Ortiz Denounces Trump’s Hurricane Maria Recovery Response Statements
Assembly member Felix Ortiz (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) denounced President Donald Trump’s statements calling the federal government’s response to Hurricane Maria a “great success,” yesterday.
On Tuesday, Trump applauded his administration’s response to the devastation of Hurricane Maria last year as an “incredible, unsung success,” that as current estimates put the death toll of the hurricane at nearly 3,000 people. The island also suffered severe damage including major flooding and power outages, causing billions of dollars in damage.
The statements come as Trump sought to assure the public that his administration was as “ready as anybody has ever been” for the powerful 500-mile wide Hurricane Florence swirling toward the Carolina coast, according to The Guardian. The Category 4 storm is set to make landfall by late this week.
“President Trump’s boasts today about the federal government’s role in addressing the devastation Hurricane Maria caused to Puerto Rico demonstrates his ignorance and lack of “hands on” leadership. How can a president get away with making such insensitive claims? Has he any idea how many American citizens in Puerto Rico died due to Maria or what survivors in Puerto Rico need today?” said Ortiz.
Lander, Jewish Coalition Demand Immediate Response From Cuomo On Anti-semitic Mailer
City Council member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) alongside Rabbis and other Jewish elected officials will rally together today to express their ongoing outrage at the lack of accountability from Governor Andrew Cuomo in response to an anti-semitic mailer.
Last week, a New York State Democratic Party mailer surfaced that ripped rival Cynthia Nixon as condoning anti-Semitism, according to The New York Post. Cuomo went onto deny knowing anything about the last minute literature even though the mailers appear to be part of the $136,000 campaign by the state Democratic Party to boost Cuomo in the run-up to the Sept. 13 primary.
A Democratic Party source said the mailer was sent to 7,000 targeted households, likely areas where ultra-orthodox Jews reside.
At the rally, the group will call for the Chair of the State Democratic Party to resign and for the New York Times to rescind its endorsement of Cuomo.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., today, Sept.12, at Pulitzer Tablet, City Hall Park – Northeast Corner in Lower Manhattan.
BK Lawmakers Commemorate 17th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
Congress members Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) and Jerrold Nadler (D-Western Brooklyn, Western Manhattan) alongside City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and others honored the victims of the 9/11 attacks on Tuesday.
The attack killed just under 3,000 people including 343 heroic New York City firefighters and 72 equally heroic New York City police members, many of whom selflessly entered the burning buildings to fight the fire and save lives of civilians.
“17 years ago, Americans went about their daily schedule unaware that our country would be forever changed. We watched as terrorists attacked New York City and our nation because of the ideals our great country stands for – freedom, liberty, equality and opportunity. Today, let us remember the innocent lives lost and support their loved ones. Years have passed, yet the tremendous loss felt by our community will always remain. We honor and thank our brave first responders who sacrificed their lives to help others,” said Donovan.
“Seventeen years ago, New York, the country and the world were forever changed. Today, we reflect on the tragedy of that morning, remember those we lost in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, and join their families and friends in mourning the thousands of lives cut short. On the 17th anniversary of that tragic day, we recommit ourselves to never forgetting the events of September 11th and to fighting every day to preserve the memories of those we have lost and supporting all those who survived,” said Nadler.
“There are no true words of healing that one can give to the families, friends and loved ones who lost someone 17 years ago on Sept. 11. We remember not only those lost on that horrific day, but those, especially first responders, who have suffered debilitating and deadly illness as a result of their courage to help those in the area of the attack. New York City has made great strides in its attempt to rebuild what terrorists had sought to destroy. We will continue to hold our heads high and let those who wish to do us harm, know that we will forever stand firm, strong, and striving to make America live up to its ideals,” said Williams.
Levin, Advocates Raise Awareness For World Suicide Prevention Day
City Council member Stephen Levin (D-Northern Brooklyn, Boerum Hill) alongside advocates gathered together on Monday, Sept. 10 in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Levin was joined alongside Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center and the Coalition for Behavioral Health at Monday’s rally that emphasized this year’s theme, the necessity of “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.” Suicide causes more deaths worldwide than warfare, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, suicide is a public health problem that continues to rise and leads to more fatalities in the US annually than automobile accidents.
Participants of the day aim to decrease the myths and stigma surrounding mental health issues and to open a safe space for those struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts to feel open about getting treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact NYC Well, at 1-888-NYC-Well, or text “WELL” to 65173. NYC Well is free-24 hour-7-days a week hotline with trained mental health professionals.
