With The Highest Murder Rate In The U.S., Puerto Rico Needs Immediate Solutions

Puerto Rico Herald ^ | 1/20/2005 | TAINA ROSA

[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%.

[CaptainAwesome2]

No, they shouldnt be given statehood. They would be an even greater burden on our economy than they already are.

These Puerto Ricans seem to be keeping quiet about the benefits of being a commonwealth while touting what little they pay to America. How about us paying for Puerto Ricans college education plus additional spending money? I know they have government subsidized health insurance and auto insurance there and i wouldnt be surprised if its our government subsidizing it. Id like someone to lay out all the facts instead of people who know but want to keep quiet about the truth.