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Photo by Erika Rodriguez of the NY Times from Thursday, 9/21
Given all of the devastation from natural disasters over the past month it is important that the U.S. Federal government not overlook Hurricane Maria's damage to Puerto Rico. First Hurricane Harvey drenched Houston, then Hurricane Irma soaked Florida, and most recently Hurricane Maria battered Puerto Rico. While a lot of Federal dollars have already been committed to recovery efforts in Houston and Florida, Puerto Rico is in worse financial condition than Texas or Florida. Also the damage appears to be worse as the entire island took a direct hit and power will be out for months. Given that nearly half of people were already living in poverty in Puerto Rico, the Federal government must prioritize relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. commonwealth.
Discussion questions:
1. Should the political status of Puerto Rico compared with Texas and Florida effect how much aid they receive from the Federal Government?
2. How do you believe that the U.S. can best support Puerto Rico in their recovery efforts?
3. Do you think the physical rebuilding process could lead to restructuring and improvement of the Puerto Rican economy or is it more likely put the island into an even deeper economic hole?
3 comments:
I think that Puerto Rico should receive the same amount of aid as Texas and Florida because if the federal government claims Puerto Rico to be theirs, they should treat Puerto Rico the same as their other states and territories. The government should first give aid, then send help in order for them to get electricity back on the island. I think that the physical rebuilding process will lead to the restructuring and improvement of the economy because with new and improved amenities, Puerto Ricans will be able to use the new buildings and supplies to continue to improve their territory.
The US has the same obligation to Puerto Rico as Texas and Florida, so theoretically they should be helping Puerto Rico at the same level. However, due to it not being a state, it realistically won't get the same attention or urgent care it needs. In the meantime, I believe the US government needs to implement temporary solutions to the electricity problem in Puerto Rico until they get power back. A few months time could be devastating without power so it's critical that basic needs of the territory are met in the meantime. In the short term I believe the island with see difficult economic problems but in the long term the island could thrive. If in the next few years Puerto Rico improves internally, the island could be more advanced and see a greater economy.
As Chris voices, Puerto Rico being a United States territory should be motive enough to offer the equal amount, if not more service to Puerto Rico than Texas and Florida because of its severity. Regardless of whether or not it is a state, the U.S should offer all probable aid. Otherwise,an irresponsible tone is created. The U.S. can help supply citizens with resources such as doctors, shelter, food and water, hands on workers, and money. I think that if the United States offers aid, it should at the same time not take advantage of the vulnerable government and infringe upon their sovereignty. However, at the same time it is ideal that the U.S. support the restabilization of their economy. Nevertheless, the short term solutions are more precedent as of now.
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