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Edward James Olmos accuses Puerto Rico and Washington: Vieques Bombing Cleanup
By mdilan
@mdilan (803)
United States
January 22, 2007 3:36am CST
The actor, who was an Oscar nominee for 1988 "Stand and Deliver", personified "Abraham Quintanilla" in Selena and many others, on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007 acussed the previously named governments of delaying the cleanup o the bombing site in Vieques (Respectively and previously occupiedby the Navy). He was among one of the celebrities who were arrested for trespassing restricted area concerning the Vieques bombing practices. He had said that it was wrong to practice where people lived.
Recently he was interviewed in a local "Puerto Rico" show called "A Calzon Quitao", transmitted "Televicentro de Puerto Rico", Channel 4. And so he expressed his feelings there as well.
Do you think that this was disrespectful to the government of "Puerto Rico"? Or was he speaking the Truth?
2 people like this
2 responses
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
23 Jan 07
It is difficult for people like myself to comment on such an "explosive" (pun intended) topic. I am sure that Olmos was doing what he thought was right and was supporting his home and ethnic group.
However, there are many hidden elements that a private citizen is not privy to. One thing might be how stopping the bombing practice and closing down the base might effect the economy....which is also important for local citizens much more so than those coming from outside to fight a battle that might not be there's and doing it only for solidarity and personal exposure. I have always like Olmos as an actor and have seen several of his movies and TV series, though not all including the one you cited.
We have laws that must be obeyed and must suffer the consequences if we do not comply with them. I cannot honestly sympathize or criticize this particular case as I am not familiar with it. There are times when the media sometimes builds up a situation to sell their product and oft times it is hard for the layman to comprehend reality when they only have one side of the matter.
If Olmos was sincere in his statements and can back them up with facts then his concern would not necessarily be disrespectful. On the other hand if the group in question was warned that they would be arrested for trespassing in a restricted area then the authorities would have to fulfill the law. Demonstration are permitted by law under certain ground rule but if these rules are not respected then those participating must pay the price.
2 people like this
@nana1944 (1364)
• United States
24 Jan 07
I agree with you about your points about the laws. I am not doing too much reading about news a lot of time now. I do not have a television so I have to read news online and seems like I just don't take the time to do it. But you made a real concise response and I enjoyed it a lot.
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
31 Jan 07
It's his right to defend causes of course as it is for other celebrities. I have never really understand the problem entirely in PR. However, it must be remembered that the government of PR entered into an agreement with the US when they gave permission for the bombing practice to be carried out. Had they not given such permission that I doubt very much that the problem would exist today. I am sure that some concessions were made to PR making the offer had to refuse. Such is the workings of governments. We the people never know all the facts before we start complaining or demonstrating.
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
23 Jan 07
I believe it is his right to express what he believes. I am not sure whether he is right or not, as I have not studied the question. I tend to believe that most things that government is involved in are delayed, whether deliberately or not. It is so frustrating when people need help. Like everyone else, actors and celebrities have the right to express their opinions on political matters. Stand and Deliver is a favorite movie of mine and my daughter. :=]
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