For all of you that think that Puerto is somehow being punished for being irresponsible with its debt lets remember that many people (my family included) were given 20 year bonds at 18% in the 1980s And these were guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the US government. They were also paid off. This is the kind of unfair burden that Puerto Rico has been suffering under for so long. Maybe its time that the US government actually HELP the people of Puerto Rico after this tragedy.
1
The situation in PR is bad and it is going to get worse quickly. There is no cell phone, no power, very little fresh water in many parts. There are many stateside that have not been able to reach their families. Google and Facebook have tools to help locate people but many are not aware of these tools and of course, cell service must be available. But here they are:
Google
https://google.org/personfinder/2017-maria
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/hurricane-maria-sep17-2017/about/
Media (including NY Times) really needs to step up coverage with information on the ground. Organizations have a list of all the emergency shelters in the country NYT can contact me directly if they need my list.
2
Gripping. Posters here who write of assisting our Puerto Rican citizens with real aid and sustainable building solutions have my vote. Puerto Ricans should get aid equivalent to Texas and Florida.
10
As Trump says, America First. Let's pull out of the Middle East, Japan and South Korea, cut back aid to rich countries like Israel, scale back the military to a self defense force and spend the money to rebuild Texas, Florida, PR and the USVI. Then give health care to all and a good education. Fix our inferstruc. Trump's right, America First!
8
The US Army Corps of Engineers is wasting a fortune in Afghanistan jointly working with/for the State Department/USAID in Kabul. Perhaps they should stop doing that and do some work in the Caribbean, Florida, and Texas.
5
Isn't it about time Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands became our 51st state?
8
51 & 52
2
The National Weather Service advisory linked to in the article is more alarming than the article itself. It contains the phrases "collapse is imminent" and "move to higher ground now." Read it at
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&product=FFW&is...
2
Even though Puerto Rico is clearly a colony the 3.7 million people who are living in sweltering and dangerous squalor are American citizens. We need to support them the same way we support people in Miami and Houston.....and they are in far more desperate straights horrifying though the impacts of Harvey and Irma were and are. Maybe Donald could take a break from trying to incite nations around the world and put more focus and resources on Puerto Rico.
8
could congress and the administration get their lazy b...s in gear and start mobilizing the massive relief effort to deal with this unfolding crisis? they'd rather fritter away precious time arguing about tax cut strategy, aca repeal, how to beat back these things and who know what. they really need to focus on this and let the other things wait until they develop an immediate response to this catastrophic event; an out of sight out of mind response is only going to add to death and misery.
5
Time for a boat lift to dwarf the Cuban one,
If possible, Evacuate most of the island. Only rebuild with hurricane proof structures.
The Climate has Changed.
2
Putting some perspective on this. The Seattle Seahawks century link stadium seats 67,000 people.
Now imagine all of them carrying bags of precious possessions and whatever percentage of them too old or sick to move easily then whatever percentage too young to help. Moving this many people is an enormous undertaking that has to be done how fast?
I haven't heard a lot about the relief efforts to PR. I hope the NYTimes continues to cover this incredible disaster.
2
Hurricane Maria is having a devastating effect on a U.S territory already experiencing challenging infrastructure and economic hurdles. And while the republican administration and congress nitpik funding for Houston and Florida recovery, I suspect funds for PR will flow rapidly and proportionally to any migration of hispanics to Florida and other purple states. In fact, a sponsored boat lift to the mainland may be Gov. Ricardo Rosselló's best option.
1
One gets the funny feeling that this 'catastrophe' is going to have an overwhelmingly positive effect upon the island's infrastructure and fiscal health.
1
Why is the section on the Dominican Republic only about the tourism industry? Who cares at this point. What's important is knowing whether people have died, and what has been the extent of the damage to the island. Also, what about the island of Dominica? Did you forget that it was completely destroyed? I'm just hoping that all these efforts to help Puerto Rico don't forget that there are other islands in need with people's lives at stake as well.
2
This is terrible and certainly not about Trump. The last thing victims in PR or anywhere else for that matter need is for us to spit on them as well by using their suffering as an excuse to take a swipe at Trump.
1
If the municipal power grid is destroyed, there isn't much value to be gleaned by trying to privatize it, as Puerto Rico's bankruptcy judge has ordered,.
