PR & Came across ur post & have been taking notes!! I plan on sharing with my In law Boricua!!! Bendicion!!!
Carmen De Arce Garcia
/ March 18, 2021Dear Mr. Denis, I just finished reading your book “War Against All Puerto Ricans”. I am a first generation Puerto Rican born in the U.S.. My father was from Mayagüez and my mother was from Carolina. I enjoyed your book immensely. I believe it should be a motion picture. I hope you will consider writing a screenplay. As I read your book, I kept thinking. How many Puerto Ricans on the island have learned about this part of history in their classrooms? Please consider a film project. Thank you for making me aware of my history.
Carmen
Bill Goglas
/ March 14, 2021Thank you Nelson for your Life’s Work about the History and Issues that need to be addressed with Puerto Rico and the US.
I’m a Proud New York Rican who’s Mom was born in Puerto Rico and my Grandfather her Dad who had a Farm in the 1930’s to 50’s.
Please let me know what I can do to get involved to help correct these issues.
Edward Davila
/ March 8, 2021Hello my name is Edward Davila. First of all I would like to thank you for writing the incredibly inspiring book war against all Puerto Ricans this book has led me on a path of research and knowledge that frankly has been eye-opening and quite disturbing. I am originally from Queens New York. My family is from Puerto Rico my father from Ponca my mother from San Juan. Your book has led me to learn much about Don Pedro and his struggles and his fight for Puerto Rican independence. Recently I saw an interview with you on the young turks were you mentioned organizing a march from Orlando to Jacksonville. Mr. Nelson I am asking you to please contact me because I want to help organize this March or something to help bring awareness to what is happening in Puerto Rico. I feel very much a purpose to bring the story to light into the main stream to give awareness to the people of the world of the crimes that have been committed against the people of Puerto Rico. My email address is edwarddavila946@gmail.com. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to sit and speak with you in your comrades about organizing such an event. Learning the story of Puerto Rico and it’s past explains much about what has happened to the island now and its people. This is a story that can no longer be ignored and must be brought. So with that said I would greatly appreciate to hear back from you to discuss ways to help bring awareness to this cause. Sincerely thank you Edward Davila
Dr. Rex
/ January 28, 2021NELSON!!! I found you again!! This is Maria H. Rexach … Dr. Rex!! So good to see you here!! Of course, I’m following again!! Tight hugs, Boricua!! From the heart! ❤
mary .ayorga
/ January 6, 2021Reading your book. I am an Associate Professor at Belmont University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I am teaching a multicultural diversity course this spring. I would like to invite to speak to my Grad students about your book pro Bono.
My email is mary.mayorga@belmont.edu if you can accommodate me
Thank u
Mary Mayorga
Associate Professor
Belmont University
Nashville TN
JM Walker
/ November 28, 2020Is there a Spanish translation of War Against All Puerto Ricans?
Nelson A. Denis
/ April 7, 2022YES. Just look on Amazon.
Nancy Negron
/ March 9, 2018Mr Denis my name is Nancy Negron, I read your book “War Against All Puerto Ricans” and it is excellent. It would be nice if it were available on audio. Mr. Nelson did you ever consider making it into a motion picture. There are a lot of well to do Puerto Ricans out there that maybe willing to help you get it off the ground. It would be another excellent way to let the world know what Puerto Rican have been subjected to for so many years. I really think putting the truth out there in a movie would expose how the U.S. has been using and abusing our people as well as our Island. Thank you so much for writing this inspiring and educational book it sure opened up my eyes to a lot of informational history I wasn’t aware of.
Sandra Cruz Lakotta
/ February 23, 2018I attended a lecture by you at Hofstra University and was very impressed with you and your book. I decided to base my research project on the Ponce Massacre. Would it be possible to interview you for this project?
Sandra
Debbie Rodriguez-Ortiz
/ February 1, 2018Read your book and at times my eyes could not help but swell with tears. I had never known how much my ancestors suffered by the he hands of Americans such as myself. Me and my dad who is from Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo have had interesting conversations which he is sharing with me now as a adult. I have always loved the island, it is a majestic place. I think this would be the best time to tell the story of the Puerto Rican people threw film. We are in the current times where people are using freedom of speech more now then ever, and with the recent hurricane the island history should be told. Not some cheaply choppy story line. A full story line that will leave a impact like never before. Write the story line it’s time to tell our story, the truth
Juan Cana Rivera
/ November 23, 2017Felicito y agradezco a Nelson A. Denis por revelar la historia ocultada de Puerto Rico en su libro Guerra Contra Todos Los Puertorriqueños. Todos y cada uno de los puertorriqueños debemos leer este libro que narra el crimen cometido por el Gobierno de los E.U. en conjunto con puertorriqueños contra los nacionalistas y el movimiento independentista en Puerto Rico…algo que no debe ocurrir jamás.
Stephanie Soto
/ October 25, 2017Dr. Denis,
Are you available for a short interview for a short documentary on the present political & social climate in Puerto Rico?
Virginia L. Medina LCSWR
/ September 27, 2017I just read your piece on The Law Is Strangling PR. Just some of my suggestions on ways to help my PR Americans :Please consider FEMA contracting with 10 Cruise Liners to permit the people of PR to live on the ships for 2 months or more. While there evaluate for trauma, skin infections, lung infections, fungus infections and upper respiratory issues to avoid widespread epidemics. Get unemployed Spanish speaking Licenced Nurses to work on the ships. Bring in Social Workers pay them and offer to forgive $10,000 off their student loans. While on the ship orient the residents on FEMA Programs and how to cope with trauma. Employee Reiki Master to work on this traumatized population. Bring in undocumented men who can manage the heat and work hard; offer them legal status and a modest salary.
Request from every state 200 national guards to work on police efforts, communication, transportation and a new electrical grids.
