Watching the news in the morning is a big part of many Americans daily routine, even if it is just on in the background. It is everywhere today, the television, radio and social media. It is even becoming gossip among friends. We consume so much news, daily. As a journalism student, most of my classes focus on the news. Sometimes I will be in a class that talks only about the hot topic in the news that day. This helps me stay on top of current events and even garner a new perspective. Hearing an entire class of people speak on the same matter, all with different opinions is wonderful. However, I have noticed a major issue that has seemingly disappeared from the news, hurricane Maria and its effects on Puerto Rico.
The hurricane made landfall in September of 2017 and was the headline for a few days. President Donald Trump went to the Island in attempt to address the devastation but did not do much. Blaming the destruction on the people of Puerto Rico and the infrastructure being terrible, Trump basically said he cannot keep FEMA and military first responders there forever.
Now, three months later, Puerto Rico is having the largest blackout in modern history. They are living without electricity and with no reliable source of water. Not only does this mean they are living in the dark, this means they can’t use their modern medicines like breathing machines. They are forced to rely on generators, which is hazardous. They are dangerous to run constantly and expensive to keep full. This has led to an increase in deaths of sick people. For the 3.4 million American citizens who live there, this is a crisis.
Many children have missed an entire semester of school and don’t know when they can return. Engineers have yet to go to the schools to see if they are suitable and ready for the children to attend. While some of the schools in the southern mainland states have taken in children so they don’t fall behind, many have stayed because they can’t leave home.
For the rural citizens, of the island, it can be even more difficult. Bridges and roadways connecting to the city areas have been destroyed, making it even harder to get food and water.
So, why is this not being talked about? These are American citizens. Many of them have even served our military. They pay most United States federal taxes. So why are they not receiving help and why is it being swept under the rug?
I asked a few people about Puerto Rico and what they know about its current situation. Most of them said, they honestly don’t know much about it. One person I asked said they read the news at least 6 times a day, yet still, did not know much about the crisis there. “I saw yesterday the governor is pissed off about the tax bill.” He said, hoping that was the answer I was looking for.
This would not happen to any of the mainland states. Funds would not be cut off, and have not been cut off in the past. So, I ask you the question why?
What you can do to help: First, spread the news. How can anyone help if they don’t know what’s going on or what needs to be done? Donate! Make sure you check where you’re donating to. Does this organization have a good reputation? What percent of your donation actually goes to the cause and what goes to the organization. Volunteer, get in touch with local organizations and find out what you can do. Puerto Rico needs help.
