Gov. Phil Murphy – asked to address the incredibly derogatory comments made against Puerto Rico during a rally Sunday night for Republican nominee Donald Trump – said the divisive language of political races needs to stop.
“Enough already,” he said.
Murphy, during a short press window following a roundtable discussion to discuss the disparity study, pointed the finger at Trump and his followers (the comment was made by a comedian who was one of the speakers.
“Let’s stop trying to divide us, which they’re doing,” he said. “It’s really gotten bad. Anti immigrant. It’s racist, it’s awful, it’s repugnant. It’s got to stop.”
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”
The Trump campaign later disavowed the line – but that didn’t stop elected officials in New Jersey from condemning it.
Members of New Jersey’s Legislative Latino Caucus put out the following joint statement:
“The disgusting, despicable and racist remarks targeting Puerto Ricans and others made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at the New York campaign rally for Donald Trump are unacceptable at a campaign event or any other public forum.
“As American citizens, Puerto Ricans have served this country with honor and dignity for several decades, have given their lives on foreign fields and have long strived towards the American dream, paying their taxes and exercising their right to vote.
“Any attempt to have these contributions tarnished by the repugnant remarks made by a comedian in an attempt to win votes is beyond abhorrent; it goes against everything America stands for.”
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate Majority Leader Nick Scutari also released statements.
“I am appalled by the vile, racist remarks delivered at the Trump rally last night, including the slur that Puerto Rico is a ‘floating island of garbage,’” Coughlin said. “Puerto Rico is an island rich in culture, history, and beauty. Our fellow Americans from Puerto Rico have served in uniform and contributed to communities all over the country.
“Statements like what we heard last night from that stage are abhorrent and an affront to American values. This dangerous, dehumanizing rhetoric must be denounced by all who hold those values dear.”
Scutari obviously agreed.
“The disparaging sentiments expressed at the Trump rally are deplorable,” he said. “They defile the time-honored American values of tolerance and inclusivity. There are no excuses for spreading this type of hate-filled rhetoric and it has no place in any public discourse.”
State Sen. Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, of Puerto Rican heritage, offered perhaps the best response.
“Clearly you never consulted Webster’s Dictionary for the definition of trash,” she tweeted. “In case you can’t read, look in a mirror.”