Don't expect Republicans to fall over themselves trying to help.
1
Is our military doing everything possible to help Puerto Rico? The aftermath of this hurricane is revealing itself to be a humanitarian disaster. They are a territory of the United States after all.
2
Prayerfully the dam will ultimately hold, saving residents within affected areas from utter catastrophe. The moral of this story for "Ostrich head in the sand" American bought-and-paid-for politician: Infrastructure Bill now! Otherwise, I can't imagine a similar breach within the Hoover Dam. The ensuing danger would be unimaginable.
2
I worked with Puerto Rico for ten years, and things were at their best under the Pedro Rossello era. I believe PR is in great hands with this governor (Pedro's son). I just hope that the USA (Feds/Trump) steps up and delivers in this dire time of need, especially given the amount of military personnel who hail from the Island. Puerto Rico deserves and has earned our full support.
2
It is great that generators, mattresses, food, etc are being sent to Puerto Rico. But that sort of makeshift life is not workable for everyone especially since it will take 4-6 months to restore the power grid. Can people be resettled on the mainland temporarily until the power grid is restored? Perhaps the resources and space set aside for the now-banned refugees can instead be used to help our fellow American citizens in need. Maybe Trump thinks they are all terrorists and that is why he hasn't offered resettlement but the Puerto Ricans can be screened and vetted.
I can't quite see how the US plans the future when it's priority is still spending trillions on warfare when the country is battered by the elements in such a catastrophic way.
Talk about debt ceiling and infrastructure if this sort of catastrophic series is now the norm.
Maybe the Chinese will want to invest in the US to build roads and stuff like in Africa.
I used to go swimming with my friends as a child to this beautiful lake. It's been a long time since. It was fantasy and game-playing for us kids back in the 50s.
The lake was clean, full of trout and other fish, and lots of mainland tourists crisscrossed the lake in fast boats fishing and having fun. Memories last a long time and stay fresh and vivid in one's mind.
The tower of the dam seemed invincible. It was made of reinforced concrete, built for the long haul.
In 2017, due perhaps to negligence and improper maintenance, lack of funds, thanks to a 70-billion dollar deficit that has curtailed all sorts of services on the island, acts of nature, as in this case, and the dam seems to be in its last throes. Perhaps the vulture capitalists who practically own Puerto Rico may experience a sense of decency and spiritual uplifting and allow the island to survive. And may the Trump administration assist the people of this U.S. territory in actions and no merely with a gesture of sympathy.
6
This is terrible news. A woman in Puerto Rico interviewed in an earlier article about the hurricane mentioned her fear that the dam would collapse. The water was already several feet deep where she was. It sounded like a collapse would mean water over the tops of homes.
If you search for "Represa Lago Guajataca" on Goggle maps, you'll see the number of homes in the area. I hope everyone can get out!
19
As far as the Dominican Republic, everything reported here is about the tourism industry. "The hotels are fine, so we're good!"
I understand tourism is an important part of the economy, but it's not all that matters. We want to know what's going on with the people who actually live in the DR.
45
If we as a country quit throwing away a trillion or so dollars looking for Sasquatch in Afghanistan, we could rebuild Houston, Florida, and the entire Caribbean. We might even have enough left over for healthcare and college tuition for all.
170
waste of money...we can't subsidize stupid behavior aka people living in flood or hurricane areas...
2
Something that might help; kids today, everywhere, grow up thinking that a refrigerator is absolutely necessary to survive; you would die without one.
This is of course not true; since your great grandparents didn't have one, and wouldn't be here if that killed them. But, the attitude now is universal; people freak if they have to do without a fridge for 3 days - let alone the months many in Puerto Rico face.
I've lived without a fridge for decades; by choice. This blog post has a bunch of the details on exactly how- along with the extensive comments, and a couple of later posts. Just knowing it's doable - can help.
http://littlebloginthebigwoods.blogspot.com/2007/03/no-refrigerator-for-...
11
Our great-grandparents had yards filled with chickens and produce, a constant stream of fresh food (and larders filled with canned supplies for winter) so they had no need of refrigerators or corner stores. That is not true of people today.
1
"But, the attitude now is universal, people freak if they have to do without a fridge for 3 days - let alone the months many in Puerto Rico face."
