Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result". If we choose to abide by his definition, then the voters of Puerto Rico are definitely "insane". 4 years ago we voted for a candidate who was clearly inexperienced against a candidate who was able to grow the economy for the first time in 6 years. Although he proposed certain austerity measures such as laying off thousands of government workers to lower costs, he saw the problems facing Puerto Rico and realized that reducing government waste was necessary. Of course, a Republican in a majority Democratic Latin American territory was bound to face obstacles, so he was kicked out after 4 years, despite clearly being the more experienced candidate. 4 years later, after experiencing all the mistakes made by the newly crowned governor, the voters of Puerto Rico finally had the opportunity to redeem themselves by electing a new governor, one more experienced and with the knowledge of how to work with the United States to resolve this crisis.
This election year, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, was running for governor of Puerto Rico after 8 years working in Congress representing the territory in Washington. However, he faced a primary against the son of former governor, Pedro Rossello, known for his role in increasing Puerto Rican debt . His son, Ricardo Rossello, had never held public office and held a PhD in biomedical engineering. Although he was a renowned scientist in his field of stem-cell research, he had never had any political experience and his speeches clearly evidenced his lack of knowledge regarding the crisis and solutions regarding it. It seemed inevitable that Pierluisi would clinch the nomination for the New Progressive Party. However, once again insanity prevailed.
The same day of the Democratic primary of Puerto Rico, the primaries for the parties in Puerto Rico were also underway. In a dramatic turn of events, Ricardo Rossello won the nomination for the New Progressive Party 51% to 49% by a margin of less than 10,000 votes. It seemed almost barbaric and social media imploded with people furious of the outcome. Pierluisi was clearly the more qualified of the candidates and the opposition party immediately celebrated following the results of the primary. Their chances of regaining the governorship was now more probable Rossello as the opponent.
Throughout the debates, Rossello consistently attacked Pierluisi with critiques of his work as Resident Commissioner and his lack of ability to get things done. However, how much can be expected by a Democratic delegate with no vote in a Republican-controlled Congress when not even the President can achieve the goals in his agenda without relying on Executive Power? Although Pierluisi had proposed various bills in order to help Puerto Rico achieve equality, it was never bound to lead anywhere. Unfortunately, the attacks worked in the eyes of the voters apparently, as Rossello won the nomination.
Each election year, the opportunity arises to choose a respectable candidate who can lead the island toward prosperity and economic growth, and each year we show our lack of desire to improve. I was truly disappointed when the election results appeared. As much as I want to continue having faith in the citizens of Puerto Rico, it is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing year. I hope that eventually, we will learn and even though it will be a rigid, painful process, it will arise from the consequences of all the bad decisions made throughout the years. So although I know this won't be the last mistake we will make, I hope this will be one that will allow us to begin opening our eyes and commence the path to recovery.
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