Dear Mr. Trump:
After consulting my brother bishops of Puerto Rico as Archbishop of San Juan de Puerto Rico, I was dismayed and horrified by the comments made by the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe yesterday, Sunday, October 27, at the Trump event at Madison Square Garden. The comedian said: "A lot of things are happening, like, I don't know if you know, but there is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. Yes. I think it's called Puerto Rico."
Puerto Rico is not a floating island of garbage. Puerto Rico is a beautiful country inhabited by very noble and precious people "For being a charm, for being an Eden!"
More Puerto Rican soldiers died in the Vietnam War in the United States Army than soldiers from any state of the United States.
I enjoy a good joke. However, humor has its limits. You should not insult or denigrate the dignity and sacred character of people. Hinchcliffe's comments not only provoke sinister laughter, but hatred. These types of comments have no place in a society founded on "Liberty and justice for all."
Hinchcliffe's comments do not promote a climate of equality, fraternity, and goodwill among and for all women and men of all races, colors, and ways of life, which is the basis of the American dream. Such comments should not be part of the political discourse of a civilized society.
I respectfully call on you to clarify that these comments do not somehow reflect your Personal or political views. It is not enough for your campaign to apologize for these comments. It is important that you apologize for these comments yourself.
May you be blessed with wisdom.
Sincerely,
Archbishop Roberto O. González Nieves, OFM
Arzobispo de San Juan de Puerto Ricovote