Well Greenpa, perhaps folks will forego refrigerated food this September in Puerto Rico if you are willing to forego gas or electric heating up there in Minnesota this winter. Deal? Didn't think so.
2
Diabetics who can't refrigerate their insulin will die. Clinics that can't refrigerate medicines will be unable to vaccinate and treat patients. Babies on ventilators will die. There's a huge difference between choosing to live off grid as a lifestyle choice, and millions of people losing power suddenly and without choice. A little more sensitivity to your privileged position would be appreciated.
2
solution: relicate Puerto Ricans to Montana that has 42 times the land, 1/3 the population, receives much more federal tax money than it pays, and has no hurricanes
46
If only people would follow your sensible advice. But they insist on remaining in disaster-prone areas. After Katrina some sane voices wanted to relocate New Orleans inland. A sensible solution that has been carried out elsewhwere. But vested interests were too strong and ppl vowed to rebuild and stay. We'll be back! is always the motto. As if anyone could defeat Mother Nature. So more disasters will surely follow.
As US citizens, Puerto Ricans are free to relocate themselves anywhere in the USA. Like you, I had thought of Montana; that would be a way for Puerto Ricans to suddenly have two senators and a voting congressional representative.
2
As does PR since they pay zero in federal taxes
Worse news, Trump will make sure they don't get much help from the U.S. government. Oh he talked big about it, briefly, but it must be kept in mind that he lies all the time. He will devote no resources to rebuilding Puerto Rico, because he thinks the people living there are 'Island Mexicans', they're not white enough for him, and he acts out of bigoted ignorance in all matters.
If you don't believe me, and choose to believe Trump instead, feel free. But don't forget to realize what a mistake that was, when Trump winds up doing nothing to help Puerto Rico.
47
There are more Puerto Ricans stateside than on the island. and being Americans, they can vote, He should consider that. What he will do is ensure the electrical grid rebuild gets farmed out to private contractors who have been salivating over it even prior to this disaster.
It's easy for you to criticise Donald Trump while ignoring the Democratic enablers who've damaged the body politic of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for decades.
I've lived in both places, and the government there is the most ineffective and corrupt under the US flag. Study the history of these territories and you'll see that democratic policies are primarily responsible for this situation.
Trump has delivered for all of the storm-ravaged areas affected by hurricanes this year, and he will do the same for Puerto Rico and the USVI.
I suspect he would rather help Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islanders in the USVI. Otherwise, they will have to come here. That would upset his base. His base might not believe that black and brown American people from U.S. territories are American citizens who have every right to move to the mainland.
It may be daunting, but we can do it, just as we will in Texas and Florida. Puerto Rico has all America behind it.
21
Washington needs to send aid to Puerto Rico NOW!!!! Money, food, muscle, engineers, electricians, doctors and staff and medical supplies, masons, architects, soldiers galore for security - and a whole lot more. Stop playing games! They need our help. Instead of our feckless leaders trying to force a vote to repeal Obamacare (again) they need to focus on REAL PROBLEMS, like what the citizens of Texas, Puerto Rico, and Florida are facing.
61
I think that's why we need to support independent, nonprofit organizations that can provide immediate aid, as well as the partnership in terms of time and expertise to help people recover and improve their surroundings. We can't depend on government to help people over the long term, which is what's needed in many parts of the Carribbean.
Why don't these people get the money Houston is getting?
29
Why no action for bill to send billions to P.R., like Florida and Texas?
46
Because even though Puerto Ricans are Americans, they can't vote on presidential elections. That's why.
Let's hope that the aid given gets into the right hands.
Corruption is rampant in PR. As it is in other places like Florida and Texas and the Virgin Islands. Very often the financial offerings end up in places like Panama or the Cayman Islands.
13
With world attention on Puerto Rico, hopefully, the right things will get done.
Or in the hands of a greedy CEO or cronies of such groups called "non-profits' as the trickle down theory does not often work as intended, we know.
We are American citizens and have been such for 100 years. We also live here on the mainland. We need The New York Times to stay on this story and devote more time to informing us and other Americans about what is happening on the island. With no power, it is difficult for those of us living here to get a clear view of what is happening. Many of us New Yorkers are from Puerto Rico. We are your neighbors, colleagues and friends. We need you to stand with us in this time of need. So far, your reporting has not been nearly as through as that of other recent disasters despite the fact that those did not have the complete blackout we are experiencing in Puerto Rico. Please step up your reporting. After all, we are fellow Americans.
80
Why is it that in the 50s they made the move from the island to NY of all places....distant and cold....but wealthy.
Why isn't Puerto Rico a state? It's been a territory for 116 years. Do not territories usually become states? What's holding it up? In 1898, during the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was invaded and subsequently became a possession of the United States. So America colonized by won't grant statehood. Extremely odd.
15
Over the years there has not of yet been a clear referendum of support for statehood from the people of Puerto Rico. A referendum this year showed overwhelming support but the voter turnout was extremely low, only 23%.
12
Note statehood never has gone to countries of colour, non english speaker dominated.
Admit Puerto Ricans themselves have also contributed to the issue, voting against statehood, or more accurately splitting between statehood, independence and what I will call a "Commonwealth limbo"
It was the home of cheap labor, China India etc cleaned that out, along with a huge % of Puerto Rican just moving to the USA.
Time to bite the bullet, we built it, used it for cheap labor, now its broke and nroken.
10
Ever heard of Hawaii?
14
No tax cuts for wealthy Americans--we need to do major infrastructure rebuilding and repairs in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands--ASAP!
59
How about no tax cuts for ANY Americans until Houston, South Florida, PR, and USVI are back up and running?
The Times reporter falsely asserts that Puerto Rico is "crippled by enormous debt". The facts are that Puerto Rico has never repaid any of its debt. The only time it has ever repaid maturing debt is when someone else was willing to lend them even more money than was the maturing debt, Puerto Rico simply pocketing the difference to be later squandered by a thoroughly corrupt government and an enormous very greedy number of government employees who did little work until they retired very early on over=generous pensions for life.
More than 2 years ago, Puerto Rico ran out of people stupid enough to lend it more money. Immediately the government ceased paying interest on its debt. It even flagrantly violated its own Constitution which explicitly states that its General Obligation debt must be paid before every other expenditure. The governor even gave large bonuses to government employees while defaulting on General Obligation debt.
Puerto Ricans are exempt from the US income tax yet they receive all the services of the federal government. Even before the hurricane, their governor was in Washington with his hand out for more of American taxpayers money.
24
What you are saying could be true, but is irrelevant to the current disaster. The Puerto Rican people are US citizens in distress and need massive federal help right now.
You, those that recommend you, and most Americans are very ignorant of what the federal government has done to Puerto Rico through the years to destroy it. Puerto Ricans pay very high local taxes. PR would get more money if it were a state and paid federal taxes. Many states receive more money from DC than taxes they contribute. Puerto Rico was the second European settlement in the Americas and was highly coveted and fought for with Spain by European countries including England for its military strategic geographic location . The US finally took it over from Spain in 1898, imposed American citizenship on its residents before Native Americans in the US, and appointed governors until 1952 when finally Puerto Ricans could elect their own governor. Only American ships can dock in PR. Everything has to be flown in or shipped in. Therefore, everything costs more than in the mainland. Immigrants from everywhere, including Cubans, made their money in PR and did not reinvest back. American companies made a lot of money in PR and did not pay local taxes during a grace period of 10 years after which they left the island leaving many unemployed. Most Americans do not know PR is American territory and its residents were drafted to fight for this country. Now they volunteer to fight for this country. It is time Americans and those Hispanics who resent Puerto Ricans are born American citizens stop harassing PR, its residents, and those living in the mainland. PR deserves a fair break now.
2
Is this true? Can someone PolitiFact it ?
If the electric grid is completely destroyed, wouldn't it be a good time to assist households in installing individual solar units and not rely completely on a large scale grid?
57
Agreed!!!
Why is no one talking about sending solar panel kits similar to all islands effected! This is an opportunity to create modern sustainable infrastructure
33
I keep a solar powered battery in my earthquake kit. I used it once when I was homeless in Seattle as my only power supply. Even in the dark Seattle winter it had no problem keeping a laptop and cellphone along with a string of xmas lights going. And I think I paid right around $100 for the kit. The company I bought from makes many larger units that even run a fridge or medical equipment. A house with solar panels is a great idea but if the roof blows away in the next hurricane, it is back to darkness unless one has a nice emergency kit.
