Scott A. Olson 🧷

Writer | @GWTrachtenberg M.P.P. & @Oregon_Law J.D. alum | @TrumanProject political partner. #InsularAffairs & #IndoPacific.
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[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn That's a fair point, and I'm not going to try to convince you that platitudes are a substitute for material restitution. For what it's worth, though, our conversation has made me a better person. I appreciate you.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn That promise isn't worth anything, I know. Actions speak louder than words. I'll educate myself on the issue so I can be a better ally. You had no duty to share so much today, and I do appreciate it, even if my words fall short of expressing that. Best wishes!

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn That's fair. You've given me a lot to think about, and I won't disrespect you by giving an ill-considered response or telling you what I think you want to hear. I do think victims deserve just compensation. I don't know what that looks like in practice here, but I'll explore it.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn I'm not opposed to reparations, and I certainly agree that America should discontinue imperial exploitation. I understand that you have no obligation to help me improve my cultural competence, which is why I appreciate your thoughtful words more than I know how to say. Thank you!

[Sage Of Time🇵🇷 @SageOfTime1]

What piece of PR content should I do(These are all by Municipio).

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn I'm sorry I'm coming across that way. No intern to blame. I'm not apologizing for being white; I'm simply trying to understand others' lived experience as best I can. You've given me a lot to think about, and I'm grateful.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @WallyPM3 That is a fair and valid perspective (not, of course, implying that my validation counts for anything). I respect your views, and I appreciate you sharing your outlook. Thank you!

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

I want to know how colonialism has affected you, especially how it makes you feel. If you're willing, please share your story in the comments. And please feel free to respond in your indigenous language, if you'd prefer. I'll do my best to understand. This is a safe space.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@vampirestildawn You are, of course, right. I did not mean to imply that injustice does not continue. Thank you for standing up for those who have been -- and continue to be -- silenced. Your compassion is admirable.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn I hope to pleasantly surprise you, but I don't begrudge your skepticism. People who look like me have victimized Puerto Ricans for over a century, and I'll claim no right to unearned trust. Thank you for sharing your experience. That takes courage.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @WallyPM3 Your point is well-taken. Voting disenfranchisement and a lack of representation is certainly not an exhaustive list of the evils of colonialism, nor can they be said to be the worst. We must acknowledge the wrongs that have been committed. Forgiveness must be earned.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PalomaGuzmn1 @vampirestildawn The trauma experienced by those who've suffered under colonialism should never be forgotten & I agree that self-determination doesn't wipe the slate clean. I'm sorry I've give you reason to doubt my good faith. I won't ask you to change your mind. I hope to deserve your trust.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@vampirestildawn I'm sorry my op-ed came across that way. Your points about the violence inflicted on Puerto by the U.S. government are well-taken. It was wrong, and we should not forget it. To be clear, I think Puerto Ricans have a right to statehood, but I respect those who disagree.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@vampirestildawn That is a valid concern, and I respect your desire to protect people from exploitation. I assure you that I would never use anyone's story without their consent. I won't ask you to take my word for it, but I hope I can earn your trust. I want to be an ally.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@fonsi724 My mistake. Our nation should be grateful for his service and sacrifice.

[ACLU @ACLU]

DC residents — the majority of whom are Black and Brown — still don't have full voting rights.

Statehood is a racial justice issue.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@jmende2 Your words are moving. I won't say that I understand, but I empathize. Thank you for helping me to be a better ally.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@destructor_y @WallyPM3 I live in Maryland. My family heritage is Scandinavian and northern European, so I'll never say that I know what discrimination feels like. I acknowledge that my privilege is in large part a result of colonialism, so I'm trying to be a better ally. Thank you again for sharing.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@PacoValcarcel @b23_bbc There is no rational justification for such discrimination. Every American deserves equal rights, including voting rights and equal representation. I'll make no defense for how Puerto Ricans have been treated. I'm doing my best to be an ally. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Scott A. Olson 🧷 @Scott_A_Olson]

@javrua That is indeed a shameful legacy, and I can tell that it has affected you deeply. I won't tell you that I understand; I don't. I'll admit that I'm privileged in that regard. But I'm moved by your words and will do my best to honor your experience by trying to be a better ally.