Lastly, the US can encourage as a tax write off that each singer, movie star, performer from the US, including football players, baseball players etc. donate 1 million dollars to reconstruct PR.
Leonardo Legorreta
/ September 27, 2017Thank you Mr. Denis for appearing on DemocracyNow! and for you excellent NYT Articles about the draconian Jones Act.
Alina Bloomgarden
/ September 26, 2017Please advise how I and those I know can help in your efforts to suspend, now and forever, The Jones Act. I want to help in anyway I can.
Thank you!!
Alina
Beautiful Chaos
/ August 19, 2017This is a small sideline question that I have? Some might see it as trivial.
But having a voracious appetite for historical context, I think the subject matter needs more insight, providing the circumstances. I would be extremely honored to get a response.,
So…was Ruby Black the half sister of LMM?; (and this is according to the FBI?)
I get into an argument with my mother yesterday who states fervently that Ruby Black was one of his lovers, which somehow sounded vaguely familiar. I then was told (because oral history is a mf) that Inez his wife made them break things off with Ruby … half hour later my sister sends me this link:
“http://www.vozdelcentro.org/2007/10/14/251-ruby-black-periodista-feminista-y-su-importancia-en-washington-para-munoz-marin/I mean (because they love to challenge me)
In where some dude goes on to say:
” Ruby Black es el caso mas exacto de como Luis Muñoz Marin usaba la gente y la desechaba. Lo mismo le hizo a Jesus T. Piñero, a Ernesto Ramos Antonini, a Roberto Sanchez Vilella, entre otros. Estas mujeres feministas, Ruby, Muna e Ines sentian una gran atraccion hacia el poeta, y todas se enamoraron de el. Ruby fue amante de Muñoz y fue eliminada por Ines al punto que Muñoz no se atrevio apenas a mencionarla en su autobiografia. No es que fuera malagradecido o que la olvidara, estaba Ines por el medio que exigio a Muñoz solo para ella. Munoz e Ines estaban hechos tal para cual, los dos eran ambiciosos y adoraban el poder”.
Ok… I understand that everyone has their own sense of the past, and that there is a difference between historical facts and emotional truths, or the possibility that the person who wrote this can be some eddie spaghetti who has his facts all wrong…but at the end of the day there is either misinformation floating out there, ….or more to this.
..was this also a story of incest, or is it all false information? Im confused.
In her biography Ruby is listed as the daughter of George Washington Black and Cornelia (Long) Black. Her father, a cotton farmer and politician, served a term in the Texas legislature and was the mayor of Thornton etc. (which coincides …right?}
Upon researching Cornelia Jane Long Black, her mother, and Munoz Rivera’s “alleged lover” I didn’t find Ruby Black listed as one of her mother/fathers 8 children, supporting your revelation.
To add to this- a more interesting aspect is Ruby Black’s connection to Washington D.C. where she served as liaison to the white house as a correspondent. Good friends to the Roosevelts and Biographer of Eleanor. She was no doubt a brave woman and great champion for Womens rights- very accomplished, but this just adds to the intrigue. So was she of P.R. descent? because if she was we need to pump her, and add her to the pantheon.
Was she also his 1/2 sister/ lover unbeknownst to him? *raises an eyebrow*
or an obstacle in our destiny
-This has quickly turned into Game of Thrones
and if thats not enough -what of his wife Muna; another champion for Women’s rights/ political activist, and accomplished poet and writer, working cultural affairs for the state department for two decades!- prior to that – part of US Intelligence during WWI, and the Secret Service before she even metLuis Munoz Marin.
I just find it all peculiar. So, am I feeding too deep into this?
Please shed some light,
PS you’re book was amazing, enthralling, and a must read for everyone
-Not just Puerto Ricans. Thanks for the jumpstart.
a. maldonado
/ July 16, 2017Saludos Licensiado: Look like they are boycotting your book. I was posting on FB a coment of your excellent book and what do you know. All of a sudden, three times I tried to post a comment about your book, the page crashed. Comments like as follow: Who ever reads Nelson book, your blood will boil. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and turn, Pancho Villa, Salon Boriqua, The Barber, The Readers, Vidal Santiago Diaz. I couldn’t post it. This book should be used in all schools of PR. Pero sigue adelante que tu tienes algo que ellos no pueden refutar, que es la verdad.
Maria Del Pilar
/ May 14, 2017Hola… No de como podemos seguir tan enagenados… Que le paso a nuestros pueblo que aun no comprende o reacciona???Hay que leer…
Gracias… Aunque leerte me causa el coraje de Urayoan..
Felix Vazquez
/ February 20, 2017Mr Denis I hope your brilliant book is made into a movie soon. If so consider actor John Leguizamo for the role of our father Pedro albizu Campos ” EL MAESTRO”. John Leguizamo will bring el maestro to life. Thanks
Felix Vazquez
/ February 19, 2017Mr. Denis my name is Felix Vazquez. I want to thank you for bringing into the light the destruction of our people. I thoroughly enjoyed your book of Puerto Rico. I also was born in NYC and discovered my roots later in life. Thank you!!!!!!! I hope one day I have the honor to meet you. God bless you and your family always. Respectfully F. Vazquez.
Nereyda Ramos
/ February 2, 2017I would like to have a meeting with you in order to discuss my case. I’m Puerto Rican born and raise in Puerto Rico. Came in 1979 and I went to NYU for master in Advance Stanging Program and graduated 1982.
online shopping
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Luisam2
/ December 9, 2016After reading your book my eyes and mind became wide open. I was able to see what was there all along finally. Needless to say I’m heartbroken and angry. I urge you to make a movie and this way we make the world watch. Thanks for having cojones to tell the truth! God bless you!
