Puerto Rico Disaster

[Madelaine Amee]

Puerto Rico is devastated. People are desperate for water and food and I see that nobody cares. Well, that is not quite true because there are hundreds of people who are trying to help them, but has anyone heard our elected officials comment on this devastation.

We are all more concerned about kneeling football players ..... please let's get our priorities in order.

[Taltarzac725]

Puerto Rico is devastated. People are desperate for water and food and I see that nobody cares. Well, that is not quite true because there are hundreds of people who are trying to help them, but has anyone heard our elected officials comment on this devastation.

We are all more concerned about kneeling football players ..... please let's get our priorities in order.

I share that sentiment. Very tough to watch videos of that devastation.

[CFrance]

Puerto Rico is devastated. People are desperate for water and food and I see that nobody cares. Well, that is not quite true because there are hundreds of people who are trying to help them, but has anyone heard our elected officials comment on this devastation.

We are all more concerned about kneeling football players ..... please let's get our priorities in order.
:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

[graciegirl]

Many are saddened and worried about them and about the devastation and death left by the earthquakes in Mexico.

You can't hear the sound of our prayers because many are silent ones. Nor know the quiet acts of help by many.

There were no choices made in these natural acts of disaster so nothing to rail against, only to be saddened by.

Humans want to blame someone when they are angered or worried.

[njbchbum]

I don't know what "elected official" you are seeking to hear from - but - here in the NY area Gov Cuomo is all over the news -
cuomo j lo puerto rico - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=cuomo+j+lo+puerto+rico&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cuomo+j+lo+puerto+rico&sc=0-22&sk=&cvid=1F998112AF074C9B82AFB6229F2C1573)

And a variety of news outlets have been providing coverage of the President's concern for Puerto Rico -
trump puerto rico - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=trump++puerto+rico&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=trump+puerto+rico&sc=8-17&sk=&cvid=C1363FB185E94D0DA486F1152C5E1597)

I am wondering where ANY foreign aid has been provided for/to the victims of Harvey, Irma and Maria!

[CFrance]

Concern is one thing. What concrete action is being taken? Not hearing much about that.

[graciegirl]

The already weak economy will not withstand this disaster. I look for many, many, many people who live in Puerto Rico to move to Florida and possibly The Villages.


Hot, isolated, and running out of supplies, parts of Puerto Rico near desperation (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/hot-isolated-and-running-out-of-supplies-parts-of-puerto-rico-near-desperation/ar-AAspOmd?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp#image=AAscha9|3)

[graciegirl]

Concern is one thing. What concrete action is being taken? Not hearing much about that.

New York Gov. Cuomo pledges state aid effort for Puerto Rico - NY Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/sports/new-york-gov-cuomo-pledges-state-aid-effort-puerto-rico-article-1.3518006)

Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico – Twin Cities (http://www.twincities.com/2017/09/24/aid-begins-to-flow-to-hurricane-hit-puerto-rico/)

[CowBubba]

When trump gets there maybe more help will come with him. Anyone know when he is scheduled to visit Puerto Rico?

[CFrance]

Thanks for the updates. I understand Cuomo--his state has a very large Puerto Rican population. I'm just wondering what the Federal government might do. Puerto Rico is part of us.

[Madelaine Amee]

I don't know what "elected official" you are seeking to hear from - but - here in the NY area Gov Cuomo is all over the news -
cuomo j lo puerto rico - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=cuomo+j+lo+puerto+rico&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=cuomo+j+lo+puerto+rico&sc=0-22&sk=&cvid=1F998112AF074C9B82AFB6229F2C1573)

And a variety of news outlets have been providing coverage of the President's concern for Puerto Rico -
trump puerto rico - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=trump++puerto+rico&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=trump+puerto+rico&sc=8-17&sk=&cvid=C1363FB185E94D0DA486F1152C5E1597)

I am wondering where ANY foreign aid has been provided for/to the victims of Harvey, Irma and Maria!

Yes, I was very wrong to have overlooked Gov. Cuomo, he has been excellent and very caring. He was also on the Virgin Islands immediately after their hurricane. He is a good man.

