I think we rocketed right past "Trump's Katrina" about a week ago...this is a whole new animal.

[Hortensis]

5. Of course. But will that hurt Republicans in the elections? How much?

Texas got prompt and competent relief for Harvey because its Gov. Greg Abbott has a mutually beneficial relationship with the Kochs and their alliance. Gov. Abbott is up for reelection in 2018 and could run for president in 2020. The Kochs, and their tools and agents in government, have a real interest in good press for relief to the people of Texas.

But what's in it for the Republican Party to go all out Puerto Rico? How much would the party be hurt by only providing basic relief to a Hispanic dominated island territory that can't support itself, was already badly in debt, is going to need billions in aid to rebuild, and has millions of brown-skinned people who are currently able to move to the mainland at will because they're citizens? And do? How happy would many Repubs be to wish just Puerto Ricans a happy independence?

Note that aid already committed, even if inadequate, is nevertheless extremely substantial in numbers and dollars terms. Far more is needed, of course, but if the tap isn't opened for the future, the initial relief provided will allow most Repubs to claim they've done all that reasonably should be. Rump is already laying the ground for that with his talk of PR's debt, not helping itself, etc.

Oh, and as for breaking away, I think we can just assume that Russia is already fully invested in making sure this split grows and is as nasty and demoralizing to the U.S., including Puerto Ricans who are proud to be Americans, as possible.