Good Enough to Die for USA But Not Good Enough to Get U$ Moola

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite touched a nerve with Puerto Ricans on Tuesday when she called them "foreign citizens" in a news release. Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, was complaining about parts of an economic-stimulus package when she referred to residents of Puerto Rico and Guam as "foreign citizens."

Affluent U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite speaks during a debate
in the House Chambers in Washington in this file photo....

". . . The bill sends hundreds of millions of dollars to people who do not pay federal income taxes, including residents of Puerto Rico and territories like Guam. I do not believe American taxpayer funds should be sent to foreign citizens (that's all of you down the island) who do not pay taxes."

She went on... "Americans want an economic stimulus for Dunnellon, Brooksville and Clermont, not for San Juan or Hagatna. As the legislation moves forward, it must be changed to ensure that only federal taxpaying American citizens receive rebate checks."

Guam residents won citizenship in 1950. Puerto Ricans were granted American citizenship in 1917. They do not pay federal income taxes but do pay Social Security and other payroll taxes and mortician taxes when buying USA made caskets.

"My recommendation to the distinguished Congress lady is to go through the story of the country she has sworn to protect," said Carlos Irizarry, a Kissimmee city commissioner who was born in Puerto Rico. "It's offensive, especially coming from a congresswoman who's supposed to know the history of this country."

Irizarry noted that Puerto Ricans defend the country in the armed forces just like mainland-born citizens.

"Her comments show a great deal of ignorance," said Eduardo Bhatia, who runs the Washington office of Puerto Rico's governor, Anibal Acevedo-Vila;. "There are 4 million Puerto Ricans who live on the island and 600,000 who live in Central Florida. I would be more than happy to explain to her the citizenship status of Puerto Ricans."

When asked about the release, spokesman Charlie Keller said it was "fine as is." Keller said Brown-Waite doesn't believe Puerto Ricans and Guam residents should get the tax rebates because they do not pay federal income taxes. The stimulus package grants rebates to workers -- on those islands and on the mainland -- who do not pay income taxes but earned at least $3,000 last year.

John and Liz Kobel. co-founders of boricua.com showed their shock to the incredibly absurd remark... "Please help spread the word. We are trying to get more attention to the apparent ignorance of politicians in Florida who continually seek the Puerto Rican Vote but ignore them once in office." This is enough to make a grown man cry! Aaay!

Talk 2 me if you must... donjibaro@gmail.com

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