Posted on 03/27/2008 6:42:21 PM PDT by Ebenezer
Earlier this evening, Puerto Rico Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá addressed the island on today's 19 indictments against him from the local U.S. Attorney's office. Acevedo is charged with several crimes, among these violation of federal campaign-financing laws, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns.
The translated text of the Governor's speech follows:
"These are hard and difficult times for the people of Puerto Rico. Our economy needs attention. I know your daily struggle with the increase in the cost of living and a slow economy that is affected by the increase in the price of oil and the recession in the United States.
"Now, in addition to these challenges, you hear the accusations made by the U.S. Attorney regarding me and my political campaigns.
"This afternoon, I want to speak to you briefly, offer you solace, and ask that you do not despair.
"First, I want you to rest assured that I will continue working strongly together with my cabinet to bring the island forward and face the challenges of the economy. That is my job and I am going to accomplish it to the fullest.
"Also, I want you to know that the charges made against me by the U.S. Attorney are totally false and, while I will vigorously defend my acts, my family, and my honor, I will never allow a politically-motivated procedure to distract me from the job I am performing for you.
"I love Puerto Rico. I have always trusted the sense of justice, the honesty, and the goodness of the Puerto Rican people. In this investigation, you have heard three years of leaks and ill-intentioned attacks you know have been discredited for some time. Accusations that are the result of a multi-million-dollar political hunt, not an honest, fair, and balanced investigation. They are lies and falsehoods. All that will become clear as this process advances.
"You will see, and I want to reaffirm to you today, that I have never asked for or accepted a donation in exchange for a government contract. I have not allowed public funds to be stolen. I have always treated that money that is yours, that you contribute to the government, as something sacred. Neither have I acted in an illegal manner. Since the federal authorities know this is true, they have decided to stretch their jurisdiction and distort the truth.
"I know some of the persons accused today very well and I am convinced that they never accepted a bribe or that they never stole a single cent. If someone had done it, I am the first to ask that they be prosecuted.
"As always, there will be voices with political agendas who add their attacks to those made by the U.S. Attorney. They are after blood. Not your welfare. They care little for the truth, justice, or what is right. They seek political advantage. I know the good faith of the Puerto Rican people and I know that you will know how to wait, observe, and recognize the facts before judging them.
"I have been in public service for twenty years. You have learned to place your trust in me, and I have been faithful to that trust. I have made difficult decisions. I have faced our greatest challenges honestly, and I have worked tirelessly for our people. I know how frustrating these years of divided government have been for you, but I am also convinced of our island's great potential and will continue doing what is right so we may move forward. That is and will be my first priority, that this government will continue working for you. Nobody and nothing will steer me away from my commitment to serve my island well.
"As always, I am engaging in this struggle for Puerto Rico. I count on your support.
"May God bless you and our Puerto Rico."
ping
So this was , like a practice thingy before he addressed his constituents?
The governor in question is an Obama-endorsing superdelegate.
Can’t agree more with you. At least Acevedo’s immediate predecessor, the equally incompetent Sila Calderón, was smart enough not to seek a second term.
I wonder what the size of Acevedo’s juacal was. That name (Anibal) sounds really familiar. I wonder if he’s a native of PR or came over from the DR as a child.
Senators Ted Kennedy (D Mass) and Roger Wicker (R Miss) need to stand up and let it be known why they support this Governor of Puerto Rico.
Racism, racism, racism, racism!
(Did he say that yet?)
And here’s another...
"These are hard and difficult times for the people of Puerto Rico. Our economy needs attention. I know your daily struggle with the increase in the cost of living and a slow economy that is affected by the increase in the price of oil and the recession in the United States. "Now, in addition to these challenges, you hear the accusations made by the U.S. Attorney regarding me and my political campaigns. "This afternoon, I want to speak to you briefly, offer you solace, and ask that you do not despair."
He's obviously guilty as H.
Isn’t lies and falsehoods redundant?
I knew he was a Democrat by the fact that his political affiliation was left out of the article.
Interesting how he equates his legal woes with the economic woes of Puerto Rico. Maybe he’s in part responsible for those economic woes.
Let me guess - since they didn’t print his party - He’s a democrat.
This is why Mukasey is a great AG. First he busted Al Sharpton, or raided his group anyway. Now this which could well lead to busting Fast Eddy and Sen Martinez in NJ and others. Now if he will just bust Dingy Harry and his whole clan of real estate lobbying pimps, perhaps Pelosi and Feinstein for voting on legislation that they directly benefited from, Murtha and a few others, I would then say run him for president. Sounds like an investigation of our governor Paterson is in order too. Anyway who can make NJ’s government look good deserves and indictment.
Hmmm, from what I see there is a lot of big Pharma going to that poor island. Not that that means everyone's living the life of Riley but there's at least a big dollop of taxes coming in and the growth in service industries that these companies depend upon.
He’s a native Puerto Rican (as were his parents).
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