Rubén Abruña
/ November 22, 2016Estimado Sr. Nelson Denis: Lo felicito por el libro War Against All Puerto Ricans. Yo y mis dos hermanos lo leímos. Yo me lo comí en una semana. Los tres quedamos impresionados y con sed de leer más. La investigación es exhaustiva y el tema es presentado de una manera atractiva e interesante. Tanto así que le regalé el libro a mi hijo y a mi hija, nacidos en Puerto Rico y criados en la Florida. Su libro me estimuló a realizar este corto video que quiero compartir con usted y los lectores de este blog: https://vimeo.com/188029994
Saludos cordiales, Rubén Abruña
nestor
/ November 10, 2016escribi un comentario q aun no ha sido puesto en esta pagina y dice algo asi: el Papa reconocio el derecho de los palestinos a su liberacion y creo q deberia hacer lo mismo con Borinquen. Jesucristo lucho contra el imperio romano y Albizu Campos contra el imperio estadunidense siendo nuestro patriota el Cristo portorriquenno y ambos sufrieron en carne propia los desmanes imperialistas. Gracias muchas..
,
I
nestor
/ October 31, 2016A todas/os comentaristas. El Papa reconoció el derecho de los palestinos a su liberación, como han hecho muchos países. No sería exagerado exigirle al pontífice que reconozca el derecho de Puerto Rico a su independencia ya que Albizu Campos Fue y Es el Cristo portorriqueño que se sacrificó por nuestra patria y las demás naciones americanas…. y con mucha sangre. Jusucristo luchó contra Roma y Albizu Campos luchó contra Yanquía,
uno de los más abusadores imperios que ha tenido la humanidad. Si me equivoco, que lo dudo, sigo leyendo las diferentes opiniones. No me gusta el ditongo “ue”. Gracias al señor Nelson A Denis por su libro, aunque ya sabía bastante de nuestra historia pero como que ahora sé más. A todas/os muchísimas y quedo
nestor cataquet
/ September 27, 2016Hola y saludos para Dr Nelson A. Denis y para todos los comentaristas. Ya hemos sufrido bastante y de muchas maneras. No mas plebiscitos ni referendums, porque seria seguir los circos viciosos que no nos has llevado a nada, sino a lo mismo. Yanquia deberia de otorgarle la soberania a nuestro pueblo por medio de las tres plumas. La pluma del Senado ,la pluma de la Camara de Representante y la pluma del Ejecutivo. De esta manera se daria a “respetar” en el mundo. Tambien, es su deber saldar la enorme deuda por el sufrimiento y la explotacion de tantos annos( 118 annos son muchos)
Gracias.
nestor
/ September 25, 2016Estimados Nelson A. Denis y todos los que opinan. Ya hemos sufrido de muchas maneras por tantos años. No más plebiscitos ni referenduns. Serían otros circos. Yanquía debería de otorgarnos la soberanía con las tres plumas, la pluma del senado, la pluma de la cámara de representante y la pluma del ejecutivo, y saldar la enorme deuda por los años de explotación y de crímenes que ha cometido en nuestra nación. Gracias.
nestor cataquet
/ September 22, 2016Dear Nelson a Denis n all the posters. We as a people different than the Anglosaxons have suffer enough n in so many ways. There should be no plebisites or referendums ’cause it’ll be another circus. Yanquia should declare Borinquen an independent nation with the three pens.The pen of the Senate, the pen of the House of Representative n the pen of the Executive. No more waist of money.Gracias
Ana
/ September 12, 2016Hopefully your research into the Puerto Rican debt could help put some white collar thieves (Wall Street types and Puerto Rican politicians) in jail. If there is a humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico, it is not the result of natural causes or the zika virus, but of the unrestrained greed and criminal actions of individuals and corporations that can be identified and prosecuted.
jibaro01E Perez-Guzman
/ July 2, 2016Hello Nelson. I’m making this comment to see if you can understand that the situation in PR was provoked, apart from internal corruption, by an act of discrimination that occurred in congress. To resolve the issue the first thing that had to be done was to demand respect towards the island but it did not happen. It’s not too late, that problem has to be resolved anyway.
Michelle Rosario
/ June 20, 2016Hello Mr. Dennis in March 22,2016 My fiance died in a freak car accident and he always used to talk to me about this movie vote for me and how he was an extra I believe he told me how he was acting with malek yoba any way I’ve been trying to buy the movie to have as memories and closure for me to finally know I got the movie I need help please if locating a copy of the movie
Eve
/ May 31, 2016Hello Mr. Denis. I just finished reading your book “War Against All Puerto Ricans” and am heartbroken and outraged. I was born in San Juan but my parents relocated to New York when I was a little girl. The first time I went to my island I fell in love with it and have always wanted to live there but my dream has not become reality as of yet. I love my people and hope the day will come when they will be free indeed and no longer oppressed. Thank you so much for your book.
Pete Spivey
/ May 13, 2016Mr. Denis: What a stunning piece of work you produced with your book. I lived on the Navy Base at Roosevelt Roads as a teenager in the mid-’60s, and never had a clue of the shameful treatment the U.S. inflicted upon the people of Puerto Rico. Shooting, bombing and ten years in prison for the “crime” of possessing a Puerto Rican flag in one’s home? Good grief; what a dark chapter in American history.
As Thos. Jefferson wrote, “When I consider that God is Just, I tremble for my country.”
Pete Mojica
/ April 24, 2016I just completed reading your book. In reading this book i experienced more anger toward this out of control U.S. government, sadness for the Puerto Rican people who had to go through such predatory brutality and triumph not only for Albizu Campos, Vidal Santiago Diaz (his stand against the National Guard at his barber shop), the Nationalistas, but for the whole Puerto Rican Independence movement.
