Suicides are up in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria, as the government abandons the island
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While Donald Trump and the Republicans spend this week fighting with Democrats over the DACA program and curbing migration from “shithole” countries, one particularly marginalized group of Americans remains in crisis yet completely ignored. Puerto RiSuicides are up in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria, as the government abandons the island
While Donald Trump and the Republicans spend this week fighting with Democrats over the DACA program and curbing migration from “shithole” countries, one particularly marginalized group of Americans remains in crisis yet completely ignored. Puerto Ricans continue to suffer life-threatening conditions due to the impact of Hurricane Maria—although you wouldn’t know it since we haven’t heard anything about it recently. Tuesday marks 118 days since the hurricane. Nearly half of the main island of Puerto Rico remains without power. Many of the residents of the islands of Vieques and Culebra (both parts of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) not only lack power but also reliable ferry service—which is the main source of food, supplies and transportation on and off those islands and San Juan. At present, there is no answer as to when power will return or when tourism (the main source of income for both) may resume. Last week, Puerto Rico’s police chief resigned because almost 3,000 officers a day have called in sick in protest of not receiving overtime pay while the murder rate on the island has increased. It’s about as desperate a situation that one can imagine. Yet, Donald Trump hasn’t tweeted about Puerto Rico or mentioned it since October. That’s right. In the midst of this worsening tragedy, Trump hasn’t talked about the dangerous conditions facing over 3 million Americans in almost three months. When he did, he was full of self-congratulatory praise for the “great” job he’s doing. xIt was great to have Governor @RicardoRossello of #PuertoRicoðµð·with us at the @WhiteHouse today. We are with you! #PRStrong pic.twitter.com/Op2xDZxvNc— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 19, 2017 Meanwhile, a new mental health crisis has occurred on the island. Suicides in Puerto Rico are up by 16 percent and some health specialists are making the link to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Read more