[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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?

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by 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?

Yep.

[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

[Rockyrd]

Originally Posted by 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

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

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Rockyrd

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

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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Rockyrd

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.