Protesters outside Capitol decry a government ‘not worth a thing’

By John McPhaul

jpmcphaul1@gmail.com

Dozens of protesters formed a picket line outside of the Capitol on Thursday afternoon to speak out against the central government ahead of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s “Situation of the State” message.

The demonstration was organized by the Solidarity Union Movement said the group’s leader José Rodríguez, 54.

With a loud speaker blasting such slogans as “The government is a tool of the rich,” the protesters formed an oblong circle.

“This activity today is important because it’s the first of many,” one speaker said.

A 74-year-old woman who wanted to be identified only as “Carmen” said she came out because she believes that the government is broken.

“Puerto Rico is upside down,” she said. “This government isn’t worth a thing.”

Holding a banner that said “A lie to the privatization,” Carlos Quiros, an attorney, said: “What is happening to the country is terrible and the government doesn’t respond.”