Puerto Rico, a beautiful island in the Caribbean has been devastated by the fierce hurricane Maria. Hurricanes themselves are very dangerous in themselves, but as we know from what happened in Louisiana after Katrina; the aftermath is even a more horrible situation.
After talking with @nichi last night during the Pimp Your Post Thursday discord meetup, I learned of the problems that are currently facing those looking to provide relief efforts to the people of Puerto Rico.
Yeah, sorry to say, this prick is my representative in the House of Representatives. Yeah, he is a Vet. Still a prick.
One of the major hindrances is a century year old law commonly known as The Jones Act or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920
It is necessary for the national defense and for the proper growth of its foreign and domestic commerce that the United States shall have a merchant marine of the best equipped and most suitable types of vessels sufficient to carry the greater portion of its commerce and serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency, ultimately to be owned and operated privately by citizens of the United States; and it is declared to be the policy of the United States to do whatever may be necessary to develop and encourage the maintenance of such a merchant marine, and, in so far as may not be inconsistent with the express provisions of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall, in the disposition of vessels and shipping property as hereinafter provided, in the making of rules and regulations, and in the administration of the shipping laws keep always in view this purpose and object as the primary end to be attained.
— Sec. 1. Purpose and policy of United States (46 App. U.S.C. 861 {2002})
Source Credit: Wikipedia Merchant Marine Act of 1920 Preamble
Veterans Explaining What Is Really Happening
I do not believe that political posturing or arguing is going to help these people. It is time to act and to act now. What can we do to help folks in Puerto Rico? Do you have any suggestions? Please leave your insights and suggestions in the comments below.