19
@Phyllis Alden: Excellent idea, and something that charitable and other nonprofit groups could probably help provide.
1
Sadly, Puerto Rico doesn't have a voice in the halls of power or a seat at the table in Washington. For they are a territory but not a full fledged state. Even after Hurricane Harvey there were Texan Republicans who voted against the Hurricane Harvey Relief based on fiscal responsibility. The folks in Puerto Rico are viewed by these same conservatives as mostly 'brown' and 'democrat' they will not have an aid package on the same scale as Texas or Florida. Hopefully we can put aside petty politics to help those in need. For the next storm may hit close to home.
17
These disasters - in US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Texas & Florida raise the question: what is the purpose of government ? As with health insurance- isn't true homeland security an obligation to use pooled resources to provide a safety net when one segment weakens ?
We may need a new New Deal, but part of the recovery is to be clear that divided we fall, united we stand. Abandoning folks in need is exactly the way to destroy a nation, foster destructive internecine battles and turn a thriving stable democracy into a country ravaged by mass unrest, crushing poverty, devastating epidemics and endless civil war.
39
I have an idea: Just forgive the debt and move forward.
I couldn't care less if "investors" lose money.
Just remember, it wasn't so long ago that PR was considered a tax haven paradise for the wealthy. Hey, they took risks and lost. Too bad.
32
Investors take risks w/ their investments but they do not suffer and die...which is what is happening to innocent citizens...so yes, erase the debt and move forward.
It's time for Washington to live up to its lofty, self-congratulatory rhetoric and call a halt to the savage austerity they have forced on Puerto Rico.
63
Wouldn't count on it with this band of one percenters running the government.
The truth is the unethical bankers and $ guys are the root of the financial problems. PR deserves far better then they received once the corrupt "businessmen" gutted their economy for their own benefit.
If all Puerto Ricans fled to the mainland and the US renounced ownership of it, wouldn't the debt of Puerto Rico disappear? Maybe the US can deed this to the UN to create "refugee nation" - a place for refugees to go.
8
Unfortunately, a comment I made yesterday is still true: "Apparently, the Times needs to be reminded that Puerto Ricans are Americans. Texas' and Florida's struggles with hurricanes received blanket, often "8-column" coverage. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico, where the devastation is greater and recovery much more problematic, is relegated to a sidebar on the Home Page."
Perhaps the Times is merely reflecting the reality that most Americans are oblivious to Puerto Rico, neither understanding that its 3 1/2 million citizens are Americans, nor the politics and economics of the island.
Maybe most Americans think of Puerto Rico simply as "just another Hispanic country", perhaps Mexico-lite, if you will. This is not the moment to get into the ridiculousness of American electoral politics' belief in "the Hispanic vote", as if Puerto Rican Americans, Mexican Americans, Cuban-Americans, and others were all alike. But, this is the time to ask why there is not a flotilla of American naval and Coast Guard boats carrying relief supplies, members of the Corps of Engineers, generators with fuel, food, ice, medicine, and the many other things needed. Puerto Rico is an island without power. There are no roads that can be cleared from the mainland to bring in assistance.
I would also suggest that all Americans, regardless of their thoughts about building a wall between America and Mexico, would realize that the construction needs for rebuilding Puerto Rican infrastructure is more immediate.
135
They have repeatedly voted against statehood, so they don't have to pay US federal income taxes.
They have defaulted on roughly $73 billion in bond debt, owed predominantly to US citizens.
People receiving aid for home rebuilding from Harvey in Texas are expected to pay it back -- their aid is in terms of reduced interest rates.
Who should lend Puerto Rico money to rebuild? You?
Aside from emergency aid to get them on their feet, they are too untrustworthy to receive more loans.
