Caribbean Matters: Five years after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, the suffering continues
As we move closer to the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s complete devastation of Puerto Rico, on Sept. 20, 2017 (a horror from which the island has not recovered), it’s important to look at how things have changed there in the last half-decade—for better and for worse.
Several mainland, mainstream media outlets will probably grant brief attention to the anniversary before moving on; however, groups of Puerto Rican activists fighting for self-determination are planning events to commemorate the tragic events that took place, while continuing to call for change.
People are being forced to leave the island and relocate to the mainland for financial reasons, fueled also by gentrification and “Airbnb-itis.” There are continued blackouts and the lack of adequate response from LUMA Energy. Too many public schools have been closed, accompanied by a loss of teachers. Hospital closings and the relocation to the mainland of medical personnel due to insufficient Medicaid reimbursements is a looming disaster, and Vieques still has no hospital at all. Encroachment by developers onto the island’s beaches, which by law are open to the public, has sparked protests. There’s rising violence against women, alongside political corruption from the ruling elite and the heavy-handed rule of the U.S.-imposed “Junta.” Puerto Rico also faces grave environmental threats due to climate change, and its people struggle with the high cost of living—which is exacerbated by the antiquated Jones Act.
I haven’t even mentioned the impact of COVID-19, along with recurring health issues like zika, dengue, and the all too prevalent asthma and diabetes.
Puerto Rico - Next State?
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
“If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.” ― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/9 ... -continues
"Mickey Mouse and I grew up together." - Ruthie Tompson, Disney animation checker and scene planner and one of the first women to become a member of the International Photographers Union in 1952.
- Volkonski
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
“If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.” ― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace
- Volkonski
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
“If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.” ― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace
- Volkonski
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
We must hope that Biden does a better job of getting help to Puerto Rico than Trump did.
And don't forget Lake Charles LA.
And don't forget Lake Charles LA.
“If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.” ― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
Does FEMA have enough paper rolls to throw at the problem
- Volkonski
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Re: Puerto Rico - Next State?
“If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.” ― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace