Franky Benítez

The Tucson murders have become a part of all us. Today, we had the opportunity to interview Tuscon’s Peter C. Rodriguez, Jr., one of our #LATISM Twitter friends, about his beloved city and how he thinks the city is reacting. Here is what Peter said:

Tucson’s Peter C. Rodriguez, Jr.

JRV: As a Twitter profile who tweets about local issues in Tucson, how would you say the community is handling this tragedy?
PR: Tucson is coming together even more than ever to handle this horrible tragedy. All over the city, I see examples everyday of an already close community coming together even more to heal each other.

JRV: How has this crime impacted the Tucson community?
PR: The initial impact was shock and disbelief. “How can something like this happen in our community?” Then I noticed the city of Tucson, my fellow neighbors, and citizens come together in support of everyone involved in this tragic event.

JRV: What do you think will happen once the “cameras all leave?”
PR: I believe that Tucson will carry on stronger than ever, and we will not allow the memories of this tragic event be forgotten. I personally will not forget those that have lost their lives that day visiting what was suppose to be a peaceful event, especially 9-yr Christina Green. Mr. Obama stated, “We should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children’s expectations”. I plan to honor this statement.

JRV: Do you think the Tucson community will heal or is this just a sign that the worst is still in front of us? Share your thoughts about this.
PR: The healing has begun, there are countless memorials all over our beautiful city. The memorials keep growing and I am proud to see the Tucson coming together by the hundreds to heal.

JRV: Has you seen a more respectful tone among contrasting views in the Tuscon community or is it still “business as usual?” Can you provide examples?
PR: I believe a respectful tone is present in our community and Arizona. There will be always be different views on religion, politics, gun control, SB1070, and other topics in Arizona, but there must be respect for each others views and opinions first, above all.

To connect with Peter on Twitter, visit his profile and say hi. Here is to Tucson, America’s city.