Samuel Rodriguez Responds to Puerto Rican Crisis After Governor’s Vulgar Comments
Thousands of protesters filled the streets Saturday to protest Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rosselló after offensive chat comments were leaked.
Rosselló’s chat history from his Telegram app messages revealed comments making light of Hurricane Maria and vulgar quotes against women and LGBT people.
Rosselló announced he will not run for re-election. He is also resigning as president of the New Progressive Party.
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, along with NHCLC leaders releases the following statement on the unfolding political crisis in Puerto Rico:
As an American of Puerto Rican descent, I am extremely troubled by the recent developments in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is much more than an island. Our blessed land continues to change the world with the arts, creativity, innovation and unbridled spirituality.
Accordingly, the messages and chats emerging from the Commonwealth’s senior political leadership can best be described as reprehensible.
For that matter, we, the NHCLC, hereby call upon the governor and his administration to take all the necessary steps to repair the damage and facilitate a political environment that fosters trust and serves reconciliation.
Puerto Rico overcame Hurricane Maria. This land of enchantment will likewise overcome these repulsive chats. I welcome the news Gov. Rosselló will not seek re-election, yet Puerto Rico similarly needs to overcome corruption in its political apparatus, unfunded entitlements, uncontrollable debt and constant political gridlock.
I pray that out of this crisis Puerto Rico becomes more united, invigorated by purpose and the promise that Puerto Rico 2.0 will be greater, in all metrics, than ever before.
Puerto Rico, rise up, in Jesus’ name!
