Why are people protesting in Puerto Rico? 5 facts about the call for Governor Rosselló to resign – By Marissa Higgins (Daily Kos) / July 21 2019
What’s up in Puerto Rico right now? If you’ve been following along on social media, you’ve likely seen countless photos and videos from Old San Juan, where half a million people have gathered to call for the Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, to resign. Why? It’s a little complicated, but absolutely historic for more than one reason. We can break it down below.
1. A $15.5 million money scandal
Just a few days before close to a thousand private texts were released (discussed more below), the FBI arrested two former senior officials (Julia Keleher and Ángela Ávila-Marrero) in Rosselló’s administration. Why? For allegedly using federal money to fund favored businesses. Basically, they’re accused of taking this money from vulnerable people in Puerto Rico and giving it to businesses that contractors with political connections. This money totals at an estimated $15.5 million and the 23 related charges include fraud and money laundering.
2. 900 pages of sickening private texts
Next up, local sources published excerpts from absolutely disgusting chat messages between Rosselló and other members of the administration, including associates and lobbyists. The chats, which were sent via Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, were filled with homophobic and sexist remarks, including about Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan. Cruz, you probably know from her standing up to Trump post-Maria (and his recent descriptions of her as “incompetent” and “despicable,” among other things)… And also because she plans to run against Rosselló in 2020.
Oh—And the chat includes “jokes” about dead bodies piling up post-Maria.
The Center for Investigative Journalism published nearly 900 pages of these chats in mid-July, and from there, people were (understandably) outraged.
3. How long have people been protesting?
As of today (Sunday), about two weeks. The protests have been non-stop and, according to reports from people on the ground, have resulted in some bars and restaurants closing early or entirely. On Thursday, the Miami Herald reported that police in San Juan used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters outside of the Governor’s mansion (La Fortaleza).
Keep in mind, that while small protests have happened in Puerto Rico, the size and length of this protest is absolutely historic for the island. While much coverage has been about protests in Old San Juan, they’ve also occurred in other parts of the island, including Ponce.
4. What do protesters want?
In short: For Rosselló to resign.
5. Is there a chance the Governor will be impeached?
Indeed! While protesters are calling for him to resign, the Department of Justice and Office of Government Ethics for Puerto have launched investigations to determine whether the leaked texts suggest actual law violations. If so, it may be enough to begin the impeachment process.
What are people saying on social media? Plenty. Let’s dig in.
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (whose mother was born in Puerto Rico) weighed in:
The people of Puerto Rico have spoken loudly and clearly for the world to hear.
We must stand with la isla. Rosselló must resign. https://t.co/X3hjnJBfA0
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 19, 2019
Ricky Martin (who was mocked for his sexuality in the leaked messages) tweeted:
#PuertoRico nos vemos mañana en el la marcha a ls 5pm frente al Capitolio pic.twitter.com/4cZM1KF3Kn
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 17, 2019
Bernie Sanders tweeted support for the protesters:
I stand with the people of Puerto Rico in their fight against corruption and join them in calling for the immediate resignation of Governor Rosselló.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 21, 2019
Here are some shots of the crowd outside the Governor’s mansion, in Old San Juan:
The crowd seems to be growing in front of the Puerto Rico Governors mansions. Every day. Every night. This has been going on for nearly 2 weeks. 99% of it has been peaceful. pic.twitter.com/zyQWQIljSI
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) July 20, 2019
Further back of protesters in the streets:
20 years ago, #PuertoRico mobilized to remove US Marine- world’s most powerful military- out of Vieques as it was bombarded & ppl died of cancer.
We succeed & got the Marine out
20 years later, @ricardorossello will run into same destiny, bcs ppl won’t back down #RickyRenuncia pic.twitter.com/lIh8Hrwjrl
— Samy Nemir Olivares (@Samynemir) July 21, 2019
And at night:
The tenth night of protests in Puerto Rico is happening now.#RickyRenuciaYa
— Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) July 21, 2019
And in the heat:
Puerto Rico doesn’t look like they’ll stop protesting any time soon.#RickyRenuncia
— Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) July 21, 2019
Early morning yoga:
Mass #yoga Sunday morning outside of governor’s mansion in Old #SanJuan as people prepare themselves for the struggles to come. #puertorico #sanjuanpr #viejosanjuan #fortaleza pic.twitter.com/iFfeNU9YfE
— Michael Deibert (@michaelcdeibert) July 21, 2019
Seriously, tons and tons of people:
Puerto Rico!! You’re doing amazing sweetie!!! Taking the streets and demanding change!!! My heart is with all of you tonight!!!! #RickyRenuncia
— devilette¹⁷ (@deviIette) July 15, 2019
Of course, Trump tweeted lots of inaccuracies:
A lot of bad things are happening in Puerto Rico. The Governor is under siege, the Mayor of San Juan is a despicable and incompetent person who I wouldn’t trust under any circumstance, and the United States Congress foolishly gave 92 Billion Dollars for hurricane relief, much….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2019
Hillary Clinton also tweeted support:
I stand with the people of Puerto Rico as they protest the corruption and disgraceful behavior of their government. Like all Americans, they have the fundamental right—and duty—to hold their leaders to account.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2019
As did Kamala Harris:
The only path to justice for the people of Puerto Rico is to speak truth against divisive and corrupt leaders. I stand with them as they protest and demand accountability.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 20, 2019
And Elizabeth Warren:
I've been standing with the people of Puerto Rico in their protests against corruption and their governor’s behavior. The people have spoken—loud and clear: @RicardoRossello should resign. https://t.co/cdqSC59GlM
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 19, 2019
