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Eighteen (lemmy.world)

submitted 21 hours ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 hours ago (2 children)

All those reasons sound entirely plausible, but perhaps statehood is one path toward fixing them. Clearly statehood would result in better representation. I don’t see how you get that any other way.

If PR were a state, would the FEMA response to that hurricane a few years back, be so bad?
Would they get more infrastructure spending to keep rebuilding their electrical grid: heck turn the island into 100% renewables, with mini-grids for resilience?
Would there be more trade, tourism, commercial development, leading to more well paying jobs?
would their local government get more oversight, higher standards (I’m assuming but maybe not)

What’s the objection to tourism? A bunch of people travelling there, spending tons of money, chances for Puerto Ricans to make much more money than they typically would …. How can I visit there and not be part of the problem?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 hour ago (1 children)

I really enjoyed visiting there a few years ago and definitely want to go back! I've since paid more attention and at least from what I've seen, statehood seems like the best path forward. My wife and I also visited Iceland last year, but that island is in a completely different situation in multiple ways. Their geothermal power is awesome though. PR could certainly benefit from renewables but more local control and growth. You're asking some good questions though.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 20 minutes ago

What are some of your best experiences in Iceland?

Both have been on my list for a while, but out of the blue, one of my kids asked about visiting Iceland. I have no idea where his interest is from, but I’m excited about the idea. Just need to get the kid a passport and wait for an opportune school break

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 hour ago (2 children)

Have you looked into how native Hawaiians feel about being a US state?

I don’t want to presume to tell a population with mixed feelings about the future of their island, culture, identity, and government what they should choose or how they should feel.

Also, I’d be careful to praise the tourism industry, without properly reviewing the impacts on the local community and culture (again, see Hawaii)

The fact of the matter is that an outsider’s opinion, especially a mainlander’s, doesn’t matter and doesn’t matter to them. The wording for the last referendum didn’t permit a more clear picture of the populations’ feelings, just a simple yes or no without reflecting other options and the nuances that go into every choice.

I might have agreed, and with similar arguments. But, then I married into the culture and also saw some articles or references to the native Hawaiians’ similar complaints.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 24 minutes ago

Have you looked into how native Hawaiians feel about being a US state?

I’m not sure that’s a good analogy. Given the history of Hawaii with corporate control, natives being pushed off their land and now a minority on their own islands, that more like asking the Sioux how it’s going. Clearly an era we did poorly.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 31 minutes ago* (last edited 27 minutes ago)

For sure it’s not up to us whether they should pursue statehood, but understanding the objection to tourism is important to being a successful tourist

as a tourist I expect to go somewhere and spend way too much money getting at least some exposure to a different culture or spectacle. I expect to be respectful and open minded. I hope to have an authentic experience rather than an Americanized or fast food experience. I expect some locals to earn quite a bit of money off my travels, even if I can’t afford it
as someone living in a city that does attract a lot of tourists, I see that it makes a huge contribution our local economy. Some thing’s are tourist traps but local culture thrives and those of us living here are not unduly impacted
cruise ships seem like a nightmare in many ways. In this context perhaps it’s a sudden overwhelming flood of tourists that has most impact, plus they wouldn’t be staying so the local benefit is minimized
I’ve encountered the occasional rude or disrespectful tourist but not very often

Actually, no, understanding objections to statehood is also important. I mean it’s their choice but the highest form of patriotism is self-criticism, learning to be better. Regardless of their choice, I want to understand how we can make the US better