Puerto Ricans should never forget the destruction that this utterly godless US government and it’s predatory corporations leave behind when they enter ANY country. I hope i can help in some way in the near future. Grace & Peace. Pete Mojica
Lisa lamberty
/ April 10, 2016My name is lisa lamberty and im a 9th desendent of the beauchamps.. Your book is very 👍..
Oscar Rodriguez
/ March 28, 2016I understand the book addressing of our past history and its title, but we are now exploring our conditions to address the present in order to plan for the island future. The title does not blend into today’s hyper activity and competitive global environment. Today’s war is not against Puerto Ricans. If you want to write a book with the components that will help address our new kind of war it should focus on the issues of internal mismanagement, self interest, failure to self govern, and the inability of leaders to lead in the Island.
The outlines for decision making have been presented to Puerto Ricans for decades. Today people discuss and project expertise on the effects of colonization, but no one mentions that most countries have been a colony of some other country at one time or another. A more interesting dialogue on the dynamics of the Islands struggle for sovereignty would be “How to counteract conditions of colonialism and resource dependency to develop internal controls for self-determination.”
Chris Martinez
/ March 27, 2016Thank you for all that you do for Puerto Ricans!
Josue
/ March 2, 2016Saludos, ¿dónde puedo conseguir tu libro Guerra contra todos los puertorriqueños, en español.
Michael
/ February 18, 2016Nelson,
I just finished reading War Against All Puerto Ricans. I’m wrapping up my time in grad school this semester studying National Security Affairs, and my final class is an elective. I chose Latin American Studies because I’m fascinated with the people, culture, politics and issues south of the US.
I had been familiar with US intervention and colonialism in Latin America, but this class has really opened my eyes to the extent of manipulation and exploitation. Your book, in particular, taught me so much about Puerto Rico’s suffering under US control. I served in Iraq while I was in the military, and I’m proud of many aspects of the USA. However, it’s important that all US Americans recognize the ugliness of its past.
Puerto Rico’s problems need to be addressed, and the island deserves independence if the majority of Puerto Ricans seek it.
Pepito
/ January 5, 2016Re: The Mafia Godfather of Puerto Rico Jan 5, 2015 Blog:
Many of these recent posts, if they’re mostly true, should have sounded the alarms a while ago not just simply among the PR diaspora, but REALLY among the PR islanders. But none of the posts have had much of an effect in rousting the islander’s to do what needs to be done ( a herculean infusion of powder milk biscuits required?? ).
Questions to be asked:
1 ) This site seems to be one of current “touchstone”/“go-to” websites as it relates PR islander history/politics. Why is it then, that very, very few people are seen commenting on this site, on either the home/blogger pages? There is absolutely no dialogue between people commenting. ( It’s all “echo chamber” commenting…). After all, it’s well known PR’s #1 pastime is talking politics. However, one can go to most daily newspapers in the U.S. and find up to hundreds of bloggers commenting on a wide range of “benign in comparison to PR” issues on a daily basis.. The PR diaspora must be approaching 10 million… Out of those numbers, how many on the island are doing anything to effectively deal with all of these purported serious abuses by a power, that arguably engages in a sociopathic/empathetic (chronically tolerant/forgiving ) predator/victim relationship?? Talk, talk, talk…. Ever since 1898, 1952, etc…; All the while, getting the rug pulled out from under one’s feet, and summarily dismissed in relation to bottom line issues?
2 ) Are ALL of the blogs/comments that have been printed on the english version site, been appropriately translated in spanish and applied to the spanish language version? If it hasn’t been accomplished, it needs to be.
A thought that’s crossed my mind is this: For supposedly being a “sister” nation and performing in a manner reflective of what reasonable U.S. Constitutional governance is, I see a defeated people. Defeated generations ago. Not physically/intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually. It was planned ( by the U.S. ) and executed precisely in a manner to elicit the former. But without telling the PR’s the truth of their ( U.S.’s ) real intentions ( ongoing ). And, it took the church as well as the state to pull this off ( ongoing ). That concert was performed without missing a note; after learning from past mistakes. The islander PR’s and any of those whom were born and raised on the island long enough prior to leaving, seem to have contracted this “malignant disease” that has led to “degenerative moral back-bone” in almost all aspects of their lives. The Cubans/Mexicans and others’ figured it out pretty quickly and did what was necessary to extricate themselves from the toxic relationship they found themselves in….long ago.
Pepito
/ January 5, 2016NOT POSTING ON EITHER HOME PAGE NOR BLOG… PLACING COMMENT HERE:
Re: The Mafia Godfather of Puerto Rico :
Many of these recent posts, if they’re mostly true, should have sounded the alarms a while ago not just simply among the PR diaspora, but REALLY among the PR islanders. But none of the posts have had much of an effect in rousting the islander’s to do what needs to be done ( a herculean infusion of powder milk biscuits required?? ).
Questions to be asked:
1 ) This site seems to be one of current “touchstone”/“go-to” websites as it relates PR islander history/politics. Why is it then, that very, very few people are seen commenting/dialoging on this site, on either the home/blogger pages? There is absolutely no dialogue between people commenting. ( It’s all “echo chamber” commenting…). After all, it’s well known PR’s #1 pastime is talking politics. However, one can go to most daily newspapers in the U.S. and find up to hundreds of bloggers commenting on a wide range of “benign in comparison to PR” issues on a daily basis.. The PR diaspora must be approaching 10 million… Out of those numbers, how many on the island are doing anything to effectively deal with all of these purported serious abuses by a power, that arguably engages in a sociopathic/empathetic (chronically tolerant/forgiving ) predator/victim relationship?? Talk, talk, talk…. Ever since 1898, 1952, etc…; All the while, getting the rug pulled out from under one’s feet, and summarily dismissed in relation to bottom line issues?
