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Reply from Benjamin Gray
Well I have to say that I definitely have mixed emotions about this and first emotion after watching the first video is that i really never heard about how the United States got involved with Puerto Rico, it's a little disturbing to find out what had happened. How does a place like Puerto Rico defend itself from a country the size of us from exploiting there way of life and are trying to get Puerto Ricans to assimilate to our way of life especially when laws seem to be in place to help outsiders come in and be able to make able to buy up the real estate. One thing though that i didn't agree with is after what had happened in Puerto Rico how people came to the capitol and did what they did, two wrongs don't make a right, and acts of violence never make a good change and that goes for both sides. Now in the second video where that guy bought up that apartment building and kicked residents out seems a lot like what had happened to a trailer park just 8 miles from my house. I live in Spirit Lake, IA and around here lakefront property is worth a lot of money and just like there places are being bought up and residents are being removed so developments similar to this can happen. So, i understand the frustration because i knew people who lived in that trailer park and my church tried to help those residents and also tried to voice their opinion about this happening, but it did anyways. I just think that is how things are these days and it's not just there it goes on here too all for the money and I don't think there is really anything to be done because the people who want this to happen out way the number of people who don' t and the people who don't really don't have the ability to have their voices heard and it' s unfortunately going to take people with type of status to do something about things like this but its easier to say silent than to get involved and it's unfortunate.

Answer 1

Hi Benjamin,

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings on this complex issue. It’s completely understandable to feel mixed emotions, given the historical context of Puerto Rico's relationships with the United States and the ongoing challenges the island faces. The involvement of the U.S. in Puerto Rico’s political and economic landscapes has indeed led to significant consequences for its residents, from colonial-like control to the commodification of local resources.

Your concern about the exploitation of Puerto Rico and the struggle for its residents to defend their way of life resonates with many people. The issue of real estate and the displacement of long-standing communities is not unique to Puerto Rico; it’s a phenomenon happening across the United States, especially in areas experiencing rapid economic growth. Your example from Spirit Lake highlights a broader trend where profit seems to take precedence over community welfare, leaving many residents vulnerable.

I understand your point about the violence and actions taken during the protests in the capital. While the frustration and desperation behind such actions are palpable, it’s challenging to see how violence can lead to meaningful change. As you mentioned, two wrongs don’t make a right, and peaceful dialogue is crucial to address these complexities.

Your reflections on the imbalance of power between those advocating for change and those who are voiceless are sobering. It can often feel like the voices of the community are drowned out by those with financial and political power. However, grassroots movements and community organizations can often find ways to amplify those voices, even if change takes time and persistence.

It’s a difficult situation, but by engaging in discussions like this, sharing experiences, and advocating for those in need, we can all play a part in fostering understanding and perhaps driving positive change, both locally and globally. Thank you again for sharing your insights; they are important to the conversation.

Best,
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