[graciegirl]

Now over three hundred deaths reported in Mexico and they are not done combing through the rubble. God help them.

Mexico death toll rises to 324 (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/mexico-death-toll-rises-to-324/ar-AAsrMZT?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp&fullscreen=true#image=1)

[l2ridehd]

I believe there is a lot being done. I am in touch with several people there and there has been quite a bit of US aid already in place. Part of the delay is caused because most stuff must be brought in by ship and docking facilities have been damaged. I have a sail boat in Fajardo and have been talking to several different folks I know in that area. I have offered to go down and help, but the issue is getting around once you are there. As soon as I can I will be going down.

[njbchbum]

Thanks for the updates. I understand Cuomo--his state has a very large Puerto Rican population. I'm just wondering what the Federal government might do. Puerto Rico is part of us.

I found these articles on a quick internet search:
Federal response in Puerto Rico to Hurricane Maria slowly takes shape - NewsChannel 5 Nashville (http://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/federal-response-in-puerto-rico-to-hurricane-maria-slowly-takes-shape)
Aid reaches Puerto Rico after Maria as threat from cracked dam recedes | World news | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/24/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-maria-cracked-dam)
Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico - POLITICO (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-flooding-243061)
$1B OK'd for Puerto Rico hurricane aid, but governor says he'll seek more | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-mayors-say-hysteria-starting-to-spread-plead-for-help.html)

I wish I could find the video I saw this morning with the Gov of P.R. telling the reporter that the island nation needs so much more than hurricane assistance because of the fiscal crisis it was in before the storm; and he need the U.S. to come through with a lot of money to resolve that crisis, too!

I looked for and could not find where any international aid/assistance had been sent re victims of Harvey and Irma and Maria.

[Nucky]

During the past hour we have received word from 6 out of 7 family members in Puerto Rico. They have water and are eating but as you can imagine it's rough now. So excited to hear from them forgot to ask about the house. Very grateful.

[graciegirl]

During the past hour we have received word from 6 out of 7 family members in Puerto Rico. They have water and are eating but as you can imagine it's rough now. So excited to hear from them forgot to ask about the house. Very grateful.

GLAD TO HEAR. So happy for you and Priscilla.

[rjm1cc]

Concern is one thing. What concrete action is being taken? Not hearing much about that.

Might be that it is old news. Do you hear about Fl and Tx.

Assistance is being supplied.

[CFrance]

I found these articles on a quick internet search:
Federal response in Puerto Rico to Hurricane Maria slowly takes shape - NewsChannel 5 Nashville (http://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/federal-response-in-puerto-rico-to-hurricane-maria-slowly-takes-shape)
Aid reaches Puerto Rico after Maria as threat from cracked dam recedes | World news | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/24/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-maria-cracked-dam)
Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico - POLITICO (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-flooding-243061)
$1B OK'd for Puerto Rico hurricane aid, but governor says he'll seek more | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-mayors-say-hysteria-starting-to-spread-plead-for-help.html)

I wish I could find the video I saw this morning with the Gov of P.R. telling the reporter that the island nation needs so much more than hurricane assistance because of the fiscal crisis it was in before the storm; and he need the U.S. to come through with a lot of money to resolve that crisis, too!

I looked for and could not find where any international aid/assistance had been sent re victims of Harvey and Irma and Maria.
Thanks for those. I had not heard anything on the national news.

[Happinow]

I was watching a video on FB today and it showed where thousands of people were at an airport waiting to get out. The news said these people were in the airport for days already waiting for flights. There was one plane there that could hold 200 people, which wouldn't even put a dent in the amount of people waiting. They were hot and had no food or water. My heart nearly broke seeing children in strollers with cloths on their heads due to the heat. They did say that they were trying to get relief planes in to take these people out.

This is a devastating situation and I can only hope substantial help arrives soon.

[CFrance]

If you want to help directly, there is a list of four-star organizations in this article: How to Help Puerto Rico and Other Islands After Hurricane Maria - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/world/americas/hurricane-maria-donate-charity.html?emc=edit_ne_20170925&nl=evening-briefing&nlid=46573270&te=1&_r=0)

The list in this article includes International charities whose ratings by Charity Navigator are good. Also, a short blurb is given listing where each of these charities is putting their focus. For instance, AmeriCares is concentrating on Puerto Rico.

