New York Times: In Battered Puerto Rico, Governor Warns of a Humanitarian Crisis
SAN JUAN, P.R. — Gov. Ricardo A. Rosselló of Puerto Rico said on Monday that the island was on the brink of a “humanitarian crisis” nearly a week after Hurricane Maria knocked out its power and most of its water, and left residents waiting in excruciating lines for fuel. He called on Congress to prevent a deepening disaster.
Stressing that Puerto Rico, a United States territory, deserved the same treatment as other hurricane-ravaged states, the governor urged Republican leaders and the federal government to move swiftly to send more money, supplies and relief workers. It was a plea echoed by Puerto Rico’s allies in Congress, who are pushing for quick movement on a new relief bill and a loosening of financial debt obligations for the island, which is still reeling from a corrosive economic crisis.
“Puerto Rico, which is part of the United States, can turn into a humanitarian crisis,” Governor Rosselló said. “To avoid that, recognize that we Puerto Ricans are American citizens; when we speak of a catastrophe, everyone must be treated equally.”
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WNU Editor: Throughout the years I have always used Puerto Rico as an example on how debt and irresponsible government policies can destroy a society (Venezuela is my poster child now) .... but I must admit that I never thought Puerto Rico would be the disaster that it is today. And I am not alone .... many of its own citizens have abandoned Puerto Rico .... fed up with the corruption and an electorate that always chose politicians who made the situation worse. But no one never expected Hurricane Maria .... and I think a lot of people will agree with me that it is the "final straw that broke the camels back". Puerto Rico's economy has been obliterated. It's debt load is beyond crippling. It's infrastructure .... bad and neglected as it has been for years (makes you wonder on where did all the money go) .... is also now gone. No money .... just debt. No infrastructure. No economy. And to make matters worse .... those who can help rebuild immigrated to the U.S. a long time ago. Talk about disasters. But all not is bleak .... Puerto Rico will get the aid that it needs .... but it will not be enough .... and in the interim the media will blame this on the Trump administration without looking at the causes on why Puerto Rico is in the situation it is in today. Such is the U.S. landscape today.
On a personal note .... I have a few friends who live on the islands as well as my cousin's daughter who lives in Miami (she is involved in real-estate). They were all hit hard, but I have been told that everyone is working together, sacrificing together, and everyone is optimistic that everything will be repaired when the height of the tourist season starts around Christmas. Makes you wonder on why they are progressing quickly in repairing the damage, while Puerto Rico is giving the impression that they are lost and helpless on what to do. Yup .... it is an understatement to say that there is something terribly wrong here.
More News On Puerto Rico
Trump Says Puerto Rico in 'Deep Trouble' as Storm Adds to Debts -- Bloomberg
Trump declares Puerto Rico is in 'deep trouble' as questions mount about his commitment -- Washington Post
Help slow to arrive in Puerto Rico in aftermath of Hurricane Maria -- CBS News
Dems bash Trump for NFL focus as Puerto Rico reels -- The Hill
Puerto Rico evacuates area near crumbling dam, asks for aid -- Reuters
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