Posted on 02/03/2005 8:51:59 AM PST by KwasiOwusu
If you asked anyone in Puerto Rico what the No. 1 problem on the island is, they more than likely would respond without hesitation, crime. The fact is more murders occur in Puerto Rico than anywhere in the mainland U.S., according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Once again, Puerto Rico–with a population of 4 million–ended the year with an alarming homicide rate, higher than the three-largest cities in the mainland U.S. With 790 murders reported during 2004, the island had a higher murder rate than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
For the third-consecutive year, the number of murders in New York City (total population 8 million) has been under 600, ending 2004 with 571 murders, 25 less than in 2003. Los Angeles (total population 4 million) reported 511 murders and, for the first time in four decades, Chicago’s (total population 3 million) homicide rate fell below 500 to 445, a 25% decrease compared to 2003.
Puerto Rico’s mean homicide rate is three times that of the total U.S. mainland and four times that of Europe. More than 60% of homicides on the island are linked to drug trafficking although sources within the Puerto Rico Police Department say the percentage may be as high as 75%.
(Excerpt) Read more at puertorico-herald.org ...
Doesn't Puerto Rico have strict gun control?
Thank you for your service and ignore the a-holes.
If I may, the murder rate is directly related to the drug trade. The drug trade here is linked to the mainland drug trade. Demand is the problem. As long as demand for drugs exist both here and on the mainland, suppliers will find a way to get it into the country, and kill for their turf in the trade. The only way to reduce demand is through education and strong families and faith, in no particular order.
It sounds like another island paradise, Jamaica. I was there in June in 1990 and the murder rate in Kingston alone was already at 700 people
In my libertarian moments (and I have those every once in a while), I do wonder what whether legalization would help (in net). It appears to me that the cure for our drug problems (more intrusive law enforcement) is worse than the disease. If you take organized crime out of the picture by legalization then prices fall as does the need for crime to pay inflated prices (and there is no need for turf wars either). Yes some people will be hurt by legalization - but mainly the hurt will be born by those who make bad choices, not by those who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And yes, it should still be illegal to endanger others through your behavior (as in driving while high or drunk). My 2 cents.
BTTT
"Puerto Rico Needs Immediate Solutions"
They could try simply being civil to each other.
Ping for HTML training tonight. Thanks.
The Y2K Census data provides us the following information:
Puerto Rico..............3,808,610
Oklahoma.................3,450,654
Oregon.....................3,421,399
Connecticut..............3,405,565
Iowa.........................2,926,324
Mississippi................2,844,658
Kansas.....................2,688,418
Utah.........................2,233,169
Nevada.....................1,998,257
New Mexico..............1,819,046
West Virginia............1,808,344
Nebraska..................1,711,263
Idaho........................1,293,953
Maine.......................1,274,923
New Hampshire.........1,235,786
Hawaii......................1,211,537
Rhode Island.............1,048,319
Delaware.....................783,600
South Dakota...............754,844
North Dakota................642,200
Vermont.......................608,827
District of Columbia.......572,059
Wyoming......................493,782
If Puerto Ricans desire statehood status, it should be granted to them. Afterall, they ARE American citizens.
How about this -- make it legal to use but give standing to family (including parents) and third party community groups to sue those whose distribution of drugs cause damage.
You're welcome J
Since we have a lot of new Freepers these days......
I'll post this you those who need the help......
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Just had to pipe in here and add Operation El Dorado (1986)Canyon to your list in honor of Maj. Ribas. I never forgot this story.-----------------
Capt. Ribas-Dominicci was one of the pilots who participated in the Libyan air raid. His F-111F was shot down in action over the disputed Gulf of Sidra off the Libyan coast. Ribas-Dominicci and his weapons systems officer, Capt. Paul F. Laurence, were the only U.S. casualties of Operation El Dorado Canyon.
Major Fernando L. Ribas-Dominicci was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. In 1983, while holding the rank of Captain, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1985 he completed his master's degree in aeronautical science at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Bunnell, Florida, USA.
Hi Solon
I had forgotten about that, thanks for the reminder. Proves the point I was trying to make, there is greatness and depravity in every country, race, and gender.
Best Regards
Sergio
Arm all non-felons over the age of 21. Problem solved
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