2 ) Are ALL of the blogs/comments that have been printed on the english version site, been appropriately translated in spanish and applied to the spanish language version? If it hasn’t been accomplished, it needs to be.
A thought that’s crossed my mind is this: For supposedly being a “sister” nation and performing in a manner reflective of what reasonable U.S. Constitutional governance is, I see a defeated people. Defeated generations ago. Not physically/intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually. It was planned ( by the U.S. ) and executed precisely in a manner to elicit the former. But without telling the PR’s the truth of their ( U.S.’s ) real intentions ( ongoing ). And, it took the church as well as the state to pull this off ( ongoing ). That concert was performed without missing a note; after learning from past mistakes. The islander PR’s and any of those whom were born and raised on the island long enough prior to leaving, seem to have contracted this “malignant disease” that has led to “degenerative moral back-bone” in almost all aspects of their lives. The Cubans/Mexicans and others’ figured it out pretty quickly and did what was necessary to extricate themselves from the toxic relationship they found themselves in….long ago.
Beautiful Chaos
/ August 18, 2017This is a small sideline question that I have? Many might see it as trivial.
But having a voracious appetite for historical context, I think the subject matter needs more insight, providing the circumstances. I would be extremely honored to get a response.,
So…was Ruby Black the half sister of LMM?; (and this is according to the FBI?)
I get into an argument with my mother yesterday who states fervently that Ruby Black was one of his lovers, which somehow seemed vaguely familiar for some reason. I then was told (because oral history is a mf) that Inez his wife made them break things off with Ruby … half hour later my sister sends me this link:
“http://www.vozdelcentro.org/2007/10/14/251-ruby-black-periodista-feminista-y-su-importancia-en-washington-para-munoz-marin/I mean (because they love to challenge me)
In where some dude goes on to say:
” Ruby Black es el caso mas exacto de como Luis Muñoz Marin usaba la gente y la desechaba. Lo mismo le hizo a Jesus T. Piñero, a Ernesto Ramos Antonini, a Roberto Sanchez Vilella, entre otros. Estas mujeres feministas, Ruby, Muna e Ines sentian una gran atraccion hacia el poeta, y todas se enamoraron de el. Ruby fue amante de Muñoz y fue eliminada por Ines al punto que Muñoz no se atrevio apenas a mencionarla en su autobiografia. No es que fuera malagradecido o que la olvidara, estaba Ines por el medio que exigio a Muñoz solo para ella. Munoz e Ines estaban hechos tal para cual, los dos eran ambiciosos y adoraban el poder”.
Ok… I understand that everyone has their own sense of the past, and that there is a difference between historical facts and emotional truths, or the possibility that the person who wrote this can be some eddie spaghetti who has his facts wrong…but at the end of the day there is either misinformation floating out there, ….or more to this.
..was this also a story of incest, or is it all false information? Im confused.
In her biography Ruby is listed as the daughter of George Washington Black and Cornelia (Long) Black. Her father, a cotton farmer and politician, served a term in the Texas legislature and was the mayor of Thornton etc. (which coincides …right?}
Upon researching Cornelia Jane Long Black, her mother, and Munoz Rivera’s “alleged lover” I didn’t find Ruby Black listed as one of her mother/fathers 8 children, supporting your revelation.
To add to this- a more interesting aspect is Ruby Black’s connection to Washington where she served as liaison to the white house as a correspondent. Good friends to the Roosevelts and Biographer of Eleanor. She was no doubt a brave woman and great champion for Womens rights- very accomplished, but this just adds to the intrigue. So was she of P.R. descent? because if she was we need to pump her, and add her to the pantheon.
Was she also his 1/2 sister/ lover unbeknownst to him? *raises an eyebrow*
-This has quickly turned into Game of Thrones
and if thats not enough -what of his wife Muna; another champion for Women’s rights/ political activist, and accomplished poet and writer, working cultural affairs for the state department for two decades!- prior to that – was part of US Intelligence during WWI, and the Secret Service before she even married Luis Munoz Marin.
I just find it all peculiar. So, am I feeding too deep into this?
Please shed some light,
PS you’re book was amazing, enthralling, and a must read for everyone
-Not just Puerto Ricans. Thanks for the jumpstart.
James Robert Becraft
/ December 30, 2015Finished your outstanding book, WAR AGAINST ALL PUERTO RICANS…. a story that needed to be told. Live on the Oregon Coast and this book demonstrates for me once again the challenges we americanos face to support our highest dreams of equity, justice, and liberty to all. Recommended: Schmidt, Hans, THE UNITED STATES OCCUPATION OF HAITI: 1915-1934; Miller, Robert J., NATIVE AMERICA, DISCOVERED, CONQUERED, THOMAS JEFFERSON, LEWIS AND CLARK, & MANIFEST DESTINY.
Clearly the good guys and the bad guys inhabit our national and international landscape with the full capacity to speak as eloquently as you have to high aspirations and to take this country into low-places such as have our nation’s leadership (with our acquiescence) into such as the conquest of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines.
sonia
/ December 13, 2015Hi Nelson-saw you at the community center on 121 street and again you spoke about the march from Orlando to Jacksonville Florida. Would like to get more information on the value of such a march, what would be the impact and if there are any organizing committees/organization all ready doing this work.
