El Gallo Alborotoso
This column is dedicated to the same objectives as that of the great journalist H L Menken that is “to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable :
Who helped Obama sweep the Puerto Rican vote un New York city? Many independent progressive PUERTO Rican and Latino activists none of which belonged to the Bronx Democratic machine. Among those missing were then Bronx Boss Assemblyman Jose Rivera and Borough President Aldolfo Carrión, both who originally supported Hillary Clinton. Carrión did make some post primary appearances for OBAMA but locally he and Rivera did nothing to inspire the forces.
So who gets rewarded for helping Obama become President? The “son” of the Bronx Democratic machine, Adolfo Carrión. After listening to his state of the borough address I wondered how this man who had sold out the interests of the Bronx in the Yankee Stadium deal could be expected to create a forward looking urban agenda which benefits, poor, working and middle class people.
I went around the Grand Concourse asking strangers and friends what were the three main accomplishments of Mr. Carrión? Eighty percent of the respondents were unable to name one. The best comment I got was from an old Bronxite who said “he was cleaner than Stanley Simon’.
One must ask is Obama really seeking creative solutions to the problems of the city or will he simply throw money at the problem? Does the work that Carrión did in the Bronx offer us hope or will it mean more contracts for his cronies and a federal job bank for the Rivera/Díaz/ Arroyo families, or additional access for Former Bronx Democratic Chair, now consultant Roberto Ramirez and his partner, Luis Miranda who would want to have their hands in everything political.
There are many other Puerto Ricans who could have been chosen for cabinet positions. Our two New York Congressional representatives, Caesar Perales, head of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund , Gladys Carrión , Esq and many, many others.
The question we have to ask about Obama is he about “Chicago type politics” or is he really about change? His first major Puerto Rican appointment does leave us some doubt.
What do Bronx Borough President candidates City Councilmember Joel Rivera and State Assemblyman Ruben Diaz have in common with former President George Bush Jr.? Both fall within the description given by former US Senator Ann Richards who said of Bush “he was born on third base and yet he thinks he hit a triple”.
Joel Rivera’s entire political career was built by his father; Assembly member José Rivera. Rivera Jr. has no background in community activism nor much experience in urban policy. Except for slight hints of Puerto Rican nationalism there was nothing progressive about his agenda. Although the City Council Majority leader has led a few important community struggles and when necessary succumbed to the Mayor on issues like the extension of term limits.
He played a passive role in the horrendous Yankee stadium deal. He was silent when Yankees sought more city bonds and additional exemptions He has said nothing about helping to expedite the replacement parkland promised by the City to make up for the loss of Macomb’s Dam Park.
This is one of the men who hopes to be our next Borough President.
The other candidate State Assemblyman Ruben Diaz is also the son of privilege. Without his fathers help he would have never been successful in winning office.
At times Diaz has had much more of a community presence then Joel Rivera. He has spoken out on issues such as police brutality and at times taken progressive positions. He was one of the few who questioned the Yankees on their claims that they hired 25% community residents and gave 25% of the contracts to community businesses. Unfortunately, he went silent and never mentioned another word.
Where was Assemblyman Diaz during the Assembly ( Brodsky) hearings on Yankee stadium? Why has he remained so silent on this issue? Why is he now so closely associated with attorney Stanley SCHLEIN, a wheeler dealer who also serves as a consultant to the Yankees? Schlein represents business as usual does Diaz?
This is our other candidate. Both born on third base, but both swear to God that they hit a triple.
There are deep concerns about some of the latest happenings at the Center for Puerto Rican studies at Hunter College. The new advisory Board seems to be in total control by Luis Miranda and associates. The Center has always been a progressive voice in our community. If taken over by Miranda and the lobbyists we can expect an end to these days,
As Evelina Antonetty would have said if alive “los perfumados are taking over the show”.
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