[Schaumburger]

If you want to help directly, there is a list of four-star organizations in this article: How to Help Puerto Rico and Other Islands After Hurricane Maria - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/world/americas/hurricane-maria-donate-charity.html?emc=edit_ne_20170925&nl=evening-briefing&nlid=46573270&te=1&_r=0)

The list in this article includes International charities whose ratings by Charity Navigator are good. Also, a short blurb is given listing where each of these charities is putting their focus. For instance, AmeriCares is concentrating on Puerto Rico.

CFrance, Thank you for posting this article. Good information.

[Chi-Town]

Now over three hundred deaths reported in Mexico and they are not done combing through the rubble. God help them.

Mexico death toll rises to 324 (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/mexico-death-toll-rises-to-324/ar-AAsrMZT?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp&fullscreen=true#image=1)GG, just a reminder that this thread is about the millions of people under extreme duress in Puerto Rico, a U,S. territory. Perhaps a separate Mexican earthquake thread is necessary.

Sent from my SM-T580 using Tapatalk

[dewilson58]

During the past hour we have received word from 6 out of 7 family members in Puerto Rico. They have water and are eating but as you can imagine it's rough now. So excited to hear from them forgot to ask about the house. Very grateful.



:smiley:

[graciegirl]

GG, just a reminder that this thread is about the millions of people under extreme duress in Puerto Rico, a U,S. territory. Perhaps a separate Mexican earthquake thread is necessary.

Sent from my SM-T580 using Tapatalk

You are right of course but I took it as a post that we Villagers weren't showing proper concern for others who were facing awful times. I know most of us feel awful for those who live in countries near us who have lost everything.

Sorry Chi..

Just to remind us all, that we, most of us who live here, the older generations, haven't lost our humanity, our hearts or our sense of caring for others who are suffering. Until I moved here, I had only known well, ONE person born in Puerto Rico. I visited the country during a sales meeting years ago, and thought it beautiful. It was only during the storm did I know that there were mountains in the center. We live to be old and learn many things about ourselves and others.

[Chi-Town]

You are right of course but I took it as a post that we Villagers weren't showing proper concern for others who were facing awful times. I know most of us feel awful for those who live in countries near us who have lost everything.

Sorry Chi..

Just to remind us all, that we, most of us who live here, the older generations, haven't lost our humanity, our hearts or our sense of caring for others who are suffering. Until I moved here, I had only known well, ONE person born in Puerto Rico. I visited the country during a sales meeting years ago, and thought it beautiful. It was only during the storm did I know that there were mountains in the center. We live to be old and learn many things about ourselves and others.There is no doubt you care about people that's for sure. And it's nice that The Villages is a caring community.

There is a large Puerto Rican population in Chicago, and I know that city has had its share of bad publicity, but it does pitch in during a time of crisis.

Hurricane relief supplies headed to Puerto Rico from Chicago | abc7chicago.com (http://abc7chicago.com/society/hurricane-relief-supplies-headed-to-puerto-rico-from-chicago/2451885/)




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[graciegirl]

There is no doubt you care about people that's for sure. And it's nice that The Villages is a caring community.

There is a large Puerto Rican population in Chicago, and I know that city has had its share of bad publicity, but it does pitch in during a time of crisis.

Hurricane relief supplies headed to Puerto Rico from Chicago | abc7chicago.com (http://abc7chicago.com/society/hurricane-relief-supplies-headed-to-puerto-rico-from-chicago/2451885/)




Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk



WHERE is the like button?

[Sandtrap328]

Remember that all the residents of Puerto Rico are U..S. citizens!

That aid will be forthcoming from the Federal government as well as private contributions - just as the hurricane victims of Texas and Florida.

Trump - as President of the USA should be leading the initiative for Federal disaster aid for Puerto Rico.

[villagerjack]

Puerto Rico is devastated. People are desperate for water and food and I see that nobody cares. Well, that is not quite true because there are hundreds of people who are trying to help them, but has anyone heard our elected officials comment on this devastation.

