Why Puerto Rico is falling apart...

Hurricances, corruption, and debt have been the frontrunners in the blame for the state of Puerto Rico. It's not to say these haven't been contributing factors to the devastation the island has faced this past year. However, after moving here for 8 months, I've uncovered a larger underlying factor, the culture.

I was doing some work at a starbucks a few minutes walk from my home, when the power went out. This was the blackout that hit the whole island on April 19th. Blackouts are not uncommon here. Some may last a few hours, others, 24-36 hours.

The guy sitting next to me struck up a conversation about how the island is going down and it's all the government and big corporations fault. This wasn't the first time I've heard this. So many people, not just the people of Puerto Rico, put the blame on others and victimize themselves into a powerless muck. It's always been my belief that if you don't like something, do something about it or let it go. I tried offering multiple solutions to this man.

If the government is corrupt... go live somewhere else.

If big corporations are at fault... work independently from them.

If you're being controlled by technology... go off grid.

I could come up with a hundred more solutions for each of his problems, but he continued to refute and ignore every solution I proposed. I do see a lot of locals as well as expats who have come together to help fix this island after the hurricane. It's the victimizers and complainers that passify themselves into inaction that further propogates the problems at hand. Instead of valuing taking a siesta every week, build solutions to provide more resources and tools for the island. Inspire your neighbors to take better care of your island. Take ownership of your life and your home.