VivoMix – Photo by Saul Joseph, Universe Promotions – Honorable Governor Andrew Cuomo in the 2018 Puerto Rican Day Parade
One of New York City’s most iconic events that overwhelms news outlets all over the United States and many parts of the world is this festive display of caravans, music, dancers, actors, politicians, business men and women, customs, chants, and so much more going down the famous 5th Avenue in Manhattan through an ocean of waving the good old colors “Red, White and Blue”, except that this combo of our famous colors are displayed in the Puerto Rican flags dancing high in the air of the 100’s of thousands of spectators and participates. It’s no doubt why this is one of the biggest spectacles year after year which is televised live into the homes of millions all over. You don’t even have to be Puerto Rican to enjoy it, because the magic draws people from all likes, nationalities, religions, and even political opponents seem to find time to place their difference aside coming together to shake hands and have a merry day.
If you haven’t guessed by the title by now, it is the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and 2018 marked the 61st annual presentation of this event. This year was different, it was scarred by the reminiscing effects of Hurricane Maria which left millions in the dark for months, compounding to the depress economy that was exacerbated by Wall Street and banking institutions scrupulous practices in the bond market, a lack of immediate and efficient response from FEMA and the federal government join with the inexperience and complacency of the current Governor of Puerto Rico that may have well been the main contributors for astronomical estimated death toll that plagued the island which is estimated to be 4,645 by a most recent study done by The University of Harvard.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier in the day stated that this year’s event was “bitter sweet…”. This could not be further from the truth. There’s no doubt that once immerse in the Puerto Rican Day Parade anyone and everyone will be captivated by the joy that fuses in the humility of Puerto Rican culture that makes it so rich and desirable. Many who have struggled can appreciate how the simple life can bring forth forms of expression and creativity. Simply ask anyone who has been brought up in the country life or some of the few that remain that still remember the days of the Great Depression. It is without a doubt a testament of the resilience of the people of Puerto Rico who have had a long history of been ruled and passed on like property from one imperial government to another. It draws great resembles to the days that African Americas were considered second class citizens, except that this is 2018 and still today the greatest nation in World threats many of its own citizens as bastard children that are meant to go work on the cotton fields (figuratively speaking) or more over, good enough to be place in the front lines of war to serve as human carnage (not figuratively speaking).
VivoMix – Saul Joseph, Universe Productions
One draw of hope has risen from all this controversy, be it a republican or democrat, there is no doubt that one single man stands out as an American Hero. NO! this is not superman or a guy wearing tight spandex. He does come New York City, which after all is the real Gotham city of comic book heroes. It’s a man who remembers his history and what made America the Greatest Nation in the World in the first place. It is a simple man who knows that he comes from a family of Italian immigrants that seek to come to the United States for the opportunity to provide a better life for their children and their future generations. A man who continues to speak, preach and practice “Americans First!”. Governor Andrew Cuomo somehow draws a similarity to the Marvel’s Avenger movie of Thor, when he’s father says “Asgar is not a place, it is its people…”. Because “America First” can mean many things, but “Americans First!” is about the people of our Great Country. Cuomo was the first beacon of hope immediately after Hurricane Maria stroke, and could well have safe many American lives for stepping in, mobilizing, organizing and coordinating where otherwise the local and federal government seemed impotent in performing and reacting.
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