We are all more concerned about kneeling football players ..... please let's get our priorities in order.

Texas, Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico. All very bad. Let's not sink to the level of politics. Our Country will be there for all of them. As always.

[Fredster]

Texas, Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico. All very bad. Let's not sink to the level of politics. Our Country will be there for all of them. As always.

:agree:

[Cisco Kid]

As U..S. citizens will FEMA help out ?

[graciegirl]

As U..S. citizens will FEMA help out ?

I just heard on the news that 20 barges from FEMA were on their way to Puerto Rico with food, generators and supplies and medical teams. Also a hospital ship.

[jblum315]

We are sending the hospital ship Comfort to Puerto Rico

[Nucky]

GLAD TO HEAR. So happy for you and Priscilla.

Numero Siete just checked in with the other family in P.R. The oldest Man is coming back because he can't hang in there in the heat. The rest want to stay there and rebuild no matter what. They Love it there. God Bless Em, God help them. They put together a family meal today of Chicken & Rice. They are very resourceful, hard working, kind, religious people. They love me and I love them back, They call me Gordito??? I don't know what they're talking about! :shrug:

[asianthree]

Hospitals have taken their world relief boxes and sent them to PR. Just one hospitals donation can run a triage for weeks. Every hospital in every part of the country has world relief boxes packed and ready to go to wherever it's needed. And in a disaster like this you would be surprised at how many more boxes can be quickly put together and shipped immediately.

[Lbmb24101]

Puerto Rico is devastated. People are desperate for water and food and I see that nobody cares. Well, that is not quite true because there are hundreds of people who are trying to help them, but has anyone heard our elected officials comment on this devastation.

We are all more concerned about kneeling football players ..... please let's get our priorities in order.

Comletely agree w you!

[njbchbum]

Puerto Rico is devastated. People are desperate for water and food and I see that nobody cares. Well, that is not quite true because there are hundreds of people who are trying to help them, but has anyone heard our elected officials comment on this devastation.

We are all more concerned about kneeling football players ..... please let's get our priorities in order.

Comletely agree w you!

It seems like you and Madelaine have missed much of the news re P.R. relief from the mainland! Especially this item, "Rossello and other officials praised the federal government for planning its response in detail before the storm hit, a contrast with what Puerto Rico has long seen as the neglect of 3.4 million Americans living in a territory without a vote in Congress or the electoral college."
Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico - POLITICO (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-flooding-243061)

C130s began relief drops as soon as the airport reopened. Better that they have the space than Air Force 1 - no?

And ships began delivering relief supplies as soon as the port reopened.

Maybe these articles will catch you and Madelaine up on what has been happening on the Federal relief level.
Federal response in Puerto Rico to Hurricane Maria slowly takes shape - NewsChannel 5 Nashville (http://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/federal-response-in-puerto-rico-to-hurricane-maria-slowly-takes-shape)
Aid reaches Puerto Rico after Maria as threat from cracked dam recedes | World news | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/24/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-maria-cracked-dam)
$1B OK'd for Puerto Rico hurricane aid, but governor says he'll seek more | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-mayors-say-hysteria-starting-to-spread-plead-for-help.html)

[bimmertl]

McCain asks DHS to waive shipping restriction for Puerto Rico aid - NY Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/mccain-urges-dhs-waive-shipping-restrictions-puerto-rico-article-1.3524346)

[Lottoguy]

ONE hospital ship is not going to help much. It's better then nothing. I feel so sorry for those people.

[Madelaine Amee]

[QUOTE=njbchbum;1454179]It seems like you and Madelaine have missed much of the news re P.R. relief from the mainland! QUOTE]

I don't think we have missed anything about the early neglect of help to PR. It would seem that the powers that be have finally woken up to the need of their citizens on this island. Better late than never, but not before people have died.

[l2ridehd]

[QUOTE=njbchbum;1454179]It seems like you and Madelaine have missed much of the news re P.R. relief from the mainland! QUOTE]

I don't think we have missed anything about the early neglect of help to PR. It would seem that the powers that be have finally woken up to the need of their citizens on this island. Better late than never, but not before people have died.

