On June 11th, New York City will host its annual Puerto Rican Day parade.
But don’t expect it to be the same as other years. It has been irreparably damaged and is now a disgrace.
Why? Because its organizers have made oscar lopez rivera, the head of a terrorist organization who was just released from jail after 35 years (and damn well should still be there) its “National Freedom Hero” and celebrated guest.
In the 1970’s, oscar lopez rivera ran a terrorist group called Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional (FALN) in English, The Armed Forces of National Liberation.
FALN’s goal? Puerto Rico’s independence from the United States, by any means necessary. Even though the Puerto Rican people – then and now – rejected independence in every vote ever taken.
To that end, FALN planted something like 130 bombs in cities around the country, causing massive damage and at least 6 fatalities…4 in the Fraunces Tavern bombing alone.
rivera was sentenced to 55 years in jail. And, according to the reports I’ve read, at parole hearings he has never shown even the slightest bit of remorse for overseeing this carnage.
So what did President Obama do on his way out the door? Why he commuted rivera’s sentence, of course.
And now this terrorist pig is a free man….and an immediate guest of honor at the Puerto Rican Day parade.
The good news? Major backers of the parade are running from it.
So far, Goya Foods, Jet Blue and The New York Yankees are gone – with, I expect, more to come.
As for political figures? Here is what New York Police Commissioner James O’Neill had to say, upon refusing to participate:
“I can’t support a man who was the co-founder of an organization that engaged in over 120 bombings, six people killed and seriously injured police officers”
Good for you, commissioner.
But his boss – far leftist Mayor bill de blasio? No problem at all. He’ll happily march. And then tell you how much he supports the police.
Though it is true that there have been unpleasant incidents in the past, The Puerto Rican Day usually is a fun, enjoyable event that many in the city look forward to.
Now it can go straight to el diablo, along with its terrorist hero and the people who want to celebrate him.
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UPDATE: AT&T has now joined Goya, Jet Blue and the Yankees in pulling out. I hope every other sponsor does the same.
