Jokes at Trump Rally Spark Outrage Among Puerto Ricans

Last weekend's Donald Trump rally in New York brought controversy after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made racist remarks about Puerto Rico. Some of his jokes included calling it "a floating island of garbage in the ocean". Many Puerto Ricans were disgusted and appalled by these comments, feeling they reflected a racist mentality within the Republican party. David Silva from New Mexico was among those dismayed, saying, "This is not comedy; it's just plain offensive. " One of the most upsetting parts was Hinchcliffe's joke about high birth rates among US Latinos. He said, "They love making babies. They don't use protection. They come inside, just like they did to our country. " Retired engineer Isabel Ximena Patino found this remark "beyond insulting and despicable". She felt it showed how the Trump party truly views Puerto Ricans and Latinos. Many Puerto Ricans, despite not being able to vote in US elections if they live on the island, decided to support Trump's opponent after hearing these remarks. Celebrities like Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Bunny endorsed Kamala Harris. An anonymous voter from Maryland hoped this would encourage more people to reject Trump and his supporters. Some undecided voters were swayed by the racist comments. Sylvia Perez from Florida said, "The insult left no debate. I'm 100% Kamala now. " Isabella Escobar, a business development manager, made her choice after hearing the remarks and seeing the lack of immediate response from the campaign. Puerto Ricans, who are US citizens but can't vote in presidential elections if they live on the island, felt frustrated and outraged. They can't protest at the ballot box, even though they're affected by US policies. One San Francisco resident wrote, "It makes no sense that I have more of a vote than my sister who lives on the island and deals with US economic policy there. " Not everyone was upset, though. Juan Irizzary of Miami thought Hinchcliffe was funny and believed the offense was due to the "woke era". He said, "Puerto Rico is not a race; it’s a place. Criticism is not racism. "