In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which battered the island, Puerto Rico still can’t seem to catch a break. One-third of the island remains without power, and Trump’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced only yesterday that it would halt new shipments of much-needed food and water.
But thanks to a New York delegation of over 1,000 personnel – including over 450 utility workers – power is being restored. In one school in particular, schoolchildren were caught on camera reacting to the lights finally turning on after being forced to learn for months in darkness.
New York has sent more than 1,000 personnel to #PuertoRico, including more than 450 utility workers to help restore power.
What does electricity mean to an elementary school? Watch and find out. pic.twitter.com/o6QO2kfQdX
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 2, 2018
“Words cannot reach the amount of appreciation we have for the state of New York right now,” said Nicole Cruz Kreshech, an art teacher. “The fact that you guys left your families, came here knowing the condition that Puerto Rico was in. We’re hugely appreciation to what you guys have done for us.”
Puerto Rico, an American territory, has not only struggled to regain its footing in the wake of the devastating storm, but it has had to content with a hostile White House in the process. Trump, for his part, has antagonistically prodded the island in a shameless series of nearly 20 tweets.
"Puerto Rico survived the Hurricanes, now a financial crisis looms largely of their own making." says Sharyl Attkisson. A total lack of…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2017
…accountability say the Governor. Electric and all infrastructure was disaster before hurricanes. Congress to decide how much to spend….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2017
…We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2017
While the President of the United States is busy lashing out at the most vulnerable American citizens among us, the people of New York gave him and his insolent, unfeeling administration a lesson in what true leadership looks like.
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