Sonia
Denise Ross
/ December 5, 2015Hi Mr.Denis, it is an honor to write you in behalf of my father Mr. Frank Ross. My name is Denise Ross it’s a pleasure to have found you after talking with my father the other day, he inform me that he met you last month at Graterford Pa. with all due respect Mr. Denis for taken up any of your time, if you could received a package of my father materials of his work, without a doubt you’ll know that my father is a great writer, that said, I hope this information is useful and helpful in your interests.Thank you and God bless ☺
Denise Ross
/ December 5, 2015Hi Mr. Denis, it is an honor to write you in behalf of my father Mr. Frank Ross, my name is Denise Ross it’s a pleasure to have found you after talking with my father the other day, he inform me that he met you last month at Grater Ford Pa. with all due respect Mr. Denis for taken up any of your time, if you could received a package of my father materials of his work, without a doubt you’ll know that my father is a great writer, that said, I hope this information is useful and helpful in your interests. my e-mail is deniseross45@yahoo.com I’m looking forward to your response. Thank you and God Bless
Denise Ross
/ December 5, 2015Hi Mr. Denis, it is a honor to write you in behalf of my father Mr. Frank Ross, my name is Denise Ross it’s a pleasure to have found you after talking with my father the other day, he inform me that he met you last month at Grater ford Pa. with all due respect Mr. Denis for taken up any of your time, if you could received a package of my father materials of his work, without a doubt you’ll know that my father is a great writer, that said, I hope this information is useful and helpful in your interests. my e-mail is deniseross45@yahoo.com I’m looking forward to your response, Thank you and God Bless
Eli Monserrate Rodriguez
/ December 1, 2015Hola Mr. Nelson,
Estoy leyendo su libro y ha causado en mi un profundo dolor en ver como nuestra isla ha sidoa abusada por los EEUU. Naci , me crie y estudie en PR . Mi educacion elemental fue en un colegio catolico en PR y en USA. La escuela intermedia , superior y universidad(CAAM) fue en PR. Mi educacion fue bilingue y la verdad es que la historia que nos enseñan en PR es una historia falsa. Nos lavan el cerebro y nos “americanizan”
para mantenernos subyugados e incapazes de reclamar nuestra libertad como nacion libre e independiente. Su libro me ha abierto los ojos y propagare su mensaje a todos mis familiares y amigos. Gracias
Armando Lugo
/ November 17, 2015Hi Nelson. I am ××××× and I have story to tell (and written). I am 48 years-old, Puerto Rican, male and a SURVIVOR of both physical, emotional and psychological abuse. It is my hope that you, the world will take an interest in my story because to be truly honest you can not make this shit up. Furthermore I want to give others that are currently experiencing something similar the sense that they are not alone and can overcome these unfortunate circumstances too. Thank you.
waterloo4me
/ September 24, 2015I am so sorry that I could not attend your lecture in Hartford, CT on September 19. I had to be in DC. I have periodically visited the island since 1993 on art business. I am well acquainted with the historic struggle of Puerto Ricans on and in many different areas. I am not PR but as an American, I do not and never have approved of my country our country, becoming the colonial power that we fought against in our revolution. So we became the people we most dispised. My opinion is that the the independence movement has made a historic mistake demanding referendums on the island. The middle class would never vote in favor of independence as well as other elements of Puerto Rico’s society. They should have lobbied our mainland government and our states to open up the referendum to all Americans. I truly feel that the majority of Americans would vote for Puerto Rican independence.
Peace. Brother.
Bill Katz
Noemi Arguinzoni
/ August 24, 2015Thank you for your book. Like many others I have cried. I would like to know what can I do? I live in Massachusetts. In a city full of Puerto Ricans. So many of us would like to get involved.
Jose E Colom
/ August 20, 2015Addendum:
A comment to Mr. Reiner’s posting. I’m proud to say that Abby Lugo was my cousin.
Jose E Colom
/ August 20, 2015Saludos Sr. Denis,
My name is Jose Enrique Colom III. My great-grandfather, R. Ulpiano Colom, was the mayor of Ponce when the U.S. invaded the island. My grandfather, Jose Enrique Colom was a colonel in the U.S. Army and interim governor of Puerto Rico after Winship was fired. My father, Jose Enrique Colom Jr., also served in the army and was a federal employee (Selective Service and Post Office) for 35 years. I was conditioned and brainwashed by my grandfather, father and the private school system to think that Albizu was a coward that in 1950 had surrendered by waving his dirty underwear to the soldiers.
I was an active participant in the 1968 P.R. election with Antonio Palerm, Carlos Romero and Luis Ferre. I have been a “estadista” all my life. That is until the recent events in the island and the reading of your book, “War Against All Puerto Ricans” opened my eyes to the reality of the Puerto Rican situation.
I, together with my wife and three daughters, migrated to the United States back in 1971. We spent 9 years in Massachusetts and have lived in Houston since 1980. I am now 70 years old and retired.
I congratulate you for such fine writing and for contributing to my freedom.
Jose Enrique Colom III
Humble, Texas
Allen Reiner
/ August 6, 2015Hola Nelson,
A wonderful article in today’s New York Times! I read it and already ordered your book.
I spent 26 or 27 years on annual vacations to Vieques… and had a wonderful friend; ABBY LUGO. did you know him?
Allen
Jose E. Colom
/ August 20, 2015Hello Mr. Reiner. Abby Lugo was my cousin. His accidental death in Vieques was a big blow to our family.
Jose E. Colom
Humble, Texas
Rafael Cardona
/ July 28, 2015Hello Mr. Denis,
I hope this email finds you well and would like to take this opportunity to mention that my girlfriend and I saw you on “Tiempo” last Sunday and we enjoyed listening to your comments and perspectives on the financial crises in Puerto Rico. We also discovered that you wrote/directed a film Vote for me! But unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find the film on any of the digital outlets.
I’ve searched, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Movies and YouTube, but with no results of Vote for me! So, we hope that you could assist us in where we could purchase or view your film and if you are planning to have a book signing or speaking engagement in New York City anytime soon.
We thank you for your time and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Rafael Cardona
Rosemarie Torres
/ November 15, 2015For Mr. Rafael Cardona:
FYI–Mr. Denis will be at Hostos Community College in the Bronx, New York- Friday, November 20, 2015
Carlos de Jesus
/ July 25, 2015Hello Mr. Denis. I recently wrote a poem that I think you may find interesting. Could you please contact me via e-mail?
