VivirLatino

Remember that video of Illinois Democrat, Congressman, and Puerto Rican Luis Gutierrez denouncing the actions of police against the UPR student protesters? Well Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi said that Gutierrez insulted Puerto Rico, it’s residents and him.

“The speech was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Puerto Rico. I hope such action will not be repeated. But if it is, make no mistake: I will return to this floor again to defend my constituents – and the government they chose in free and fair elections – from all unwarranted attacks,” he said.

The resident commissioner said that comparing Puerto Rico to an authoritarian country not only demeans island residents but “the millions of men and women around the world who suffer under real dictatorships, who are truly oppressed, and who lack the dignity that comes only with genuine freedom.

The speech was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Puerto Rico. I hope such action will not be repeated. But if it is, make no mistake: I will return to this floor again to defend my constituents – and the government they chose in free and fair elections – from all unwarranted attacks,” he said.

Pierluisi also pulled the old “island vs. stateside Rican” defense, saying that Gutierrez representing parts of Chicago has no right to speak for Puerto Ricans. Except for one small problem. Pierluisi, who “represents” Puerto Rico has no vote. Doesn’t that sound democratic?

In Pierluisi’s defense, he was voted by the people of Puerto Rico to his seat. He shares political parties with the governor of the island and that party advocates for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state of the United States.

Updated to add that on Facebook someone started a group called :
A mi me representa Gutiérrez y no Pierluisi.

I am not a Gutierrez cheerleader but it’s brilliant.

Via / National Institute for Latino Policy