IMHO you missed the information someplace. I spend a lot of time in Puerto Rico and still have a sail boat there. I have many friends there so I have following this very close. There was significant planning well before the storm hit. The logistics problem caused a delay in execution. The airports were all closed and so were all the ports. They couldn't get planes or ships into the country. The first planes to arrive after they opened a single runway were C-130's loaded with aid. Ships have been waiting and ports just started to open. Is it enough? Probably not, but they are also trying to help US Virgin Islands and BVI as well.

The biggest problems in Puerto Rico is they have spent all the money on hiring people which gets votes. Over 60% of the working population works for the country and local governments. That is not a sustainable model. No money has been spent on infrastructure for years. So a storm like this destroyed everything.

So yes I feel very sorry for them. I am actively trying to get there to help. I have sent personal stuff to folks I know. Not even sure it can get there. But the reason why the island was so damaged were somewhat self inflicted by the way the country has been run for the last twenty years.

I go to a marina in Fajardo a dozen or more times a year. There is a highway bridge down to a single lane because a new bridge is being built. It has been that way for over 10 years. And I have seen people working on the bridge only twice in that time frame. I struggle to hire anyone to do work on my boat. I usually give up and take it over to St Thomas. I can only get something done by paying under the table in cash. Nobody wants to work. It's a huge problem that has created an infrastructure that is crumbling. They are broke and have been for many years because such a huge percent of the work force works in public service of some type.

Please don't take this as a political statement, it is just information as to why they had the extent of the damage they did from personal observations from someone who has spent a lot of time there.

[Michelle C.]

If you get on Univision News you will hear about all the help being sent there. It's not "news" the major news networks want to focus on. They have already mentioned Trump has not been to see the devastation yet! Really? Do people not understand the amount of security and,preparations required to get ANY President to a small island like that? Time, resources and manpower,taken away from the supplies and repairs already happening. I have cousins there, they tell me what they are experiencing and I have more information to go on than our newscasters here. And yes, Where is the Foreign Aid from other countries?
Una Boricua rezando por mi isla.

[njbchbum]

Good point, particularly when our "President" prefers to vent about the NFL.

Here are a few articles to catch you up on what the Federal govt is and has been doing at the direction of the President Trump and his administration:
Federal response in Puerto Rico to Hurricane Maria slowly takes shape - NewsChannel 5 Nashville (http://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/federal-response-in-puerto-rico-to-hurricane-maria-slowly-takes-shape)
Aid reaches Puerto Rico after Maria as threat from cracked dam recedes | World news | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/24/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-maria-cracked-dam)
Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico - POLITICO (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-flooding-243061)
$1B OK'd for Puerto Rico hurricane aid, but governor says he'll seek more | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-mayors-say-hysteria-starting-to-spread-plead-for-help.html)

[njbchbum]

[QUOTE=njbchbum;1454179]It seems like you and Madelaine have missed much of the news re P.R. relief from the mainland! QUOTE]

I don't think we have missed anything about the early neglect of help to PR. It would seem that the powers that be have finally woken up to the need of their citizens on this island. Better late than never, but not before people have died.

LOL How was aid supposed to arrive to an island nation when there was no airport and no shipping port? Drones?

"early neglect"? You surely missed this paragraph, "Rossello and other officials praised the federal government for planning its response in detail before the storm hit, a contrast with what Puerto Rico has long seen as the neglect of 3.4 million Americans living in a territory without a vote in Congress or the electoral college." Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico - POLITICO (http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/23/puerto-rico-aid-hurricane-flooding-243061)

[CFrance]

In post #20 I gave a link to an article telling where to donate responsibly. I did donate a week or so ago to AmeriCares, because it gets good marks from Charity Navigator, and the $ would go directly to Puerto Ricans. Here is an email I received from them today:

"[UPDATE] October 4, 2017
Puerto Rico

Americares chartered an airlift of medicines and supplies that arrived in San Juan on Sunday, October 1. The shipment contained three tons of critical medicines and supplies, valued at over $1,000,000, including antibiotics, wound-care supplies, intravenous fluids, mental health medications and chronic disease treatments.

The Americares team immediately unloaded the plane and personally trucked the shipment directly to the Department of Health.

