A Need for Accountability, Respect, & Unity

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Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr.

Over the course of the last several weeks our community has demonstrated a profound commitment to be there for each other, especially when it comes to the most vulnerable.  I see daily examples of generosity and kindness that are not exclusive of one political party or another.  There are examples of human decency and empathy with the pain and loss that so many are experiencing.

We are all very much aware of the impact this global pandemic is having on many families irrespective of your ideology.  As a community, it’s been heartwarming to witness great compassion and respect toward each other as we navigate these uncertain times.   That’s why the comment by The Miami Herald columnist Fabiola Santiago, beyond being profoundly irresponsible, was inexcusable and merits condemnation. On April 20th, Mrs. Santiago tweeted, “Packed beaches should work nicely to thin the ranks of Trump/DeSantis/Gimenez supporters in #Florida who value money over health.”

As an opinion columnist, Mrs. Santiago is not bound by the parameters of objectivity. However, the bully pulpit her column provides does require a certain level of responsibility and respect toward the community.  Mrs. Santiago has apologized and removed her offensive tweet, yet her message gives pause to reflect on how one can be politically blinded, to such an extreme, to assert such a hateful message especially during such an anxiety filled time. Had a conservative columnist in her position written the same hateful message, the Miami Herald would fire them. Many of us are truly tired of the Herald’s and liberal media’s overt bias and hypocrisy. Let us witness how the Miami Herald handles this hateful incident by Mrs. Santiago.

Political debate is healthy and vital to a democracy.  Yet, as we have more time to reflect during these days, we should consider how our community, which is fueled by great diversity, can best debate its political views and ideas without wanting the destruction or death of our fellow neighbors. The moment requires that we find a way.

Esteban “Steve” Bovo, Jr.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner


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6 COMMENTS

  1. What can I say. The comment was correct, and sarcastic. Who isn’t these days? It is obvious that the president is doubling down again, missed the 15 cases none in 2 weeks, missed on the Corona Hoax, disconnects with his health advisers public health message, liberating his cronies. His objective is to restart the economy in time for his election. Doubling down once more although the data seems to suggest otherwise. His re-election versus American ill and dead. Sorry, I wish Republicans, and I once was a Republican, would take this election cycle for this country and get this poorest excuse for a leader out of office.

  2. You all are full of it. Trumps has no regards doe human life. As the so call president of the United States of America, the people well being should matter to him, but his focus is money and supporting his business. He says a lot of thing that is unkind and hateful, speaking in codes to his dumb supporters and next thing you see is hate crime… now this reporter speaks her opinion, you all want to stone her!? Really, give me a break, you all so call Republicans with no regards for human like. Hypocrites!!!

  3. I wonder if Mary or Mrs. Santiago are open minded enough to watch different news sources or maybe they are confusing “new” with “ opinion”.
    I have not heard the hateful speech that Mary claims to hear when I watch my local news or the nightly news on Fox.
    I do hear hateful speech on the “opinion “ shows.

  4. Although it was an inappropriate statement, the truth remains that opening business too soon can spark another rise in corona virus cases, leading to more deaths. Since the right wing doesn’t care that there will be deaths, who chooses who should be the sacrificial lambs? I guess if they’re willing to go out to beaches and restaurants, they’re volunteering themselves? The problem is that our first responders and essential workers are ALREADY putting their lives on the line for the rest of us. Why is this so hard to understand?

  5. Even more of us are tired of the hateful speech that spews from the likes of Fox News commentators and trumpers. Mrs Santiago comments may have been inappropriate but they did not encourage violence as is frequently the case with trump and his followers.

Comments are closed.