12
Please educate yourself and stop perpetuating misconception about Puerto Rico . With a simple Google search Puerto Rico and Plebiscite/ Referendum you'll see the last two plebiscite 1s recent as June 2017, and 2012 Puerto Rico voted for Statehood. The entire island can vote every year 100% for statehood and it's not up to us to decide. It's up to Congress and it has to be 100% vote on both the house and the senate. However with a density population larger than 23 states Puerto Rico not only will gain two Senators but 5-7 representatives. Somebody has to give up seats to allow a tiny island to join the union and keep the 435 max Representative formula. Will Congress allow a tiny island of 100 x 35 square miles join the Union with so much power? Not in a million years. If they did not annex Cuba as a State they will not annex Puerto Rico either. What about the other territories are they will be also allowed to join the union? Also the US makes money out of Puerto Rico with the 1900 Jones Act and 1920 Merchant Marine Act. If they giving us the independence they will lose a hefty revenue.
To understand The 72 billion bond debt google John Oliver and Puerto Rico. He provides the best explanation of the debt history. You'll laugh too. I blame Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich and the Government of Puerto Rico for this debt. From 1972 to 2006 Puerto Rico had a striving economy with tax subsidies to manufacturing companies. But the1996 deal between Newt and Bill destroyed everything
1
Beautifully said, thank you! Bring in our military and use them to rescue & rebuild now. I wonder what the cruise lines are doing to help in this crisis too? They could be enormously helpful in helping w/ the rescue and temp providing housing etc to so many impacted by these storms. The need is now, not when it's convenient.
1
The US has two options... Completely evacuate the Island or mandate hurricane force wind stable buildings such as geodesic domes. The bulk of the population has already evacuated to the US mainland over the past couple of decades. With the destruction, it is time to make one of my suggestions happen.
2
The bulk of population has not left
13
What's worse, Maria or now having to deal with Andrew Cuomo.
Maybe, if he brings some aid to the beleaguered island, he can convince them to re-name the place after his daddy.
3
There is only one major problem with financial aid and that is 'corruption'.
Something PR knows all too well.
11
Like Texas and Florida don't know corruption?
17
How about we cancel our order for some of the needless, wasteful 2,424 F-35 aircraft that we ordered for $210 million apiece and use that money to help the victims of Harvey, Irma and Maria?
Why do we need those planes now anyway? To fight with Al Queda? What's wrong with our present fleet of fighter planes?
77
Imagine if we just got up and left Afghanistan? With the trillion dollars that we have tossed into the hands of defense contractors and drug dealers, we could repair Houston/Florida/Puerto Rico and probably have enough for healthcare and free college.
23
Unfortunately that won't happen because for one thing, too many very narrow-minded, short-sighted people think that if we did that, we'd somehow be dishonoring those who sacrificed life and limb during the trillion dollar spend instead of viewing it as saving the lives of thousands who won't have to go at all.
1
Why is the island of Vieques, PR which is only 25 minutes from San Juan not being reported. They need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is the airport open in Vieques? When can people get in and out?
16
Because Vieques is part of Puerto Rico as well as Culebra.
Yesterday's reality is, sadly, still true: the Times needs to be reminded that Puerto Ricans are Americans. Texas' and Florida's struggles with hurricanes received blanket, often "8-column" coverage, while Puerto Rico, with greater devastation and more problematic recovery is relegated to a sidebar on the Home Page.
Perhaps the Times is merely reflecting the reality that most Americans are oblivious to Puerto Rico, neither understanding that its 3 1/2 million citizens are Americans, nor the politics and economics of the island. Maybe most Americans think of Puerto Rico simply as "just another Hispanic country", perhaps Mexico-lite, if you will. This is not the moment to get into the absurdity of American electoral politics' belief in "the Hispanic vote", as if Puerto Rican Americans, Mexican Americans, Cuban-Americans, and others were all alike. But, this is the time to ask why there is not a flotilla of American naval and Coast Guard ships heading for Puerto Rico carrying relief supplies, members of the Corps of Engineers, generators with fuel, food, ice, medicine, and the many other things needed. Puerto Rico is an island without power. There are no roads that can be cleared from the mainland to bring in assistance. This is Florida's suffering 100-fold.
I would hope that all Americans, regardless of their thoughts about building a wall between America and Mexico, would realize that the needs for rebuilding Puerto Rico's most basic infrastructure are more immediate.
16
Just make PR a state already!
8
These are Americans and they are hurting. We need to support them as best we can. It is unfortunate that Mr. Trump seems more interested in the Emmys then he does about these people.