In light of news reports of aid piling up on the piers, we wanted to let you know that Americares does not allow any of our medicine and supplies to go undelivered. Nothing is left on the tarmac. Nothing leaves our hands until it reaches its destination.

We have another airlift planned for Friday to deliver medicines and supplies directly to one of the hospitals in Puerto Rico.

We will continue to update you on our response and recovery efforts. Thank you for all you do."

[njbchbum]

In post #20 I gave a link to an article telling where to donate responsibly. I did donate a week or so ago to AmeriCares, because it gets good marks from Charity Navigator, and the $ would go directly to Puerto Ricans. Here is an email I received from them today:

"[UPDATE] October 4, 2017
Puerto Rico

Americares chartered an airlift of medicines and supplies that arrived in San Juan on Sunday, October 1. The shipment contained three tons of critical medicines and supplies, valued at over $1,000,000, including antibiotics, wound-care supplies, intravenous fluids, mental health medications and chronic disease treatments.

The Americares team immediately unloaded the plane and personally trucked the shipment directly to the Department of Health.

In light of news reports of aid piling up on the piers, we wanted to let you know that Americares does not allow any of our medicine and supplies to go undelivered. Nothing is left on the tarmac. Nothing leaves our hands until it reaches its destination.

We have another airlift planned for Friday to deliver medicines and supplies directly to one of the hospitals in Puerto Rico.

We will continue to update you on our response and recovery efforts. Thank you for all you do."

God willing it will be distributed from there to where it needs to be! Friday's delivery sounds great!

[collie1228]

The situation in Puerto Rico has our country in a very bad predicament. Puerto Rico is considered a welfare state, where only about 40% of the working age people actually work. Plus the country is famous for the overall corruption of their government. They are about to go into full bankruptcy, and I just read that they are out of cash on October 31. How can we afford to give them a couple hundred billion (that's billion with a B) dollars to bail them out? Our own debt is already out of control. On the other hand, we can't ignore the suffering of our fellow American citizens. At the very least our politicians must put severe conditions on any money sent there - there must be accountability and oversight by the U.S. Government. Hopefully we'll find a way to balance these issues and get them the humanitarian help they need.

[graciegirl]

The situation in Puerto Rico has our country in a very bad predicament. Puerto Rico is considered a welfare state, where only about 40% of the working age people actually work. Plus the country is famous for the overall corruption of their government. They are about to go into full bankruptcy, and I just read that they are out of cash on October 31. How can we afford to give them a couple hundred billion (that's billion with a B) dollars to bail them out? Our own debt is already out of control. On the other hand, we can't ignore the suffering of our fellow American citizens. At the very least our politicians must put severe conditions on any money sent there - there must be accountability and oversight by the U.S. Government. Hopefully we'll find a way to balance these issues and get them the humanitarian help they need.

I know very little about Puerto Rico but sensed some underlying problems. This clarifies the situation a lot to me. Many of us have only met a few people from Puerto Rico in our lifetime.

Your summary sounds fair to me and worrisome to all. I saw no reason why the hostility from people in charge there. They seemed to be lashing out for some reason. There is always more to learn.

Apparently the Teamsters Union were controlling distribution of the materials that had arrived and weren't being public spirited?

[bimmertl]

Really, the Teamsters Union were controlling distribution.

When in doubt, just make stuff up.

FACT CHECK: Did Puerto Rico's Teamsters Union Go on Strike During Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts? (http://www.snopes.com/puerto-rico-teamsters/)

[ColdNoMore]

Really, the Teamsters Union were controlling distribution.

When in doubt, just make stuff up.

FACT CHECK: Did Puerto Rico's Teamsters Union Go on Strike During Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts? (http://www.snopes.com/puerto-rico-teamsters/)

Yep. :ohdear:

[graciegirl]

There was no mention of a strike by me. It says in this article for whatever the reason, that only 20% of truck drivers reported back to work after the hurricane. Perhaps 80% could not get to work and the Teamsters Union had nothing to do with it.

Read here;

American Teamsters were sending Volunteers to the Island.