Ozzie
/ July 17, 2015Hi Mr. Denis!
First and foremost, thank you so much for your book. As a kid growing up in Puerto Rico, 70% of the history of Puerto Rico that I knew came from the book “Paginas de Nuestra Historia.” Stemming from the information related in that book, I always felt sorry for the tainos due to the colonization process. However, after reading your book, I learned how fortunate they were because they were the only ones who can claim the island as theirs( prior to the colonization). Since the tainos ” el cantito de tierra NUNCA ha sido nuestro” and that is sad and deplorable.
If you allow me, I have a compound question for you: After reading the Pierluisi’s letter in the Washington Post today (7/17/15), I asked why is SO HARD for “borinquenos” to comprehend that we were, are, and will always be looked as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class citizens by any government of USA? Why so many intellectual and intelligent “borinquenos” with much higher level of education than our parents ( I am 52 y/o) insist in thinking that one day we will be a state? and last what would you tell somebody who claims that if Puerto Rico was an associate republic or independent the island status would revert to what it was prior to the times of Luis Munoz Marin?
Muy agradecido por la ensenanza adquirida en su libro. I cried and suffered while reading it but needed to know the truth prior to leaving this life. God Bless!!!!!!
OZZIE
Larry Lee
/ June 28, 2015Hi Denis, I greatly enjoyed your Afterwords Interview with Teresita Levy on Book TV (http://www.c-span.org/video/?325748-1/words-nelson-denis#). In it however you mentioned the US bombing of Utuado in 1950 and said that it was the only time in US history in which the US government intentionally bombed US citizens. Unfortunately, this is not true. In 1921, the US airforce assisted in the bombing of US citizens during the battle of Blair Mountain in West Virginia (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Blair_Mountain#The battle). While the aircraft that dropped the bombs were “privately owned”, the bombing took place with the full knowlege of the US government, President Warren Harding publically threatened to send Air Force bombers to attack the striking miners a few days prior, and the US army bombers provided reconnaissance for the attackers. Unfortunately, the US has an extensive history of using extreme violence against it’s own citizens.
Itaia Muxaic de Ricart
/ June 27, 2015Grandioso el panorama historico hoy explicado por Ud. en “Book Review” of Public television ! (6.27.2015. “War against all Puerto Ricans”. ). Ruben Berrios recently attended the historic meeting in Panama together with the 33 nations of CELAC (Community of Nations of Latin America and the Caribbean) with the United States represented by President Obama. Berrios is an internationally recognized expert on international law with degrees from Oxford and Harvard. He served for many years as the electoral candidate in Puerto Rico for the PIP, and independent from his association with the PIP, he was for several decades the most voted senator in Puerto Rico.
Manny Oteyza
/ June 26, 2015Hi Mr. Denis, I just finished your book and it was eye-opening. I am currently working on a documentary project that is in-line with the topics mentioned in your book. Is there a way to reach you off-line. I recently produced the documentary Blackfish and wanted to talk in more detail.
Hiram Vazquez
/ June 4, 2015Saludos Dennis cuando en el libro mencionas a Astol Calero me vino a la mente inmediatamente su recuerdo pues llego a ser superintendente de la policial de Puerto Rico y compañero de mi padre En la policías de Puerto Rico. Mi padre trabajo en el Depto de Inteligencia de la policías de PR. Leí su libro y demás esta decirle que lo devore en 3 días prácticamente. Todo el tiempo fueron “flash back” pues recuerdo ir sábados con mi padre a visitar personas que eran informantes y uno que nunca olvidare fue Alejandro Gonzalez Malave quien fue reclutado como Inf. Desde que estudiaba en la High. En las carpeta cuando se comenzaron hacer las entregas de las mismas recuerdo en el periódico el nuevo día mi padre fue mencionado como uno de los agentes investigadores. Fue siempre difícil para el puesto que toda nuestra familia eran nacionalistas como Ramón Arbona presidente de la FUPI luego publicista y así por el estilo. Esa es la historia que omiten en el departamento de educación y definitivamente LMM fue el
Traidor mas grande en la historia de Puerto Rico. Mi padre fue parte de su escolta como de Sánchez Vilella y del
Propio Don Luis A Ferré. Siempre recuerdo cuando me decía que nunca habrá ser humano o gobernador más noble que Don Luis A Ferré pero una pena que estaba del Bando equivocado que si don Luis hubiese sido independentista ya Puerto Rico hubiese sido independiente. Allá lo que creen que son los americanos no somos nada eso es para que se den cuenta el efecto que ha hecho la Americanización en el puertorriqueño la baja autoestima que tiene la mayoría en este país.
Hiram Vazquez
/ June 4, 2015Saludos espero que “War against all Puerto Ricans” no que solo plasmado en libro. En estos momento que atraviesa Puerto Rico seria la película idónea para un pueblo sin rumbo donde ambos partidos de mayoría lo que han hecho en los últimos 30 años a sido devastar la economía de nuestra patria sirviendo intereses tanto extranjeros con los famosos amigos políticos seria un despertar para la independencia prácticamente desaparecida un partido digo igual que el país sin rumbo cuando podremos verla a ver sil la gente se desprende del manto de inferioridad y demuestran que Puerto Rico si puede ser independiente.
Vilma Rivera
/ June 3, 2015Is the book translated to spanish?
Maribel Maldonado
/ May 19, 2015Hola Nelson
Leí la entrevista que le hizo el periódico El Nuevo Dia en PR…que me pareció excelente. Estoy interesada en leer su libro y me gustaría saber si va a ser traducido al español. Le agradecerè me deje saber. Muchas gracias.
