I think everyone should stop pointing the finger only at Pres. Trump concerning the situation in Puerto Rico (PR).

It is absolutely true the Federal Government has not assisted PR but has actually added to the problems. But not from this administration.

Case in point in 1920 the Jones Act affecting shipping regulations that negatively impacted PR, was passed under the presidency of Woodrow Wilson (D). For years this law had made it expensive for PR to get much needed goods. Repealed By Pres. Trump.

1984 the infamous Strom Thurmond (D) during US bankruptcy law review wrote in an amendment barring PR from being able to declare Chpt 9.

1976 – Under Pres Jimmy Carter (D) Tax breaks gave a loophole to US manufacturers to avoid paying significant income taxes to PR if they moved operations to PR.  Large corportions ran to PR and grew PR economy based on the employment opportunities but was not adding to income tax revenue.

1996 – Under Pres Bill Clinton (D) Congress the tax breaks were repealed and the companies fled the country and left PR’s economy in a tail spin. There were no established large owner operated businesses – no money for start ups – people left the island in droves to follow the money.  Due to the influx of the industrial revolution PR put their once flourishing agricultural sector on the back burner. This left PR having to import nearly 85% of its produce. People, especially younger working adults  had left and continued over the years to leave PR for eduction and work. The job prospects that are left are low paying – or “pay under the table” jobs and a large portion of the  population is older and on some type of assistance with virtually no backing by the US gov.

Debt is in the area of $70 Billion with another $44 Billion in pension payments.

PR has only one non-voting congressman in the House and PR citizens can not vote in presidential elections.  So the citizens are basically represented and not heard. Puerto Rican’s did vote to become a State however Congress (R) has yet to address (not even Dems) that issue let alone vote on it.

Now that the history lessen is over… I have an observation. When hurricane Irma was bearing down on the Florida – daily I heard the Governor and local officials begging and then mandating people leave and take shelter especially the Keyes! They were warned once the storm hit the devastation may be massive and “we won’t be able to get to you”. Today with hurricane Florence bearing down on NC I hear the warnings and watch the evacuations.

Puerto Rico like any other island was and always can be in the path of a major hurricane. So where is their OEM or their emergency plan? I did not hear once the mayor or governor (so outspoken now) warn everyone of the pending storm. I did not see the mandatory evacuation of the outlying citizens. Why weren’t they transported to higher ground or the cities where hotels could have provided food and shelter? Why (when PR was prosperous) was the power grid not brought up to current standards. If technology was required along with money and the people to make it happen where was the request? I am sure Con Ed or PSEG along with other power companies across the continental US could have sent teams to teach and or make the upgrades. They did it after the storm! Where were the citizens of PR who left knowing the conditions they left behind and of the family & friends ultimately in harms way?  Why weren’t the people who got on TV making a big show of what they were doing AFTER the storm trying to assist and gather help and assistance YEARS BEFORE a disaster!! In the days after the storm I did not see the Gov or the Mayor in trouble they looked well dressed and well fed.

In short see how may storms, floods, tornados and fires the continental US has had to deal just in 2017! Which is why Pres Trump made his statements of success. For PR once ships could get in and planes could land and trucks with people to operate them could move the help got under way. Any assistance is a blessing!  Just ask the people who are still trying to get over Katrina and Sandy!  Stop putting the blame on one person or administration. It is the job of the governors and mayors and local police/fire departments to know their areas and effectively respond and have a plan and give direction before this type of situation occurs.  This is where Puerto Rico failed.

It is also up to the Governor of PR and Congress  along with the President to right the wrongs of the past and prepare for a brighter future for Puerto Rico!