Cochina envidia (green envy) virus rampant in Trenton area

Es incapaz de alegrarse por los logros ajenos por culpa de la cochina envidia. Translation. He is incapable of being happy for others’ achievements because he’s green with envy.

A walk up South Broad St. Sunday against a steady feed of jeeps, motorcycles and foot traffic for the Puerto Rican Parade delivered an encounter with two African-American men.

We took several photos together as the conversation morphed into one complaint.

“Why do they (Puerto Ricans) get to have something like this. We could have our own parade but people would try and stop us,” one man said.

A previous serving of ceviche threatened to abandon my stomach for a mad rush up through an esophagus tube.

It’s been a while since any personal vomiting has occurred in public.

Really, “The Man”, has kept black people from a parade celebration or festival.

Maybe former Mayor Douglas “The Man” Palmer stood between black folk and a celebration.

Perhaps Mayor Tony “The Man” prevented African Americans from partying or Mayor Eric “The Man” Jackson will not allow black people an opportunity to acknowledge our heritage.

If African Americans want a city celebration then let’s have one without the cochina envidia.

While some social issues rightfully relate to policy and systemic racism, a litany of other problems should be accepted as individuals’ inability to take responsibility for their actions and inactions.

Mind you, that assessment works for everyone who blames the devil and Ms. Jones for their behavior patterns.

BackTalk paraded another view about the Puerto Rican Parade-- more cochina envidia. A contributor wrote, “I’m not against Spanish or anything. I’m not even Irish myself. A question I have is you (the city) stopped the St. Patrick’s Day Parade because you don’t have money for security but yet you brought the Puerto Rican Parade back. Maybe you should explain why this is happening. Not that I really care but I’m interested in the answer.”

Talk about your loaded, double-flip from the pike position twirl.

Kudos to those diehard Irish descendants who attempted to keep the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Trenton.

Many Irish folk have moved out and the smart money wagered on a better event in Hamilton and Robbinsville, despite the fact those municipalities host separate events.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face may be an Irish saying but that prayer works for everyone.

Times have changed in Trenton as Latinos replace other ethnic groups who arrived in the capital city, started families and enjoyed the American Dream.

This column challenges every person to conduct an honest inventory of their lives.

Stop making excuses. We’re all working against the clock so whatever you want in life, a parade, healthy relationship, better job, etc., make it happen.

Stop with the cochina envidia.

When we learn to celebrate each other then this city and country will find greatness.