Maribel Maldonado
ernest acosta
/ May 19, 2015HI
My name Ernest Acosta, I am the major research in the 65th court martial in Korea. My question is, do you think that the 65th court martial were in some way connected to the the Puerto Rican revolt?
Shayra Diaz
/ May 17, 2015Le felicito por ser amante d mi Patria! Y me gustaría conocerle para aprender de usted en cómo ayudar a mi país a mejorar y salir de esta crisis. Definitivamente siento que usted es clave en dicha transformación.
Carlos Rodriguez
/ May 17, 2015Me gustaría comprar su libro titulado guerra contra todos los puertorriqueños, aquí en Puerto Rico para llevárselo a mi padre en Florida y que se lo dediqué
Remy
/ May 17, 2015Para saber donde puede obtener el libro visite https://www.facebook.com/WarAgainstAllPuertoRicans , tambien encontrara los lugares donde el autor se estara presentando
Rob Brodsky
/ April 26, 2015Your book is now listed at http://www.Yalie.com!
Dr. Rex
/ April 25, 2015I would also be willing to help in the translation, if it ever becomes a reality. I’m a retired physician with plenty of time on my hands. Fully bilingual ….. My family is the Rexach family from Puerto Rico, who established the Rexach Construction Company and related, through my dad, to Silvia Rexach & Jaime Benitez Rexach. 🙂
Dr. Rex
/ April 25, 2015Hi! It is an honor and a pleasure to have found you. I received your book through the mail yesterday and I find it amazing. The story behind it, I know a bit. I was born in PR in 1950 … Now I’m getting a lot of historical facts that I didn’t know about. My thinking and feelings about Puerto Rico/USA are surely going to change. I feel an awakening of feelings that were dormant. TY for taking on this endeavor. I love your writing style!!
Most of all I thank you for stopping by “It Is What It Is” and the follow. My blog is a bit of everything …. I sincerely hope that you enjoy your visits there.
I also want to thank you for the Twitter follow …. @hrexach
Peace …. wishing you the best of wishes ever. Abrazos!!
Edith M. Prado
/ April 20, 2015Hi I purchased your book on Amazon, can’t wait to read it!
Cariños
your cousin,
Edith
William Isaacson
/ April 13, 2015Dear Mr. Denis, I wanted to hear your speech at the Harvard Club tomorrow evening, but I was told admission would be denied. I am Dr. William D. Isaacson, Adjunct Full Professor of English and ESL at Nassau Community College. My life was saved by Fidel Castro on November 1, 1950 when I was a student at the University of Havana, which the Federacion Estudiantil Universitaria had closed down for 3 days in sympathy with the Puerto Rican cause for independence. I also knew Sonia Ellis of El Diario-La Prensa.
Airam Ortiz
/ April 13, 2015Hola Denis,
I just heard your interview, it was fascinating and a truth that many are unaware of. I wonder if you will be doing any other readings. I looked into the Wed event but it is only for members only.
Jorge Diaz Figueroa
/ April 10, 2015Con gusto le ayudo a traducirlo.
Christian Pollock
/ March 24, 2015Hola Nelson
Primero que todo, gracias por escribir War Agaisnt All Puerto Ricans. Ya ordene el libro y estoy super emocionado por leerlo.
Como muchos Puertorriqueños que nacieron en la isla, estoy bastante ignorante a la realidad de nuestro país. La historia que se enseñan en los colegios es muy editada y no refleja el verdadero dolor de nuestra isla. Tu pagina a refrescado mi mente y me a abierto los ojos a la realización que millones de Puertorriqueños estamos viviendo una mentira y la influencia Americana ha cegado nuestro país. Adicionalmente, hace poco me entere que Hiram Beauchamp era primo de mi abuelo el cual nos hace familia. Esto me ha dado un gran interés en aprender sobre nuestra historia y poder entender el motivo de sus acciones.
Te escribo porque me has inspirado y me gustaría ayudar a promover el mensaje de tu libro. Trabajo como director creativo en publicidad, fotógrafo y recientemente empecé a expandir al mundo de cine con un documental que sale ahora en el verano. Me encantaría educarme todo lo mas posible y después que lea tu libro, me gustaría conocerte para discutir como podríamos colaborar juntos. Aquí hay una gran historia que debe ser contanda. Si, te interesa ser ayudado, por favor considerarme como un candidato listo para trabajar.
No se si todavía vives en New York, pero si alguna vez quieres hablar por teléfono o en persona estoy disponible.
Espero que este mensaje te llegue. Tambien te envie un email a nelsondenis248@aol.com
Gracias
P.S. Please excuse my Spanish grammar.
Christian Pollock Beauchamp
Carlos J. Rivera
/ March 24, 2015solamente version ingles?
Randy
/ March 23, 2015Hi Dennis, I’ve love for you to come to my class and share your story at my Terrorism class.
victor soler
/ February 25, 2015Will this book be available in audiobooks cd?
My father is blind and he would very much like to read your book.
abuelacool
/ February 21, 2015Hola, Nelson. Te acabo de conocer gracias al escrito sobre el premio de Powerball. Te felicito por tus logros, por corregor nuestra historia y defender este país. Definitivamente voy a adquirir tu libro. Mucho éxito en el futuro. Abrazo!
Zulma Rivera
Nelson A. Denis
/ February 21, 2015Gracias, Zulma. La verdad y la justicia triunfarán.
Edith m. Prado
/ August 25, 2014I will definetly do that its been to long.
Edith
Anonymous
/ August 25, 2014Edith,
My e-mail is nelsondenis248@aol.com. I’d love to talk sometime and share memories.
Nelson
Edith m. Prado
/ August 24, 2014Hi my name is Edith Prado granddaughter of Sebatian Rodriguez brother of Salome Rodriguez. I live in Delaware. My mom Georgina was close to sari.