The Desert of The Real 2
Puerto Rico Is Dying: Here's Why
The relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States has been marked by policies, economic exploitation, and political limitations that have significantly hindered Puerto Rico's development.
Puerto Rico Is Dying: Here's Why
The following breakdown highlights keyways in which U.S. policies have contributed to Puerto Rico’s struggles, from colonial-style governance to economic dependency and financial instability.
Colonial Status and Lack of Sovereignty
Puerto Rico remains an unincorporated U.S. territory, meaning it has no real political autonomy and limited representation. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote for the President and have no voting representation in Congress. Instead, Puerto Rico is subject to U.S. federal laws and regulations, often without input or consent from its own people. Decisions that affect Puerto Rico’s economy, environment, and governance are made by Washington, which has historically prioritized U.S. interests over the well-being of Puerto Ricans.
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920)
One of the most damaging economic policies imposed on Puerto Rico is the Jones Act, which requires that all goods shipped between U.S. ports be transported on American-built, owned, and operated ships. This law dramatically increases the cost of imports and exports, making everything from food to fuel more expensive for Puerto Ricans. Since most products consumed on the island are imported, the Jones Act has led to a significantly higher cost of living compared to the mainland U.S., while also making it harder for Puerto Rican businesses to compete in the global market.
Exploitation of Puerto Rico’s Economy
For much of the 20th century, Puerto Rico's economy was manipulated to serve U.S. corporate interests. Programs like "Operation Bootstrap" in the mid-20th century encouraged U.S. businesses to establish manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico by providing tax incentives and cheap labor. While these initially created jobs, it left the island heavily dependent on U.S. corporations. When those incentives expired, many companies left, plunging Puerto Rico into economic decline. The island’s agricultural economy was also dismantled in favor of manufacturing, making Puerto Rico reliant on imports for basic necessities.
Crushing Debt and Wall Street Control
Puerto Rico has been trapped in a cycle of debt largely driven by U.S. financial institutions and policies. Unable to access normal bankruptcy protections due to its territorial status, the island was forced to take out massive loans to fund infrastructure and public services. These debts were then repackaged and sold to Wall Street investors, many of whom profited from high-interest rates while pushing Puerto Rico further into financial ruin.
In 2016, the U.S. Congress passed the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), which placed the island under the control of a federally appointed oversight board known as “La Junta.” This board, made up of unelected officials, has the power to override Puerto Rico’s government and enforce austerity measures. These measures have led to budget cuts in healthcare, education, and pensions, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable Puerto Ricans.
Disaster Mismanagement and Neglect
Puerto Rico’s struggles were magnified by the U.S. government’s neglect following natural disasters, particularly Hurricane Maria in 2017. The storm devastated the island, leaving much of the population without electricity, clean water, or basic supplies for months. The federal response was slow, inadequate, and often chaotic. President Trump’s administration, in particular, downplayed the crisis, and emergency funds were mismanaged or delayed. While billions of dollars were eventually allocated for recovery, much of the aid was either never fully distributed or tied up in bureaucratic red tape, leaving Puerto Ricans to fend for themselves.
Mass Migration and Population Decline
Because of the economic hardships and lack of opportunities, Puerto Ricans have been leaving the island in large numbers, mostly for the mainland U.S. This mass migration, accelerated by economic collapse and disaster mismanagement, has caused a brain drain, where skilled professionals such as doctors, engineers, and educators leave Puerto Rico, further weakening the island’s ability to recover and develop. Meanwhile, wealthy mainland Americans and investors have been exploiting Puerto Rico’s economic crisis by buying up land and real estate at low prices, gentrifying areas, and displacing local populations.
Environmental Exploitation and Military Damage
For decades, Puerto Rico has been used by the U.S. military as a testing ground for weapons and military exercises. The island of Vieques was bombed and contaminated for over 60 years, leaving lasting environmental and health consequences. Cancer rates in Vieques are significantly higher than the Puerto Rican mainland, and the local population continues to suffer from the toxic legacy of U.S. military activity. Cleanup efforts have been slow and insufficient, while the U.S. government has largely ignored demands for compensation and healthcare for affected residents.
A Stalled Future with No Real Political Resolution
Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory prevents it from making sovereign decisions about its economy, environment, and governance. Despite several referendums on statehood, independence, or continued territorial status, Congress has refused to take decisive action. Many Puerto Ricans feel trapped in a system where they are American citizens in name but are treated as second-class citizens with no real political power. Meanwhile, the debate over Puerto Rico's future remains stalled, with no clear path forward as U.S. lawmakers continue to prioritize their own political interests over meaningful change for the island.
The U.S. has systematically controlled Puerto Rico for over a century in a way that has stifled its economic independence, undermined its political autonomy, and left it vulnerable to corporate exploitation and government neglect. Policies like the Jones Act, economic dependence on U.S. corporations, Wall Street’s financial stranglehold, and disaster mismanagement have all played a role in keeping Puerto Rico in a cycle of crisis. While the island continues to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a strong cultural identity, it remains burdened by a colonial relationship that limits its ability to thrive. Until the U.S. addresses these long-standing injustices, Puerto Rico will continue to struggle under a system that prioritizes external interests over the well-being of its people.
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TDS... DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THAT IS...?
TDS has RUINED his life…😂😂😂
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7 BANNED books (and why you should read them)
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