64
My heart is with the residents of Puerto Rico. But where will the billions come from to rebuild the recently devastated Houston, parts of Louisiana and Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and now Puerto Rico, especially the latter two that are bankrupt? It is staggering to contemplate. But let's assume for a moment they rebuild. What is to prevent the same catastrophes from repeating all over again for what remains of the Atlantic storm season this year or next year or the next and on and on? Answer: not much. I am afraid we have entered a new era, an era where the Caribbean islands as well as coastal cities such as Miami and others along the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Seaboard may soon be uninhabitable due to the ferocity and frequency of these hurricanes. Once more, staggering to contemplate.
33
Your scenario may indeed be the case. But Puerto Ricans are as American as all of us in Florida and Texas, and New Orleans and New Jersey. What one of the other readers said was look to the unnecesary purchase of billions for war planes that now seem redundant. We have the largest most well equipped Army, Air Force and Navy on the planet. Its time to put human needs first.
What Puerto Rico needs is a Marshal Plan of sorts for those who have mentioned the austerity plan imposed by a board, you should know that that plan has been balanced on the backs of those same people caught in floods and mud-slides and without electric power. The austerity plan closed hospitals, fired nurses and doctors, closed schools, and took pensions away, and reduced the number of municipal workers like firefighters and police officers. The power grid was faulty and has been such for decades now. Water was rationed during droughts. The hedge fund people have exacted their pound of flesh and on top of that Irma and Maria have heaped upon more suffering. The people will continue to suffer while some fat cats far away will continue to get their checks. But now what the island needs is help and caring and not some of the snarky remarks written here. Some of you folks should read more and talk less. Look at the long history of the US with the Island. Look at the maritime laws, look at a history of tax breaks for corporations and then look to your own hearts to see what you can do to help.
11
Where is the money going to come from? How about what we are spending in Afghanistan? It is time to demand that our elected officials quit wasting our tax dollars only to make themselves richer.
12
Yes, and the sooner ppl realize these areas are doomed to more invincible natural disasters, the better.
1
The problems of P.R. require more than huge amounts of money. The P.R. government has shown that it is incapable of governing. Perhaps the oversight recently put in place by Congress will be sufficient, perhaps it must reviewed and expanded. An economically healthy P.R. is in the interest of the U. S. and an attractive business environment in a well governed P.R. is essential.
9
Sure buddy,, review and expand already mean spiritied draconian rules. What you now see on the island is a profoundly weakened economy brought on by measure sthat have resulted in a weakened infrastructure, and mass migrations rivaling those of the forties and fifties when the island went trough rapid industrialization and a good deal for a lot of corporations. There is great suffering because of those austerity rules and now these storms sill make things a lot worse, unless we see some sort of Marshal Plan for the Island and the US Virgin islands.
2
"The P.R. government has shown that it is incapable of governing."
Like San Juan, like Washington DC.
1
The Republicans own climate change, at some point that will cost them
15
Dear President Trump,
You didn't win Puerto Rico, true, but it is a U.S. territory.
Perhaps their tragedy can be your saving grace.
Being president is hard. Who knew? But there is hope.
Posing in the mirror as you and your reflection, Kim,
exchange playground taunts has got you in a bind.
Turns out he's just as crazy as you are.
How about stepping away from the mirror and picking up the phone to see just how much aid you can arrange for the people of Puerto Rico?
The crowds will love it! Ratings will soar.
As you work to make sure people have food and water and electricity, Kim will be stuck with no one to taunt. No, really, I assure you, helping people eat and clothe themselves and find shelter and medical care IS a form of leadership. And it's the kind of leadership that so many in this hemisphere could use right now. Hurricane relief. Flood relief. Earthquake relief.
There is something so manly and alluring in a leader who makes sure people don't starve. Nuclear weapons are over-rated. Turns out that you can't use them without a big mess.
But humanitarian aid? That's a real crowd pleaser.
Show the people of the world that you are so unpredictable,
and such a deal maker that you can reduce suffering
and rebuild communities!
Make America (and her suffering territories) great again!
43
President Trump should listen to the above advice. Show Americans he cares and will help, ignore Rocket Man. He is a waste of time. It will be a win-win situation.
6
I agree with you on the great ratings part. Instead of planning a military parade in Washington, D.C., perhaps he can plan a military flotilla of help for the entire Caribbean.
4