Teamsters organize truckers to move supplies in Puerto Rico (https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/teamsters-organize-truckers-to-move-supplies-in-puerto-rico)

[Rockyrd]

There was no mention of a strike by me. It says in this article for whatever the reason, that only 20% of truck drivers reported back to work after the hurricane. Perhaps 80% could not get to work and the Teamsters Union had nothing to do with it.

Read here;

American Teamsters were sending Volunteers to the Island.


Teamsters organize truckers to move supplies in Puerto Rico (https://www.click2houston.com/news/national/teamsters-organize-truckers-to-move-supplies-in-puerto-rico)

Actually, the article says "...IN PART because"

These false, phoney articles began very soon in response to criticism and were flat out made up

This from International Teamsters....

"WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union denounces reports from online, anti-union sources that stated Teamster truck drivers in Puerto Rico have refused to move supplies from the port as part of an effort to leverage wage increases from the government. These reports are false and have no basis in fact.

The truth is that members from Teamsters Local Union 901 in San Juan have been working or volunteering since the day after the hurricane passed, helping with disaster relief and recovery.
“Let me be clear – Teamsters in Puerto Rico have been working on the relief efforts since day one,” said Alexis Rodriguez, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 901. “Anyone that has reported anything different is lying. Our only agenda is to help bring Puerto Rico back better and stronger.”
“These viral stories spreading across the internet are nothing but lies perpetrated by anti-union entities to further their destructive agenda,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “The fact that they are attempting to capitalize on the suffering of millions of citizens in Puerto Rico that are dire need of our help by pushing these false stories, just exposes their true nature.”

Teamsters Denounce False Reports of Work Stoppage by Union Drivers in Puerto Rico | Teamsters (https://teamster.org/news/2017/10/teamsters-denounce-false-reports-work-stoppage-union-drivers-puerto-rico)

[ColdNoMore]

Actually, the article says "...IN PART because"

These false, phony articles began very soon in response to criticism and were flat out made up.

This from International Teamsters....

"WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union denounces reports from online, anti-union sources that stated Teamster truck drivers in Puerto Rico have refused to move supplies from the port as part of an effort to leverage wage increases from the government. These reports are false and have no basis in fact.

The truth is that members from Teamsters Local Union 901 in San Juan have been working or volunteering since the day after the hurricane passed, helping with disaster relief and recovery.
“Let me be clear – Teamsters in Puerto Rico have been working on the relief efforts since day one,” said Alexis Rodriguez, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 901. “Anyone that has reported anything different is lying. Our only agenda is to help bring Puerto Rico back better and stronger.”
“These viral stories spreading across the internet are nothing but lies perpetrated by anti-union entities to further their destructive agenda,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “The fact that they are attempting to capitalize on the suffering of millions of citizens in Puerto Rico that are dire need of our help by pushing these false stories, just exposes their true nature.”

Teamsters Denounce False Reports of Work Stoppage by Union Drivers in Puerto Rico | Teamsters (https://teamster.org/news/2017/10/teamsters-denounce-false-reports-work-stoppage-union-drivers-puerto-rico)

And came almost solely from particular sources/viewpoint, who have proved over and over...as being the 'real experts in fake news.' :ohdear:

[graciegirl]

The bottom line is that due to lack of transportation the goods did not get moved to the areas where people needed it.

Volunteers from THE TEAMSTERS UNION in U.S. were sent to move the goods.

THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE.

Unions have a mixed history. Some very good folks and some very bad folks. Another bottom line.

I am allowed to think whatever I want and so are you.

[Rockyrd]

The bottom line is that due to lack of transportation the goods did not get moved to the areas where people needed it.

Volunteers from THE TEAMSTERS UNION in U.S. were sent to move the goods.

THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE.

Unions have a mixed history. Some very good folks and some very bad folks. Another bottom line.

I am allowed to think whatever I want and so are you.

I agree you can think what you want....the American way, right.

This "boy" prefers his thought process to be based on truth

[ColdNoMore]

I agree you can think what you want....the American way, right.

This "boy" prefers his thought process to be based on truth
Yeah, me too, but it seems these days that 'truth-based' opinions/viewpoints...are just so limiting. :D