Guest Column
By Magdaleno “Len” Rose-Avila
It seems that his selection as half time entertainment has gotten to Trump and his MAGA movement. BB Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio has irritated the racist base of the right white wing of America.
First they were screaming that he was not American. Yet there have been many non-Americans performing at half time. And contrary to Fox News he is Puerto Rican and thus is a citizen.
He is going to sing in Spanish as have other artists. And when these same folks go to Cancun or other resorts in Mexico they dance eat and drink away the night with nachos, tacos, enchiladas and dance to Spanish language music.
Going to Puerto Rico you will be enchanted by its history, beaches, the most amazing music and foods. The public should try dishes like Mofongo, Lechon Asado, Arroz con Gandules, Pastelitos ( little pastries ) filled with delicious meats, Tostones and many other foods. And of course there is the wonderful Bacardi Rum that will help to welcome you to this Island. And, all this might help you with your Spanish.
Puerto Ricans populate many states like New York, Florida, New Jersey and many others, and you can reach out, build community with them.
Bad Bunny is a great rapper, musician, quick witted, great actor whom many of us would like to direct. His most fantastic attribute is that he has a great moral compass and is not afraid to tell the truth.
Home Land Security says that the Super Bowl should be only for citizens. Since when has ever a president or a cabinet taken such a strange and harsh tone over a halftime artist.
One byproduct of their attack on the NFL and Bunny is that they have brought more attention to his music and more to his wallet. And more attention to the Puerto Rican community its culture and its wonderful people.
And we need to keep reminding these detractors that BB is Puerto Rican and thus is a citizen just as is Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Do Trump and his MAGA bunch know that there are football players that are not citizens. And that many coming from around the country and from abroad for this game will not be citizens. They probably will only question dark skinned football fans.
Also the White House might want to preview the ads placed during the game demanding that they are American and have had only Citizens involved in the design and production of these ads.
All should know that within our military we have armed men and women with some of our most sophisticated weapons who are not citizens. Many green card holders have been recruited for the military promising them citizenship after their tour of duty. In most case this does not happen and for any legal infraction they are deported.
Hector Barajas of Deported Veterans has fought along with others to restore medical and educational benefits and even citizenship to these veterans. Although deported these individuals when they die can be buried in the military grave yards with a military honor guard if the family can get the body to the USA.
We might perhaps need to ask these half time artists if they like American Football. But who really cares as long as they are good entertainers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers know how important their Latino fans are for their bottom financial line. Not to mention that more than hot dogs are now sold at the stadium.
Why doesn’t the White House send an approved menu to all sports arenas saying these are the only foods that can be sold at American sporting events. Of course this would fail.
The NFL knows the purchasing power of Latinos not only at the stadiums but at pay per view sites. And this power is growing.
In the 70’s, when you looked at the attendees at a foot ball game the vast majority of them were white. And you had a lot more white players. Perhaps Trump’s anti DEI policy (diversity equity and inclusion) should be enforced and eliminate the players of color.
Years ago the Oakland Raiders had a Mexican coach, Tom Flores, and a Mexican quarter back Jim Plunket and together they won two Super Bowls.. If they were playing today they may not get into the stadium because of Home Land Security.
Bad Bunny has given us four weeks to learn Spanish. I am sure that many with money are cheating and purchasing these electronic translating machines.
It is estimated that more people will watch the half time show as opposed to the game.
And the real challenge is, can you also be a BAD BUNNY??