Although it’s been a while, and it was in fact several hurricanes ago, I have spent a fair amount of time in Puerto Rico, and I didn’t see much more garbage there than anywhere else. It is an absolutely beautiful island, and the many people I knew there were very sophisticated, and able. Yes, it is easy for an island to become overcrowded, and economically an island is just that, an island, far from other lands, with a limited market and a limited workforce. Puerto Rico is over 1000 miles from continental US. And Puerto Rico is in the odd position of being a territory of the United States, whatever that is, neither fish nor foul nor meat nor even tofu. Its economic fortunes depend on changing federal policies. It is unable to chart its own course.

On the other hand, even though they can not vote in federal elections, Puerto Ricans are American citizens with the right to move anywhere in the US and become voting citizens within a matter of days. But the island itself has no more representation in the US Congress than does the District of Columbia. And of course Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, not English, which adds an extra complication.

Yet, in addition to a thriving tourist industry, Puerto Rico has a strong and diverse economy, and a strong culture.

So when a featured speaker at a major Trump rally calls Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage, attention must be paid. And no, an apology from his campaign is insufficient. I must assume that the campaign approved the statement. I am sure that every speech at this culminating rally was approved in advance. You don’t just hire a comedian and say “Do whatever you want” in this type of situation.

As we come down to the wire, I hope the dark clips from the various speakers at the MSG rally induce some to switch to Harris. Comments reflecting much more than bias against Puerto Rico, but repeating all the nativist things Trump has said throughout the campaign.

On a more personal note, Edie and I are happy to be hosting my cousin Kiku Day, who is visiting from Denmark, and my posts may be a little abbreviated while she is here. It’s her first visit to DC, and I am going to be showing her around.